This is the time of year that regular city people up sticks and set out on an optimistic journey into the countryside hoping for good weather and a fun time for all. All over the UK, young fashionable things are pitching their tents and enjoying their first breath of fresh air. A clean-living image, this, I predict, is going to be a nostalgic festival season. Think an Enid Blyton Famous Five style adventure; all ginger pop and rucksacks.

There are a whooping 670 festivals in the UK this year. Exchange rates, volcano worries and economic slowdown are keeping people in the UK and people are said to be increasingly going on holiday to festivals instead of the traditional two weeks in the sun.

As far as festival trends go, D-Squared put the camp into camping with their latest Spring ad. campaign. They showed their usual Canadian take on the great outdoors with oversized ruck sacks and wellies. This  year is all about practicality and primary colours; bold eccentric retro looks with the socks pulled up. Have fun, I saw a lady last year at Wimbledon tennis in a Boater, which looked really good. Traditionally a man's item, asos have a great selection this year. This festival season should be the celebration of timeless outdoor English eccentricity.

 

 

D-Squared ruck sack - £940

www.dsquared.com

Festival Survival Kit - Includes eye mask, emergency poncho, ear plugs, tissues, wet wipes, waterproof plasters, mini torch, glow st ick, toothbrush and toothpaste, karabiner clasp (not for climbing) - all packed in a one litre water bottle.

£25

www.hunter-boot.co.uk

The Evolution Fleece Jacket from Musto is ridiculously soft and made of 87% recycled material - £85

www.musto.com

 

 

 

 

 

Topman Cobalt Blue Denim - £26

www.topman.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Olney & Peckham Rye Best Of British Straw Boater - £45

www.asos.com

Hunter Water Aid Boots

WaterAid is an international NGO dedicated exclusively to the provision of safe domestic water, sanitation and hygiene education to the world's poorest people. They also seek to influence policy at national and international levels. Their projects enable communities to achieve a better quality of life and escape the spiral of poverty. www.wateraid.org.

£10 of your purchase will go towards WaterAid's water and sanitation work in Madagascar.

£65

www.hunter-boot.co.uk

 

 

Rainwave Cape - £55

www.rainwave.co.uk

 

 

Gant Rugger Ruck Sack - £199

www.gantuk.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gloverall have launched a collection of brightly coloured lightweight duffle coats in small carry pouches. These highly practical and functional Pac-a-Duffles are based upon the traditional duffle coats which were made popular after WW2. For Summer, the size has been streamlined for a slimmer fit and is mesh lined in Gloverall’s signature check. Designed using a technical rip-stock Nylon fabric, the lightweight nature of the Pac-a-duffle offers showerproof rapid dry quality. The added benefit of breath-ability, enables moisture to be taken away from the body to keep you cool.

£175

www.selfridges.com