Have you got the festival bug but don’t want to spend the weekend away from the kids? Do you want to hear great music, sleep beneath the stars and enjoy some quality time as a family? Well why not encourage your children’s musical appreciation by taking them along to one of the UK’s family friendly music festivals, where delicious food, fun activities and eclectic line ups await? If you’re worried about your young children’s sensitive eardrums then take along some ear defenders, which are also useful when it comes to getting them to settle down to sleep for the night! Read on to discover our pick of the best family friendly festivals in the UK this summer.
1. Elderflower Fields, East Sussex
If frolicking in a forest is your thing, then kick off the festival season at Elderflower Fields this month. Its small size is perfect for festival first timers, and the onsite nannies are a stroke of pure genius.
Kids can enjoy art classes, mud hut building and parkour, whilst parents chill out at the woodland spa. The line up features everything from hip hop to jazz.
Be quick, this one is at the end of May!
Dates: 24th-27th May 2019
Tickets: www.elderflowerfields.co.uk/tickets/
2. Green Man Festival, Brecon Beacons
Wales’ epic mountains provide the backdrop for this fantastic festival offering not just music but comedy, literature, science, film and performing arts. The kids zone is one of the best there is, with a huge array of activities and performances for the little ones.
Craft workshops, science experiments and storytelling will keep them entertained all weekend, while parents can enjoy yoga, massage and hot tubs alongside a stellar line up.
Dates: 15th-18th August 2019
Tickets: www.greenman.net/tickets/
3. Camp Bestival, Dorset
One of the first family friendly festivals to promote the idea of bringing the kids along, this decade-old festival wins hands down when it comes to entertainment for your young brood. They can look forward to meeting Dick and Dom, Mr Tumble and The Gruffalo, as well as enjoying bouncy castles, fairground rides, face painting and much more.
Although very child focused, there’s still a great line up for adults including Jess Glynne, Annie Mac and The Human League.
As the name suggests, food is a big deal at The Big Feastival, held on Blur bassist Alex James’ farm in The Cotswolds each August. The hardest decision of your day will be not only which band to see but which food stall to visit! Will it be a wholesome Buddha Bowl, a lobster roll from Claw or Friday Night Supper club with celebrity chefs Raymond Blanc and Marco Pierre White?
There’s lots of thoughtful touches to make life easier for parents too, from pre-pitched camping to luxury nappy changing facilities. The Family Dining Room has high chairs and a shaded area where you can sit and eat together. The Little Top provides a calm, quiet chill-out space for if it all gets a bit too much for the little ones. You might also be interested by things to do with children in Cornwall if you plan only one day at the festival. The Big Feastival is one of the great summer family friendly music festivals to tick off your wish list for sure.
Dates: 23rd-25th August 2019
Tickets: www.thebigfeastival.com/tickets
5. Port Eliot Festival, Cornwall
Pitching itself as a ‘Festival of Ideas’, this one is less about the music and more about unique experiences. As well as being a celebration of literature, art, film and food, you’ll find a huge range of entertainment and activities for all ages, from Viking tournaments to kombucha making.
Active families will love the opportunities for kayaking and wild swimming along the river, or if the arts are more your thing, go for a Bollywood dancing workshop or interactive theatre. Definitely one of the family friendly festivals to check out in your Cornish trip. Make sure to check out our Indoor activities in case you experience rainy days in Cornwall.
Dates: 25th-28th July 2019
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