There is nothing quite like the smell of delicious street food wafting through the air inside a tent decorated with lights, accompanied by the sound of live music echoing throughout the night. If you’re looking to throw a birthday bash that your guests will rave about, read on for Encore Musicians’ curated guide to hosting festival themed party extravaganza. From top party planning tips to themes to fit your favourite festival, we got you covered.
Top Tips for Throwing a Festival Themed Party
Setting the Stage:
- Creating the perfect festival atmosphere is key to hosting a memorable party. Begin by choosing a venue that allows for outdoor festivities, such as a spacious garden or a local park.
- If indoor space is your only option, transform it into a bohemian paradise with colourful drapes, floor cushions, and plenty of greenery.
- Encourage guests to embrace the festival spirit by donning flower crowns, face paint, and eclectic, free-spirited fashion.
Live Music:
- One of the hallmarks of any great festival is the music. At Encore Musicians, we have an extensive roster of talented artists, from acoustic folk singers to high-energy rock bands, ensuring that your birthday playlist is nothing short of spectacular.
- Imagine the soulful melodies of a saxophonist serenading your guests during sunset or a lively brass band leading a procession through the venue.
- Live music adds an authentic touch that will elevate your party to new heights.
Delectable Delights:
- No festival experience is complete without indulging in a diverse array of culinary delights. Opt for food trucks serving gourmet burgers, wood-fired pizzas, and international street food classics.
- Create a dessert corner featuring candy floss machines, churros, and artisanal ice creams.
- For drinks, set up a cocktail bar with a skilled mixologist crafting bespoke concoctions or offer craft beers and ciders for a rustic touch.
Interactive Experiences:
- Festivals are all about engaging activities, and your birthday party should be no different.
- Consider setting up DIY craft stations where guests can create their flower garlands or tie-dye t-shirts.
- Arrange for fortune tellers, tarot card readers, or palmists to add an element of mystique to the event.
- Additionally, create a chill-out zone with bean bags and fairy lights, allowing guests to unwind and connect amidst the festivities.
Capturing Memories:
- Ensure that the magical moments of your festival-themed birthday party are captured for eternity.
- Set up a photo booth with whimsical props and backdrops, allowing guests to take home tangible memories from the celebration.
- Consider hiring a professional photographer or videographer to document the event, so you can relive the joyous atmosphere for years to come.
UK Festival Themes for Your Party
If you want your party to be reminiscent of your favourite festival, we’ve curated a list of themes inspired by some of the UK’s biggest music festivals below.
1. Glastonbury
– Décor: Recreate the iconic Pyramid Stage with fairy lights and large, colourful banners. Scatter hay bales for seating and set up tipi tents for a rustic feel.
– Music: Opt for a diverse lineup, including electro swing bands, folk artists, and electronic DJs. Create acoustic stages for intimate performances.
– Food & Drink: Embrace Glastonbury’s eco-friendly vibe with organic food stalls and a craft beer bar. Offer vegan and vegetarian options for a sustainable touch.
2. Boomtown
– Décor: Transform your venue into a post-apocalyptic wonderland with steampunk-inspired decorations, graffiti art, and neon lights.
– Music: Curate a lineup of eclectic acts, including, reggae band, and electronic DJs. Incorporate immersive theatre performances for added entertainment.
– Food & Drink: Set up food trucks offering global cuisines, from Mexican tacos to Thai noodles. Create themed cocktails and mocktails inspired by different districts within Boomtown.
3. Boardmasters
– Décor: Bring the beach to your venue with surfboards, sand, and palm trees. Hang string lights resembling the stars for a magical evening atmosphere.
– Music: Feature acoustic singers and tropical house DJs. Create a chill-out area with bean bags and hammocks.
– Food & Drink: Serve seafood delicacies, BBQ treats, and refreshing cocktails. Offer mocktails inspired by exotic fruits and tropical flavours.
4. Kendal Calling
– Décor: Capture the vibrant spirit of a carnival with colourful bunting, carnival masks, and giant paper flowers. Set up carnival game booths for interactive fun.
– Music: Showcase funk groups and drum and bass DJs. Encourage guests to come dressed in carnival costumes.
– Food & Drink: Offer street food classics like hot dogs, nachos, and cotton candy. Create a themed cocktail bar featuring carnival-inspired drinks and shooters.
5. Creamfields
– Décor: Illuminate your venue with neon lights, LED installations, and futuristic elements. Create a space-age atmosphere with metallic accents and glowing orbs.
– Music: Feature trance DJs and techno producers. Set up stages with state-of-the-art sound systems for an immersive music experience.
– Food & Drink: Offer futuristic and visually appealing cocktails served in glowing glasses. Create a molecular gastronomy station with innovative food creations.
6. Download
– Décor: Transform your venue into a metalhead’s paradise with black and red motifs, skull and crossbones banners, and stage setups reminiscent of legendary rock concerts.
– Music: Showcase heavy metal bands, classic rock acts, and punk artists. Enhance the ambience with pyrotechnics, smoke machines, and dramatic lighting effects.
– Food & Drink: Serve hearty, filling meals like gourmet burgers, BBQ ribs, and spicy chicken wings. Offer a selection of craft beers, ciders, and meads for a true rock festival experience.
7. Parklife
– Décor: Create a playful and colourful atmosphere with giant inflatables, interactive art installations, and carnival-inspired decorations. Use vibrant hues and geometric patterns to evoke a sense of fun and excitement.
– Music: Curate a lineup featuring hip-hop artists, and electronic dance DJs. Set up themed stages with playful backdrops and LED screens displaying animated visuals.
– Food & Drink: Offer a variety of street food from around the world, including sushi burritos, loaded fries, and gourmet doughnuts. Create quirky and Instagrammable cocktails served in unique glassware.
8. Wireless
– Décor: Embrace an urban aesthetic with graffiti art, street signs, and industrial chic elements. Use recycled materials for decorations and create a raw, underground ambience.
– Music: Showcase rap artists, R&B singers, and hip-hop DJs. Set up stages with dynamic lighting and visuals, enhancing the urban vibe.
– Food & Drink: Feature food trucks serving fusion cuisine, such as Korean BBQ tacos, gourmet mac ‘n’ cheese, and vegan soul food. Craft urban-inspired cocktails with bold flavours and unique garnishes.
The 2023 Festival Themed Party Playlist
- Little Simz – Gorilla – Headlined Parklife this year.
2. Arctic Monkeys – R U Mine – Headlined Glastonbury this year
3. Florence + The Machine – King – Headlined Boardmasters 2023.
4. Billie Eilish – What was I made for? – Headline Reading and Leeds festival 2023.
5. Ezra Collective – Victory – Headlined We Out Here festival this year.
6. Mura Masa feat. A$AP Rocky – Love$ick – Mura Musa headlined at Boomtown 2023.
7. Grace Jones – Pull Up To The Bumper – Headlined Bestival 2023.
8. The Libertines – Don’t Look Back Into The Sun – Headlined Secret Garden Party 2023.
9. Paolo Nutini – Shine A Light – Headlined Latitude festival 2023.
10. Lana Del Rey – Young and Beautiful – Headline British Summer Time Festival 2023.
Conclusion
A festival-themed birthday party is not just an event; it’s an experience that lingers in the hearts of everyone who attends. With this guide you can transform your celebration into a vibrant, music-filled extravaganza that will be talked about long after the last note has faded. Embrace the festival spirit, and let the rhythm of life guide you in creating the birthday party of your dreams.
Inspired? Take a look at Encore’s collection of professional party musicians to get your rave started!