Portraits, meltdowns & a whole lotta happy

There’s something truly special about We Out Here Festival - a celebration of music, community and creativity set against the rolling Dorset countryside. Known as “one of the UK’s most loved independent music festivals, it’s a place where world-class artists share the stage with grassroots talent, and where festival-goers find joy not just in the music, but in the connections made along the way”. Sounds pretty cool, huh?

For me, We Out Here Festival 2025 was all about painting portraits, fuelling myself with excellent food (and ice runs!), and soaking up the atmosphere from my little stall in the fantabulous Crafty Fox Marquee. Oh, and crying overwhelmed in my van more than once - but all the best festivals do that to you, right? 🥹

Here are some of my highlights from a whirlwind long weekend:

🐯 Festival fashion win – matching my dream dress from @nortsandrosses with shiny new gorgeousness from @tularandthewhale.

🦊 Comedy at the gate – the steward thought I was part of the Crafty F*s Tent (not far off, really). Perfect way to set the tone for the weekend.

🐾 Festival portraits – painting beautiful people for my wonderful stall neighbours @kamcreates, @littlespoon and @afi_ko. Creating bespoke festival portraits will never stop being the highlight of my summer.

📸 Surprise reunion – @seb_sax popping up with his camera, stall banter and smile made my weekend.

🥔 Fuel for the soul – hash browns and breakfast burritos from @morningglory were pure happiness. Early morning food runs kept me alive (and smiling).

🚌 Life in Buddy – early nights, big sleeps, calm sunrises and pack-ups with ice runs… my campervan kept me grounded in the middle of the festival whirlwind.

🍊 Terrance the Easy Peeler – every festival needs a mascot, right? Terrance stole the show.

🎵 Main Stage soundtrack – stall life with live music drifting over from the main stage. Honestly, not a bad few days at the office.

🍺 Sober celebrations – having the No + Low Bar right next door helped me fully embrace my first sober festival. And it was glorious.

🧡 Crafty Fox family – superstar organisation, support and belly laughs with fellow foxy makers and @sinead. You made the long days fly.

🫵🏻 And finally, YOU – every person who stopped by, said hi, had a portrait or threw a smile my way. You keep my cheesy grin busy and my heart full.

We Out Here is more than a festival - especially when you’re in the Crafty Fox Crew - it’s a community. It’s creative, colourful, and just the right mix of chaos and calm. Huge thanks to Crafty Fox for having me and to my fellow makers and stall neighbours for making it such a beautiful few days!

I left tired, overwhelmed, grateful and crying in my van… and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Until next year, (if Team Fox will have me again!), WOH!