[NB: This is 2006 info.  2007 info here soon...]

Put on your dancing shoes ... maybe a wig, some mascara, bunny ears, a Spam tin outfit, some clown shoes, an astronauts helmet, a witches hat or just a plain old Buzz Lightyear lycra all-in-one. Bring your own threads or get kitted out in our bigger, better Dressing-Up Area. Yes folks its dress up time at Bestival. After last years Guiness World Record-breaking turnout of 10,000 happy Bestivalites in fancy dress we're throwing it open again this year for the Grand Procession at 6pm on the Saturday.

Contrary to the circus theme we were banging on about a few months ago we've decided to shelve that after we had loads of you admitting to Coulrophobia – yes folks, fear of clowns! Check this out if you don't believe us:

What is Clown Phobia?

Defined as "clowns", each year this surprisingly common phobia causes countless people needless distress. To add insult to an already distressing condition, most clown phobia therapies take months or years and sometimes even require the patient to be exposed repeatedly to their fear. We believe that not only is this totally unnecessary, it will often make the condition worse. And it is particularly cruel as clown phobia can be eliminated with the right methods and just 24 hours of commitment by the phobic individual.

Known by a number of names - Coulrophobia and Fear of Clowns being the most common - the problem often significantly impacts the quality of life. It can cause panic attacks and keep people apart from loved ones and business associates. Symptoms typically include shortness of breath, rapid breathing, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and overall feelings of dread, although everyone experiences clown phobia in their own way and may have different symptoms. .

Though a variety of potent drugs are often prescribed for clown phobia, side effects and/or withdrawal symptoms can be severe. Moreover, drugs do not "cure" clown phobia or any other phobia. At best they temporarily suppress the symptoms through chemical interaction.

So there you go... No clowns please! All other silly attire positively encouraged though... and you can still come in a non-clown circus costume if you want to!

The Dressing Up Area this year has also grown in size, now offering even more in the way of sartorial delights - retro and vintage clothes, hair-styling by resident follicle teaser Terri and, of course, make up, face painting and air brush tattooing. You can even just chill out with a manicure or pedicure.

Also, it's no sweat if you don't wanna dress up, its a strictly come as you are festival and we want you to feel relaxed and happy at all times... Arrggh watch out...a clown!