It's boardgame chic at Winterwell festival

When: 17th – 19th June 2011

Where: A secret location near Cirencester

£: 100 for the weekend. Six person luxury tipis cost 565 and six person Luxury Bell tents cost 435, both for the three nights.

What is it?

Founded five years ago by event organiser Josh Ford and musician Natalie Vincini, the Winterwell festival will take place in the heart of the Cotswolds and offers a unique interactive theme allowing everyone to get involved. With only 1500 guests there is no danger of losing your friends, tent or sanity as is often the case at larger, more chaotic festivals, and the certainty of spending a weekend with like-minded, glamorous people.

Fancy dress is fundamental to Winterwell and this year’s theme is “The Battle of The Board Games”. Following on from 2010’s Roald Dahl theme where oompa loompas frolicked on the hillside and golden ticket holders danced till dawn, this year the possibilities are endless. This year Winterwell have brought in a creative team that specialise in immersive arts and super-sized installations. Gaming attractions will include: giant Snakes and Ladders, a Scrabble competition for the more cerebral guests and a Twister tournament like you’ve never seen before. Cluedo characters such as Miss Scarlett and Professor Plum will be committing secret crimes on the Winterwell estate and Hungry Hippos will be snapping at revellers. There will also be a bar where Monopoly money can be exchanged and a go to jail area for mischievous revellers to send their friends to.

Acts so far confirmed to play the festival are: Norman Jay, The Nextmen, Man Like Me, The Milk, Ellen and The Escapades, The Jinks, The Milky Bar Kid, Lianne Le Havas, and Rockaoke. There will also be a live music competition organized by The Music League where three acts compete and the audience choose the winner, who will then go on to play a big UK Festival slot.

When not enjoying the musical feast on stage there will be plenty of other attractions to occupy revellers, such as late night cabaret and films, vintage tearooms, quirky quizzes, the annual Winterwell five-a-side football championship and of course, a plethora of board games. There will also be a dedicated children’s play area including workshops, storytelling and toys galore for little ones.

For those who love festivals but don’t really enjoy roughing it there will be a luxurious camping area, Hotel Winterwell, with Belle tents and tipis to hire featuring soft and extravagant queen-sized beds, electricity and security.

More info: Winterwell