Today is a very exciting day as it is the start of my festival oddessy for 2011. First stop: Glastonbury. I’m leaving today as I’m part of the amazing Worthy FM crew, the team responsible for Glastonbury’s onsite festival radio station. We only broadcast for one week of the year but lots of work has gone on over the last few months to ensure this year our shows are better than ever.
Naturally festival fashion has been on my mind for some time so after checking the weather forecast religiously and still being none the wiser, I put together a few of my thoughts on what to take this year…
Something Waterproof
A waterproof cover-up is essential at any festival but that doesn’t mean you can get away with relying on a roll of heavy duty bin liners – not even Kate Moss could make a refuse bag look good. Barbour jackets, parkas and leather biker jackets are all in style this season but if you buy nothing else this year make it mac in a pac. Lightweight and shower proof, these are easy to carry around the festival and come in a vast range of colours and patterns.
Head’s Up
If we are blessed with another scorcher this summer then a sun hat will be your new best friend. Boater hats join the humble trilby as a festival essential this year, but if you want to add a touch of glamour look for wide brimmed floppy hats with a 70s vibe. One of these will protect you from the sun, allow you to people watch in piece and, if you add a pair of oversized sunglasses, is a great way of disguising a hangover while you’re queuing for the long drops. Headscarves are another great way of covering up while staying chic, not to mention hiding unwashed locks and giving your look a retro feel. If you want to unleash your inner hippy then make like Florence Welch and try sporting a (fake) flower garland – if you can’t find one on the high street fear not – there are plenty of stalls selling them at the festival.
Festival Feet
Leave the heels at home! If your feet aren’t dry and comfortable you’ll have a crap time at Glastonbury. The site is huge and if you’re trekking between The Park and the Pyramid stage every day you need a pair of shoes that will go the distance. Wellington boots are a must – Hunter are the best of the bunch – but consider taking a pair of comfortable trainers, plimsoles or espadrilles too. Gladiator sandals are still big news this season so look for feather, beads and fringing details and pray for good weather so you can wear them.
Festival Decade: 70s
Glastonbury Festival was born in the 70s so it only seems right to follow the S/S11 trend this year. Fringing, crochet and lace are popular on waistcoats, dresses and even shorts this year. If you want to go glam try jumpsuits, palazzo pants and maxi dresses but be warned, these won’t fair so well in muddy conditions! If you can’t find what you’re looking for before you arrive, fear not – there are a plenty of vintage stalls on site, not to mention the excellent Oxfam stalls dotted across the festival – you may even find some of your donations for sale.
Have Fun
Finally, have fun! Fancy dress is encouraged and fully appreciated at Glastonbury so just embrace it. Get a temporary tattoo from WaterAid, have your face painted by pixies in the Green Fields or bring your own feathered headdress. Go with the festival flow and whatever you do don’t forget the sunscreen – lobster red will never be the festival shade du jour!
Definitely agree with the headscarves for covering up days old festival hair!