Llandrindod Wells Victorian Festival

Although it is not compulsory to wear costume at the Festival, some people like to join in the fun but do not know what to wear or where to start looking for a costume. Well hopefully we can help.

The basic Victorian costume is very easy to put together and items can be found in charity shops up and down the country. In fact the charity shops in Llandrindod have rails devoted to Victorian costume as the Festival approaches.

LADIES: Long Skirt, High-necked Blouse, Shawl or Short Fitted Jacket, and Hat
GENTS: Black Trousers, White Shirt, Cravat, waistcoat or Blazer and Bowler or Boater
CHILDREN: Girls love dressing up in pretty dresses and old bridesmaids dresses are perfectly suitable. Boys can dress up as urchins using tatty trousers and a shirt with a waistcoat, neckerchief and flat cap.

Now, if you would like to be more elaborate it is not as difficult as it seems. E-bay is a fantastic place to search for items if you have internet access. If you fancy having a go at dressmaking, most of the major pattern companies have many Victorian patterns on sale this season - in particular Mccalls, Buttericks and Simplicity. They do range from very easy to more advanced. In Llandrindod we have a super Dressmaking and Haberdashery store called Bon Marche and Margaret and Monica are always on hand to give advice. They have a plethora of materials and trimmings to complete your outfits. In addition we have in the Festival Office the basic Victorian Suit pattern, affectionately know as the "Llandod pattern". If you would like a copy just contact Mandy.

For the more advanced dressmaker there are many books available showing drawings of Victorian Costumes such as Harper's Bazaar. www.amazon.co.uk have a huge range of Victorian Costume Books available for purchase including dressmaking techniques for the Victorian Costume and with a little knowledge you should be able to recreate some of these designs. For dressmaking supplies, help and information visit www.sewingchest.co.uk

Ideal places to find reasonably priced fabrics and trimmings include:

Birmingham Rag Market
Aberkarn, Liverpool
Bon Marche, Llandrindod Wells
Newport Market, Newport Gwent

During Festival Week there will be some workshops on Hat Making and Trimming and also Corset Making. There will also be talks on Victorian Costumes and the trials and tribulations of wearing them.