Goodentime Festival Theme 2026 - High Tide Society

Written By George Jones

Every year we try to land on a theme that’s a bit silly, a bit creative, and something that’ll look properly mental once a few hundred of you get involved. After a fair bit of debate this year, we realised we’d landed on two completely different ideas: formal wear and under the sea. So naturally, we decided to combine them.

And just like that, High Tide Society was born.

It’s an abstract take on 19th-century aristocratic behaviour — think thrilling ballroom dresses alongside the full works of tailcoats, gowns, gloves, polished shoes, pearls… the lot.

Now imagine that whole scene has somehow ended up underwater.

The music’s still going. People are still dancing. No one seems particularly concerned that the tide has clearly come in. Jellyfish are floating about, crabs are snapping at people’s ankles, and somewhere in the crowd there’s a bloke in a fourteen-piece suit with coral growing out of his ears.

That’s the vibe.

What To Wear

We want this to be a mismatch. Interpret it however you like.

Whether you’ve got an old suit you want to dust off, or a starfish onesie you bought when you were six, go all in or just dip a toe. Join the silliness and don’t overthink it.

Some ideas to get you going:

  • Suited & booted with a coral crown

  • Victorian bustle dress with octopus arms

  • Starfish in a tie

  • Crab in high heels

  • A walking treasure chest

  • Just a very elegant shell

  • The Aristocrat of the Deep: Tailcoats, gowns, pearls, sea-inspired jewellery. Refined, with just a touch of the ocean.

  • Atlantean Royalty: A bit more mythical — crowns, flowing fabrics, underwater textures.

  • Society After a Few Drinks: Formal wear… but things have clearly got a bit messy. Coral crowns slightly sideways, jackets loosened, elegance slipping slightly.

  • Ocean Oddities: Maybe high society isn’t entirely human anymore. Octopus influences, strange textures, something a bit weird.

And if you don’t manage to sort anything before the festival, don’t worry — we’ll have our on-site shop dedicated to all things theme, so pop in and see Bridget to spruce yourself up.

When It Happens

Saturday is the main dress-up day as usual, when High Tide Society will be in full swing across the festival. There’ll be a few prizes floating around for the best-dressed members of society, so if you fancy going all in, now’s your chance.

George Jones