By Roger Clemens If you’re a lover of festivals and enjoy the great outdoors, you may be wondering if you could host your own festival and invite all your favorite people. Music, dancing, food, and friends; what’s not to love? If you want to take the plunge and plan the best outdoor party, what do you need to consider?
Tents
As much as you may wish that weather prediction was a real superpower, it’s pretty difficult to accurately predict good weather. However, that need not stop festival planning, and you should plan for the worst case scenario. If rain were to bless you with its presence on the festival day, it should not stop play if you’re prepared with tipis and tents.
If you’re hosting the festival in your garden, and it’s big enough, you could fit several large gazebos or tipis in the space. If you are planning on making it a regular event, you could invest in some good quality tents/gazebos/tipis. Compare prices online and don’t always choose the cheapest. You will want them to last for a good few years, so ensure you research and buy the best you can afford. If you think this may be the only festival you do, you could hire some tents and locate companies that will erect them for you; one less thing for you to think about.
Seating
If you want to embrace the true festival spirit, then scatter the garden with rugs and hay bales. For a more substantial weatherproof option, you could look at Sumo beanbags that are available in various sizes, colors, and styles. For dining options, you can opt for hiring outdoor seating to place in the tents.
Food and drink
To keep costs down, you could buy in bulk and provide the food yourself. BBQs or cold food options are great for convenience, and buffet-style dining is easy and can accommodate everyone.
For an even easier option, get in caterers. It’s a festival, so no one expects gourmet, 3-course dining. Many companies offer services such as pizza vans offering hot dogs etc. or an old-fashioned fish & chip van.
If you’re hosting the festival in your garden, and it’s big enough, you could set up a bar for the all-important drinking fest. Have fun with it. You can buy cheap drinks accessories such as umbrellas and straws from online retailers and buy alcohol in bulk to keep the costs low. If you have access to electricity on the garden, fridges full of ice in buckets, and a few scattered flowers will get people in the festival vibe.
Music/clothing
For most people, festivals are all about music, music and more music! The best way to replicate a real festival is to hire a live band. Live music will get your guests on their feet, embracing the true festival vibe.
Search on social media for local groups that play a variety of music that will appeal to all tastes. You could create a small stage and make it the focal part of the garden. Be sure to check electricity requirements beforehand for the safety of everyone.
Most people love a dress-up, so add some sparkle and ask your guests to dress up in typical festival gear. Flowers, dresses, face paints, and glitter will create a great atmosphere and provide some excellent photo opportunities to remember the day.
Festivals are a fantastic way to let your hair down and enjoy the company of all your favorite people at the same time. Get planning today!
Lorenzo Billie 
NFL