How to create your virtual festival vibe at home this summer: the best outdoor rugs, lights, beanbags and tableware
Thousands of music fans who would have been heading to Glastonbury Festival’s 50th anniversary event this weekend are planning to enjoy the “virtual” festival in their own homes and gardens as temperatures start to sizzle.
Sales of outdoor rugs and lights, beanbags and portable speakers are flying as Britons prepare to put on their own music festivals this summer, according to John Lewis.
Virtual Glastonbury begins later this week with the BBC screening a series of highlights and performances from the festival’s 50 years, while main stage playlists have been updated on Spotify and Apple Music with the acts that would have taken to the stages this weekend, including Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar and Paul McCartney
So with a packed programme of entertainment planned, it’s the perfect time to sit back and enjoy a festival vibe in the comfort of your own home, with no traditional Glasto-style mud thanks to the glorious sunshine – and not a queue for the loo in sight.
How to create the festival look at home, or in the park
The first thing to do is zone your space. Designate a daytime “stage” in the garden with an outdoor rug or series of smaller rugs.
Bethan Harwood, partner and home design stylist at John Lewis says: “Accessories can help bring your vision for a garden gala to life. Ideas such as picking wildflowers and arranging them in jam jars or making bunting out of ribbons can add charm. Try to group displays together for maximum impact and experiment with adding objects to your outdoor plants.”
Bring out your scatter cushions, along with a beanbag, throws and a good outdoor portable speaker.
“Layering outdoor rugs and adding beanbags as seating will create an intimate space to relax in the evening. I would also bring items from inside to layer the space. Cushions and blankets will make sure you are cosy for when the sun goes down,” adds Harwood.
Solar-powered light bulbs and garden stakes will transform your space for the evening, adding warm ambience. String them around the garden, or hang fairy lights inside. A portable fire pit with a fire screen will provide a cosy, crackling focal point if you have enough space.