It’s been a long, hard and dismally wet Winter this side of Christmas. If you need something to put the Spring back into your step now the sunshine is creeping out from behind the clouds we have just the thing. The Secret Garden Party 2010 is on sale. Oh. My. Goodness.
For seasoned Gardeners of the fabulously theatrical boutique extravaganza, the 2010 update promises all the stardust and gorgeousness you love this year and more besides. For new Gardeners who haven’t yet stepped into the promised land get your bulbs dug, book the tickets and make sure you don’t miss out.
This year’s theme for the Cambridgeshire countryside event is Fact or Fiction, exploring myths and legends, visions and illusions, magic and mystery (Think Lewis Carol and Dali on acid and you are halfway to the tea party).
The strength of the award winning festival has always been the cunning combination of performance and visual arts with choice musical acts and a downright breathtaking ambience. This year indicates nothing but the best of all, with headliners Goriillaz Sound System set to deliver an audio visual feast with the usual plethora of new acts, acoustic tents and up and coming stars by way of support.
For the fair weather festies among you, Boutique camping is always an option, with bell boys to take your luggage, a Boutique Spa for a spot of mid festival pampering and an on site restaurant if you like your music less muddy than most. For family fun young Gardeners can amuse themselves with egghunts, fancy dress, karaoke, kit flying, circus workshops and craft activities.
Whatever lights your glowsticks, it will be here. Fancy a ride on the lake in an art boat? No problem. Catch some music from bands in the forest trees? Of course! Pop to a workshop, grab an ale and relax to a twilight fireside story…pull up a hay bale, this is imagination gone wild. Make it yours, enjoy the ride and tune out of the real world for a while – utopia is here at Abbots Ripton Hall.
Are you coming to the party?
Tickets are on sale priced at £142 + booking fee from secretgardenparty.com
All images © Sam Pearce