Monday 11 June 2012

No Direction Home


We're back from our first festival of the season, No Direction Home.


Held in the grounds of the grand Welbeck Abbey, in the heart of Sherwood Forest.


The weather was mostly freezing cold with the occasional torrential downpour.


Looking at the way the boys are wrapped up you'd be forgiven for thinking it was the depths of winter. Man, was it cold!


Under my trusty fake fur coat lies almost every item of clothing I packed, a mind blowing seven layers in all. 


At least Gilbert guaranteed us a warm & dry bed for the night.


In addition to the three stages offering an eclectic mix of folk, psychedelia and rock music, there were literature, story telling & comedy tents and a Post Office enabling you to send postcards to your festival  mates, hand-delivered by posties on bicycles.




 There was random art to discover...


Papier-mâché  menagerie,


Felt magpies in the oak trees,


Yarn bombing,


 and saucy tent silhouettes.


Classes in everything from circus skills and pottery to butchery, cheese and butter making and costume design.


A retro cinema showing everything from old school kids' films, black & white classics, art house to the downright curious,


On Sunday afternoon the sun made an unexpected appearance and the layers were abandoned.



After a few ciders we played with the singing pillars in the forest:




Once you've paid for your tickets all the classes, films, crafts and entertainment are free, you can even take your own food and beer into the festival. Not bad for £89. 


Only four weeks until the next one, I can't wait.
Off to catch up with all I've missed in Blogland before the footie kicks off.
C'mon England. 

84 comments:

  1. Very cool! I've never seen singing pillars. How interesting. Looks like you had a great time and a warm nights rest in "Gilbert." ;)

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  2. Can't think of a more fun way to spend 89 quid!
    Love the magpies and what a wonderful setting.
    Let's hope it's back to bikini weather in 4 weeks time!!
    Z xx

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  3. wow! Gorgeous photos, love the leopard print coat & love that the sun came out for you! ;)

    just about to send you an email before the footie! C'mon England! xo

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  4. Looks like a blast!

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  5. It looks even more fun than when you were telling me about it! I was so glad it was nice on Sunday - I thought of you and the Downloaders.

    The hotpants set is stunning, and I love your floral headdresses.

    But I have to know, what is yam bombing?!

    Annie xxx

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  6. I love the fact that there's a little postie office - how neat is that. And those paper thingy magpie things - love them!

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  7. Seven layers! Impressive. Mine top layer count was 5 at Glasto.
    Glad you had a good time, looking gorgeous in your festival attire as always.
    xx

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  8. aahh i thought about you over the weekend and hope you hadn't got rained out. It looks like it was great fun regardless of the weather. That yarn bombing looks great and so did the retro cinema i would love to have watched a few in there. Enjoy your week lovely, dee xx

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  9. Although seriously rubbish weekend weather the festival sounds really cool. Lots going on as well as the music. And great value for money too!

    Loved your festival outfits even if you did have to wear them all at once! Here's to hoping better weather in 4 weeks.


    P x

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  10. You always look like you are having a great time and are up and ready for anything...........you must be the best traveling companion! And Gilbert is a great festival-mobile!

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  11. That's great value for money! Glad you had a bit of respite from the cold.
    I LOVE your camper van!

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  12. What a shame about the cold, but at least the sun did come out for a bit. Your groovy playsuit is what made it come out, I bet. Love the idea of the festival post office xx

    Penny Dreadful Vintage

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  13. I was watching classic indie tunes from the early 90's on tv over the weekend whilst it was chucking it down outside. Reminded me of Reading 92. That was a soggy one.

    Glad you managed to get a bit of sun.

    C
    xxx

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  14. Loved the video!!! The festival sounds like one amazing experience after the other and seven layers of clothing never looked so good. Despite the weather it looks like you had a great time.

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  15. Looks like a blast! I'm so glad the the sun finally came out and you could shed some layers. Love the blue shades, vinyl bag and matching stripey socks.

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  16. Loving all your photos, especially the saucy one! The magpies and yarn bombing looks brilliant xxx

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  17. Looks like that would have been so much fun! And I adore your faux fur coat! :)

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  18. Ooh get you & your saucy silhouette pictures! Looks like fun in spite of the bloody weather - can't believe it's June - crap isn't it? Love your coat & boots.

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  19. Looks like fun despite the weather.
    Yarn Bombing?? Explain please.

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  20. This looks great and you look as cheerful and colourful as always. I love the way you matched the pink floral hairband to your lipstick xx

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  21. Gee i have missed a couple of posts, didn't I!
    Those festivals look well organized,a little something for everyone - Our city festivals started this weekend with the Grand Prix plus a little student protest- localised on a couple of streets downtown -
    All in all every thing went well so the other festivals in Montreal should be ok i think -

    Looking great Vix -

    Ariane xxx

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  22. Looks like loads of fun and fab value - that must be one of the cheapest festivals these days. Hope I can make it to a few festivals next year x

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  23. It doesn't matter what you do where you are or who you are with you always know how to make the best of any situation. Aside from all the cold and rain this really does look like a great weekend. I love your festival attire and I am so happy the sun finally made an appearance. I loved seeing the lil video of you my dear! I think $89 is a bargain for what you got.
    XXOO
    Krista

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  24. Looking hot as ever! We need a 'Gilbert' ... had to cancel our camping trip to Cornwall or face getting washed away! Glad you had a great time. M x

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  25. OH DEAR GOD!!!! I found so amazing place there, love people with personality and charima, cause I thought thoose people got some kind of magic, and they got star!!!
    One follower from me :)
    Hugs a lot
    AnieB
    http://lahabitaciondelaspequenascosas.blogspot.com.es/

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  26. You're brave in that weather, but at least you pull it off glamorously, and even got the killer pins out before the weekend was over, which is always good. I love the felt magpies, and you can't beat a spot of carry on film style saucy silhouettes. Hope the sun's shining for your next one. Xx

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  27. Brrrrrrr! 7 layers!

    Very glad to see the sun came out for you afterwards. I do love smaller fests where you can bring your own food and drink.

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  28. Sherwood foressssst

    Maybe I could be the festival type after all? Ginchy Hotpants romper there too!

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  29. Seven layers and still you managed to shine - outside and inside! I love the singing posts and you in the video, the post office, retro cinema, and that doesn't even include the music... Sounds like a fun time. The last photo is a great summary pic - exactly the thing to wear to a music fest!

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  30. Woohoo, you Brits are hardy - I thought us Cunucks were, what with out -40 winters and all, but you put us to shame having all that fun in the rain and cold, and still looking stylish to boot! xx

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  31. That looks like an amazing festival - you really should be made Festival Ambassador; like everyone's said here, you know how to look good and make the best of every climate and situation! Love the idea of the film tent and postmen - how cool! xx

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  32. That looks like my kind of event :)

    Glad the sun put in an appearance too - though that fur coat is fab - can't beat them for warmth & dryness :) Might have to drag mine out of the cupboard again if the weather doesn't improve soon.

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  33. Agh i love this - everything looks so amazing! and i can`t believe the price either. Your style is awesome, as always)

    >'.'<

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  34. Looks and sounds like you had an amazing time, despite the cold. Your video clip made mr giggle, hubby wondered what was going on.

    X x

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  35. I did think of you this weekend Vix during the several torrential downpours! Glad you had a great time despite the foul weather, it looks fun. Love the felt magpies and the saucy silhouettes are very 'Tales of the Unexpected'. Hope you are now warm & dry. xxx

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  36. i'm not sure if i've ever mentioned this but i seriously love you vix. i just watched the video of you and jon rave dancing in your living room and i'm so happy i did. it just put me in the best mood possible. i wish i lived nearby.

    i hope you saw some amazing bands!

    xo
    janet

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  37. These are such Fun pictures! Those earrings are Super Fabulous! I am also Loving the leopard coat!

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  38. What a great video! Looks like you're having a blast! :) Your coat, ah I love it!

    -Sara
    Ladylike Delicacy

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  39. I was thinking of you this weekend it was so hideous at times, brrrrr

    Engerland Engerland ;o)

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  40. Ahh the English weather, mind you it always wasn't too bad in June especially from the 8th, Michaels Birthday, any thunderstorms at all?? COs I went into labour during one 20 years ago! :D Looks like a great festival, I think I'd give the camping a miss though, used to love it but not so sure now. :D

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  41. What amazing fun the festival sounds like.
    I loved the art the magpies and yarn bombing especially. The silhouettes tent wow, love it too. Yep I just love arty stuff. I would have lost my mind deciding what to do with myself learn circus tricks, make butter or watch my favourite kids movie The Goonies......that's so cool.

    What a great ticket price. I'm glad you had a fab time albeit cold and wet at times, but you did it in style and looked gorgeous.

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  42. Ah some mates of mine were at this too, and have just posted cold but happy type pics! Glad to see you have a drink in each hand ;-)

    Love the last picture of you - festival Queen.

    xxx

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  43. What a bargain price for a festival. Love the fur, shame you had to dig it out in JUNE! Looking forward to hearing about the next festival adventure. x

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  44. I just love the fact that you are beaming in every pic, and that you have 2 cans on the go at once! Or were you holding one for Jon? Nah, I bet they were both yours!
    The festival looks fabulous. Love those felt magpies. After a few drinks I would have insisted on doing my best Tales of the Unexpected tent silhouette dancing, before tottering off to sing along with the singing pillars!
    Whatever the British summer throws at you weather-wise, you look stunning. Look at those fabulous pins, madam! xxxxx

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  45. You are officially the Festival Queen! Fabulous as always, in all weathers :-)

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  46. That looks like so much fun. I love your coat.

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  47. That looked like an awesome place. I love the bunting round your tent!! The random art was amazing, love stuff like that. You would like the sculpture park in an Arboretum that is just out of Hamilton.

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  48. Wow that looks like fun...love the retro cinema...and I so want a hoola hoop lesson :D!! 7 Layers LOL!! I bet everyone of those layers looked spectacular!! Anna and I had our own festival the boys were out of town and we ate chocolate cupcakes and covered ourselves in Henna tattoos hehehe....Great pics thanks for sharing your tent looks awesome love the whole set up xx Heather

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  49. You look incredibly summery with your fab tan but oooh I don't envy you that weather, eeek!!

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  50. Poo Tang about the weather but you were certainly rugged up! Love Johns russian hat but dissappointed his "wellies" haven't got heels! (Big kick arse 70's platform ones)
    You look sensation Vix, looks like you all had a fab time. Nice to see the sun pop out too so you can show us those hot dang legs of yours!

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  51. That is absolutely hilarious! I think that might actually be a festival I'd consider going to!!x

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  52. Ooh I loooooove your outfits - the socks and wellies and all the lovely floral headpieces and your fab LEGS!

    The post office is the best thing I have ever seen. The movies and the magpies are all wonderful details - I am mad crazy envious of these fab festivals, but not of the weather!

    Love you more than festivals! Sarah xxx

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  53. Ooh I loooooove your outfits - the socks and wellies and all the lovely floral headpieces and your fab LEGS!

    The post office is the best thing I have ever seen. The movies and the magpies are all wonderful details - I am mad crazy envious of these fab festivals, but not of the weather!

    Love you more than festivals! Sarah xxx

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  54. Amazing!! Glad you got a chance to embrace the sun a little at the end. I love your outfits!!!

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  55. Looks like you managed to have a great time despite the "freezing temperatures and occasional torrential downpour". You Brits are a hardy bunch - we like our festival weather hot and sunny. Although if we had as many fun things to do (post office! retro movies! Circus classes!) as this festival had, I'd brave the cold too.

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  56. Ahh, singing pillars, love it! :-) You always seem to have much fun in any environment. I love those playful socks.

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  57. Wow - this looks like so much fun, I especially love the idea of the old school movie theatre:)

    Also I would want to take all the classes - well, maybe not butchery!

    You look great xoxo

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  58. This looks like such a fun festival with plenty of hands-on, join-in stuff to pitch into. Pity about the weather. I had a similar experience with layering at Hay Literature Festival. By Fri night my jaw was actually hurting with trying not to let my teeth chatter and I was wearing everything I could get my hands on. Back on with those winter woolies.

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  59. I love, love how glamourous you look in: freezing cold with the occasional torrential downpour.
    Hehhehheheeheh.
    xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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  60. wow you did so well....you are my sunshine...... am wearing the same clothes I wore in February!!x

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  61. Ooooh that looks so fun - the cold aside, of course! Definitely didn't seem like festival weather, but it sounds like you had a fabulous time anyway, so jealous xx

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  62. Wish we had something cool like that near where I live in the States!
    We have bluegrass festivals but I'm pretty sure it's not the same vibe!!
    The singing pillars are cool!
    And of course you looked fabulous!

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  63. Looks like a fantastc festival. I especially like the yarn bombing!

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  64. What a wonderfully transporting post! Thank you for sharing the festival magic!

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  65. Amor,
    You look lovely and like you had lots of fun despise the cold weather.
    Love the second photo of you all smiley and happy.
    love the saucy shadow and the Mexi movie poster oh and the fake pigeons. Festivals rock!
    Adorar the vid of you singing.
    Besotes

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  66. That looks fun, though as you say, so flippin' cold! I love those flowers in your hair and your campervan/tent looks fun. The Post Office sounds a hoot, and I'll bet worked a lot faster than the real one! xxx

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  67. This looks amazing - as do you! Trust you to do festival in proper style!x

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  68. Too bad for the cold cold weather, but the festival seems amazing!!
    You managed to look fantastic despite the layering, a leopard fur coat always come in handy..the striped socks are awesome too!! I'd love to take those circus lessons and singing in the forest with you!!
    Have more and more fun!!
    xxx

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  69. I love that you still managed to look glam even though you were in the middle of a muddy field! Looks like you had a great time x

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  70. oh wow looking at the boys it seems it was really freezing cold so i admire even more the fact how fabulous you look in the muddy fields of the festival;)
    kiss,mary

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  71. Oooh looks like fun!
    I'm loving your knotted headband, is it vintage?
    Can't wait to see some more festival photos so I can live vicariously hehehe

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  72. The festival looks like a blast. Love your outfits. I would have had to watch the Goonies at the cinema. HEHE

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  73. It looks and sounds just wonderful! So happy that the sun came out for you, too; I bet it was quite a relief!
    Gilbert looks like a wonderful home away from home. Someday when Bob stops running the corporate treadmill, we would love to get a little camper and travel around. I can't wait to show him this; he'll love it!
    xo, Anita

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  74. Oh my, this looks like such an amazing time! :D How I long for a festival! You look incredible; I am so impressed w/ the 7 layers. Love the leopard coat..and well, let's be honest, EVERYTHING!!! lol The 3rd photo down is absolutely gorgeous. Your brows are perfection!

    The post office is such a cute idea! All of this PLUS a retro cinema? Methinks this is heaven. XOXO

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  75. Could you imagine a festival without the rain? It looks like a great time and the earrings you're wearing in the first photo are wondrous. Tent silhouettes indeed.

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  76. Great!! do you usually have festival like this, in England?..How I would like to come!!! ps: you're always beautiful!

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  77. Oh the silly weather!!!! I've done that before, had to put everything I packed on, I looked like a puff ball.
    You look so snugly in the leopard print jacket.
    I am asking the weather fairies to send lots of sunshine for the next festival!!!!
    Love v

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  78. What a truly fabulous festival by the looks of it, so much to see and do. And it’s great to see Gilbert too (can’t you tell I’m hooked on campers now!). I love your stripey socks too Vix xxx

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  79. heheheh giggling at your fools gold fancing video as well as the singing pillars. Despite the cold you look like you had a great time, all the extra bits are fantastic, festivals make an extra effort these days xxx

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  80. This reminds me a bit of Latitude - looks like you had a ball - love the crazy dinasour sculpture!

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  81. wow looks like a great festival and those singing pillars are just hilarious x

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  82. I love the idea of the festival postal service! How cute!

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  83. Hiya,

    Thanks for being a member of my blog. Feel free to leave any comments on my 8 blogs. I haven't got any comments yet.
    Kind Regards
    x

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Lots of love, Vix