Entertainment
Welly Fashion Parade
By Barbara Huddart
Aug 22, 2008 - 10:05:05 AM

Wellies have always being a must for the country set. However in 2008, if you’re going out, you’re not going anywhere without considering your cool wellies! Thanks to celebrities such as Kate Moss, the welly has become this year’s fashion statement! And, as wellies are synonymous with country pursuits, Glendale Show (near Wooler in Northumberland) has decided to hold what they believe is the first ever public welly fashion parade.

Sponsored by Jobsons, the Country Outfitters of Alnwick, this will take place as part of the programme of events to be held in the main ring on Bank Holiday Monday. This unusual addition to the show is open to all welly wearers and will take place in the main ring at 3:10pm.  

When teamed up with the tiniest mini denim shorts or micro mini dress the dull welly boot has been made sexy by fashion icons across the country. The Glendale Show  which attracts in the region of 15,000 visitors, believe they are the first event to actually build part of their programme around what was once a simple country accessory and is now this 2008 essential outdoor accessory!

Speaking from the show field, where preparations for the show are already well advanced, Secretary Sarah Nelson said.   “Many of the summer’s top events such as Glastonbury, and The Yorkshire Show have been brilliantly enhanced by the designer wellies. The combinations of outfits and brightly painted wellies have made quite a splash, so we decided to add some colour to Glendale!”

Entries will be open to all – the only requirement is that the pair of boots must be modelled for all to see in the main ring.   There are two prizes, 12 and under where the judges will look for the most fun outfit, and 13 and over where the judges will look for the most stylish outfit.

Sarah hopes that many will take part: “We are in an era when green or black is no longer the only choice to present your feet in. Once you only paid attention to what you wore above the knee when you went out. Now with the many new welly boots in all shapes and sizes you have the ability to look glamorous as well as durable in all conditions. So we are looking forward to a colourful turnout.”

Prizes will include a top-of-the-range pair of wellies, presented by Chris Todd of Jobsons of Alnwick. Chris, whose business is boots, will be on hand to judge, and promises not to be distracted.

The Glendale Show can be contacted on 01668 283868

www.glendaleshow.com