50 Family Friendly Festivals

Looking for a camping holiday with a difference? Check out these family friendly festivals under £150

What springs to mind when you think of the word ‘festival’? Mud, crowds and portaloos? Have you always wanted to find one that’s suitable for your children to attend, without being too expensive? Well you’re in luck because we’ve found 50 of the best family-friendly festivals for less than £150 (although we can’t promise they’ll all lack mud, and a mile-long queue for the toilet!). So you can make a short holiday of it without having to worry about mounting costs, not to mention whether or not it’s appropriate for your kids.

Read on for our guide to 50 great alternative festivals – whether you’re interested in music, arts, science, space, literature, sport or food and drink, we’ve got the perfect festival for you and your family this year.

 

Music festivals are always popular – and with so many different genres out there, it’s easy to find one to suit your music tastes. Here are our favourites!

 

Knockengorroch World Ceilidh

Knockengorroch Festival

  • When: 26 – 29 May 2016
  • Where: South West Scotland
  • What: Knockengorroch is a music festival that takes place in its own glen surrounded by river, forest and mountains in a relatively undiscovered area of SW Scotland. Featuring World and Roots Music Acts, its aim is to showcase both Celtic and World music in a huge celebration of ethnic diversity. The line-up so far includes the likes of Skerryvore, Auntie Flo, Family Atlantica, Mungos Hi Fi Sound System and Electrikal Sound System. There are also plenty of activities for your kids to enjoy – from creative workshops to storytelling, hula hooping to puppet shows.
  • Camping facilities: Onsite camping available
  • Price: Up to £99, under-11s go free
  • Find out more: http://www.knockengorroch.org.uk/

 

 

Bearded Theory

Bearded Theory Festival

  • When: 26 – 29 May 2016
  • Where: Catton Hall, South Derbyshire
  • What: Bearded Theory has won many awards for its creative music & performing arts festival, located in the grounds of beautiful Catton Hall in South Derbyshire. This year’s line-up includes performances from Levellers, Public Image, Squeeze, Jack Savoretti, and hundreds more. Dubbed ‘one of the best family festivals’ by The Mirror, Bearded Theory is very child-friendly and offers an extensive Children’s Village Green, with maypole dancing, hula hooping and an evening lantern parade.
  • Camping facilities: Onsite camping available
  • Price: Up to £102, under-5s go free
  • Find out more: http://www.beardedtheory.co.uk/

 

 

Festival On The Moor – The Great North Folk Festival

  • When: 27 – 30 May 2016
  • Where: Botton Village School, Whitby
  • What: Festival On The Moor is a four-day celebration of folk music, featuring artists from the UK and overseas. Come along to the concerts and workshops, take part in sing-a-rounds and ceilidh dancing, and enjoy great food and a real ale bar. Watch live performances from Rebekah Findlay Trio, Peg Powler, and The Willows. With fun activities for the kids to get involved with, there’s something to suit everyone.
  • Camping facilities: Onsite camping available
  • Price: Up to £48, under-10s go free
  • Find out more: http://www.festivalonthemoor.co.uk/

 

 

The Gate to Southwell

The Gate to Southwell Festival

  • When: 9 – 12 June 2016
  • Where: Southwell, Nottinghamshire
  • What: The Gate to Southwell Festival is a roots, acoustic and dance festival that takes part in Southwell, Nottinghamshire. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the event and promises to be extra special with a firework launch party on Thursday night and headliners Hayseed Dixie, Show of Hands and Eddi Reader across the weekend. Dance is also a major part of the festival, which hosts ceilidh dancing and a silent folk disco. With activities on offer for the kids such as instrument workshops and family entertainment shows, it’s a great festival for all ages.
  • Camping facilities: Onsite camping available
  • Price: Up to £135, under-12s go free
  • Find out more: http://southwellfolkfestival.org.uk

 

 

110 Above

110 Above Festival

  • When: 17 – 19 June 2016
  • Where: Gopsall Hall Farm, Leicestershire
  • What: 110 Above is an independent music festival taking place over three days at Gopsall Hall Farm in Warwickshire. Its name refers to the farm’s height above sea level, having previously been called Lainfest after the festival’s founding family. Enjoy performances from up-and-coming bands in the Indie/Pop/Rock genres. So far, this year’s line-up includes Vaults, Hudson Taylor, The Japanese House and more!
  • Camping facilities: Onsite camping and glamping available
  • Price: Up to £64, under-12s go free
  • Find out more: http://110above.com/

 


North Wales Bluegrass Festival

North Wales Bluegrass Festival

  • When: 30 June – 3 July 2016
  • Where: Bodlondeb Park , Conwy
  • What: North Wales Bluegrass Festival consists of four days of concert performances from international bluegrass bands from the UK, and Europe. There are workshops available on banjo, guitar, mandolin, and dobro as well as ad hoc pickin’ sessions. Headlining band is Goodwill from Prague (Czech Republic). Other bands include The Mairs Family Band (Scotland), The Down County Boys, The Dude Coopers and Britannia Band to name a few!!
  • Camping facilities: Onsite camping available
  • Price: Up to £80
  • Find out more: http://www.northwalesbluegrass.co.uk/

 

 

Blissfields

Blissfields Festival

  • When: 1 – 2 July 2016
  • Where: Vicarage Farm, Hampshire
  • What: Every year Blissfields festival has a different theme and this year’s theme is “Our House Party!” featuring their biggest ever art installation – a huge house to explore, with secret parties – as well as building a mini beach hosting boat parties. The AIF award-winning Hidden Hedge is also taking it up a notch in 2016 by converting a Boeing cockpit into a video DJ booth! All this alongside the usual programme of performances from huge names including Dizzee Rascal, and loads to do for kids and families as well.
  • Camping facilities: Onsite camping and boutique camping available
  • Price: Up to £95, under 10s go free
  • Find out more: http://www.blissfields.co.uk

 

 

Electric Beach Festival

Electric Beach Festival

  • When: 8 – 9 July 2016
  • Where: Fistral Beach, Newquay
  • What: Electric Beach Festival is back at Fistral Beach for the fifth year running. If you’re a fan of beach parties then this is an ideal festival for you. With great music from the likes of De La Soul and the Levellers, it’s one party you won’t want to miss!
  • Camping facilities: Offsite camping available
  • Price: Up to £50, under-10s go free
  • Find out more: http://electricbeachfestival.co.uk/

 


Latitude

  • When: 14 – 17 July 2016
  • Where: Henham Park, Suffolk
  • What: Latitude is a family-friendly music festival open to people of all ages (though under-16s must be accompanied by an adult). With four music stages, alongside comedy performances, theatre, poetry and cabaret, there’s something to suit every taste. On this year’s line-up are the Maccabees, New Order, The Lumineers and many more! There’s also a dedicated kids’ area, and an inbetweeners’ area for those aged 12 and over.
  • Camping facilities: Onsite camping available
  • Price: Up to £84.50 for a single-day ticket
  • Find out more: http://www.latitudefestival.com/

 

 

The Beat-Herder Festival

Beat-Herder Festival

  • When: 15 – 17 July 2016
  • Where: The Ribble Valley, Lancashire
  • What: The Beat-Herder Festival is back for 2016 and promises three days of fantastic music from the likes of Primal Scream, Andhim, and Chronixx & Zincfence Redemption. This year’s fancy dress theme is yet to be announced but partakers should don their glad-rags on the Saturday evening. If you’re bringing the kids, there’s a dedicated children’s area on-site with plenty of entertainment to keep your youngsters happy.
  • Camping facilities: Onsite camping and boutique camping available
  • Price: Up to £150
  • Find out more: http://beatherder.co.uk/

 

 

Truck Festival

Truck Festival

  • When: 15 – 17 July 2016
  • Where: Hill Farm, Oxfordshire
  • What: Shortlisted for ‘Best Small Festival’ by the UK Festival Awards three years in a row, it’s no wonder Truck is so popular. It brings the biggest talent to the forefront, and as it’s known as being ‘anti-major festival’ with festival goers permitted to bring their own food and drink into the arena. This year’s line-up is hotting up with the likes of Manic Street Preachers, Kodaline, and Circa Waves set to headline.
  • Camping facilities: Onsite camping and glamping available
  • Price: Up to £86.50, under-12s go free
  • Find out more: http://www.truckfestival.com/

 


Tramlines Festival

  • When: 22 – 24 July 2016
  • Where: Sheffield
  • What: Tramlines is a three-day music festival taking place across various venues in Sheffield. Open to all ages, it’s a chance to let your hair down and enjoy what you love most: music. Confirmed acts for this year’s festival include Jurassic 5, Kelis, and Catfish and the Bottlemen.
  • Camping facilities: Offsite camping available
  • Price: Up to £46, under-12s go free
  • Find out more: http://www.tramlines.org.uk/

 

 

Kendal Calling

  • When: 28 – 31 July 2016
  • Where: Lowther Deer Park, Lake District
  • What: With so much to enjoy at Kendal Calling, you might need to make a return trip to fit it all in. The biggest music acts will take to the main stage, while you can find plenty to keep yourself entertained in the Glow Tent. In the mood for some pampering? Head to the Garden of Eden where you can receive revitalising treatments to boost your energy for more of the festival. There’s even a cinema complete with popcorn and ice cream! For the little ones, there’s a dedicated kids’ area with a tent for mothers and babies as well as teen workshops for the older kids.
  • Camping facilities: Onsite camping and boutique camping available
  • Price: Up to £135, under-5s go free
  • Find out more: www.kendalcalling.co.uk

 

 

WOMAD

WOMAD Festival

  • When: 28 – 31 July 2016
  • Where: Charlton Park, Wiltshire
  • What: WOMAD is a celebration of culture – from the hottest musical talent from around the globe, to tantalising world cuisine. For dance lessons, head to the All Singing All Dancing Tent, while the World of Wellbeing adds a little luxury to the festival experience. This year’s World of Children theme is Brazilian Carnival so everywhere will be bursting with colour. The line-up includes Roots Manuva, Broadway Sounds, and Desert Slide to name a few.
  • Camping facilities: Onsite camping available
  • Price: From £120, under-13s go free
  • Find out more: http://womad.co.uk

 


Standon Calling

  • When: 29 – 31 July 2016
  • Where: Hertfordshire
  • What: Standon Calling is all about the music – which is not surprising when you learn that Mumford and Sons, Florence and the Machine, and Bastille all made their first festival performances here. With an action-packed family programme, your kids can join in with the fun too! From kids only trapeze lessons to the swimming pool, costume parade and evening campfire with marshmallows, there’s fun for all the family. This year’s line-up includes Suede, Kelis, and Jess Glynne.
  • Camping facilities: Onsite camping available
  • Price: Up to £146
  • Find out more: http://standon-calling.com

 

 

Y Not Festival

Y-Not Festival

  • When: 29 – 31 July 2016
  • Where: Derbyshire
  • What: A weekend packed full of the best live music, mouth-watering food and delicious local ales and ciders await at Y Not Festival. You’ll find music of every genre – from world-class acts to up-and-coming talent. The line-up for 2016 promises to be bigger and better than ever, including performances from The Hives, Madness, and The Coral.
  • Camping facilities: Onsite camping and glamping available
  • Price: Up to £104, under-12s go free
  • Find out more: http://www.ynotfestivals.co.uk

 

 

KingsStock Music Festival

Kingsstock Festival

  • When: 5 – 7 August 2016
  • Where: Moggerhanger Park, Bedfordshire
  • What: Boasting three stages, there’s plenty of live music to be enjoyed at KingsStock. It’s the ideal place for music lovers, with performances from the next best thing in musical talent, and a chance to show off your creativity. Now in its seventh year, you can expect to see Verra Cruz, Daughters Of Davis, The Grenaways, and many more.
  • Camping facilities: Onsite camping available
  • Price: Up to £55
  • Find out more: https://www.kingsstock.co.uk

 


Boomtown Fair

Boomtown Fair Festival

  • When: 11 – 14 August 2016
  • Where: Hampshire
  • What: Boomtown celebrates music from every genre, including folk, ska, gypsy, world, reggae, pirate, punk, disco, jazz, electro-swing, bass, techno and jungle – so there really is something for everyone. KidzTown offers your youngsters the chance to let off steam and take part in a variety of expressive activities, from dance and singing to writing. The line-up for this year includes the Levellers, Fun Lovin’ Criminals, and Madness.
  • Camping facilities: Onsite camping and Boomtique fancy camping available
  • Price: From £135, under-12s go free
  • Find out more: http://www.boomtownfair.co.uk

 

 

Beautiful Days

  • When: 19 – 21 August 2016
  • Where: Escot Park, Devon
  • What: This family-friendly festival was founded by none other than the Levellers – so you know already it’s going to be amazing. It won The Grass Roots Festival Award in both 2015 and 2006, as well as Best Family Festival Award back in 2011. Boasting music and entertainment across six stages, there’s also a dedicated children’s area for your little ones. This year, enjoy live performances from the Levellers, James, The Proclaimers, and more!
  • Camping facilities: Onsite camping available
  • Price: Up to £135
  • Find out more: http://www.beautifuldays.org

 

 

Shrewsbury Folk Festival

Shrewsbury Folk Festival Credit Mike Dean

  • When: 26 – 29 August 2016
  • Where: Shrewsbury
  • What: Promising the biggest and best acts the folk music scene has to offer, you’re guaranteed a fantastic four days at Shrewsbury Folk Festival. It’s not just about music though, there’s also plenty for your kids to get involved with, from workshops to sessions. Don’t forget to visit the dance display and craft fair!
  • Camping facilities: Onsite camping available
  • Price: Up to £150, under-4s go free
  • Find out more: http://shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk


One Love Festival

One Love Festival

  • When: 2 – 4 September 2016
  • Where: Hainault Forest Country Park, Essex
  • What: There’s no better place to celebrate your love for music than One Love Festival, the UK’s ONLY reggae and dub festival. Enjoy live music performances from the biggest and best these musical genres have to offer. This year’s line-up includes JUNIOR REID, BIG YOUTH, HALF PINT, and 100’s more!
  • Camping facilities: Onsite camping and glamping available
  • Price: Up to £140, under-10s go free
  • Find out more: http://www.onelovefestival.co.uk

 

 

On Blackheath

On Black Heath Festival

  • When: 10 – 11 September 2016
  • Where: Blackheath, London
  • What: Enjoy non-stop live performances from the hottest acts around at On Blackheath, in Partnership with John Lewis. This year’s line-up includes performances from Primal Scream, James, Belle and Sebastian and Roisin Murphy. Plus there’s also plenty to whet your appetite in the festival’s fine dining ‘restaurant’ and you can watch live cooking demonstrations from top chefs and pick up a tip or two! For the little ones there’s Puffin World of Stories and a Magical Storytelling Stage featuring special guests David O’Doherty and Chris Judge as well as CBeebies favourites Hey Duggee, The Clangers and The Dinosaur that Pooped.
  • Camping facilities: Offsite camping available
  • Price: Up to £99, under-12s go free
  • Find out more: http://www.onblackheath.com

 

 

Loopallu

Loopallu Festival Credit Paul Campbell

  • When: 30 September – 1 October 2016
  • Where: Ullapool, Scotland
  • What: Taking place in the remote village of Ullapool, NW Scotland, Loopallu is the perfect way to finish the festival season. Now in its 12th year, previous festivals have seen performances from Mumford and Sons, Paolo Nutini, and Franz Ferdinand. For 2016, the line-up includes Feeder, Lucy Spraggan, and The Selector.
  • Camping facilities: Offsite camping available
  • Price: Up to £85, under-4s go free
  • Find out more: http://www.loopallu.co.uk

 

 

Ullapool Guitar Festival

Ullapool Guitar Festival Credit Richard Lindsay

  • When: 7 – 9 October 2016
  • Where: Ullapool, Scotland
  • What: Ullapool Guitar Festival hosts a mixture of workshops and concerts, all focused on one thing: the guitar. With a mixture of musical genres, electric and acoustic guitars, you can enjoy performers from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and Nashville! Experienced players and newcomers are welcome; this year’s line-up includes Hugh Burns, Clive Carroll, and John Goldie.
  • Camping facilities: Offsite camping available
  • Price: Up to £150
  • Find out more: http://ullapoolguitarfestival.com

 

 

Who said festivals have to be all about music? There are some fantastic arts festivals to enjoy around the UK. Here are our top picks.

 

Super Normal Festival

Supernormal Festival

  • When: 5 – 7 August 2016
  • Where: Braziers Park, Oxfordshire
  • What: An intimate audience of just 1,500 people gather for a weekend of collaboration and creativity in the beautiful Braziers Park, Oxfordshire.  Offering a diverse collection of artistic and musical performances, Super Normal is the ultimate escape from all things corporate and commercial.
  • Camping facilities: Onsite camping available
  • Price: Up to £85, under 13s go free
  • Find out more: www.supernormalfestival.co.uk

 

 

Acoustic Festival

Acoustic Festival

  • When: 3 – 5 June 2016
  • Where: Uttoxeter, Staffordshire
  • What: Uttoxeter Racecourse transforms for a weekend of music, art and comedy in June. As its name suggests the festival boasts unplugged sets from its musical line-up, which this year includes THE BLOCKHEADS, MIDGE URE,  PAUL YOUNG, NELL BRYDEN and KING KING  with T-Rextasy along with comedy and scores of workshops, crafts, beer tents  and a variety of foods.
  • Camping facilities: Onsite camping available
  • Price: Up to £233, under 16s go free
  • Find out more: http://www.acousticfestival.co.uk/

 

 

Curious Arts Festival

Curious Arts Festival

  • When: 22 – 24 July 2016
  • Where: Pylewell Park, Lymington
  • What: Bringing together the very best of boutique festivals, Curious Arts hosts a collection of oh-so-talented writers, artists, musicians and foodies in an event that appeals to both the mainstream and the maverick! Highlights from this year’s roster include Curious Opera, The Great Brain Robbery and HMS Sweet Charity.
  • Camping facilities: Onsite camping available
  • Price: Up to £120, under 13s go free
  • Find out more: http://curiousartsfestival.com/

 

 

Deer Shed Festival

Deershed Festival

  • When: 22 – 24 July 2016
  • Where: Baldersby Park, North Yorkshire
  • What: The festival equivalent of a Pixar movie, Deer Shed Festival is fun for the whole family! A lively celebration of music, arts and science the line-up includes performances from Richard Hawley, Everything Everything and Beth Orton as well as a host of family shows, a cinema, theatre, story-telling and comedy.
  • Camping facilities: Onsite camping available
  • Price: Up to £145, under 2s go free
  • Find out more: http://deershedfestival.com/

 

 

Sport Beat Festival

Sportbeat Festival

  • When: 20 – 21 August 2016
  • Where: Oxstalls Sports Park, Gloucester
  • What: Live sports and live music – what could be better! Oxstalls Sports Park is the venue for SportBeat Festival 2016, an exciting line-up of artists will soon be revealed. Announced so far are indie band Coasts, and the ‘Man of Mystery’, Jaguar Skills, more artists to be announced soon. The Festival is over the weekend of 20-21 August. Running alongside the music there’s a chance for teams to enter the volleyball and netball tournaments.
  • Camping facilities: Onsite camping available
  • Price: Up to £45
  • Find out more: http://www.sportbeatfest.com/

 

 

Just So Festival

Just So Festival

  • When: 19 – 21 August 2016
  • Where: Rode Hall, Cheshire
  • What: Just So Festival promises a family weekend adventure beyond your wildest dreams with intrigue and trickery as the theme for 2016. The collaborative festival offers a busy program of creative events, from the bake off, pillow fight and bubble hour at Village Green, to musical acts on the Footlights Stage – the only problem you’ll have is fitting it all in! Camping facilities: Onsite camping available
  • Price: Up to £135, under 3s go free
  • Find out more: http://www.justsofestival.org.uk/

 

 

Lunar Festival

  • When: 3 – 5 June 2016
  • Where: Tanworth in Arden, Warwickshire
  • What: Live music meets mindfulness and well-being at the Lunar Festival. The busy weekend program includes performances from Super Furry Animals, Badly Drawn Boy and Television as well activities like laughter yoga, tai chi and story-telling.
  • Camping facilities: Onsite camping available
  • Price: Up to £15
  • Find out more: http://lunarfestival.co.uk

 

 

Faerie Festival

  • When: 20 – 22 May 2016
  • Where: Pleasant Rise Farm, East Sussex
  • What: Immerse yourself in a weekend of fairies, fantasy and folk at the Faerie Festival in East Sussex. Highlights from this year’s program include performances from The Roving Crows, Flutations and Solana, plus activities such as circus skills, a healing drum workshop and morning yoga.
  • Camping facilities: Onsite camping available
  • Price: Up to £75
  • Find out more: http://www.magicalfestivals.co.uk/

 

 

Kaya Festival

Kaya Festival

  • When: 5 – 7  Aug 2016
  • Where: Margam Country Park, South Wales
  • What: World music, world food, world love! That’s the all-embracing mission statement of Kaya Festival.  The colourful event offers a diverse mix of African, Caribbean, European and Latin music, arts and culture.
  • Camping facilities: Onsite camping available
  • Price: Up to £139, under 16s go free
  • Find out more: http://kayafestival.com/

 

 

Machynlleth Comedy Festival

Mach Comedy Fest Credit Ian Greenland

  • When: 29 April – 1 May 2016
  • Where: Machynlleth, Wales
  • What: A weekend of hilarity in the unique performance spaces offered by the picturesque town of Machynlleth. The Welsh comedy festival is a small but perfectly formed event; this year’s line-up of comics includes Adam Hess, Ahir Shah and Aisling Bea and Lou Sanders.
  • Camping facilities: Offsite camping available
  • Price: Around £10 per show
  • Find out more: http://machcomedyfest.co.uk/

 

 

Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival

  • When: 20 – 29 May 2016
  • Where: Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland
  • What: The Scottish towns open their arms to performing arts, welcoming a host of special guests to the region, for a vibrant weekend of music, comedy, arts and workshops. Highlights from this year’s program include Inside Out Classical Music, Music Beats Workshop and Ocean All Over Not to Scale: Solar Flares.
  • Camping facilities: Camping not available
  • Price: Call 01387 253383 for more information
  • Find out more: http://www.dgartsfestival.org.uk/

 

 

New Forest Fairy Festival

  • When: 13 – 14 Aug 2016
  • Where: Burley Park, Hampshire
  • What: Join the New Forest fairies in their enchanted woodland home for a weekend of magic and mischief! Visit art and craft exhibitions, walk the forest’s healing ley lines and watch talented performers – there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
  • Camping facilities: Camping not available
  • Price: £7 per day
  • Find out more: http://newforestfairyfestival.com/

 

 

Hay Festival

Hay Festival

  • When: 26 May – 5 June 2016
  • Where: Brecon Beacons, Wales
  • What: For a staggering 29 years Hay Festival has been a meeting of the world’s finest writers. From poets and novelists to environmentalists and scientists, the literary event welcomes the finest wordsmiths to debate, inspire and create.
  • Camping facilities: Offsite camping available
  • Price: Around £10 per event
  • Find out more: https://www.hayfestival.com

 

 

Hebden Bridge Arts Festival

  • When: 24 June – 3 July 2016
  • Where: Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire
  • What: Hebden Bridge Arts Festival is an annual celebration of the town’s creative talent. The quirky festival has attracted some big names in the past, with recent highlights including visits from John Cooper Clark, Carol Ann Duffy and Jacqueline Wilson.
  • Camping facilities: Camping not available
  • Price: Tickets sold per event
  • Find out more: http://hebdenbridgeartsfestival.co.uk/

 

 

Starry Skies

Starry Skies Festival

  • When: 27 – 31 July 2016
  • Where: Barton Hill farm, Wales
  • What: If you’ve ever felt like you needed a second holiday after taking the kids away, or that child free festival-goers were having more fun than you, then Starry Skies is the festival for your family!  Designed especially for children, the host of activities on offer includes the woodland playground – where little ones can design and build the adventure playground of their dreams, a family rave, epic tree climbing, a cinema and, of course, den building
  • Camping facilities: on-site camping available
  • Price: Up to £149, under 2s go free
  • Find out more: http://www.starry-skies.net/

 

 

Salisbury International Arts Festival

Salisbury International Arts Festival

  • When: 27 May – 11 June 2016
  • Where: Salisbury
  • What: Now in its 44th year, Salisbury International Arts Festival sees the medieval town filled with a joyful mix of music, film, comedy, dance, literature and art. Spanning 16 days, the festival recently won a Silver Award for Best Tourism Event in the South West Tourism Awards.
  • Camping facilities: Camping not available
  • Price: Tickets sold per event
  • Find out more: https://www.salisburyfestival.co.uk/

 

 

Whether you’re a foodie, adrenaline junkie, avid scientist or history buff, there’s a festival for you in our top picks for alternative festivals this summer!

 

Joy Food Rocks South

Joy Food Rocks South Festival

  • When: 25 – 26 June
  • Where: Convent Field, Lewes
  • What: A fun-filled summer celebration, Joy brings together a fantastic mix of food, drink and lifestyle stalls and brilliant live music. From artisan to street food, pop-up bars to craft ales there are a host of delicious refreshments on offer. Not to mention this year’s musical line-up includes performances from Mountain Firework Company, Harry’s Tricks and Noble Jacks..
  • Camping facilities: Camping not available
  • Price: £5, under 10s go free
  • Find out more: http://www.foodrockssouth.co.uk/joy-festival-lewes/

 

 

Buddafields

Buddhafield Festival Credit Tara Green

  • When: 13- 17 July
  • Where: Taunton
  • What: The Triiatna Buddhist community open their doors in July for this drug and alcohol free event. Learn about Buddhist rituals and meditation, as well as taking part in a host of workshops including healing and bodywork, plus enjoy delicious food from the site’s vegan and veggie cafes.
  • Camping facilities: Camping not available
  • Price: Up to £140, under 2s go free
  • Find out more: http://www.buddhafield.com

 

 

Blue Dot

  • When: 22 – 24  July 2016
  • Where: Jodrell Bank, Cheshire
  • What: This summer, for the first time, the iconic Jodrell Bank observatory opens its doors for a festival of discovery. An intriguing program of science, art, tech, culture, food and film await, with key highlights including DJ sets from Caribou and Underworld.
  • Camping facilities: Onsite camping available
  • Price: Up to £139
  • Find out more: http://www.discoverthebluedot.com/

 

 

Keswick Mountain Festival

Keswick Mountain Festival

  • When: 19 – 22 May 2016
  • Where: Crow Park, Keswick
  • What: Outdoor adventurers will love the Keswick Mountain Festival! With outdoor pursuits like ice climbing, scrambling and navigation to try, sporting events including a fell race and triathlon, talks from Julia Bradbury and Monty Halls and live music in the evening there’s so much to do and explore.
  • Camping facilities: Onsite camping available
  • Price: Up to £60
  • Find out more: http://www.keswickmountainfestival.co.uk/

 

 

The Big Feastival

Big Feastival

  • When: 26 – 28 Aug 2016
  • Where: Alex James’ Farm, The Cotswolds
  • What: Fine food and great music come together for The Big Feastival this August. This year the line-up includes appearances from celebrity chefs including Jamie Oliver, Raymond Blanc and Great British Bake-Off winner Nadiya Hussain; plus performances from Mark Ronson, Tinie Tempah and Kaiser Chiefs.
  • Camping facilities: Onsite camping available
  • Price: Up to £174.50
  • Find out more: http://thebigfeastival.com/

 

 

Beyond the Border

  • When: 1 – 3 July 2016
  • Where: St Donat’s Castle, Vale of Glamorgan
  • What: Beyond the Border was born with the mission to ‘bring the world to Wales and take Wales to the world.’ The biannual festival aims to promote traditional story-telling as a form of entertainment and education for contemporary audiences.
  • Camping facilities: Onsite camping available
  • Price: Up to £120
  • Find out more: http://www.beyondtheborder.com/

 

 

England’s Medieval Festival

Englands Medieval Festival

  • When: 27 – 29 Aug 2016
  • Where: Herstmonceux Castle, East Sussex
  • What: Step back in time and spend the weekend living as they did in medieval times at Herstmonceux castle. Fun for the whole family you can expect jousting and re-enactments, a medieval banquet and authentic marketplace.
  • Camping facilities: Onsite camping available
  • Price: Up to £72
  • Find out more: http://www.englandsmedievalfestival.com/

 


Tewkesbury Medieval Festival

Tewkesbury Medieval Festival

  • When: 9 – 10 July 2016
  • Where: Tewkesbury Town Centre
  • What: The largest free medieval festival in Europe, Tewkesbury Medieval Festival attracts traders, re-enactors, entertainers and visitors from around the world. Highlights from the festival include battle re-enactments, the grand parade and authentic entertainments including music, dance and drama.
  • Camping facilities: Camping not available
  • Price: Free
  • Find out more: http://www.tewkesburymedievalfestival.org/

 

 

Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival

  • When: 24 – 25 Sept 2016
  • Where: Snape Maltings, Aldeburgh
  • What: A celebration of fine dining in Suffolk, Aldeburgh Food and Drink Festival sees over 90 local food and drink producers showcase the best of their produce including organic products and award winning beers, wines and spirits.
  • Camping facilities: Camping not available
  • Price: Up to £14
  • Find out more: http://www.aldeburghfoodanddrink.co.uk/

 

Legend Presents – Loxwood Joust

Loxwood Joust

  • When: 6 -7 Aug and 13 – 14 Aug 2016
  • Where: The Loxwood Meadow, West Sussex
  • What: Fun and educational, the Loxwood Joust is a family day out like no other! See fully armoured knights compete in jousting tournaments, watch archery and weaponry displays and even see cannon fire.
  • Camping facilities: Camping not available
  • Price: Up to £12
  • Find out more: http://legendpresents.co.uk/loxwoodjoust/

 

Don’t forget the incredible savings that can be made on all your festival kit with your GO Outdoors Discount Card this summer. Stocking everything you need to make that weekend away, just perfect. http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/

 

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