From Village Fates to Circus Tents: My First Festival Season with Gilyatt Designs

When I started Gilyatt Designs earlier this year, I couldn’t have imagined where it would take me in just a few months. What began with birthday parties and small events quickly grew into full festival weekends, football sponsorships, and some of the biggest crowds I’ve ever painted for. It’s been a whirlwind — but one I’m so grateful for.

Small beginnings, big lessons

My residency at the Pulham Patch was the perfect start — such a lovely, family-friendly atmosphere for younger children and a team who worked so hard to create something special - I’ve been very fortunate to have been able to be there for Easter and summer, seeing the different things they make and offer, exploring the maize maze and picking the wildflowers and daffodils (and of course the treats from Katherine’s kitchen never hurt). From there came Diss Carnival, my first bigger event. I’ll admit I was so anxious beforehand, but with my partner stepping in as line manager and my sisters help, we pulled it off! That day taught me I can handle far more than I give myself credit for. I also had the joy of meeting and working with Autumn, another face painter. This was a first for me and it taught me a lot being able to watch her talent unfold in front of me. (Autumns instagram https://www.instagram.com/autumnalartistry/ )

I also had the joy of working RodeFest at Carlton Rode Social Club (such a welcoming, fun crowd with lots of great music!) and the Harleston & Waveney Festival on the same weekend! One of my personal highlights was having a pitch at the Harleston Youth Football Presentation slightly earlier in the year — an event that was filled with community spirit, family’s coming together to support all the young players, and no one has a laugh more than people who are brought together by football. Working this event has pushed me toward working more with sports clubs and I now proudly sponsor a local Long Stratton FC player Jacob Skinner, which ties my business even closer to the lovely football community my family is part of.

This summer also gave me the chance to get more involved locally with some brilliant community events: a Family Fun Evening and colour run that brought together all three schools in Long Stratton, a packed-out night at The Countryman in Tasburgh where I barely stopped painting thanks to a constant queue, a special event in Old Catton celebrating the Royal British Legion’s 90th year there along with many birthday party’s and so much more. Each one reminded me just how much people love coming together — and how lucky I am to be a small part of that joy.

Rock N Roll Circus

The biggest milestone came with Rock N Roll Circus Norwich. To have secured such a booking within my first five months of business is something I’ll always be thankful for. The days were long, the nights were late, but painting such a variety of people — from all ages and even staff members — was so much fun. My crew was amazing, we laughed through the tiredness, and we learned so much about what we could offer together.

One of the best things to come from working this festival was the chance to meet and work with Maddie from Maddies Magical Moments. I found her on social media when I first decided I wanted to start face painting and she has been a guiding post for me ever since. She is such a talent and a brings a bolt of enegery to every event she attends. What a privilege it was to finally get a chance to work with and learn from her. I look forward to our many future collaborations. https://www.instagram.com/maddiesmagicalmomentsfacepaint/

Despite some challenges with attempting to learn the world of festival organisation, the connections and friendships we made there made every minute worth it. And, somehow, we managed it all without me driving yet (a blog post in itself one day – “Running a Face Painting Business Without a Car” 😅).

Taking it on the road: Sheffield

Not long after, I was invited to Rock N Roll Circus Sheffield. It was a completely different crowd — more rock fans than rainbow-glitter lovers. That meant thinking on our feet: introducing more face paint roulettes, drawing inspiration from band T-shirts and tattoos, and really stretching my own creativity.

Honestly? It pushed me further as an artist than anything I’ve done before. I learned to work faster, to create original designs confidently, and to adapt to a completely new audience. Hearing people say things like “You’ve ruined face paint for us now as no one else will be able to do this” or “You should be on movie sets, not just painting kids’ faces” was surreal (and definitely made my head grow 10Xs bigger!). Of course the kind drunken words of festival goers soon wore off when our catch phrase “If you can dream it we can draw it” was pushed to the limit with a few AI-inspired requests. These definitely humbled me, brought me back to reality and reminded me I’ve still got plenty to learn — but that’s what keeps it exciting.

Full circle moment

After experiencing the intensity that was the Rock N Roll Circus it was back to Norfolk for an event at a place i hold very close to me. I was asked to paint at the Dog inn in Horsford for their 5th birthday celebration in aid of Ambers Army (a very inspiring charity). The Dog inn was the first place I worked In Norfolk. I was a young mum who had moved away from everyone I knew and working with Ross and the team allowed me to find community and feel at home, so being able to come back now, a few years later and with my own business was really something special.

What’s next?

Now that festival season has wrapped up, I have been taking a short break in September before diving into my very first spooky season. October is shaping up to be a fun one, with events at places like Africa Alive and (maybe 👀) a pumpkin patch or two. Keep an eye on my social media to find where I will be.

Looking back, I’m amazed at how far Gilyatt Designs has come in such a short space of time. From village carnivals to festival fields, every step has been a reminder of why I started: to bring creativity, colour, and joy wherever I can. And the best part? This is just the beginning.

A little thank you for everyone who has helped me over this summer, I wouldn’t have been able to do it without you all, Asten and Isla you learnt fast and kept me going at RNRC. Chloe, you was the first person I’d hired through interview, you learned fast and was lovely having you work for me. Noreen - you saved us last minute by coming along to RNRC Sheffield - you’re so talented and I have had the pleasure of having you in my life for the last 13 years - thank you for it all.

Lastly an extra special thank you to my partner who does quiet literally everything he can to support me with all of this. Megan, I wouldn’t be able to attend half these events without your help, also you got the glitter bug I will intend on using that where I can! And Alesha my very first apprentice! You are incredible in everything you do and are a huge asset to Gilyatt Designs, excited for many more events with you and watching you continue to grow as an artist!

Thankful for this life.