FolkEast: Great Oak at Glemham Hall gets fitted out in fashionable festival threads
The decorated tree in the grounds of Glemham Hall for the upcoming FolkEast festival. L-R: John Marshall-Potter, Becky Marshall-Potter, Donna Stockley (events manager) and Philip Hope-Cobbold. - Credit: Archant
Ever since Kate Moss stepped out on to the muddy fields of Glastonbury in a trendy pair of Hunter boots, the issue of festival fashion has been a hot topic among music fans.
Now, it would appear that even ancient oak trees are getting in on the act.
The Great Oak at Glemham Hall was kitted out over the weekend as part of a Tree Dressing Ceremony, marking the five week countdown to FolkEast – a three-day festival taking place in the grounds of the stately home next month.
And while most festival-goers have to make do with wellies, waterproofs and wraparound shades, the 60ft blasted oak has its own personal team of stylists.
Crews in a cherry-picker along with support from the ground spent all weekend dressing the majestic oak in 120 metres of material, sourced from Katherine Ellen of Cloth Works in Halesworth.
This year the tree has gone pink, the colour chosen by Raewyn Hope-Cobbold, owner of Glemham Hall, and stands out as a vibrant landmark, visible to those travelling along the A12.
FolkEast organiser John Marshall-Potter said the dressing had been quite a task to accomplish.
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“Folk music has many wonderful traditions and we’ve created this tree dressing as a new ‘old-style’ tradition to let passersby know that the event is close – the countdown has begun,” he added.
The dressing, involving support from V4 Technical, Thompson & Morgan and Hudson’s Ltd, was also videoed from the ground and air to create a special film for those unable to witness it.
FolkEast takes place in Glemham Hall on August 15, 16, and 17, featuring music from Bellowhead, False Lights and local favourites the Broadside Boys, among dozens of other acts.
David Grimwood of the Froize in Chillesford will also be running The Imagined Suffolk Food Village – a new collaboration between some of the county’s food and drink producers, retailers and restaurateurs, offering “really fantastic festival fare at affordable prices”.
Visit www.folkeast.co.uk for more information about the festival.