Seek out your inner hippy and join the festival crowd
Taking the lead from Woodstock and Glastonbury, the number of festivals becoming established across the UK during the spring and summer months is on the increase. But it’s not all about the music. By way of natural progression, festival organisers have tapped into the family market, and each year more and more family friendly festivals take place in open fields, the gardens of castles and stately homes and other open spaces.
So, dig out your tent, grab your family and find your inner hippy because at BCH Camping, we’ve come up with some great festivals for you that will be taking place over the rest of the summer, particularly over the Bank Holiday weekend so get a wiggle on!
Website: https://www.shambalafestival.org/
The Shambala Festival presents unique music acts and DJs that you won’t find at other festivals, along with well-known names that are kept secret until nearer the event. What we can tell you is that there is Playtopia, a dedicated field for children, along with The Woodland Tribe which is a build-your-own adventure playground. There is a creche for little ones and an off-site bush camp for much bigger ones (adults not allowed!).
Website: https://thebigfeastival.com/
The Big Feastival is the big cheese of the festival calendar! Held on the farm of Blur bassist and cheese connoisseur Alex James, this foodie and music festival always guarantees an impressive line-up of chefs, guests and music acts. Previous years’ names include Justin Fletcher and Andy & the Odd Socks of CBeebies, Peppa Pig, the Gruffalo and Paddington. There is plenty for children to do including cookery classes, face painting, jam sessions and the joy of playing with huge haystacks in the den.
Website: https://shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk/
Boasting “some of most established artists from the UK, alongside acts celebrating folk music and dance from across the world”, the Shrewsbury Folk Festival runs the Pandemonium! Children’s Festival alongside the main event, with its comprehensive program of workshops such as music, dance, song, drama and crafts in the kids’ zone, close to the village stage.
Website: https://curiousartsfestival.com/
Set in the stunning backdrop of the New Forest, the Curious Arts Festival could be described as the posh relation of festivals. This music, arts and literature event welcomes high profile names such as John Cleese, authors Phillipa Perry and Max Porter, and musicians The Blow Monkeys, Suggs from Madness and The Feeling. There is a wealth of activities for children at the Institute of Imagination, with the film and poetry workshops being particularly recommended.
Website: http://www.towerseyfestival.com/
The Towersey Festival has been running for over 50 years. Its appeal is as strong as ever, particularly for families. For 5-11 year olds there are plenty of opportunities for creativity, play and discovery under the All About Children program. There are dedicated workshop leaders who love what they do and provide a mix of fun and learning for young guests. Older children can take part in DJ workshops, a Big Build challenge, theatre workshops, or just relax, listening to some great music.
Website: http://www.watchetfestival.co.uk/
The Watchet Music Festival attracts some big names from the music industry. This year, visitors can expect to see Lightning Seeds and Sophie Ellis-Bextor amongst others. There is a children’s area with many creative activities and story-telling from midday until 6pm on the Saturday and Sunday. For grown-ups there is an Open Mic Tent, a food court, various workshops, a festival market, and a Real Ale and cider bar.
Website: http://www.englandsmedievalfestival.com
As you would perhaps expect, England’s Medieval Festival has many outdoor medieval-themed activities. In the fabulous setting of Herstmonceux Castle there is a marketplace, stage shows, family and children’s activities, jousting and siege re-enactments. In the Kids’ Kingdom, children can test their archery skills, take part in a circus school, enjoy a dragon puppet show, take a carriage ride or sing wizard songs.
Website: https://endoftheroadfestival.com
The End of the Road Festival brings together an eclectic mix of performances from musicians, comedy acts and literary figures. There are films to watch and workshops to participate in, while healing practitioners provide treatments and wellbeing guidance throughout the weekend. There are many open spaces and wooded areas to explore. At the children’s and family area there are performances and activities, and a games area with table tennis, bowling and more.
Website: https://www.thegoodlifeexperience.co.uk/
Co-founded by singer Cerys Matthews, The Good Life Experience focuses on craft, outdoor activity, food and music: "Days at The Good Life Experience are full of nurturing, learning and fun and the nights are one big, family-friendly party”. Activities include axe throwing, knot tying, foraging and campfire cooking. There is also a 1930s fairground. Festival goers can expect to see and hear many new music acts that have featured on Matthews’ Radio 6 show, and enjoy fantastic food.
Kendal Calling
Latitude
The Great Wonderfest
Boomtown
Green Man Festival
Wilderness
Camp Bestival
We hope you enjoy the family experience of festival life where big kids become little kids, and nobody cares! At BCH Camping we provide a wide range of camping equipment and accessories, such as tents, poles and spares, gas and fuel, camp beds and mats, cookers and stoves, sleeping bags and lighting. Visit one of our stores, or get in touch for details. We’re always happy to offer free expert advice – we love to talk camping!
Peace, brothers and sisters…!
So, dig out your tent, grab your family and find your inner hippy because at BCH Camping, we’ve come up with some great festivals for you that will be taking place over the rest of the summer, particularly over the Bank Holiday weekend so get a wiggle on!
Shambala Festival, Northamptonshire 22nd to 25th Aug
Where: Secret Country Estate, Northamptonshire, NN6 9LYWebsite: https://www.shambalafestival.org/
The Shambala Festival presents unique music acts and DJs that you won’t find at other festivals, along with well-known names that are kept secret until nearer the event. What we can tell you is that there is Playtopia, a dedicated field for children, along with The Woodland Tribe which is a build-your-own adventure playground. There is a creche for little ones and an off-site bush camp for much bigger ones (adults not allowed!).
The Big Feastival, Cotswolds 23rd to 25th Aug
Where: Kingham, Oxfordshire, OX7 6UJWebsite: https://thebigfeastival.com/
The Big Feastival is the big cheese of the festival calendar! Held on the farm of Blur bassist and cheese connoisseur Alex James, this foodie and music festival always guarantees an impressive line-up of chefs, guests and music acts. Previous years’ names include Justin Fletcher and Andy & the Odd Socks of CBeebies, Peppa Pig, the Gruffalo and Paddington. There is plenty for children to do including cookery classes, face painting, jam sessions and the joy of playing with huge haystacks in the den.
Shrewsbury Folk Festival 23rd to 26th Aug
Where: West Midlands Showground, Berwick Road, Shrewsbury, SY1 2PFWebsite: https://shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk/
Boasting “some of most established artists from the UK, alongside acts celebrating folk music and dance from across the world”, the Shrewsbury Folk Festival runs the Pandemonium! Children’s Festival alongside the main event, with its comprehensive program of workshops such as music, dance, song, drama and crafts in the kids’ zone, close to the village stage.
Curious Arts Festival, New Forest 23rd to 26th Aug
Where: Pylewell Park, East End, Lymington, Hampshire SO41 5SJWebsite: https://curiousartsfestival.com/
Set in the stunning backdrop of the New Forest, the Curious Arts Festival could be described as the posh relation of festivals. This music, arts and literature event welcomes high profile names such as John Cleese, authors Phillipa Perry and Max Porter, and musicians The Blow Monkeys, Suggs from Madness and The Feeling. There is a wealth of activities for children at the Institute of Imagination, with the film and poetry workshops being particularly recommended.
Towersey Festival, Thame Oxfordshire 23rd to 26th Aug
Where: Thame Showground, Oxon, OX9 3JLWebsite: http://www.towerseyfestival.com/
The Towersey Festival has been running for over 50 years. Its appeal is as strong as ever, particularly for families. For 5-11 year olds there are plenty of opportunities for creativity, play and discovery under the All About Children program. There are dedicated workshop leaders who love what they do and provide a mix of fun and learning for young guests. Older children can take part in DJ workshops, a Big Build challenge, theatre workshops, or just relax, listening to some great music.
Watchet Music Festival 23rd to 25th Aug Somerset
Where: Watchet, Somerset, TA23 0HSWebsite: http://www.watchetfestival.co.uk/
The Watchet Music Festival attracts some big names from the music industry. This year, visitors can expect to see Lightning Seeds and Sophie Ellis-Bextor amongst others. There is a children’s area with many creative activities and story-telling from midday until 6pm on the Saturday and Sunday. For grown-ups there is an Open Mic Tent, a food court, various workshops, a festival market, and a Real Ale and cider bar.
England’s Medieval Festival, Hailsham 24th to 26th Aug
Where: Herstmonceux Castle, Hailsham, West Sussex BN27 1RNWebsite: http://www.englandsmedievalfestival.com
As you would perhaps expect, England’s Medieval Festival has many outdoor medieval-themed activities. In the fabulous setting of Herstmonceux Castle there is a marketplace, stage shows, family and children’s activities, jousting and siege re-enactments. In the Kids’ Kingdom, children can test their archery skills, take part in a circus school, enjoy a dragon puppet show, take a carriage ride or sing wizard songs.
End of the Road Festival, Dorset/Wiltshire borders 29th Aug to 1st Sept
Where: Larmer Tree Gardens, Salisbury SP5 5PYWebsite: https://endoftheroadfestival.com
The End of the Road Festival brings together an eclectic mix of performances from musicians, comedy acts and literary figures. There are films to watch and workshops to participate in, while healing practitioners provide treatments and wellbeing guidance throughout the weekend. There are many open spaces and wooded areas to explore. At the children’s and family area there are performances and activities, and a games area with table tennis, bowling and more.
The Good Life Experience, Deeside 12th to 15th Sept
Where: Hawarden Estate, Flintshire, Deeside CH5 3FBWebsite: https://www.thegoodlifeexperience.co.uk/
Co-founded by singer Cerys Matthews, The Good Life Experience focuses on craft, outdoor activity, food and music: "Days at The Good Life Experience are full of nurturing, learning and fun and the nights are one big, family-friendly party”. Activities include axe throwing, knot tying, foraging and campfire cooking. There is also a 1930s fairground. Festival goers can expect to see and hear many new music acts that have featured on Matthews’ Radio 6 show, and enjoy fantastic food.
Other festivals for next year
Unfortunately, some of the popular summer festivals have already been and gone for 2019, but here are some for you to look out for next year:Kendal Calling
Latitude
The Great Wonderfest
Boomtown
Green Man Festival
Wilderness
Camp Bestival
We hope you enjoy the family experience of festival life where big kids become little kids, and nobody cares! At BCH Camping we provide a wide range of camping equipment and accessories, such as tents, poles and spares, gas and fuel, camp beds and mats, cookers and stoves, sleeping bags and lighting. Visit one of our stores, or get in touch for details. We’re always happy to offer free expert advice – we love to talk camping!
Peace, brothers and sisters…!
