Festival. The British definition – or rather – my American-tinged version of the non-OED modern colloquial:
Rural English field generally within 2-3 hours drive/bus/train from London or Brighton; overrun with swarms of young revellers, Argos tents, bands, DJ’s, tribal day-glo face paint; annoyingly-slim-legged girls in fancy dress tutus, micro-jean shorts and wellies; possible crowd-induced claustrophobia; likelihood of torrential downpours and flash-floods.
These celebratory weekend fêtes, with their seemingly Bacchanalian entertainments – even mud seems glamorous/sexy on Kate Moss – should have seduced the hedonist in me long ago, but for some reason (fear of appearing like the oldie in a sea of youth?) kept the reins taut on my ticket booking mojo.
For years I’ve not been able to make the festival ‘leap of faith’ until I heard about The Secret Garden Party.
Word arrived on the street a few years ago, singing a pretty little (secular) gospel about a whole new kind of festival, one that made a point of fashioning itself on the magical tomes of childhood storybook adventures and fairytales; one that embraced visitors of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds; one that did not rely on chart-topping acts and corporate sponsors to promote their event. I’ve wanted to check out the Secret Garden Party since it first graced its way on to the scene in 2007, but for whatever reason, each subsequent year was unable to. I am pleased to announce that this coming weekend I will dip my toes – and hopefully my entire mind, body and non-judgmental self – into the now famous SGP experience.
The theme for this year’s festival ‘Fact or Fiction’ draws on the age old exploration into reality vs. non-reality; those dizzy interwoven lovers whose job spec has been to enchant and frustrate authors, artists, philosophers and theologians since the dawn of the species.
I’ve been fishing in my local vintage stores to create my own fictional persona – something resembling a confusing amalgamation of lady of the manor, a tangerine, Ziggy Stardust and an alien from Close Encounters. The theme thankfully gives quite a wide berth of sartorial options…
Headliners on the main stage 2010 will be Gorillaz Sound System, The Skatalites, Marina and the Diamonds and NME best album winners, Mercury Rev (I like). For the full A to Z band line-up (as there are over thirty bands listed) I would highly recommend visiting their website http://www.secretgardenparty.com.
The real draw of The Secret Garden Party – from what I’ve been told and will soon find out for myself – is the symbiotic and inspired creation of a storybook wonderland for adults and children alike, set in the picturesque surrounds of the East Anglian countryside. Activities and offerings range from the magician’s stage to theatre performances, circus acts, cultural and literary lectures, games for kiddies; respite and rejuvenation opportunities including holistic and Ayruvedic treatments at The Sanctuary; as well as fine dining in authentic Mongolian yurts at The Soulfire Restaurant. The whole nine – and then some.
While you can choose to brave the elements, pitching-up cowboy-style under the stars (or menacing rain clouds) the organisers at The Secret Garden Party have upped the camping ante, offering luxury tipis for anywhere from 4 to 6 people. They also offer standard tent rentals or ‘Kabins’ for those who like to keep the experience a little closer to home.
Keep an eye out next week for my review of The Secret Garden Party on Quintessentially Insider.
Dates: 22nd – 25th July, 2010
Location: 70 miles out of central London in the East Anglian countryside, near Huntington, Cambridgeshire, PE28 2PH
General Enquiries
info@secretgardenparty.com
The Sanctuary
mailto:sanctuary@secretgardenparty.com
Boutique Camping
mailto:boutiquegarden@secretgardenparty.com
