Tuesday 6 September 2011

Fun & Frolics in Dorset


The End Of The Road was magical. 


Set in the beautiful Larmer Tree Gardens in the midst of the Dorset countryside we spent the weekend with 8,000 like-minded revellers grooving with the peacocks and parrots to folk and psychedelic rock and chilling in enchanted forests until the early hours.


The woodland library (any book you borrow must be brought back to next year's festival)


The piano stage


Augustus Pitt Rivers' folly, built 1880.


Folk music always means lots of beards.


Fabulous Victorian Trompe L'oeil at the Garden Stage


There were stunning art installations including a thousand origami cranes  symbolising the need to fight for a world without nuclear weapons.


Papier mache animal heads created by Sussex artist Emily Warren.


Simple device for airing laundry, made from charity-shopped finds.


Peacocks aplenty!


They loved posing for photos...


I resisted the temptation to steal any tail feathers.


The trailer tent created lots of attention, we got it up in no time although it wasn't the same without Gilbert.
Jon and Dave
The weather threw everything at us from scorching sunshine, cold grey skies and driving rain but with a few gallons of pear cider we coped admirably.

Me with Jon, Freya and Mark

We met some old friends and made some new ones including the lovely Erica and her daughter Freya,


who had excellent taste in accessories.



mine!



I knew my fake fur coats would come in useful.


It was gloriously sunny on Friday



So hot I changed into my bikini later.


Unlike Sunday when woolly hats and cosy coats were the order of the day!

Jon, Freya, Erica and Mark

......... and waterproofs in some cases!



The groovy Burritos stall, a vintage Citroen H van formerly a Dutch school bus.


My favourite acts were Josh T Pearson (pictured), Bob Log III, Tinariwen, White Denim and Joan As Policewoman. The Fall haven't improved with age.


Off to catch up on some blogs. Hope you had a brilliant weekend, too.

72 comments:

  1. A good time was had by all as one can see from these fun, playful and exciting images;-)

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  2. These are such Beautiful pictures! I Love that Blue floral dress. It looks Great on you.

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  3. it looks like it was a really splendid weekend, although the variety of outfits from bikini to fake fur makes me laugh, Britain eh? We wouldn't have it any other way :o)

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  4. This festival looks absolutely amazing! Love the cranes, and it all looks pretty magical.
    Kept glam through the ever changing weather Vix! :)

    xx

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  5. whouu, it's like a fairy forest festival, and you're stunning enjoying it and wearing colorful dresses!!, and so assorted and mad weather!!
    but both of you look pretty perfect for every season!!
    besos

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  6. Looks amazing. I will have to check this out for next year. I can't believe how changable the weather can be, still lucky to get some sunshine.

    I love the fax fur jacket the perfect stylish and cosy festival cover up.

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  7. Looks amazing Vix, you always have such adventures x

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  8. Oh there you are, though I dont comment often I always read your blog ,and I missed you ,so sorry to hear about Gilbert ,but the tent would be an adventure !what a wonderful entry, such fun,super outfits as ever, great pix especially the first one with that lovely smile ..love Jan xx

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  9. That looks like such fun - I love the woodland library! And of course we knew you would have packed for every eventuality.

    Maybe next time you could have your own stall - selling or hiring out fabulous accessories?
    x

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  10. great photos, looks like you had a fab time!

    Jules @ juleslovesthe80s / A Bit of Jules

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  11. Ooh I love your festival pics, amor! You guys always looks so happy and relaxed. Did you miss Gilbert? Your frocks are amazing, as always and your hair looks particularly beautiful! I love those beautiful trees with the lights and the cranes... and the library!

    I WOULD LOVE THIS FESTIVAL...

    Loveoldhippies, Sarah xxx

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  12. Vix the festival looks really good.
    Fab outfits too.
    Dx

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  13. what a fantastic setting, looks great fun though i'm no fan of camping, unless its Batman & Robin.

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  14. omg, that folly is so, so beautiful vix. what a lovely place to experience all the fun of a music festival. picturesque!

    xo
    janet

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  15. Sounds fab, love the pics. You look lovely as always :).

    Sadie xx

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  16. So glad the tent worked out, (poor Gilbert), looks like you had a smashing time, even tho the weather was a bit hit and miss. The setting were breathtaking, your outfits fab as ever. X

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  17. Cool, I hadn't even heard of this festival before you mentioned it. Looks lovely. I luuurve your turquoise sunglasses to die for!! I need to learn to pack for all weathers & eventualities like you do - what an art! xx

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  18. Aww Vix you look fabbo! Sorry I haven't popped by for a few days-the festi looks unreal, deffo one to look out for next year, looks right up my street!
    The weather here on Fri was scorching too-unlike Saturday (my birthday)-typically dull and dreary!
    lots of love Amie xxxx

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  19. Looks like a magical weekend, of all the festivals, this one looks appealing to me. You really have had a right mix of weather during this years circuit, bet India beckons more each day. X

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  20. It does look like a truly magical place to hold a festival. That Citroen H van looks so cool painted pink and I'm glad that the trailer tent held up too.
    xxx

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  21. Oh it looks amazing, I love the cool pink van and of course your fabulous outfits! Scarlett x

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  22. I'm glad you had an amazing time. I must go and decorate our garden now with fairy lights and origami - the woods look magical.
    Love from Mum
    xx

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  23. Wonderful pics looks like you had a truly fab time.

    Love your photos and love your fake fur jacket.

    You look lovely as always xx

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  24. Oh Vix so glad to see you back! It looks like you had such a wonderful time. I remember you mentioning your love for peacocks before; they really are quite stunning in real life aren’t they. The woodland library looks so very intriguing xxx

    p.s I know Cath Kidston isn’t for everyone, I think I’m a little bit too girly sometimes, I instantly melt when I see a pretty floral!

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  25. Just fabulous! You managed to look stunning in all weathers and captured the spirit of adventure and kinship with your beautiful photos :-)

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  26. Looks like a fabulous festival - very magical looking. Glad you had a great time. xxx

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  27. WOW That place looks like so much fun.
    I love the first pic of you you, looks like your having a blast.

    I can't get over how cool that place looks. I suppose at some point I need to go a festival.

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  28. That looks totally madly brilliant!!!!! Love the photos- you capture a feeling of it brilliantly!

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  29. That looks totally madly brilliant!!!!! Love the photos- you capture a feeling of it brilliantly!

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  30. Wow the setting alone is gorgeous! To wake up in them surroundings must of been lovely x

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  31. Great to see you back! I'm an old folk festival goer from way back and this looks like one I'd have enjoyed too. VB had the most fun ever looking at your pics on Facebook earlier, on my iphone-she kept touching your bindi on the close-up pic of you, (on an iphone this makes the pic enlarge and fly around the screen) and squealing, you had to be there I guess, but it was hilarious! Every time she saw Jon she kept saying 'THERE HE IS!!!!', like he's in a where's Wally book! Glad you like the dress and can't wait to see it on...while you were away I found another awesome 70s dress for you too, but I think I'll have to keep you in suspense for the moment!~ love ya babe, chat soon.xx.

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  32. Wow! That library in the forest is so enchanting! What a wonderful festival - I had never heard of it before! It looks wondrous and quirky and so much fun!

    Peacocks are absolutely beautiful - my favourite is the albino peacock because they look like something straight out of a fairy tale!

    Glad you and Jon and friends had a blast even in the pouring rain!

    Love the sun glasses! xxx

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  33. Wow what a wonderful place to be and be part of. I love the animal heads the bear looks like he is made out of wood and not paper that is very clever. And yummmmmy i love Mexcian food and Burritos ;-)) You look so beautiful and happy i love the first photo of you, you have such a pretty smile. What wonderful memories you make. Have a great week, dee xxx

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  34. Vix, that festival looks amazing, right up your street (and mine... if only!) Really interesting and chilled and creative, much like your good self! Have you ever been to Green Man? Some friends went this year and it sounds as though it has a similar kind of vibe.
    Of course you look gorgeous whether you're in faux fur, bikini or maxi - gorgeous and HAPPY! xxxxxx

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  35. Wa-hey what a jolly awesome weekend you've had!!! Crikey,so much varied entertainment!Fantastic!Shame we don't have anything much like that here.
    You looked gorgeous throughout of course,and Im pleased you got the tent up without any drama!!
    Pity you didn't bring a peacock home...I'm sure it would love living in your abode,giving out feathers on demand!!!
    LOVE YOU! yay you're home!!
    Helga xxxXXXxxx

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  36. NO! Poor Gilbert, but love your post on the festival. Looks like you were well prepared and your Fall comment had me in stitches!! xx

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  37. Looks like you had a fabulous time. great pictures

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  38. Glad you had a great time Vix! xxx

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  39. This looks brilliant - so many happy vibes coming off the web page. xx

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  40. What a lovely trip you shared with us. And as always you looked magnificent.

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  41. Wonderful to have you back Vix. I think I would have loved this festival especially after I saw the laundry airing out to dry! You look fabulous as ever.

    xo, Bonnie

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  42. This festival is unlike anything I've ever seen before! I really love the the outdoor library and the paper cranes! Such a fairy tale like place!

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  43. this is interesting, especially the outdoor library..! you look amazing as always (you really satnd out - in a beautiful way!) ;-)

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  44. Vix every time you post one of your weekend adventures I totally feel like I am there with you! These are great pictures what a cool ass festival! I loved the library, your killer tent (hope Gilbert get's better soon), you looking BEAUTIFUL as usual, you know I love you in that pink hat with those big blue glasses. I can even see a lil buzz in your eyes. BIG HUG to you and Jon!

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  45. Ah Vix, when it comes to festivals I've got to learn from you. What a wonderful place and the blue sunnies are quite the hit. X

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  46. OMG! Your back amorcito!
    What a wondorous place, love the painting and the mystical peacocks.
    library is enchanting.
    your shades are the business. ooooo bikini Mama. glad you enjoyed yourselves despise the weather.

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  47. Hello my sweetness! Hope you are well, looks like you had a fab time! xx

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  48. Well look at look lighting up the festival with your magnificent maxis! I LOVE Tinarawen!! Seen them twice. 8000 at a festival sounds like a nice intimate number where there wouldn't be too much pressure on the erm.. facilities, like there is at glasto. This looks like a gem of a festival.

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  49. I imagine the peacocks wanted to steal some fashion tips from you! The blue dress is a stunner. The festival looks absolutely magical.

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  50. Love all the pics! And your outfits are lovely!

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  51. Magical festival! I love a bit of folk myself. Piano stage fantastic! 4 seasons in one weekend!! Classic.

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  52. The flowers in your hair are the perfect touch!

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  53. I love how your pictures tell of your wonderful & inviting stories! Love your weekend outfits & blue sunglasses.....little girls sometime are way ahead of their years, in a good way.

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  54. You must have had to bring your entire wardrobe along. Pear cider and wooly coats would make anything better.

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  55. Now thats my kind of festival!! Although I will say I don't know if I have ever seen so many weather changes in one blog post lol!! Although that could be fun indeed because it also means frequent wardrobe changes!! And you both seemed to have no problem rolling with it looks like a fantastically fun time!! Love the Burrito stand reminds me of my own adventure I used to sell Veggie Burritos at the Dead shows...I do make a mean veggie burrito lol!! ~Great pics thanks for bringing us along visually ~ & Welcome Back :) Love Heather

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  56. Oh wow, that looks like spectacular fun. You do camping with such glamour, how do you manage it?

    Only in the UK would you need to pack a bikini AND faux furs in the same weekend. Xx

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  57. Ah this looks so fun and friendly, maybe festivaling isn't so scary after all!

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  58. Looks like such a lovely festie. I always hear good things about it. Gorgeous photos, Vix.
    xxx

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  59. Wow what an amazing festival! Look like an awesome time.

    E :)

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  60. I adore your first photo, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  61. My god you certainly copped the whole gamut of a British summer and oh how stylishly you did it my dear Vix!! I love the layout of this festival - positively Age of Aquarius - something for everyone, heaps of chillout zones and plenty of mingling. I'm happy to see you wore your Cher skirt (I can't help calling it that) and your faux fur is priceless isn't it? What would you do without it? I want a Dutch school bus. xoxoxoxoxoxo

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  62. Looks like a magical place!! I love the peacock! Looks like you guys had a ball x

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  63. What a great looking festival!
    I loved seeing your transitions from sun to rain to cold - so funny.

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  64. The Fall haven't improved with age, bwahahaha! Love both of the flowery maxis, you look rather peacock-like yourself xx

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  65. So much here to catch the eye and tickle the imagination - especially the woodland library: two of my favourite places in one! Oh and great co-ordination of sunglasses, dress and nails in the first shot.

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  66. Love the pics! Looks like you had a great time.

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  67. Love the pictures.Looks like fun

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  68. This place looks amazing! I love that little stage with the piano, and bookshelves on the tree, and origami cranes <3
    So, so beautiful, like a fairy tale

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  69. Wow that looks like an amazing festival. Love your photo's and I love you blog. :)

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Lots of love, Vix