We found the inventor of the Rizla hat, festival season’s most vital acc-sesh-ory

Where did you get the idea of making the hat from?

We were out the night before drinking and I ran out of Rizla the last time I was at Forbidden Forest in May. The lads were like 'we're not running out again, Stew. Stick a load to your bucket hat'. So we did it in the morning just before leaving. We didn't run out.

We saw another guy wearing a Rizla bucket hat at Houghton Festival in August. Had you seen that before you made it?

No, I hadn't seen it. It was only when someone said 'someone else has done it as well'. I was like 'oh, great minds think alike!'

How long did it take you to make?

About five minutes. Literally, I woke up absolutely hanging and was like 'oh, I've got that to do.' So yeah, hot glue gun for the win.

And you're a smoker yourself?

Unfortunately I am, yeah.

How many rollies did you get through on the day?

God, it's hard to say. Probably about 20 or 30. It's quite bad to be honest.

What brand is the hat?

It's just a cheap one, I don't even know. My little sister bought it for me ages ago. There's no label inside or anything.

I bet your sister's happy that it's gone viral.

Yeah, she can't believe it!

Was everyone at the festival hassling you for Rizla?

Not really hassling me, just like 'can I take one?' I was like 'yeah, go for it. That's what it's here for.' We all ran out last time and no one else needs that struggle.

How many people asked for photos?

Ah, loads. I lost count. Loads of people are still sending me photos now from all over the UK like 'oh, it's you.' It's pretty cool.

You're not going to let the fame go to your head, are you?

No, no.

Did you keep the hat on your head at all times? I guess you didn't want to lose it.

No, it never came off. I took a spare hat just in case someone tried to nick it, but everyone left it on so happy days.

Did you manage to get it back home in good condition?

Yeah, it's back home. It's hanging up on the wall. It's all there in one piece, apart from a load of packets being empty.

Do you reckon you'll remake it and wear it at other events?

Yeah. Nico The Beardo from Beatswang in Leicester has asked me to go up to that. He said bring the hat up so I've got to refill it ready to go again.

He asked you up especially because of the hat?

Yeah, I'm on the guestlist. Pretty cool, pretty cool.

So, do you reckon you'll be like the Love Island guys and get a load of DJ bookings from this?

Hopefully I'll make it there. You never know.

Would you be looking to make a few more hats and sell them on?

Yeah, definitely. My mates have already asked me to make some for them as they're going to the big festivals like Creamfields and Boomtown next year.

What famous people or DJs would you like to see wearing your hat?

Any of them really. My Nu Leng would be a good one. Shy FX, Beardo. All of them lot. There's some big ones out there.

It's the type of thing you might see on Art Attack back in the day. Was that a childhood favourite of yours?

Yeah, it was actually. That and restoring things and making stuff. That's why I've become a mechanic. It's never left me!

Did you like the Art Attack presenter Neil Buchanan when you were younger, too?

Yeah, yeah. He was alright. I dunno what he's like now.

Just to finish off, what's your life motto? You looked pretty happy in that video.

Yeah, just enjoy myself. It's a break from work and my time to relax.

Patrick Hinton is Mixmag's Digital Staff Writer, finding the Rizla bucket hat inventor ranks higher as a life achievement than his degree, follow him on Twitter

Dave Turner is Mixmag's Digital News Editor, he has a poster of Neil Buchanan on his bedroom wall, follow him on Twitter