Jewellery inspiration - festival style

Apparently summer is here. Apparently. When summer comes we optimistically think we might be able to spend an extended period of time outside. Some years we’re right. Sometimes, well, summer is a bit more intermittent!

Are you going to any festivals this summer? When I think of festivals I usually think of music festivals like Glastonbury or the Isle of Wight (I know it’s called Bestival now but I can’t quite get used to that!). However, there are now many more local festivals, literary festivals, arts festivals etc - as well as the more traditional open air music events; meaning whatever your age and interests there is probably a festival out there for you. As long as there’s glamping. And real bathrooms. Or at least a camper van. (How do you find your tent again in a sea of identical tents from Millets in the dark? Especially if you’ve enjoyed a glass of Pimms or two?).

According to Glamour magazine, the festival fashion essentials for the UK are a warm jacket, slouchy jumper and a hardy pair of shorts. I think I’d add comfortable shoes to that but perhaps I am showing my age (or belief in comfort over fashion!). Oh and a head torch. OK, I admit, a head torch may be the opposite of fashion but it’s essential nonetheless if you ever want to find your tent again before morning.

Glastonbury 2009

Traditionally, festival jewellery has included the less expensive, more throw away items; you really don’t want to lose a platinum diamond necklace in a field!

With the definition of a festival shifting and changing it’s hard to really pinpoint ‘festival style’ but I think when we go, whatever our age, we are definitely channelling a 60s and 70s vibe. I suspect that vibe comes from seeing footage of American festivals like Woodstock and mistakenly forgetting that while it’s actually warm and dry in New York in the summer it may not be in the UK. And then we end up rolling in mud like Glastonbury 2009. Apparently the medics there prepare for treating trench foot. TRENCH. FOOT.

Beaded bracelet from Collections by Hayley

Bunting necklace from Tatty Devine

Hippie chic friendship bracelet from OOAKjewlz

Feather drops and ear cuff from Claire’s Accessories

Fake septum ring from Elisha Francis

Feather ear cuff from Feathers and Thread UK

Bohemian coin necklace from Indie and Harper

Some final advice - make sure your phone is charged up. My Mum and Dad lost each other for a whole day at the Isle of Wight festival in 1970. I can’t quite believe they found each other again. Or that they saw Jimi Hendrix. Now that is a festival experience to remember.

Are you going to any festivals this year? I'd love to know which and your festival survival tips! Please share them with me in the comments below.