Festival season is the around the corner, but you’re spoilt for choice! The diversity in festivals is growing and it’s becoming seemingly difficult to gather the squad and choose the right one. UK festivals are renowned for their creativity and extensive lists of the world’s best performers. Whether its electronic music or live bands that gets ya movin, we’ve created a list of the top 5 hottest festivals to check out this summer.

El Dorado

You may not have heard of this little gem, and that’s the beauty of it. This underground and still relatively unknown festival is akin to the rebirth of The Secret Garden Party. It’s funky, full of color and creativity with an impressive electronic music line up. If you’re a drum and bass lover or consider yourself a disco diva, this festival can cater to all. Boutique camping is available for those who glamp in style! Originating from a club night in Leeds called Cirque De Soul, these guys really know how to throw a party. Shake your money maker on the floatable lake stage or find your zen at a yoga class in the healing fields. Expect fancy dress, floating stages, ball pits, water slides and fire throwers. This festival truly is an asset to the UK festival scene.

Boomtown Festival

The infamous Boomtown festival is on its 11th year, and boy do they know how to bring the vibes! The stage production is like no other, this is a city rather a festival! Get lost and explore the intricate winding streets and immersive music venues. The city is split into four distinct districts each with their own quirky story and characters to assist you along the way. This is the ultimate alternative festival, expect punk, gypsy swing, jungle, drum and bass, psytrance, techno, reggae and many more. Spend the day at inspirational talks and workshops and the evening dancing all over the city. Create your own story at boomtown, this is the ultimate alternative experience.

Houghton Festival

24-hour music I hear you say? Yes, this is the festival that never sleeps. Whether you are a night owl or an early bird, there is always a beat for you to dance to at Houghton festival! Brought by the legend himself, Craig Richards and produced by Gottwood – it has been voted the UK’s best new festival. A plethora of true musical and artistic talent is on offer and with no phone signal on the site, you’ll be teleported into a new dimension of dancing. So for this one, put down the iPhone and pick up your dancing shoes. A fine selection of techno and house music is on offer and a selection boutique camping to choose from. Tipi’s or yerts to airstream camping vans are up for grabs! Electronic music lovers, this certainly not one to be missed!

Reading and Leeds

The legendary annual pair of festivities from north to south are renowned for their impressive and unique line ups. Starting in the midst of 1961 this festival has and continues to host some of the world’s biggest legends on their stage. If bands are more of your forte, then Reading or Leeds is for you! Bands by daylight and dance music by night. This festival never fails to impress festival goers of all ages and walks of life. If you’re heading to Leeds, just don’t forget your welly’s! This 5-day festival never fails to provide copious amounts of mud but endless amounts of fun. For a good all-rounder – Reading or Leeds is the festival for you.

Glastonbury

The best has to be saved for last. The legendary Glastonbury is the holy grail of all festivals. Still going strong since 1970, this festival is notorious for its stone circle sunrises and has offered generations of enjoyment. It takes the throne as the largest greenfield festival in the world, holding 175,000 people. The history of the hippy began here and it’s an absolute must for any festival goer. Tickets are competitive so get registered and have your phone and laptop at the ready. And don’t forget your map, Glastonbury is not one to get lost in! This is the ultimate experience, so if you’re a serious festival frenzy then this is the one for you.

So there you have it, the five hottest festivals to check out this summer! Festivals are just as much about the people around you, so round up the troops and get partying this summer!

Demi Brookes

Our tips for festival fashion

The long winter nights are passing and you’re dreaming of those sweet summer days. Festival season is nearing which only means one thing…festival fashion! Festivals are a time to let go of conventional dress code and channel your inner unicorn. This is a time where glitter smeared all over your face is totally acceptable and fluorescent coloured wigs are there to save your bad hair days.

Festival fashion is no longer a pair of wellies and a waterproof coat, it’s a time to express your sartorial prowess which society suppresses. There are no rules, so big and as bold as you please! However, you don’t want to be cliché so we’ve created a list to ensure you get the insta-savvy look this season!

Coloured Hair Braids and Wigs

When in doubt, wear a wig! When do you ever have the chance to match your hair to your outfits? Short, long, curly or braided… this is the ideal way to keep you looking fierce and tame your mane! Ever fancied a fringe and a short bob but too afraid? The looks are endless and fuss-free. If you are not a fan of wigs, why not try rainbow coloured braids? French Platt with your favourite colours and you’re set up for the festival with some serious sass.

Kimono Kimono Kimono!

An absolute festival must is a selection of kimonos. The kimono is the star of the show, whether you’re a sucker for paisley or a die-hard tie die lover, there is a kimono out there for you! The beauty of it is, a few savvy kimonos jazz up simple shorts and t-shirts and enable you to pack light. Perhaps choose three distinct statement pieces and you’ll have a different look each day with little fuss! Channel your inner bohemian babe or disco diva with a unicorn sequin look.

Eco Glitter

Become a mermaid but remember to look after our beautiful oceans, eco glitter is a cruelty-free way to shine! Play around with different colours and sequins, whether its half-moons from your temples or under your eyes, get creative and transform your face into a disco ball. Glitter goddesses don’t just apply it to their face…why not try French plats and a glitter parting? or a diamond pout with glitter lips? It’s super easy to apply, use Vaseline or another adhesive and dab away! Festival fields are your time to sparkle, so don’t forget your ‘guilt free’ glitter!

Put on your Dancing Shoes

You want to avoid a blister disaster, so pack your shoes wisely! Comfort really is key here, but comfort can be cute! Why not try some rainbow laces in your favourite pair of doc martins or a pair of tie die comfy socks? Take your comfiest boots and jazz them up with accessory’s to look fab but be functional.

Statement Piece

You are a queen and you deserve a crown! So why not spice up your life with a festival head crown?! Whether you’re vibing a flower power hippy chic or a sequin dreamer it’s time to take back your throne queen bee. Or perhaps make your statement in a feather headdress and become a true warrior goddess. Or maybe your sass can be embraced in a sequin military hat. Whichever you fancy, just remember it’s all in the headwear, honey!

Be Practical but Fabulous

British festivals are renowned for pouring it down, but that doesn’t mean you have to dampen your sass. By all means, remember the practicalities but make them fabulous. Why not try a holographic unicorn raincoat rather than a plastic poncho? Or strut your stuff in some wedge wellies. A fur coat is the best way to stay warm but stay sass. Bet on a bum bag, but make it a sparkly one! And remember your sunglasses for those ever-changing sunny spells, use it as an opportunity to pull off the wackiest pair you can find.

So there you have it, a fashionista guide to festivals this summer! Whatever the weather, there is always a way to look insta-fabulous. However, the best accessory is your smile, so make sure your shining and smiling at the festivals this summer.