BEST UK & IRELAND ALTERNATIVE FESTIVALS FOR FAMILIES
When most people think of festivals, they tend to think of Glastonbury, V festival, T in the park, etc. The kind of festival that attracts huge musical acts, mainly aimed at teens, students and graduates.
Whilst they offer an amazing musical experience, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. If you’re looking for an alternative option for you and your mates or somewhere that you can bring your kids to, then check out our top UK & Ireland festivals.
These festivals are family friendly as well as offering much more outside the main music acts. They have a huge variety of food on offer, as well as arts and crafts, play areas and popular entertainment acts.
Electric Picnic
The only festival featured in our list that’s held outside of the UK, Electric Picnic is situated in Co.Laois, Ireland. Known for it’s quirky and eclectic vibe, Electric Picnic offers a family campsite with full facilities allowing you and the kids to pitch up a tent and mingle with the other families there.
Soul Kids is a specific area dedicated to encouraging kids to be creative, celebrating nature and adding a touch of magic. There will be acts, workshops and performances to keep the kiddies entertained and occupied.
Sunflower Fest
Based in Hillsborough, NI, Sunflower Fest is young but growing strength by strength. Very reminiscent of the hippy, chilled out vibe of Woodstock, Sunflower Fest brings together modern and folk music with a distinctive relaxed, flower power atmosphere.
Set on a farm, there are plenty of activities to avail of, including storytelling, arts, crafts and interactive workshops for the kids. There’s also yoga, poetry, comedy and the invisible forest. What’s more, it’s not for profit with all proceeds going to a local charity.
Camp Bestival
Known as a boutique festival with a mixture of pop and alternative musical acts, Camp Best is much more than just a music festival. It’s a buzzing spiritual haven that has something for everyone. Set in the beautiful Lulworth Castle in Dorset, it has a whole host of activities for kids and adults, probably the largest range compared to other similar style festivals.
Your little ones can enjoy playing in the kids garden and the magic meadow. There will be face painting, fairground rides, bouncy castles and plenty of magical workshops including building a home for the fairies and carving out a wand. Kids entertainment is plentiful with acts like Dick and Dom, The Cat in the Hat and a music club.
Beautiful Days
An award winning family festival, has a different theme every year with this year’s being ‘The Garden’. Flowers, hedgehogs, bumblebees, birds and gnomes will characterize this year’s festival with plenty to see and do.
For the adults, there will be several stages for quirky, alternative musical acts. For the kids there will be dress up, circus, fairground rides, storytelling and face painting.
Big Feastival
Organised by Jamie Oliver and located on Alex James’ farm, Big Festival is exactly what it sounds like; a celebration of music, food and fun for you and the family. There will be local produce, cookery classes as well as intimate Q&A sessions with top chefs.
You can camp in style at the glamping village with a variety of activities for the kids including the little dudes den, arts and crafts workshop, big top games and a vintage funfair.
If you’re thinking of heading to a festival this year, then make sure you have your festival fashioned essentials sorted! Ensure your little ones are kitted out with their floral headbands, wellies and kids waterproof coats.
