As I scoured the shops in West Quay, Southampton with my best friend supportively in tow, on Thursday for a last minute outfit for the Tweed Ball, sponsored by Alan Paine this evening, I couldn’t help but laugh at the irony of what was to be…

At 7am, I’d be donning my wellies, scraping back my bed head, hauling on yesterday’s hoodie and dutifully heading down to feed the horses with no make-up on of course. Within minutes of arriving, I’d likely have hay in my hair, down my wellies (how does this happen?!) and horse feed slobbered across my chest. One such horse is currently on turmeric and so, my hands will likely look like I’ve contracted jaundice before leaving, and yet…

Fast forward to 7pm this evening, and I’ll have swapped my trusted wellingtons for a pair of heels and the dress, as I get ready for a night of celebration for all things country. I’ll hopefully have removed the traces of turmeric from my fingers by then too!

I feel I ought to point out here, I didn’t leave things until the very last minute, as I usually do, no. This is what I get for being organised… the dress I’d fallen in love with online (and ordered), did not live up to the expectations, it was underwhelming. You could call it the Wish version of ball gown shopping experience. You know the type, where what you order is NOT what you get?!

Being an event for countrywomen and men, I felt at ease knowing I wouldn’t be the only one with a similar road to the ball. I am confident I will hear more than one tale similar to mine over the course of the evening, from dogs needing training that morning, cows needing milking, sheep needing rounding up, but that’s our own unique form of resilience right?

The Alan Paine Tweed Ball is a celebration of community which is something that Emma and I, are passionate about building here through Countrywoman’s Guide as well as to unite the existing countryside community through shared stories.

Chloe, founder of Country Content, and her indispensable partner Jordanna Kane say, “The Alan Paine Tweed Ball is not just a social occasion; it’s a platform for lasting connections and unforgettable memories.”

However, the ball holds a deeper purpose going beyond the celebrations, as it is dedicated to raising funds and awareness for Cancer Research UK.

James, Director at Alan Paine personally chose Cancer Research UK as the event’s nominated charity. On this Chloe says, “his decision was deeply influenced by a personal experience, having been exposed to the devastating impact of cancer at a young age when his father tragically passed away at 47. The charity’s mission to enable earlier cancer detection, diagnosis, and ultimately, eradicate the disease resonated strongly with him.

James also highlighted the incredible support provided by Macmillan Cancer nurses to patients and their families, emphasising their role as unsung heroes in the battle against cancer.”

When event founder and organiser, Chloe Bucknell reached out and invited me along to the ball, I was over the moon! Who doesn’t love an opportunity to dress up?! We don’t do it enough these days!

When was the last time you dug out a dress or went shopping for a new frock for a formal do? I honestly can’t remember prior to this.

Chloe’s journey into organising the ball, sponsored by country clothing brand, Alan Paine, has been a labour of love, draws on her background in the events industry and her personal connection to the countryside, Chloe has poured her heart into creating an unforgettable experience and I for one, cannot wait to see what she has created later this evening.

Country Content, a small creative agency which strives to connect brands with aspiring and professional creators to forge authentic collaborations which resonate and reflect both the brand’s image and voice, as well as the creator’s life and style.

Beyond being a business endeavour, Country Content has grown into a vibrant community, thanks to Chloe and Jordanna’s dedication.

“The Tweed Ball marks the beginning of a new chapter, with exciting opportunities on the horizon for brands, content creators, and the countryside community. [Our] vision for 2024 is to elevate Country Content, showcasing the talent, friendships, and the boundless potential of social media for brands and creators alike.”

At Countrywoman’s Guide, we are passionate about representing the real countryside and women within it, however the way our lifestyle is represented digitally is a vital part of this, and we recognise that what we share online can have a direct influence with how other’s view our community and industry.

We also recognise that we are all different and that is what makes us unique, being different doesn’t make anyone less. Our lifestyle is broad, there are many corners and faculties within it, all of which play an important part, Emma sees this first hand with Hiho Silver and both its customers and creators.

Image by Rachel Collins Photography.

We recognise and respect that the “influencer” aesthetic doesn’t speak to everyone, to some, it is viewed as wildly impractical. I for one, wouldn’t be able to keep a pair of white jeans clean for longer than 20-minutes nowadays, with my animals and scattiness, but for others, the ritual of ‘dressing up’ is almost a form of self-care and something they are passionate about. However, events such as this, bring countrywomen together, regardless of which side of the fence you sit and that, is something to be celebrated.

Through attending the Alan Paine Tweed Ball, we are able to support Chloe and her mission to unite brands with professional creators, creating powerful marketing campaigns that are authentic and real.

Keep an eye on our Instagram later for updates throughout the night and glimpses into the tweed-infused celebrations in Cambridgeshire later this evening.