Boutique festival’s battle of the board games
This year’s most stylish boutique festival will come in the shape of Winterwell, a testament to the fact that big is not always best.
Founded five years ago by event organiser Josh Ford and musician Natalie Vincini, the festival will take place in a sweeping valley in the heart of the Cotswolds between 17th-19th June and promises to be a truly unforgettable musical and visual display, with a unique interactive theme allowing everyone to get involved.
Winterwell offers a truly intimate party experience, attracting a discerning and sophisticated crowd of people who prefer ‘glamping’ to camping. With only 1500 guests there is no danger of losing your friends, tent or sanity as is often the case at larger, more chaotic festivals, and the certainty of spending a weekend with like-minded, glamorous people.
Fancy dress is fundamental to Winterwell and this year’s theme looks set to be the best yet, being “The Battle of The Board Games”. Following on from 2010’s Roald Dahl theme where oompa loompas frolicked on the hillside and golden ticket holders danced till dawn, this year the possibilities are endless and the results will be spectacular.
Winterwell is known and loved for bringing their themes to life, but this year they have brought in a creative team that specialise in immersive arts and supersized installations. Gaming attractions will include: giant Snakes and Ladders, a Scrabble competition for the more cerebral guests and a Twister tournament like you’ve never seen before. Cluedo characters such as Miss Scarlett and Professor Plum will be committing secret crimes on the Winterwell estate and Hungry Hippos will be snapping at revellers. There will also be a bar where Monopoly money can be exchanged and a go to jail area for mischievous revellers to send their friends to.
Musically Winterwell prides itself on regularly discovering acts which go on to great things, and is known for its hugely eclectic range of music on offer from folk and indy to electro, funk and house. This year acts so far confirmed are: Norman Jay, The Nextmen, Man Like Me, The Milk, Ellen and The Escapades, The Jinks, The Milky Bar Kid, Lianne Le Havas, Rockaoke and a live music competition organized by The Music League where three acts compete and the audience choose the winner who will then go on to play a big UK Festival slot.
When not enjoying the musical feast on stage there will be plenty of other attractions to occupy revellers, such as late night cabaret and films, vintage tearooms, quirky quizzes, the annual Winterwell five-a-side football championship on Saturday afternoon and of course, a plethora of board games. New this year there will also be a dedicated children’s play area including workshops, storytelling and toys galore for little ones.
For those who love festivals but don’t really enjoy roughing it there will be a luxurious camping area Hotel Winterwell with Belle tents and tipis to hire featuring soft and extravagant queen-sized beds, electricity and security.
So head to Winterwell this June and let the games commence…
Dates: 17th, 18th, 19th June 2011
Tickets: £100 for the weekend
Six person luxury tipis are £565
Six person Luxury Bell tents are £435
*both for the three nights
For more information, visit: winterwell.co.uk