Festivals for the young

[Fee_B77]

I want to take my 4yo daughter to a festival this year. Nothing too commercial or huge. Does anyone have any suggestions?

[Goodsoulette]

Oh dear, its all very difficult, their poor ears cant cope with the noise and most people are just wrecked. I am a professional festivaler and I don't think most are suitable for anyone under 12.
Glastonbury has a lot of variety to offer though, I would say you could have fun their with a four year old. Although obviously not what you are looking for.
Try something local and small....which area do you live in?

[saxy_jag]

Summer Sundae Weekender. It's been nominated a couple of times for Most Family Friendly festival, and has recently won eFestivals' Best Small Festival Award. It's very chilled out and relaxed.

Family campers are offered a 'family friendly' part of the campsite, and the children's area is like a little festival of its own - lots of play activities and entertainment. More importantly, it's on the opposite side of the building to the main stage, so less chance of damage to young ears. Also a good place for mum and dad to chill out (you're not allowed to leave your kids there without a parent/carer being present).

The site is secure (although relaxed) and the festival's maximum capacity is 6000, so it will never become too big:

http://www.summersundae.com/

There's a dedicated forum at the eFestivals website if you want some impartial opinions:

http://www.efestivals.co.uk/forums/index.php?s =f914fc84144fa4a54d3d89e0778d1f05&showforum=42

There's also Big Session - same venue, same chilled atmosphere, same kids' team, but very folk orientated. It's partly organised by Oysterband, so that gives you some idea of what the acts are like:

http://www.demontforthall.co.uk/bigsession/

[saxy_jag]

Apologies to the organisers - the awards mentioned weren't eFestivals', but the UK Festival Awards.

Sorry.

[Fee_B77]

I live in the midlands. Happy to travel anywhere really. I'm not interested intaking her into any mosh pits or suchlike. Would just like her to experience it. Have been to lots of festivals and have seen lots of kids of mixed ages having a ball. Always been sorry I didn't take my own.

Cheers for your input

F

[Heyhey]

There's a fab festival in Brampton, near Carlisle in July. It's billed as a 'folk festival' and many of the acts are quite folky but they have a variety of acts on - including in recent years The Waterboys and Half Man Half Biscuit!

It's reknowned as having a very relaxed vibe and very family friendly. We live quite near and although we haven't been able to make it yet lots of our friends wth young kids go every year and we're going this year with our two (2 and 7 ys).

Info here - http://www.bramptonlive.net/

[1smiler1]

I went to the Big Chill Festival last year in Gloucestershire, its more of a family oriented event with a diverse range of artists/entertainment - thoroughly enjoyed.

[sunflower68]

The WOMAD festival http://womad.org/ is good (though I have not been since I had kids).

My friend went last year and took her 2, a little older than your daughter, and they had such a good time they are going again this year.

Apparantly it is extremely family orientated though not sure if it may be bigger than what you want.

You are not too far from the Cambridge Folk Festival, thought it could be a bit 'real ale' for you, if you know what I mean!

[BoroughGal]

http://www.shambalafestival.org/

Shambala is good for the kids. Lots of activities for them. It's a well kept secret.....