BSTK Festival With We Are Full Fat PR

An email dropped into my inbox late Wednesday night from We Are Full Fat asking if I would like a weekend VIP press pass to BSTK Festival (previously Brownstock Festival) in Essex to see the likes of Tinie Tempah, Scouting for Girls and Wretch 32. I didn’t hesitate, the answer was 1000000000000% YAS…

 

I’m writing this from the pit of my bed, covered in glitter still and feeling those post-festival blues. I also have some crazy silly tan lines but we English can’t complain when the sun comes out cos’ it’s sure a rarity.

BSTK was the perfect warm up for the start of a good summer. I didn’t really have any expectations for the festival because I’ve never been before, but it had been voted Best Small Festival for 2015 so I was of course super excited to check it out. I was expecting big things.

I went Saturday with my friend Grace; the weather was sunny and warm and there was such a nice, chilled out atmosphere from the get-go. We walked around and checked out all the different venues and food stalls and sought out a tent that did face paint for £5. Have you even been to a festival if you don’t get your face painted?!

We settled into the VIP section straight away, which had a lovely boho vibe. The section was decked out with lanterns, colourful fabrics and flowers entwined into the standing platform. We had our own bar and portaloo too. The drinks were pretty eye waveringly expensive with my malibu and coke coming in at around £7. It’s a shame drinking at festivals is so expensive! But they need to make their money somehow.

There was a good variety of food on offer, too. From burgers and chips, to pizza and burritos, halloumi wraps and a pie stand – there was something for everyone. Again, the price was quite steep but the food was pretty good. We treated ourself to some sugary churros with a pot of dipping chocolate, and they were delicious to eat whilst watching the beautiful sunset over Essex.

We decided to stay in the VIP section for most of Saturday and enjoyed watching all of the acts on the main stage. My favourite acts of the day were Zak Abel and Wretch 32. Tinie Tempah headlined Saturday night and he. was. flipping. AMAZING. He had the crowd going crazy and there was such a good atmosphere. It was a good warm up for V Festival next month! I can’t wait to see him again.

Sunday morning came around and it was time to head back to BSTK. The weather wasn’t so great, pretty dreary and cold, but it didn’t put a dampener on me and Kayleigh looking forward to seeing Mullally, Becky Hill and Scouting for Girls.

What’s a festival without having your face painted and covered in glitter?! Sunday we went for different shades of blue, and it made me instantly feel in that festival mood.

It brightened up towards the late afternoon and everyone was ready and waiting for Krept & Konan to come on to the main stage. It hit 4:15pm, and from no where, a paint fight started! It was good fun to watch, but we watched from afar to protect our new clothes and of course my dear old Olympus Pen. I’d definitely be more prepared for next year by wearing white and being ready for it!

We relaxed in the VIP section listening to Scouting for Girls with a cider and chicken and chips. I wish I had seen this stand on Saturday – it was much better value for money than the burger I’d bought the day before! Don’t get me wrong though, I love festival food. There was a pizza stand that made fresh, home made pizzas that smelt and looked amazing – I’ll definitely give one of those a go next time!

We ventured out a little in the early evening and checked out the Treehouse stage. Up and coming acts performed here, and we had a little listen it on Mullally’s set. My GOD, does he have a beautiful voice. Something between Sam Smith and Maverick Sabre – he was incredible! There was a dance tent and 3 other venues all holding live music, so there’s definitely something for everyone to enjoy.

Kelis headlined Sunday night and I was actually disappointed. I was so looking forward to seeing her but she was so disengaged with the audience, it was a shame. She only spoke to the audience half an hour into her set. I’m not sure if she was just shy, or that’s how she does her concerts, but it would’ve been nice to hear from her.

She did perform a boss version of Milkshake though to the backing track Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. It was certainly different!

The fair ground rides were good fun, and somehow, me and Kayleigh managed to ride the Waltzer 4 times throughout the day. I bloody love that ride but my heads hating me for it today.

BSTK Festival had such an amazing, chilled out vibe. I’d love to go next year but I’d definitely camp to make the most of everything they have to offer. Like the dance tents, silent discos, roller disco and different bars. BSTK is geared up for families too with plenty of fair ground rides and things to do.

A massive thank you to We Are Full Fat PR for inviting me and my friends along – I had the best weekend!

 

Have you been to BSTK before? Would you love to go next year?