THE SUMMER FESTIVAL GUIDE
(and what to wear)

The festival landscape is changing. Whether you’re skinny dipping in a waterfall at Wilderness, staying in an ancient castle at Festival No. 6 or star-gazing in the Sahara Desert at Restival, there’s so much more to the modern festival than warm pints of cider and rain-drenched tents. With more choice than ever before, we take a look at this year’s most exciting events and what to wear to them.

THE ARTY FESTIVAL

WHAT:
In an evolution of the traditional musical line-up, a new wave of culturally minded festivals are bringing a veritable feast of art, literature, poetry, theatre and circus to the fore, from dusk ’til dawn.

WHERE:
Set in the idyllic village of Portmeirion, Festival No. 6 (1-4 September) boasts an impressive line-up of comedy, cultural talks and even a carnival; plus the option to stay in a castle for those who don’t ‘do’ camping. Alternatively, Cornwall’s literary festival, Port Eliot (28-31 July), invites you to dance and discuss in equal measure.

WEAR:
It’s time to get creative and think outside of the festival dressing-up box. That means super-stylish co-ords, kooky hats, and if all else fails, a pair of trusty denim dungarees for instant art grad appeal.

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THE BOUTIQUE FESTIVAL

WHAT:
In a backlash against corporate, overcrowded festivals (#NoChella trended during Coachella this year), many people are seeking independent events that champion niche arts and locally sourced food and drink, and offer an intimate party atmosphere.

WHERE:
Debuting this July (8-10), Samphire, located on the picturesque Somerset coast, is the fastest ever music event to be successfully crowdfunded. The family-run festival has a limited capacity of 1,000 people (you can still be one of them) in an effort to make it feel like a private party.

WEAR:
Embrace the free-spirited festival vibe in light gauzy tops, fringed layers and whimsical accessories that the goddess of bohemian style, Stevie Nicks, would be proud of.

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THE FAR-FLUNG FESTIVAL

WHAT:
Prefer not to be at the mercy of the not-so-Great British weather? We don’t blame you. With new festivals popping up all around the world, it’s never been more tempting to grab your passport and make a holiday of it.

WHERE:
This July, a previously uninhabited Croatian island, Obonjan, has been transformed into a ‘curated festival destination’, with a two-month creative programme of music, talks, art, health and workshops. Alternatively, Restival Sahara, taking place over five nights in November (there's a choice of two dates) in the Sahara Desert, is a fusion of retreat and festival, with soulful activities including stargazing, guided meditation and morning raves.

WEAR:
Forget wellies and waterproofs, all you need is an impressive line-up of swimwear, cover-ups and some statement sunglasses to hide tired festival eyes.

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THE OUTDOORSY FESTIVAL

WHAT:
Switching off your phone and reconnecting with Mother Nature has never been easier, thanks to a new generation of eco-centric festivals that put the great outdoors centre stage. It’s time to take a breath of fresh country air, feel the grass between your toes and sleep under the stars.

WHERE:
True to its name, Wilderness (4-7 August) is set in a private nature reserve in Oxfordshire, and offers a stellar line-up of outdoor activities, including wild medicine walks in the forest, foraging for food and skinny dipping in a waterfall. For the even more adventurous, North Face’s new Mountain Festival (16-18 September) offers three days of hiking, climbing and feasts round the campfire, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Swiss Alps.

WEAR:
A pretty dress for frolicking in the fields, form-meets-function outerwear for braving the elements and something stretchy for a spot of sunrise yoga.

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