Family Friendly Festivals for 2013

With a recent resurgence in the boutique festival in previous years, a healthy number of family friendly events have sprung up, giving a wonderful alternative to parents who still want to experience all the joys of a good festival but in relative comfort and with plenty of activities for the young ones.

The beauty of smaller festivals lies in the amount of space, comfort, and peace of mind achieved by people there for relaxation and a good time.

Alfresco Festival

One event that caters particularly for kids is Blackpool's Alfresco Festival on Sunday 26th May. With headliners including the likes of Mr Scruff, Aim & Niko and Flash Atkins, the quality of music is right up there for parents who know a thing or two about good music. The festival also features active art and craft classes as well as amazing toddlers areas full of toys, games, activities and storytelling. With each year's event holding a vast array of activities for your little children, you can be sure that they will never be bored, and are guaranteed to have a fantastic day out. Of course, everything is very well supervised, so you can relax knowing your children are being well looked after.

Farmfestival

Another that springs to mind is the beautiful Farmfestival on the 26th - 27th of July, which continues to have an ever growing number of faithful fans. This is certainly down to the unique atmosphere that the festival induces, which is one of relaxation, calm, and serenity. Although with decorated dance tents around the grounds, playing all manner of dance classics, and a huge lineup of bands signed, there is literally something for everyone. Features for kids include a crazy golf course, Punch & Judy and a children's tent. The whole festival is as relaxing as it is fun. This is the sort of festival where people help each other put up their tents, where stag parties unite with families and groups of school leavers. Despite the amounts of organic cider being drunk, there really is very little boisterous behaviour. The overall tone captures that perfect balance for families.

Acoustic Festival

The Acoustic Festival on the 31st May - 2nd June is another treat. Situated in the grounds of the Uttoxeter racecourse, the feel and vibe of the festival works in perfect harmony with the surrounding beauty. The festival is  a laid-back family friendly festival, packed full of fantastic live music, great atmosphere, weird and wonderful performances, and even features activities such as Craft Stalls & Displays, Juggling Schools, Drumming, Didgeridoo making and playing, Ukulele & Guitar Workshops, Healing & Yoga Classes, Pixies, Dragons, Story Telling, Comedy, Tribal Dancing, Belly Dancing, Morris Dancing, Face Painting, and Stilt Walkers together with a huge real ale tent. What prevails is a lovely sense of community, as everyone in the family are never short of things to do.

Wickerman Festival

Wickerman Festival on 25th - 27th July is yet another family friendly highlight. Those looking to explore a hedonistic mix of on-stage entertainment whilst the kids are entertained can’t do much better. Featuring for the kids areas with story telling, circus tricks, a cinema, and a trusty funfair, combined with a relaxed uncrowded site and good natured revellers, everyone is made to feel welcome; Wickerman really is a pleasure to experience for everyone involved..

Belladrum Tartan Heart

The 2nd-3rd August hosts another one of the most beautiful venues on the calendar: Belladrum. With five stages and a lo-fi approach, Belladrum offers a great mix of local and international artists, and is guaranteed to have something to your taste. With fantastic music ranging across a variety of genres providing good entertainment for the parents, Belladrum also features a brilliant array of children's entertainment, street theatre, cabaret, cinema, alternative therapies and food and drink, making it perfect for all of the family.

Instead of viewing festival going with the family as a hinderance, we are seeing that parents nowadays are actively looking to introduce their families to the festival experience, and all the festivals listed above cater for just that.

We hope you find your perfect family friendly festival, and have an unforgettable summer!


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