Festival Tips with Jo Whiley

Having long been part of the team bringing the sights and sounds of the world famous Glastonbury Festival (located in Pilton, Somerset) to our screens each year, we thought who better to chat all things festival with than Queen of Festivals, Jo Whiley herself. Read below for her tips, suggestions and guidance to handling the summer festival season in style.

What are your Glastonbury clothing must haves ?

" I keep hearing we are going to get ALL the weather this Glasto, so I'll be taking a waterproof coat, sturdy boots, cool socks (I know you sell many of them) a pair of shorts as they look great with boots whatever the weather, also an eye-catching pair of trainers and a statement skirt or dress and a chunky knit or sweatshirt for when it gets cold, Oh! And a pair of sunglasses to hide the damage of the late nights!"

What are your 'top tips' for festivals?

"Choose the band/acts you want to see but don't be wildly ambitious. Leave yourself time to explore and discover things - that's quite often the stuff you'll be talking about in years to come. Those random art installations and trapeze artists and poets that you happen upon. Take battery packs for your phone - as small and powerful as you can manage. Fairy lights and decorations to dress your tents and distinguish it from all the others is never a bad idea. Listen to the playlists of the festivals you are going to so you can discover your new favourite artists in advance".

Who do you consider the best act ever that you've seen?

"Impossible. I enjoyed Foo's at Glasto. They were on a mission and belted out hit after hit after hit. And Elton last year was pretty much the ultimate headliner. But those special moments...? Jessie Ware at the Park stage at Glastonbury, Pulp at Latitude. I could go on forever".

 Who are you looking forward to seeing this year ?

"This year - focusing on Glasto because that's imminent and on my mind. I'm so looking forward to Coldplay because when it comes to a live show they are spectacular and hard to beat. Also new bands...Yard Act...Fontaines D.C...English Teacher...Corinne Bailey Rae...P.J Harvey".

Follow Jo Whiley here

For more festival dressing inspiration see here