As festival season approaches, we round up all the best family friendly fests and events the UK has to offer this Summer.
You might have thought your festival days spent lounging around a field with a cheap cider in both hands were over once you had kids. But don’t go chucking away those denim shorts and wellie boots just yet, as there’s a whole load of family friendly festivals on the circuit this summer.
While we can’t guarantee you’ll be surfing through the crowds à la Glasto ’95, you can still get your festival fix with the kids in tow. Whether its a weekend of good music and glamping, some old school raving or a foodie festival you’re after, there’s something for all the family at these UK festivals.
Read: Fun Days out for all the Family to Enjoy This Summer
Family-Friendly Festivals
The Cambridge Club Festival, Cambridge
16 June 2019
The Cambridge Club Festival returns to Haggis Farm in Cambridge for its third year of music, food and family fun. This year the line-up boasts old school disco legends across two stages, including the likes of Sister Sledge, Craig Charles’ Funk & Soul Club and Michelle John. While you’re busy boogieing away to disco and soul classics, your little ones will also be able to join in the fun in the dedicated kids’ area. This year Elissa Gold Events return to run with a range of activities including arts and crafts, circus skills and storytelling for the young’uns.Beyond the music, festival goers will be treated to a diverse range of food and drink, from local independent traders and renowned vendors.
Family ticket (2x adult, 2x children) £70.
Elderflower Fields Family Friendly Festival, Sussex
24th – 27th May 2019
Set in the Sussex wilderness, Elderflower Fields offers a wealth of activities and some of the finest local food and drink around. The seven unique areas boast a host of different sports activities, arts and crafts, well-being, spoken word and an array of music performances. Relax in the woodland spa or try some early morning yoga before joining the day’s fun. Elderflower Fields also offers a rare chance for children to be free and for imaginations to run wild with activities such as slack-lining, pond dipping, and bat detecting.
Adult tickets £140, child tickets £70 for the weekend.
Latitude Festival, Suffolk
18 – 21 July 2019
Latitude returns to the beautiful Henham Park in Suffolk this summer for its exciting mix of music and performing arts. Always popular with families, the festival boasts a laid back vibe and varied line-up. This year, enjoy headline sets from George Ezra, Snow Patrol and Lana Del Ray, as well as comedy, poetry, theatre and creative workshops. There’s also a wellbeing sanctuary where you can break away from the kids and enjoy some ambient soundscapes and yoga classes.
Children aged 0 – 4 years do not need a ticket, while children between 5 – 12 years will need a Child Ticket (£15), which can only be purchased with an Adult Ticket. Adult weekend tickets cost £202.50.
Camp Bestival, Dorset
25 – 28 July
The family-focused sister festival of the iconic Bestival returns to Lulworth Castle in Dorset from 25th July. Each year, Camp Bestival takes on a new theme and in 2019 it’s Heroes vs Superheroes. Dedicated to providing a weekend of fun and escapism, a large section of the festival is devoted entirely to your little ones. At the Upper Kids’ Garden, behind the castle, activities include the likes of BigTopMania where you can learn a circus skill. There’s also a separate Toddlers’ area. The Lower Kids’ Garden, meanwhile, is packed full of entertainment for slightly older kids. For the adults, there’s a fab line-up and eclectic mix of artists including Nile Rogers, Jess Glynne, Lewis Capaldi and The Human League.
Adult weekend tickets start at £180.
Kendal Calling, Cumbria
25 – 28 July
Set in the beautiful Lake District on Lowther Deer Farm, Kendal Calling is a two-day music and arts spectacular. Not only is this year’s line-up jam-packed with firm festival favourites, there will also be a special guest performance from the legendary Tom Jones. To keep the kids busy there’s an abundance of family-friendly entertainment in the dedicated children’s area; Kids Calling. Expect a range of age-appropriate activities for those little Kendal Callers, including craft workshops, circus skills, face painting, story-telling and more. Oh, and don’t forget to pack your dinosaur suit as this year’s theme is Jurassic.
Adult weekend camping tickets are £155.
Standon Calling, Hertfordshire
25 – 28 July
As well as another stellar line-up, including Rag’n’Bone Man and Nile Rogers & Chic, there’s also a full family programme for 2019’s Standon Calling. This year, entertainment pioneers Dick and Dom will be joined by Mr Bloom & His Band and some special Jurassic guests from How To Train Your Dinosaur. Imajica Theatre will leave your little ones feeling like a star with their vocal and dance lessons. Plus, over at the TAF workshops, the whole family learn the art of rap and graffiti.
Adult weekend tickets are £159.
Chilled in a Field, East Sussex
26 – 28 July
A small, feel-good family-friendly festival, Chilled in Field has grown from the 90s London party scene. Enjoy a range of free activities including bands, musicians, artists, science, theatre, performances and great dance music. You’ll be able to relax while the kids can play safely or ride the mini steam train around the festival site. Take in the glorious surroundings of the Sussex based Bentley Estate and soak up a beautiful weekend of fun, friends and freedom.
Adult weekend tickets start at £109.
Boomtown Fair, Hampshire
7 – 11 August
Dubbed a playground for every generation, Boomtown Fair offers an eclectic mix of activities and performances for all the family. In the dedicated Kidzone, you’ll find hundreds of creative workshops, characters and games to make your little ones giggle. There’s The Tattoo Parlour offering the ultimate face painting, glitter tattoos & henna. You’ll also find a cinema and The Piggy Bank – where the little piggy bankers can earn Kidztown currency in a number of games.
Adult 4-day ticket start at £244.
The Big Feastival, The Cotswolds
23 – 25 August
Held on former Blur bassist Alex James’ Farm in The Cotswolds, The Big Feastival is foodie haven for all the family. As well as sessions from Michelin star chefs there’s also all manner of delicious street food caterers covering a huge variety of cuisines. To complement the culinary delights, festival-goers are also treated to a stellar music lineup. This year you can catch the likes of Jess Glynne, Rudimental and Lewis Capaldi. Plus there’s a whole load of activities to keep the kids entertained, including tree climbing, arts and crafts workshops and a funfair.
Adult weekend tickets start at £152.50.
Read More:
- The Best Spa Hotels to Visit in the UK
- All our Favourite Pieces from the Zara UK Maternity Collection
- Top Eco-Friendly Family Holiday Destinations
Want more information and inspiration on everything parenting and lifestyle? Hit ‘Like’ on our Facebook page, follow us on Instagram and join the conversation on Twitter. Oh, and don’t forget to subscribe to Baby Magazine!
