3 Fun Festivals for all the Family on the South Coast
I have to admit that I never did festivals as a teenager but hubby loved going to events such as V-Festival to see all the big acts. He always swore I would hate festivals due to the crowds and lack of facilities and often regales stories of flying bottles of urine etc, but there is a happy medium where the behaviour is always much calmer – the Family Festival.
This year will be our 4th year going to Camp Bestival and we cannot wait. It is a festival that is jam-packed full of activities for young, old and somewhere in between and there is so much to see and do that 3 days is not enough!
From fairground rides, an inflatable wedding chapel and pop-up circus acts and parades to pop acts such as Fat Boy Slim, Jess Glynn or kids favourites such as Dick n Dom and Mr Tumble there really is something for everyone. For those that fancy a relaxing break, book a Yoga session or relax in the hot tubs and for families with young children check out Lizzie’s Way and Art Town to get those imaginations pumping.
Be sure to stay for the fireworks display on the final day – it is truly spectacular! Camp Bestival runs from July 28th to 31st at Lulworth Castle in Dorset.
- The Family Lawns, a dedicated programme for 0-10 year olds including the Bubble Boogie Disco, free-form den building with Kit Camp and African drumming. The ‘Hands On Tent’ will have a full programme of workshops including handmade tote-bags and monster lanterns
- The Nest, a space catering to creative under-5s, run by partner Odstock Day Nursery
- Family shows, including mesmerising puppet theatre show Meadow and Kid Carpet & The Noisy Animals’ rock extravaganza
- Child-friendly facilities, including a dedicated baby changing tent, family loos and a kids café serving smaller portions
- Camp Rushmore – a luxury campsite, reserved for those using our ‘Comfy Camping’ providers (including wigwams and gypsy caravans) and families wishing to camp for a full seven days on the site
The Big Kahuna is a new, 3 day family-friendly music festival taking place on August Bank Holiday at Holmbush Forest in Horsham, Sussex.
The line up of bands and DJs playing across the 3 stages includes Happy Mondays, Boney M featuring Liz Mitchell, The Skints, Toploader, Greg Wilson presents Super Weird Substance, Paul Hartnoll (Orbital), Dub Pistols, Mr C, English Disco Lovers, 808 State (DJ set), Tankus The Henge, Farley Jackmaster Funk, Carnival Collective, Faze Action (Live), Norman Jay MBE, Marshall Jefferson, X-Press 2, Fable, Bushwacka! Utah Saints, Rhythm Masters, Cuban Brothers, The Ska Toons, Tru Thoughts Disco with J-Felix and Wrongtom, Disco Deviant featuring Pablo Contraband and Andy Mac, and Timo Garcia.
The Big Kahuna will feature 9 themed areas in the forest, comfortable camping, theatre, kids’ (and adults’) activities, silent disco, fully themed Frozen cinema, delicious and fairly priced food, a multitude of bars (craft ale, rum, vodka and beyond), kids’ bar, interactive arts and crafts experiences, workshops, and much more.
The Chief Kahuna Village is the heart of the festival with interactive entertainment to entice all ages. This bustling village has bars, a pottery school, painting classes, bushcraft, shops, smoothie tents, circus skills, entertainment, wood carving, great food and much more. Guarded by giant tikis to ward off boredom (and other evil spirits), the Chief Kahuna Village is in the forest beyond a mysterious, abandoned military airfield, with plenty of seating to sit back and relax.
Secure and alcohol free, the Little Kahuna area is dedicated to children’s entertainment and enjoyment, with an arts and crafts tent, face painting, balloon modeling, story tellers and beyond. The main attraction is a fully themed Frozen cinema including falling snow, frosted trees, polar bears and snowmen. Films will include the ever-popular Frozen, Lion King, Minions and an array of children’s classics. The kids’ bar will include healthy smoothies, pick and mix, popcorn and candyfloss, fruit bar, hot dogs and ‘Little Kahuna burgers’.
Within the forest is Alice’s Garden – a fantastical, out of this world playground for all ages, featuring white rabbits, giant toadstools, human-sized chess pieces, and glittering roses set amongst the trees. Attractions include a Co2 frozen champagne cocktail bar, nitrogen ice cream bar, beanbag shisha lounge, smoothie bikes, stalls, and more.
One of the most unique woodland experiences at The Big Kahuna is the Silent Disco. As dusk approaches, festoon lighting will direct Kahunas into the forest and under a canopy of fairy lights and colourfully lit trees. Once arrived, they can choose their channel and DJ, and dance like nobody can see (or hear) them.
Have you been to a family festival – would you recommend them?
Helen Neale
I love the sound of the Little Kahuna festival – I’m going to add it to my list of fun family activities!
Charlotte
We used to love going to family festivals! Have been too busy to fit it in the last couple of years but going to try and go to one this year … fab post
Joanna
I’ve been hearing so much about camp bestival recently it sounds loads of fun. I’ve not been to a family one in fact I’ve only ever been to the Ben and Jerrys festival.
Kerry Norris
We’ve still never been to one but we’d love to go. The theme for camp bestival is right up our street this year. I haven’t heard of the other festivals so thanks for sharing them x
Sabina @MummyMatters
I have only heard of Camp Bestival out of those and still haven’t even made it there but would absolutely love to go with my Beans, it looks right up our street 🙂
Deborah Nicholas
I would love to visit a kiddy festival in the north east so will keep looking as they all seem to be Scotland or way down south 🙁
Niki - Play & Learn Every Day
We haven’t been to a family festival yet, can’t wait till the kids are a bit older so we can take them!
nessjibberjabberuk
There are some great family festivals about now. The events have really expanded in recent years.
Mel
I really love festivals but I’ve never been to one with the children. I’ve heard so much about Camp Bestival and I’d really love to go to that one!
Rachel
I love the sound of Camp Bestival even though I have no children ha x
oana79
This will most likely be the first summer we will spend in the UK and I am a tad excited about doing as many events and festivals as possible with Emma, as they do sound loads of fun!
Sonya Cisco
The Big Kahuna is a new one on me – but am an old hand at the other two – I think Betsy has been to 18 Larmer Trees and is only 19! I used to play at it every year for a long time – and her Dad still does now!
Nayna Kanabar
These look and sound really fun to attend with families. There is so much to do and enjoy.
Globalmouse
We love going to festivals – we were at Larmer Tree last year which was just brilliant.
Stephen
I never knew there was so many festivals to attend. They all sound fun!
Gemma
All 3 look great! I’ve heard of Camp Bestival but that’s it. Definitely worth a visit!
anthea
I totally love Camp Bestival. It’s all about the kids but there’s plenty of fun for the adults as well. Such happy memories