THE WIFE in London: Summer Festivals

August 13th, 2013 | About Me, Art and Culture, The Social Butterfly, Travel

As many of you know I’ve been spending the Summer in London. The most popular activity among various groups of my friends has been going to weekend festivals. So I thought when in Rome….I’ve now been to 4 Festivals: Glastonbury, Kimberly, Secret Garden Party and Wilderness over the course of 2 months…. and WOW do the British know how to have fun! I also got incredibly lucky with the weather, 80 degrees and clear sunny skies every weekend…are we sure this is London?

My least favorite was Glastonbury, just because of it’s sheer size and the fact that I’ve been spoiled by Coachella all these years. I would definitely recommend Secret Garden Party and Wilderness no matter what your age for a wild, free and fun adventure. Click “continue reading” for my round up and photos from my Summer of Festival fun. -Taryn Cox for THE WIFE

Secret Garden Party: Secret Garden Party is an unsponsored independent festival that was created in 2004 by Fred Fellowes as an alternative to the established mainstream music festivals. The annual 4 day arts and music festival which takes place on a 220 acre Georgian farm house that has its own lake, river and landscaped gardens in Hutingdon. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and magical festivals in all the England. Imagine a garden party gone mad with music, loads of activities and parties overflowing with creativity, colour and mystery. I like to refer to it as a mini Burning Man in a forest and was my favorite festival of the Summer. Secretgardenparty.com

Wilderness: Wilderness is also from the creative minds behind Secret Garden and Lovebox, they have created a huge line-up of music, theatrical, literary and culinary events. This festival is definitely for the foodies, featuring feasts and gastronomy from Michelin star chefs served up on sophisticated long table banquets. Bands take the main stage and wild parties fill the late evenings, thrown in the hidden valley’s of the forest, lit by fire pits, lanterns and a full moon. Of course, all that dancing can take its toll, so of course there is an open-air wellness spa on site. Featuring massage tents, hot tubs, saunas, meditation, and yoga classes. For the wives who want to bring the family, the festival is shockingly very kid friendly. Boutique camping and babysitting facilities are very abundant as well a huge dedicated area for kids. Wildernessfestival.com

Kimberly: Kimberly was established in the early 1990s and the 3 day event is held at the 18th century Kimberley Hall in Norfolk. Although you must be invited to buy a ticket, making it one of the more exclusive festivals on the summer social calendar. Those lucky enough to score an invite get to take part in part festival, part rave and part posh private party.

Glastonbury: Glastonbury Festival is the largest greenfield music and performing arts festival in the world. Attended every year by over 175,000 people from performers to crew and paying festival goers. Over the course of 4 days crowds enjoy the best bands, theatre, circus, caberet and even a “kidz” field. This place is HUGE compared to Coachella, besides the dozens of stages, camps of tents and motor homes, there are over 700 stalls with a variety of clothes, crafts, food and enlightenment. This wasn’t my favorite festival as it was too big and took 45 minutes to walk from one stage to another. The upside…. The majority of staff are volunteers, helping the festival to raise millions of pounds for good causes. Glastonburyfestivals.co.uk -Taryn Cox for THE WIFE