The Big Family Day Out Festival 2024 Review

Following the ground-shattering conclusion of Highest Point Festival 2024 last night, the scenes at this year’s Big Family Day Out offered a nicely timed contrast. Wide-eyed families flocked through Williamson Park for a day crammed with creativity, magic and excitement.

Spread out across the vast park was a kids paradise, comprising three stages stuffed with top tier entertainment and music along with plenty of secret surprises scurried away within the winding park paths. Excitement and wonder was rife in the crisp Sunday summer air. 

The Kids Hide Out was thriving throughout the day as children led their imaginations run wild amidst the fantastical cardboard kingdom. Northern Heights' circus skills workshop let the little ones soar high in the sky, all while showing off a few high flying tricks of their own to a amazed onlookers. Throughout the day, nearby the Hide Out around the steps of the Ashton Memorial, kids could catch a glimpse of familiar heroes, from Batman to a couple of Transformers. 

Nestled amongst the picturesque paths winding around the park were a treasure trove of fun activities and games. As the sounds of the Sundial rattled in the background, families treated themselves to a sports zone, hammer art and owl observing by The Dell. Queues of kids gathered around the world owl trust, mesmerised by the majestic birds.

The other end of Williamson Park saw the winding paths branching out from the Main Stage hiding dragons and dinosaurs. These luscious woodland corridors could either take you to see Idris the Dragon or to Jurassic Park, where T-Rex roamed the paths. 

Along with the wonders hidden in every corner of the park, it wouldn't be The Big Family Day Out without some quality live entertainment to keep families entranced. Opening up the Main Stage was the magnificent Stagecoach Choir, serenading the crowds coming in. Classics like High School Musicals ‘Breaking Free’, 'Hard Knock Life' and selections from ‘Frozen’ left a sea of smiles. 

Beyond Radio took to the Main Stage throughout the day in a series of interludes, offering everything from Russ Brown magic tricks to head scratching quiz questions. A particular highlight from this stage has to be MC Grammar, who offered some good times with good rhymes. Coming on with vinyl scratches and spag with swag, his show involved ‘Book Box’, where he transformed beloved kids books into funky new tracks with iconic hip-hop beats. Topics covered in his set included books, volcanos and times tables, a perfect trifecta if you ask us. 

Closing out the Main Stage were some feel good indie rockers. Molly Warburton provided some feel good indie delight, whilst local talent George Lawson returned after stealing the show at Highest Point. Their infectious indie rhythms provided a well needed feel good end to the day that had folks young and old bouncing in unison. 

The entertainment wasn't just limited to the Main Stage, however. Pitched outside the Ashton Memorial in-between showings of Batman and Transformers was a revolving door of wonders, while the Hartbeeps hub in the Memorial's stunning dome provided a heart-warming escape for those with the even littler ones.

The Family Friendly Street Theatre on the Memorial Stage saw the likes of PifPaf and Rhubarb Bombardiers taking excited families on journeys around the world. PifPaf present TOAST was a festival favourite, as their use of music, food and skillful storytelling transported the crowd to the depths of a Chinese province or the beaches of Cyprus with the drop of a hat.  

Over on the Sundial stage, crowds were treated to magic shows, classic throwback music and a taste of lots of exciting culture. Some of the many standouts included Amy Anderson Walmsley getting the especially small ones singing and dancing on top of the sundial with a range of classic throwback tunes, while high octane band Price Of My Pig brimmed with charm, funk and melody. 

With the vast Lancaster and Morecambe Bay skyline shimmering in the distance, Sunday lunchtime on the Sundial was soundtracked by the lush sounds of Bollywood. Rajasthan Heritage Street Band was an authentic fusion of folk songs, Bhangra beats and even some funk and pop song covers. The Indian brass band closed off the festival in the most fun way was possible. Despite not having the parade that they were always a part of this year, it was a jangling and stomping send off for BFDO. 

With the weather finally giving in at the festival's end, it was time to call cut on this year's Big Family Day Out, but what a day out it was. Mouth-watering food and drink, brilliant live entertainment and wonder tucked away at every corner meant that the day went down as a roaring success. This was one for the books well and truly. 

Check out our What's On Guide to discover more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.