If there’s one thing the Thin White Duke gave us besides genre-defying music, outrageous fashion, and enough alter-egos to fill a Doctor Who season, it’s permission to be whoever the hell we want. And now, Ziggyfest — the UK’s festival dedicated to all things Bowie — is taking that ethos and running with it.

This year, alongside live tribute acts, cosmic art installations, and more glitter than a Valleys hen party, Ziggyfest is unveiling its show-stopper: a David Bowie Lookalike Contest.

Yep. You. On stage. Painted, glittered, suited, or mulleted — ready to prove you are the starman waiting in the sky. 🌌

🎤 What’s Occurring at Ziggyfest?

Ziggyfest isn’t just another tribute gig. It’s a full-on, weekend-long Bowie carnival, pulling fans together from every galaxy (well, at least from across the UK). Expect:

  • 🎸 Tribute bands covering everything from Ziggy Stardust’s glam rock stompers to Blackstar’s haunting brilliance.
  • 🖼️ Art installations inspired by Bowie’s surreal album covers and stage designs.
  • 💫 Costume parades celebrating every Bowie era, from Berlin cool to Diamond Dogs chaos.
  • 🍻 A crowd that looks like Camden Market and a Pride parade had a glitter-soaked baby.

And now? Add the lookalike contest to the mix. Think drag competition meets cosplay meets karaoke, except the only rule is: be Bowie.

🏆 The Lookalike Contest – Details, Darling

So, what’s the crack?

📅 When: Saturday evening, just before the main tribute headliner.
📍 Where: Main stage, with the entire festival cheering you on.
🎭 How to Enter: Rock up in your best Bowie gear and sign up at the festival info tent before 3pm.
🎁 Prizes: Rumour has it winners will snag free festival passes, exclusive Ziggyfest merch bundles, and eternal bragging rights as the chosen Stardust twin.

⚡ Which Bowie Are You? A Guide to the Ultimate Eras

Let’s be honest, “Bowie lookalike” isn’t one-size-fits-all. The man was a chameleon, reinventing himself like the rest of us change socks. So which Bowie are you going to channel? Let’s break it down:

🎸 Ziggy Stardust (1972–73)

The OG glam alien. Red mullet, glittery catsuits, knee-high boots, and more makeup than Boots’ Christmas aisle.
How to nail it: Grab some lightning bolt face paint, slap on platform boots, and strut like you’re about to land a UFO in Treorchy.

⚡ Aladdin Sane (1973)

Iconic lightning bolt across the face. Minimalist but maximum impact.
How to nail it: Shave your eyebrows (commitment points!), or just grab a wig. Paint that lightning bolt crisply — wobbly lines and you’ll look like Poundland Bowie.

🕶️ The Thin White Duke (1976)

Bowie’s sharpest look. Black trousers, white shirt, waistcoat, slicked-back hair. The most cosplay-friendly Bowie.
How to nail it: Perfect for those who don’t fancy glitter but want icy cool. Pair it with a cigarette (fake one, mun) and a stare that could freeze water.

🧩 Jareth the Goblin King (1986)

Labyrinth-era Bowie. Mullet, velvet, ruffled shirt, and trousers so tight they caused an entire generation of sexual awakenings.
How to nail it: Grab a crystal ball prop and be prepared for people to yell “You remind me of the babe!” every five minutes.

🕶️ Berlin Bowie (1977–79)

Leather jacket, jeans, sunglasses. Moody, artistic, and a lot easier to pull off if you’re skint.
How to nail it: This is your “last minute Tesco costume run” Bowie. Bonus points if you look perpetually hungover.

🌑 Blackstar Bowie (2016)

Final, hauntingly stylish Bowie. Black and white palette, stark outfits, otherworldly vibes.
How to nail it: Dramatic cloaks, minimalist face paint, and mysterious stares. Bring tissues. This one hits the heart.

🎤 What the Judges Will Be Looking For

Think it’s just about the outfit? Think again, butt. Judges will be looking for:

  1. Stage presence – Can you strut, preen, and pose like the real deal?
  2. Attention to detail – From lightning bolt accuracy to the right boots.
  3. Energy – Bowie wasn’t shy. Neither should you be.
  4. Vibes – It’s less about looking identical, more about embodying the spirit.

🍻 Why This Contest Is Pure Bowie Spirit

Bowie was never about blending in. He was about standing out, standing proud, and showing the world your weirdest, wildest self. Ziggyfest’s lookalike contest isn’t just a bit of fun — it’s a tribute to that philosophy.

Everyone, from die-hard fans to casual glitter enthusiasts, gets to embody Bowie for a night. And in that moment? We’re all heroes. Just for one day.

🥁 Final Riff

So, grab your platforms, sharpen your lightning bolts, and oil that mullet wig — Ziggyfest’s lookalike contest is shaping up to be the stuff of legends. Whether you’re a glam alien, a Berlin poet, or the Goblin King himself, there’s a Bowie in you waiting to step into the spotlight.

C’mon butt — let’s dance. 💃