Check out this guide to the best family festivals and gatherings happening across the UK. From tiny camps to bombastic music extravaganzas we’ve packed it in here. Plus 8 things not to leave home without!
This year to help you plan your ultimate adventure, we’ve grouped our favourite events into themes. So whether you’re looking for something small and intimate, or you want to see big names in a safe, secure environment, you’ll find it here. We’re so excited to share the best family festivals of 2024 with you!
IF YOU WANT AN EVENT ESPECIALLY GEARED TOWARDS FAMILIES
ELDERFLOWER FIELDS Pippingford Park Sussex 24-27 May south.elderflowerfields.co.uk
This is an intentionally small family festival on a beautiful, hilly and wild site. It’s a safe space but with plenty of activities to choose from. Think skateboarding lessons, Woodland Tribe adventure play, tree climbing, campfire cooking, nature mandala making and a nightjar walk! Plus wild spa with wood fired hot tubs and sauna, cold shower and ice bath. Yum!
WILD CHILD WEEKEND FOR FAMILIES South Devon 12-14 July wildwise.co.uk
Expect a menu of immersive activity that will take your connection to the natural world to a whole new level. The weekend is also about connection to each other, building community, forming new friendships and learning new skills. There’ll be bushcraft and survival skills, outdoor games and storytelling, mostly aimed at children aged over six years old.
STARRY VILLAGE Kentchurch Estate, Herefordshire 25-28 July starryvillage.com
This colourful community is a place where people of all ages and backgrounds come together to play, learn and co-create a hopeful future. The organisers believe that all families should have access to wild nature, intergenerational play, experiences with 21st century skills, and a chance to experiment with sustainable living – and at Starry Village, they can.
CAMP BESTIVAL Lulworth Castle 25-28 July or Weston Park Shropshire 18-21 August https://campbestival.net
Designed by families especially for families, Camp Bestival combines all the fun of a fantastic family camping holiday with everything you’d expect from an idyllic and action-packed festival adventure. We have a host of activities for the whole family throughout the weekend, ranging from dreamy diversions to awesome adventures. Almost all of our activities are free but there are a handful that are paid-for or must be pre-booked… find out more below From Roller rink dance classes to slow motion print making, wall climbing to Big Build Woodland Tribe.
SUMMER CAMP Hawarden Estate, North East Wales 26-29 July thegoodlifesociety.co.uk/events/summer-camp-2024
This is an intimate event - an opportunity to reconnect with the outdoors whilst staying in one of the most beautiful places in the country. Your chance to escape from everyday life. There are other weekends over the summer with music and talks and camping, aimed at all, not just families.
TRILL ON THE HILL East Devon 27 July to 1 Aug trillonthehill.co.uk
Family Camp at Trill on the Hill is the perfect escape from everyday life. Join up to 10 families for a special wild camping experience in rural East Devon. Cook on a campfire, gaze at the stars, run wild through the woods, track creatures of the night, make music, whittle, weave, wallow. Hosted by the founder of Neal’s Yard Remedies, this is a wild camp – there’s cold running water, compost loos and some ingenious hot bucket showers! You’ll prepare your own meals and share a communal feast on the last night.
ON THE HILL SUMMER FAMILY CAMP Oxen Park Farm, South Devon 13-18 August onthehill.camp/familycamp
Now in their fourth year, these camps are held by a warm and creative hosting team, with diverse facilitators. Each day starts with a morning circle and then there are workshops in rural crafts, gardening and cooking, clay play, fire-building, drumming, singing, yoga and more. There’s also plenty of down time for reading a book by the wildlife ponds, swinging in the hammock or wandering up the hill at sunset. And a wood fired hot tub built by young people at last year’s camp!
JUST SO FESTIVAL Rode Hall, Cheshire, 16-18 August justsofestival.org.uk
An imaginative outdoor family adventure, like no other. With a love of stories and childhood escapades at its heart, Just So enables families to step out of their day to day lives and into a wonderland of arts, theatre, dance, music and comedy. Organisers invite you to step out of the everyday and immerse your family in an unforgettable weekend of mischief, mayhem, and magical moments creating memories to last a lifetime!
CAMP KINDLING Sevenoaks, Kent 16-19 August campkindling.co.uk
This event brings together adventure with a full festival experience and the setting is truly magic; a forest full of tall, breathtaking trees. Choose from more than 100 activities by day, and over 50 live bands, DJs, comedians and stories by night.
GERONIMO, Arley Hall, Cheshire 23-26 August geronimofest.com
Imagine all of your children’s favourite performers, characters, songs and fun in one weekend of colour, sparkle, giggles and bubbles. Geronimo has a wealth of talent to delight children and parents alike. Like a mini holiday rolled into one magical weekend.
INTO THE TREES Ashdown Forest, Sussex 6-8 September into-the-trees.co.uk
This weekend offers a rare chance to relax and explore the woods with your family. Now in its 6th year, Into the Trees is brought to you by the team behind Elderflower Fields. It’s about adventure, discovery and inspiration and there’s plenty of space where kids can run free.
IF YOU BELIEVE IN MAGIC
3 WISHES FAIRY FESTIVAL Glastonbury 16-18 August fairyfestival.co.uk
There will be more than a hundred workshops and activities for you at this magical festival for all the family. This year in a beautiful new location just outside Glastonbury. The Fairy School is free and opens every day or you can meet a mermaid in the magical lagoon, listen to live music and pop by the fairy bar! This is a plant-based festival – all food is vegetarian and vegan. Under 7’s are free.
IF YOU WANT TO HEAL AND REFRESH
SOUL REVOLUTION Weston Park in Shifnal on the border between Staffordshire & Shropshire 21- 24 June soulrevolutionfestival.com
A transformational gathering where holistic health, world music, and community come together to ctreate a life-changing experience that inspires a new way of being. Experience the liberation of embracing a festival with no alcohol or substances in an incredibly family-friendly, safe, and accepting environment. Feel what it means to be free to be your true self.
BUDDHAFIELD FESTIVAL Nr. Taunton 17-21 July buddhafield.com
A joyful gathering of people who come together to celebrate community and connection with the land. The festival offers diverse activities, including song, dance, arts and crafts, yoga, meditation, and play, all without alcoholic drinks or recreational drugs, creating a loving and life-affirming space. There are workshops, Buddhist teachings, and rituals, making it an open and inclusive event for everyone, regardless of their background or beliefs. The theme for 2024 is With Arms Wide Open.
MEDICINE FESTIVAL Berkshire 14-19 August medicinefestival.com
All profits from the festival go to help empower indigenous peoples to preserve and protect their land, traditions, and wisdom. The vision is one where nature is cherished, peace is revered and difference is celebrated. Medicine is about interweaving communities and bridging cultures – bringing soulful music and thoughtful talks from across the globe to a dappled glade.
TRIBAL EARTH Laughton, Sussex 15-18 August tribalearth.co.uk
Tribal Earth is a safe and friendly festival in a beautiful setting overlooking the South Downs. A special part of the festival is the opening ceremony on Thursday. Profits from the events are donated to The Clock Tower Sanctuary supporting homeless young people in Brighton and Hove.
SUN AND MOON WELLNESS FESTIVAL Wolverstone, Suffolk 19-26 August sunandmoonfestival.com
A whole week of activities and courses for adults and children. For kids, sporting pursuits include a full football training camp, as well as cricket, tennis, climbing and more. Creative pursuits include music, singing, dance, craft workshops, den building, martial arts & circus skills. See website for amazing array of workshops.
INTO THE WILD Chiddinglye Estate, Sussex 22-26 August intothewildgathering.com
Make friends for life, learn new skills, relax and be yourself with the whole family. Surrounded by meadows, forests and dark skies there are over 200 workshops and activities, brilliant world music, wild crafts, speakers and a wholesome kids area. Imagine a festival where you feel healthier, more connected, at ease and joyful than when you arrived!
VERVE Tisbury, Wilts 21-22 Sept feeltheverve.com
This wellness festival offers 5 stages of breathwork, meditation, yoga, drumming and fitness classes plus expert talks on everything from sober curiosity to sustainable eating. Feast on the finest locally sourced food & drink or unwind with a facial or restorative massage in the Woodland Spa.
IF YOU WANT TO LEARN SOMETHING NEW
HOW THE LIGHT GETS IN Hay On Wye 24-27 May howthelightgetsin.org/festivals/hay
The world’s largest philosophy and music festival, the aim is to bring together a diverse mix of philosophers, academics, scientists, musicians, comedians and creatives from around the world. Spend your days listening, learning and interacting with leading intellectuals. And things don’t slow down after sunset!
FIRST LIGHT FESTIVAL Lowestoft 22-23 June firstlightlowestoft.com
With inclusivity and sustainability at its heart, First Light is powered by female-led talent this year, including DJ and broadcaster Colleen 'Cosmo' Murphy, comedian Shaparak Khorsandi and award-winning poet Hollie McNish. There’s also the chance to spend a weekend under the stars in the wild beach camping zone!
ALSO FESTIVAL Warwicks 12-14 July also-festival.com
Choose from a huge programme of events and curate your own adventure: life-enhancing ideas and big bands on the main stage, eclectic electronica and comedy in the woods, long table dinners, tastings and demos, and creative masterclasses all around a beautiful lakeside location.
UNDERNEATH THE STARS FESTIVAL Barnsley 2-4 August underneaththestarsfest.co.uk
A not-for-profit music and arts festival established in 2014 to provide a platform for both emerging and established artists and to bring adventure for all ages. A place where you can discover new music, learn new skills, and make new friends.
WILDERNESS GATHERING Hole Park 15-18 August wildernessgathering.co.uk
The original festival of bushcraft, survival and primitive living skills, the Gathering packs four days of knowledge sharing into a relaxed and family friendly atmosphere. Try your hand at axe throwing, build a boat, take a herb walk or do a primitive pottery class; there’s heaps of activities to choose from
BETWEEN THE TREES Merthyr Mawr National Nature Reserve, South Wales 22-25 August betweenthetrees.co.uk
Two educators noticed that students were becoming increasingly unmotivated and felt that was largely due to nature disconnect. So they created a festival to address the problem. One with community, conversation and those activities that improve well-being, both physical and mental at its heart.
IF YOU WANT TO GO BACK TO THE ROOTS
FIRE IN THE MOUNTAIN Nr. Cardigan, Wales 30 May to 3 June fireinthemountain.co.uk
Back in 2009, a group of friends who loved folk song and bluegrass/old time music started visiting an ancient hill farm, owned by Marianne Taylor, which had been her home for 25 years. When she retired, it had become a struggle to maintain the farm - and, keen to see the place back in good condition, she invited some volunteers to do some repairs. The volunteers brought bands to play, ordered several barrels of beer and a festival was born!
FOLK IN A FIELD Nr. Swaffham, Norfolk 4-7 July folkinafield.co.uk
Set in a remote woodland clearing, Folk in a Field brings together a diverse mix of folk and roots from all over. This award-winning family friendly festival boasts a laid back environment, free activities and shows, workshops, stalls, treatments and open mic. Free admission for under 12's.
TIMBER FESTIVAL The National Forest 5-7 July timberfestival.org.uk
This festival is a celebration of The National Forest and the transformative impact of trees and forests on our lives. It began in 2018, and promises a diverse range of nature activities, great music, inspiring talks and spaces where kids can run free.
STAINSBY FESTIVAL Stainsby, North Yorks 19-21 July stainsbyfestival.org.uk
This not-for-profit event is run entirely by unpaid volunteers and is all about live music and performance, featuring mainly folk and world music. Situated on a rural greenfield site with views out to the National Trust's Hardwick Hall, the site returns to pasture after the festival.
FOLK BY THE OAK Hatfield Park 21 July folkbytheoak.com
Just outside of London this one day festival immerses you in music, history, ancient oaks, bunting, fun and laughter. From the intimacy of the Acorn Stage to the open air festival buzz of the main stage, expect award winning musicians and inspiring new talent. There’s circus skills, henna art, climbing walls, singing workshops, archery and fairy dancing!
HARLEQUIN FAYRE West Norfolk 25-28 July harlequinfayre.co.uk
Expect space, woodlands and calm with a fun, safe and thoughtfully designed children’s field. Every day it plays host to shows, heaps of free play, thoughtful workshops and creative spaces. Try archery, medieval games; and enjoy storytelling events woven throughout the festival.
GREEN GATHERING Chepstow 1-4 August greengathering.org.uk
Powered by wind, sun and people this original off-grid festival brings an eclectic and eccentric array of artists to the stage. There’s also crafts, campaigns, permaculture, kids' area, green markets and more. The large central Children’s Garden has shady trees and grassy lawns to run around in, surrounded by tents packed with activities and kids' hang-outs. The Teens Space has circus skills, crafts, music and games.
THE MAGPIE’S FESTIVAL Sutton Park 9-10 August themagpiesfestival.co.uk
Run by Yorkshire-based transatlantic folk band, The Magpies, the local community is central to the festival's ethos, which aims to support emerging local musicians. The all-female band are set on championing gender equality in the music industry, achieving gender parity in both line-up and staff, as well as providing a safe and comfortable environment for female musicians and festival goers.
RAINBOW CAMP Forest of Dean 16-26 August rainbowcamp.co.uk
This is an eclectic, joyous gathering which is all about living in community. A place to make life-long friends, where children can run free, and you can take part in workshops, music, dancing, yoga and ritual. There’s nightly campfires and star gazing, plus wood-fired showers and sauna.
TOWERSEY FESTIVAL Claydon Estate, Nr Buckingham 23-26 August towerseyfestival.com
Billy Bragg and The Staves headline this 60th anniversary year. Towersey has a dedicated team running daily activities for young people, a space to feed and change your babies and a safe place for lost and found children.
SHREWSBURY FOLK FESTIVAL 23-26 August shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk
An event that’s really geared up to festival goers of all ages. For children up to 11 years old, Pandemonium brings music, dance, crafts, storytelling, drama and lots more fun, while at Refolkus, 11-20 years olds can get creative through music, dance, circus skills, henna tattooing and more.
SMALL WORLD SUMMER FESTIVAL Headcorn Kent 25-29 August smallworldsolarstage.org
This small festival is powered by the wind and sun and is all about creative spirit and sustainable living. The kids’ area on the village green brings music, dressing up, science and craft workshops, while teens can hone their circus skills and take part in a fire show. There’s a speaker’s forum and campaign space, veggie food and herbal first aid.
Festivals are great places for kids to learn about themselves; they can experience how it feels to have more autonomy than usual
Jennifer Bishop, teacher
IF YOU WANT TO BE ENTERTAINED
HEVER FESTIVAL Hever, 27 May – 30 Aug heverfestival.co.uk
This summer brings a series of events including some of the finest theatre and music to the grounds of Hever Castle. From Dr. Doolittle to Jeeves and Wooster, Romeo and Juliet to Blackadder, there’s an exciting line up for the whole family. Tickets for matinee performances include entry into the castle gardens after the show has finished.
CAMBRIDGE FOLK FESTIVAL 25-28 July cambridgelive.org.uk/folk-festival
One of the longest running folk festivals in the world, it’s renowned for its eclectic mix of music. Set the in the beautiful surroundings of Cherry Hinton Hall Park, the festival is just 15 minutes away from the city centre. A big part of the Festival’s ethos is to celebrate and nurture emerging talent – check out The Den and the Hub, for musicians under 30 years old.
SHAMBALA Northhants 22-25 August shambalafestival.org
In recent years, organisers have reduced the festival’s carbon footprint by over 90%, achieved 100% renewable electricity, become meat and fish free, and eradicated single use plastics. The original playful family festival, look out for the parachute games, giant bubbles, a real robot and remember… to quote Plato “You can discover more in an hour of play than a year of study!”
IF YOU LOVE MUSIC AND WANT BIGGER NAMES!
BEARDED THEORY Catton Hall Derbyshire 23- 26 May beardedtheory.co.uk
Bearded Theory is an award winning creative and performing arts festival set in the heart of the National Forest. It’s an independent music festival with no sponsorship or branding; it’s always been audience led. This Year Jane’s Addiction are playing alongside Future Islands. The fancy dress theme is sci-fi and they even run a Festival School on the Friday for those kids who’d otherwise be missing school!
SHINDIG FESTIVAL Dillington Estate, Somerset, 23-26 May shindigfestival.co.uk
The tenth (and sadly final) edition of Shindig combines old-school royalty, festival residents with many rising stars to ensure there’s something for everyone. Groove Armada will be doing a DJ set and Brand New Heavies will be headlining. The Kids Kingdom has many delights including a skate ramp, crazy golf course, cinema and plenty of inflatable fun. You can book clay-modelling workshops, drumming sessions and make clothes from scrap materials.
WYCHWOOD Cheltenham Racecourse 31 May to 2 June wychwoodfestival.com
Launched in 2005 by a group of festival enthusiasts wanting to create an intimate experience, delivering the best acts of the day, up and coming music, and some other specialties you might not ordinarily come across! As well as music (this year they play host to Sister Sledge, Texas and Ocean Colour Scene), the family-friendly three-day festival includes workshops, comedy, the Children's Literature Festival, and a Headphone Disco.
BLACK DEER FESTIVAL Eridge Park, Kent 14-16 June blackdeerfestival.com
On a mission to bring real Americana and Country music to the UK, this year you can catch Joe Bonamassa, Sheryl Crow and Seasick Steve amongst many others. New and established roots-inspired artists will be telling their stories either around the campfire or from one of the stages.
LOVE SUPREME, Glynde Place, Sussex 5-7 July lovesupremefestival.com
The Love Supreme Jazz Festival is the largest outdoor jazz festival in Europe. Held over three days on the first weekend of July, Love Supreme hosts a world-class line up of jazz, R&B, funk, soul and more. The festival’s home is the stunning grounds of Glynde Place. This year Chaka Khan, Olivia Dean and Dionne Warwick are headlining.
NOZSTOCK Bromyard 18-21 July nozstock.com
It’s the final countdown - the last ever Nozstock promises to be the ultimate party with Andy C and Boney M, Arrested Development and Turno on the main stage. Now in its 26th year, the festival organisers have decided to bring back the favourites. Little Wonderland is the dedicated kids space, providing crafts, activities and entertainment for young and old!
LATITUDE Henham Park, Suffolk 25-28 July latitudefestival.com
Headlining this year there’s London Grammar, Orbital and Duran Duran. There’s also theatre stages, comedy, a podcasts and conversations tent. The Kids Area has a packed programme, more like a festival within a festival! We love the sound of the geodome and its wildlife garden, the World of Puppets shows and Woodland Base. Organised by The Woodcraft Folk this area includes a mud kitchen, rope bridges and campfire song sessions. Also Fairyland Trust returns this year to teach children about nature through crafts.
WOMAD Charlton Park, Malmesbury 25-28 July womad.co.uk
This year Young Fathers, Amadou Mariam and Gogol Bordello are headlining. Not only are children aged 13 and under free at WOMAD, they also get a huge area to explore, create, learn, play, and have the best time. The World of Children runs from 9am to 7pm each day and almost all of the activities are absolutely free.
DEER SHED FESTIVAL Baldersby Park, N. Yorks, 26-29 July deershedfestival.com
There are no kid’s areas as such at Deer Shed. The whole site is accessible to everyone and designed to invoke wonder. The music coming through high fidelity PA systems will be thrilling and contemporary, but you can share that thrill with your kids and feel perfectly safe at the same time. This year headliners include The Coral and Bombay Bicycle Club.
KENDAL CALLING Nr. Penrith, Cumbria 1-4 August kendalcalling.co.uk
On the main stage this year Paolo Nutini and The Streets play alongside Sugababes and Keane. The kids’ area features activities for children of all ages, including yoga, theatre shows, inflatables, circus workshops face painting and more. While the little ones are off enjoying themselves, this is also a chance for the parents to kick back, relax and recharge their batteries away from the hustle and bustle of the main festival.
Y NOT FESTIVAL Derbyshire, 2-4 August ynotfestival.com
This promises to be an epic weekend away for families with headliners including Snow Patrol and Jamie T. Not only is it a chance to instill really good music taste into your little ones, there’s plenty on offer in the daytime. The Circus brings a cast of talented performers ready to dazzle with their brilliant bendy acrobatic skills! Mega Stars provide a range of games, sports and craft activities assisted by specialist sports coaches offering athletics, orienteering, multi-skills games, and more.
BOOMTOWN Matterley Estate, Hants 7-11 August boomtownfair.co.uk
The aim at Boomtown is that people of all backgrounds, beliefs, ages, gender identities, sexual orientations, abilities and races come together to share in the delight and playfulness of this huge festival. This is like a parallel world where unique city districts come alive. With 12 main stages, over 50 hidden venues, thousands of performers, and one secret lineup. Boomtown is a place like no other. The line-up is not released until just before the festival.
DEVAFEST Cholmondeley Castle, Cheshire 8-11 August devafest.co.uk
This year headliners include Ocean Colour Scene and The Human League and the main stage is inside a huge big top, so you can enjoy them whatever the weather. There’s free fairground rides, on site watersports, circus shows and parades.
GREEN MAN Bannau Brycheiniog 15-18 August greenman.net
From Big Thief through Sleaford Mods to Sampha and Jon Hopkins there’s plenty to get excited about. Green Man are really good at championing new music too – check out the Rising stage. Little Folk caters for the tiniest of tots all the way through to the most intrepid 12-year-olds. It’s bursting with workshops, music and mischief. And there’s a Children’s Parade on Sunday afternoon. In the teen area there’s DJ workshops, fire shows, filmmaking fun and more.
BEAUTIFUL DAYS Escot Park, Devon 16-18 August beautifuldays.org
Beautiful Days is the Levellers’ family music festival and this year brings The Saw Doctors, Fat Freddy’s Drop and Richard Ashcroft to the stage. Proudly independent, Beautiful Days has no sponsorship or funding. There’s a huge children’s area, walkabout theatre, family camping and Kanga Wellbeing with a range of therapies and classes.
HARDWICK FESTIVAL Stockton on Tees 16-18 August hardwickfestival.co.uk
For their tenth anniversary they’ve lined up Snow Patrol, Becky Hill and Blossoms. They want to create something for the whole family, with a wooded children’s area where you can go for face painting, magic shows, ventriloquist shows and vintage fairground.
STOWAWAY FESTIVAL Buckingham 16-18 August stowawayfestival.co.uk
Now in its third year, Stowaway Festival is built by friends, for friends. They’ve aimed to curate the perfect weekend antidote to the trappings of the modern world. This year the line-up includes Leftfield, Maribou Stet and Greentea Peng.
END OF THE ROAD FESTIVAL Blandford Forum, Dorset 29 Aug – 1 Sept endoftheroadfestival.com
Idles and Slow Dive, Bonnie Prince Charlie and Fever Ray are headlining this year at this festival that’s ‘serious about music’. There’s a woodland wonderland, strewn with art installations and decorated spaces and a musical edge to almost everything on site. You’ll often find musicians wandering about the site and watching other bands’ shows. Sometimes spontaneous performances result!
IF YOU LOVE CRAFTS AND TRADITIONAL SKILLS
WOODLAND FESTIVAL Thoresby Park Estate 15-16 June sherwoodforest.org.uk
This is the tenth year of forestry fun in the beautiful grounds of the Walled Garden. It’s a celebration of woodlands and traditional crafts. There’s kids eco art, coracle building, tree stories and a chance to meet the Wild Man of The Woods.
IF YOU LOVE STORYTELLING
FESTIVAL AT THE EDGE Hopton Court, Kidderminster, 19-21 July festivalattheedge.org
Festival at the Edge strives to bring you the very best in traditional, and contemporary storytelling from the British Isles, and around the globe. Expect stories that make you think, make you happy, make you sad, make you laugh out loud. There’s something for everyone. Plus live music, dance artists and morris troops, performing throughout the weekend.
OXFORD STORYTELLING FESTIVAL Waterperry House and Gardens 23-25 August oxfordstorytellingfestival.co.uk
The fourth year of this intimate weekend festival is about weaving magic with stories, spoken word, poetry and song. It’s a true feast for the senses. There’s a grand tipi full of stories and magic, musicians with songs collected over the ages, an open mic and areas for young people to explore and perform.
IF YOU LOVE FOOD!
VALLEY FEST Chew Magna, Bristol 1-4 August valleyfest.co.uk
This event takes place alongside the glittering Chew Valley Lake with the rolling Mendip hills in the background and it’s only 9 miles from Bristol and Bath. Expect live music as well as fine local food producers. There’s also lots for kids to do! The Alchemist’s Playground, set up by Woodland Tribe is a place for kids and adults to play.
THE BIG FEASTIVAL Cotswolds 23-25 August thebigfeastival.com
Taking place on Alex James' idyllic Cotswolds farm, Big Feastival brings together music from the UK’s biggest artists, Michelin star chefs, award-winning street food and family activities. There’s wild workshops, crafting, meet and greets with favourite characters and much more.
IF YOU WANT TO BE ACTIVE
THE BIG RETREAT Pembs, Wales 24-27 May thebigretreatfestival.com
Fitness, yoga, adventures in art, wild swimming in the fresh air, and a chance to leave the world behind on the stunning, unspoiled western edge of Wales. Your ticket gives you access to over 300 carefully curated experiences. Little Retreaters can enjoy gardening classes, foraging, wildlife spotting, bug hunts, pond dipping, science workshops and so much more
LOVE TRAILS FESTIVAL South Wales 11-14 July lovetrailsfestival.co.uk
Join a global gathering of thousands for an epic four day celebration of movement, music and outdoor adventure on the wild coast of South Wales. Spend your days running, hiking and exploring, then dance the night away under the stars. Love Trails combines it all into one magical, totally unique weekend.
DANCE CAMP EAST Nr Southwold 20-28 July
Dance Camp East is both a place and a community where you can reconnect with yourself and like-minded people. It doesn't matter whether you've been coming for years or you've never been before. There will always be a place around the fire for you. From dance to singing, healing to sauna and hot tub, the organisers hope that you leave the field feeling energised, inspired and ready to take that out into the wider world.
YOGA FESTIVAL Henley On Thames 1-4 August yogafestival.world
Founded in 2016, World Yoga Festival brings together an amazing collection of teachers every year. Somewhere between retreat and festival, you’ll find ample time to relax as well as practice yoga, make your own T-shirts, do drumming workshops and make South Indian floor art as well as much more.
SOUL CIRCUS Cotswolds 15-18 August soulcircus.yoga
A well being festival where music, yoga and holistic therapies meets glittery festival antics and DJ after parties. Stretch out in yoga tipis and lush countryside by day and dance under the stars by night. Spend your days doing yoga, breath work, aerial skills, fitness, dance, tantra and much more. The festival mission is to create a festival to ‘put yourself back together’ and recalibrate.
GONE WILD FESTIVAL Holkham Hall, Norfolk 8-11 August or Powderham Castle, Devon, 22-25 August gonewildfestival.com
This adventure festival is packed with a range of fun activities for the whole family, including kayaking and stand up paddle boarding, a purpose-built obstacle course, open water swimming and climbing. Expert instructors from the Bear Grylls Survival Academy will teach children and adults essential survival skills such as shelter building, fire lighting and campfire cooking.
8 FAMILY FESTIVAL ESSENTIALS - DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT THEM!
What to bring
Tent
Obviously! If you’re thinking about bringing your lovely canvas bell tent, do remember you’ve got to get it from your car to the campsite and back again so bring a trolley or sturdy buggy if you need to. A mallet is also useful.
Mattresses and bedding
Think sleeping bags, blankets, pillows and roll mats. Nothing is worse than feeling like you can’t get a good night’s sleep and it can be surprisingly cold in the middle of the night. It’s also a good idea to keep spare blankets and a set of dry clothes for everyone in the car, just in case.
Torches/lights
Bring torches to help avoid tripping over other people’s guy ropes and seeing what you are doing inside the tent. Solar fairy lights are also helpful for spotting your tent at night.
Clothing
Pack clothing for all eventualities, even if the forecast is great! It is possible to have an amazing festival experience in the wet, provided you’re properly equipped, so make sure you bring wellies and raincoats as well as flip-flops and sun cream.
Fancy dress
Bring some fun clothing to get dressed up in, or some eco glitter. Anything to add a bit of sparkle to the event!
Food & drink
It’s not a bad idea to bring some snacks and drinks to keep the kids happy back at camp. If you plan to cook consider the environment in what you pack, and check for fire bans in case of exceptionally dry weather.
Cups, mugs and water bottles
Bring a drinking bottle and fill it up with water from taps, which should be found on site. Using your own coffee cup for your hot drink will help reduce waste.
Extras
Pack sun cream, ear defenders for any kids not keen on loud music, and a potty if you have small children.
With thanks to into-the-trees.co.uk for handy info!
5 THINGS TO REMEMBER FOR FAMILY FESTIVALS
Here’s a festival manifesto for you!
· LEAVE NOTHING BUT MEMORIES Leave the site tidy and take your tent and all your belongings home!
· CONSIDER YOUR TRAVEL Use public transport or car share wherever possible!
· ONLY BRING WHAT YOU NEED Consider your use of resources. Team up with other festival going families and share wagons, torches, mallets, etc.
· MAKE ECO CONSCIOUS CHOICES Keep your environmental impact in mind when at a festival. Search out people doing great things while you’re there and learn more about making a positive impact.
· PROTECT WILDLIFE Choose plastic free, reuse as much as possible and throw your rubbish in the bin.
MORE INSPIRATION
READ From encouraging creativity to building confidence, read more about the benefits of festivals for children.
