OK, so with the rain hitting us all hard here in the UK, you’d be forgiven for not realising its festival time already.  We’ve all had gloomy weather for weeks now in the British Isles, but that can only mean one thing, right? The sunshine is just around the corner.  And what better way to enjoy it than taking in one or more of the many UK festivals we have on offer?

There’s plenty going on this year all around the UK – so forget this current deluge and get in the festival spirit.  Why not take advantage of Zee and Co’s free postage and start putting together your look for this season?  Check out our festival look on this blog if you want some inspiration.

In the meantime, we’ve put together some festival info and a brief guide to the various events taking place…

Getting Into Festivals… for Free

 Regardless of where you plan to go, there’s no getting away from one basic truth – festivals aren’t cheap.  That’s not even taking into account travel costs, refreshments and food.  But if you’re planning on a tight budget, don’t despair – there’s ways to get there for minimal (or zero) cost.

Here’s our list of what we think are the best ways:  

Become a Steward: If you’re prepared to arrive early (and/or stay late), work an eight hour shift on site and in some cases drop down a returnable deposit, you can in turn enjoy the benefits of an exclusive campsite, private washing/toilet facilities, some food and refreshments, and most importantly – free entry to the entire event.  Both Hotbox Events and Oxfam have well-established methods of becoming a festival steward (just follow the links).

Blag it as a Journalist: If you’re really into a particular genre or scene and you have a talent with words, consider writing as a way in.  Many local papers, websites, magazines and blogs will take submissions if they don’t have someone covering the event you’re going to.  First, you’ll need to find a publication that will ordinarily cover the festival you’re interested in. Festivals have allocated tickets for press attendees, so if you can find an outlet for your write-up, chances are they can arrange a free pass for you.  In most cases, you’ll have to submit some samples of your work when you approach a magazine, paper or website (to prove you can write), and of course you’ll have the obligation of doing some work writing it up when you get back home. But who knows? It could be a free ticket to a festival… maybe even the start of a new career.

Pick Litter: Most festivals require an army of litter pickers throughout the course of the event. Some organisers will use commercial businesses to handle this, but many rely on volunteers to make it happen.  In return for your graft, you’ll get the usual perks you’d expect (see ‘becoming a steward’, above). If picking up cans and wrappers gets you on the inside loop, why not go for it? Contact your festival organisers first and see how they are organising litter collection for their event.

Be a Campaigner: Many charities have a presence at the big festivals, using the event as a way to spread their message.  You’ll need to spend a chunk of the event meeting people and spreading the message to whoever you decide to represent, but in return you’ll be fed and watered and get to see live acts for no cost.  Find out which organisations are represented at your favourite festival; check their message and if it’s a song you want to sing, why not get involved? Get in touch with the head office of the relevant organisation and say you’d like to volunteer your services.

Sometimes, it’s the really obvious things you forget.  Here’s our list.

1.       Assume nothing about the weather. Pack for sun (hat, sunblock), rain (wellies/boots, mac), plus random changes of temperature (consider light extra layers).  A lightweight jacket is always a good idea; also, consider a pair of durable, all-weather trainers.

2.       Leave way in advance – get there early!

3.       Find a really good spot – if you’re camping, note where the toilets and fences are – then set your pitch as far from both as possible.  See also #2 above.

4.       Take food.  You won’t need lots of it – there’s plenty at the event, after all – but if you’re on a budget, pre-cooked pasta, fruit or energy bars are all good to have in your bag.

5.       Two words: wet wipes.

(Think we’ve missed something? Feel free to hit us up on Facebook or tweet with your suggestions: @ZeeandCoLtd )

Our model is wearing: G-Star shorts £85/Dr Denim Ringo shirt £36/Cuckoos Nest T-shirt £30/Mitchell & Ness cap £30/Ralph Lauren socks £10/Converse trainers £42/G-Shock ‘Crazy’ watch £110/Ray-Ban sunglasses £125

Summer 2012 Festival Highlights: May – July

MAY kicks it all off – and Derbyshire hosts one of the bigger early events with 2012 Bearded Theory (18-20^th May, Kedleston Hall, Derby: lineup includes Terrorvision, The Damned, Dr Feelgood and Wheatus amongst many others),as well as Off The Tracks Spring Festival (25-27^th May, Castle Donington: includes Wilko Johnson, The Fallows, Hawkwind and Dub Pistols), while over in Gloucestershire there’s Lakefest (18-19^th May, Croft Farm Waterpark, Nr Tewkesbury: includes Athlete, Dodgy, Adrian Styles).

JUNE gets busy – just a sample of what’s going on: There’s Evolution Festival  in Tyne and Wear (3-4^th June, Gateshead: includes Dizzie Rascal, Maximo Park and Noah and the Whale), while it’s back to Donington for the massive Download Festival (8-10^th June, Donington Park, Derby: includes The Prodigy, Metallica, Biffy Clyro), now in its tenth year; Rockness is the same weekend, but in the stunning Scottish Highlands (Loch Ness; includes Mumford & Sons, Noah and the Whale).

Dub step and dance fans should head to London’s Lovebox festival in Victoria Park (15-17th June; pop into our Bow store in Roman Road and say hello while you’re in the neighbourhood), while blues aficionados will want to be at this year’s BluesFest (26^th June- 5^th July: a week-long celebration in both Manchester and London); don’t forget the historic Isle of Wight Festival (22-24^th June) for the usual mix of eclectic and stadium acts (Bruce Springsteen, Elbow, Pearl Jam).

JULY brings some of the biggest name festivals: T in the Park, Scotland’s premier music event (Balado, Kinross-Shire 6-8^th July), East Anglia gets Latitude (Beccles, Suffolk – 12-15^th July), whereas folk, roots and acoustic fans will head for the Cambridge Folk Festival (Cambridge, 26-29^th July).  Finally, dance enthusiasts are spoilt for choice in the Midlands at Global Gathering (Warwickshire, 27-28^th July).  

Whichever event you end up going to, have a great time! And if you’re wearing some of our clothes there, why not send us a shot of you in your outfit? We’ll publish the best right here on our blog.