Putting the ‘pop’ in Wilderness

You can tell the cut a festival’s jib by its choice of official beverages.

Reading Festival, the nation’s best-loved rock spectacular, ties up with Carlsberg and Somersby cider while folk haven Cropredy sees bar staff pouring thousands of pints of Wadworth real ale.

This weekend’s Wilderness, however, will see its elegantly attired punters sipping craft beers, artisan gin and Veuve Clicquot Champagne – which will host its own festival within a festival.

The Veuve Clicquot Champagne Garden is said to be inspired by surreal masters Magritte, Dali and Escher, and promises to transport guests into another world.

A spokesman for the champagne house tells us: “With miniature worlds telling different stories, pop art inspired fruit and waiters with plant pots heads, the space will be full of unexpected delights at every turn.

“The tent will be split into three different themed pods all encapsulating Veuve Clicquot’s audacity and creativity, giving guests the chance to explore and discover once inside.”

The cool surroundings will be complemented by bottles of Veuve Clicquot’s signature Yellow Label and RICH, designed to be drunk casually over-ice, creating, they say, a refreshing and enriched tasting experience.

Certainly makes a change from warm lager in a paper cup.

  • Wilderness runs from today to Sunday at Cornbury Park, Charlbury.
  • Go to wildernessfestival.com