Gift of the Year award winning company Go La La! is hanging out at the Glastonbury Festival this week, bringing soaps, gifts and greeting cards to festival fans, with the iconic music event kicking off today (21 June).
“The products should attract a fair amount of attention because they’ll be completely new to the festival crowd and we can’t wait to see their reactions,” says Go La La!’s co-owner Laura Kavanagh. “I’ve developed a few limited edition funny festival-themed soaps for the occasion and, with the rest of the range, they should do well. We’re taking other gifts too, from our Trollied Dollies range, and a wide selection of our cards from a few different ranges.”
While Laura and co-owner John Higgins have a long-standing connection to the famous festival – the company is based in the Somerset town – it’s the first time they’ve had a stall.
“John was born in the area and, until last year, he’d been to every festival since 1981,” Laura told GiftsandHome.net’s sister digital newsletter PG Buzz. “His mum even took him to the first one in 1970 but he doesn’t remember it! This is my 24thfestival. My first Glastonbury – or Pilton Pop as it’s known to the locals – was in 1985 and I was 15. My mum bought me a ticket with her child allowance and it was £16. This year, tickets were £335!”
(pic 2) Above: Laura in glittery festival mode last year with pal Linda.
The couple had been thinking about Go La La!’s business model overall, and toying with the idea of a shop front, but have always wanted to be able to travel around as they love customer-facing events such a trade shows, while also wanting to deal directly with consumers.
“I decided I’d factor some pop-ups into the model and would start with the event I know best, which is Glastonbury,” explained Laura. “We had to apply in the same way as everyone else and, even though we’re a local company, an application isn’t guaranteed. There are around 800 pitches with over half of them food concessions and many long-standing traders, so I was pretty thrilled to be offered a pitch. We have a fantastic spot in between the Pyramid stage and the Meeting Point, which is another iconic landmark. We have a bright pink gazebo and a variety of frankly, ridiculous signage!”
Adds Laura: “It’s been bloomin’ hectic setting up but we’re so close to the Pyramid stage we’ll be able to hear all the acts performing without needing to leave the stall. I never really plan to see anyone at the festival, I just like to wander and find new things and maybe see a headliner or bigger band if I’m in the area. I will, however, be fixed to the spot for Elton’s set – wouldn’t want to miss that, as it’s his last-ever UK performance. It’s going to be magical.”
Top: Go La La! has created special soaps for the Glastonbury Festival.
