Music festivals for summer 2016: Best for families
Published: 10:00, 09 May 2016
Festivals are growing in popularity every single year. Music, culture, friends, family, food and drink - what's not to like? And as the generations who grew up going to summer festivals are having children of their own and taking them along, there is now a vast array of family events taking place up and down the country.
"Families should expect plenty of variety," says Jennie Rainsford, festival director of this month's Lechlade Festival.
"It's an ideal opportunity to introduce youngsters to live music and a range of other activities. I'd recommend starting with a smaller festival, as it will be friendlier, more flexible and easier to navigate."
From big, brilliant and expensive, to small, fun and free, there really is something for everyone this year.
THE TOP FAMILY FESTIVALS ACROSS THE UK
Geronimo - www.geronimofest.com
WHERE: Tatton Park, Cheshire
WHEN: May 29-30
WHY: Having made its debut at Yorkshire's Harewood House on the May Day Bank Holiday, Geronimo returns to Tatton Park with a whole host a family favourites. As well as CBeebies stars Justin Fletcher, Mr Bloom and Andy Day, there are workshops, cookery classes, zip lines, live music and much more besides.
Big Day Out - www.bigdayoutfestival.com
WHERE: Mote Park, Maidstone
WHEN: June 25-26
WHY: Kent's newest festival has a eclectic line-up featuring dance troupe Diversity, Chas and Dave, The Hoosiers, Toploader and the Pigeon Detectives. Characters Marshall and Chase from children’s TV show, Paw Patrol, will also entertain younger audiences and there will be CBeebies characters. plus the Graffalo. Saturday has already sold out, so don't hang around if you want to go on the Sunday. Tickets start at £20.
Latitude Festival - www.latitudefestival.com
WHERE: Henham Park, Southwold, Suffolk
WHEN: July 14-17
WHY: There's a huge amount for families to do at Latitude. From crafting and workshops to an Inbetweeners Teen Area, there's music, comedy, science, food and fun around every corner. Some great acts are playing this year too, including New Order, The Maccabees and The National.
Camp Bestival - www.campbestival.net
WHERE: Lulworth Castle, Dorset
WHEN: July 28-31
WHY: Camp Bestival adopts an annual theme and this year it's Outer Space. Expect dressing up, competitions, DJ workshops, comedy, storytelling, Mr Tumble, Dick and Dom, and brilliant music from Fatboy Slim, Tears For Fears and Jess Glynn.
Green Man - www.greenman.net
WHERE: Brecon Beacons, Wales
WHEN: August 18-21
WHY: Fast becoming known as one of the best family fests, there's great music from Belle & Sebastian, James Blake and Wild Beasts, a cinedrome, teen area, kids' section right next to the family campsite, and many other intriguing hideaways worth some serious exploration.
The Big Feastival - thebigfeastival.com
WHERE: Alex James' Farm, Kingham, The Cotswolds
WHEN: August 26-28
WHY: Celebrating its fifth birthday, expect great music from the likes of Mark Ronson and the Kaiser Chiefs, delicious eats and foodie stars, kids' favourites Justin Fletcher and Dick and Dom, plus The Family Olympics, Little Dudes' Den and lots more to keep the littl'uns entertained.
OnBlackheath - www.onblackheath.com
WHERE: Blackheath, London
WHEN: September 10-11
WHY: A great little festival, families can enjoy music from Primal Scream, Belle & Sebastian and James, as well as workshops, storytelling and crafts. Last year's swing dancing and hula shows went down a storm.
TOP TIPS FOR FAMILIES
Sharon Reuben, children's programmer at Latitude Festival, offers this advice...
Don't try and fit everything into one weekend: Embrace that this will be a completely different festival experience to one you may have had without children. It won't be difficult to entertain them, but it's important they have lots of breaks. On the plus side, you'll make sure to schedule in your favourite acts, and might even discover something new!
Hire a cart: Not only can your children take a quick power nap in a cart between sets, it can also carry your belongings safely and keep them dry.
Have a safety plan: Write your number on your child's arm or, better yet, make them wear it on T-shirts or a wristband. Have fun making yourself and the rest of your family easy to spot by wearing colourful wigs, feather boas and crazy outfits, and get the kids to decorate the tent in fairy lights and glow-in-the-dark paint.
Look after their ears: Good quality ear defenders for kids are an absolute must; children's ears are far more sensitive than adults' and exposure to loud music at festivals can damage their hearing.
Only pack the essentials: You may have grand plans of 'glamping' it up with your family, but when you've unloaded all the board-games, gadgets and chargers, you'll be wishing you'd used that space for wet wipes, blankets and a decent torch.
Waterproofs: A waterproof poncho should be at the top of your list, but waterproof dungarees are also ideal for children in wet weather and, if they wear leggings underneath, can be whipped off and on to suit our typically unpredictable summer.
Sign up to workshops: There are some incredible workshops available for kids and teens. Check the website to see what's on offer and get along to book your favourite choices each day.
Bring something from home: All children get homesick, and being in a crowded and noisy environment can make this feeling worse. Bringing their favourite pyjamas, soft toy, blanket or pillow can make them feel more relaxed and ready to enjoy everything the festival has to offer.
Pack snacks! We've all been guilty of slipping a moaning toddler a bag of sweets on a long country walk, but, if prepared, you can keep your hungry little festival-goers happy and full without inducing a sugar crash.
Don't forget the camera: Whether this is your first family festival or one of many, you'll want to make sure you capture the excitement of the weekend with memories that will last a lifetime.