7 of the best family friendly UK festivals in 2019
In recent years the great British festival has become synonymous with when we think about summer. From welly boot wash outs to outrageous sunburns, us Brits love to pitch up our tents in the great outdoors and enjoy some top entertainment.
Many festivals focus their efforts towards attracting a younger generation of single, wild and free individuals. But what about us parents? Aren’t we allows to be wild and free, whilst still remaining responsible for our kids?
We say yes! That is why we have put together this guide to seven of our favourite family friendly festivals taking place around the UK this summer…so read on and just remember to back the wellies, waterproofs and of course an extra-large family bell tent!
LATITUDE
Date: July 2019
Location: Suffolk
Info/Tickets: www.latitudefestival.com
Latitude festival is a firm family favourite in the UK. Boasting some of the best artists on this list including The Killers, Solange, Alt-J, The Vaccines, Wolf Alice, Rag’N’Bone Man, Jessie Ware and many more.
There is a major focus on family friendliness at this festival with everything from dedicated family areas with an enchanted garden to fun outdoorsy, wildlife activities for the kids such as swimming in the large, but cold, lake on site.
GIVE!
Date: July 2019
Location: Leicestershire
Website: http://give.house
For those that want to take a step away from the behemoth, corporate run festivals, GIVE! offers an opportunity to enjoy a smaller, more personal event.
The small nature of this festival means that the artists are little less well known, giving you the opportunity to discover some new favourites to impress your friends with. We love how family friendly this festival is, offering substantial discounts for kids and teens to get them along with their families.
There are a range of activities for the little ones to take part in. This included everything from a dedicated kids tent with crafts, karaoke fun, treehouses and even a bouncy castle all scheduled throughout the event.
DEER SHED FESTIVAL 9
Date: July 2019
Location: North Yorkshire
Website: www.deershedfestival.com
The Deer Shed festival is located in Baldersby Park, North Yorkshire. The organisers have clearly put a lot of thought into making this festival not just family friendly, but family focused.
Of course there is the music, with a line-up including top acts such as Goldfrapp. But Deer Shed offers so much more, including everything from comedy to workshops for kids. These workshops are extensive and cover a range of areas, everything from sports like BMX and slacklining to science; taking stuff to bits, forensics and soldering.
There is also a cinema and specialist program for the under 5s. So there is no way that your little ones will ever be able to mutter ‘we are bored’ whilst at this festival.
NOZSTOCK: THE HIDDEN VALLEY
Date: July 2019
Location: Herefordshire
Website: www.nozstock.com
Nozstock is nestled in the beautiful Herefordshire countryside. In its 20th year, the 2018 festival promises to be one to remember.
This festival is all about the music and it’s relaxed atmosphere makes it the perfect event for music lovers with kids. The line-up for this year includes Goldfrapp, Chase & Status (DJ Set), The Selecter and We Are Scientists.
The Little Wonderland Kids area offers a safe place for kids to stay and play whilst parents enjoy the acts. Activities include dance workshops, yoga, storytelling and headdress making.
FESTIVAL AT THE EDGE
Date: July 2019
Location: Shropshire
Website: www.festivalattheedge.org
How about something completely different?
Festival at the Edge is a storytelling festival based in Whitchurch, Shropshire. Unlike most festivals which focus on music, this event has been designed to celebrate everything about the ancient art of storytelling.
Produced with families in mind, there is a great, safe and friendly atmosphere throughout the event. A circus workshop and kids specific storytelling will keep your little ones busy for hours.
Once the sun goes down and the kids are asleep, an large beer tent and live music is guaranteed to keep you entertained.
GREEN MAN
Date: August 2019
Location: Brecon Beacons
Website: www.greenman.net
Probably one of the most scenic festivals in the UK, set in the beautiful surroundings of the Brecon Beacons. The line-up is impressive, including Fleet Foxes, The War On Drugs and John Grant.
Family friendly through and through. Green Man has a dedicated ‘Little Folk’ area, located conveniently close to the family camping area. This year’s theme is The Lost City Of Atlantis and kids can take part in a range of activities including craft workshops, bubbles galore and even learn and watch a bit of magic.
THE BIG FEASTIVAL
Date: 24-26 August 2019
Location: Cotswolds
Website: www.thebigfeastival.com
Unlike traditional festivals where the artists on stage are the star of the show, The Big Feastival focuses on a different type of creative talent – food producers and chefs.
With a range of chefs, cooking demonstrations, food vendors and even a Friday night supper club, this event majors on everything delicious and edible.
However, there are also plenty of opportunities to see some fantastic live music. The line-up is littered with huge artists including Basement Jaxx, Craig David, Paloma Faith, Clean Bandit, James Arthur and Tom Odell.
Set up with family festival goers in mind, entertainment for the little ones includes Justin Fletcher, Dick & Dom, Paddington, Peppa Pig & George and The Gruffalo. As well as a number of dedicated areas where kids can have fun and play in a safe environment.
FAMILY FESTIVAL IN STYLE
We don’t like camping. We love it.
So, it would be wrong of us to put together a guide to the best festivals without mentioning how you and your family can camp in style.
Many of the festivals we have mentioned above including The Big Feastival, Nozstock & Deer Shed Festival 9 all offer luxury camping or glamping alternatives to the regular campsite.
For those that want to add a personal touch to their luxury camping experience, why not try setting up your own glamp-site. Try out our easy to assemble luxurious 5m Pro Bell Tent, with plenty of space for you and the kids. We also recommend kitting it out with some of the best glamping equipment on the market, to make for an extra special experience.
It is clear that there are a huge range of options for festival lovers who want to get their family involved with the fun. From huge family friendly events with some major acts through to smaller family orientated festivals, there is something to suit everyone’s tastes.
There is no better excuse to get yourself and your family outdoors than to get them along to one of these festivals and combining it with a luxurious bell tent for a unique glamping experience. Whether your kids love food, music, stories or just having fun in a vibrant environment, one of these festivals will be the highlight of their summer.