Festivals with kids?

[redjam]

The redjam family are thinking of taking the littl'uns (age five and nearly three) to a festival again this summer. Like half of East Dulwich, we went to Camp Bestival last year, which was fab, but we're thinking of trying somewhere new - perhaps the Secret Garden Party or The Big Chill or somewhere similar? Has anyone been to any of these and how family-friendly did you find them? Any other recommendations or places to avoid?

Our only stipulations are that we don't want to go somewhere where it's likely that we'll find ourselves camping next to a huge posse of all-night teenage ravers (unfortunately we can't afford posh boutique camping options), and we don't want to go anywhere too massive for obvious reasons. Oh, and we're not likely to go for anywhere with strong hippie/holistic/beardy vibes either (call us fussy, but...).

[lorraineliyanage]

Larmer Tree is fantastic and very child-friendly:

http://www.larmertreefestival.co.uk/

Has a slight beardy vibe to it but no yoghurt-weaving stuff

[Keef]

I have always loved festivals, but the thought of going with the baby is just awful. Respect to any of you who do it. To me it would take all the fun out of the weekend.

[Tulsie]

Hi redjam,

As a long term big chiller, a couple of years ago I would have said absolutely go for it......But, my daughter is now 6 and last year there was a definate change in the air at the chill. It was always sooooo family friendly, but Pete Lawrence stepped down from running it 2 years ago and I think the new team are taking it into a different direction. No judgement from me on that, but it was more rave-y and less family and not really for us anymore....

Having said all that, my new fave is Festinho......been twice now and had a gorgeous time both years. It's moving to a new location this year, but I imagine it will be the same but better.....All money raised goes to Brazilian street kids, so very family orientated and just generally lovely! Have I gushed enough?????

Festinho

Enjoy!

Tulsie x

[buggie]

Haven't been with children, but there are always lots of families with everything from bumps to teenagers at Latitude it isn't a huge festival (so you're never too far away from the tent), there's a nice children's area and a dedicated family camping field (as well as tangerine fields if you didn't want to take/pitch your own tent).

[hpsaucey]

Summer Sundae in Leicester's great for kids. In the middle of Leicester but in a park and hall, indoor and CLEAN baby changing and toilet facilities and stuff for kids. Not always the most heard-of bands, but the line ups usually pretty canny with some real gems. Haven't ever camped tho so can't say what that bits like. Small - but perfectly formed!!!

http://www.summersundae.com/index.php?cat_id=1&scat_id=1&level=1

[curlykaren]

oooo, what great info, anyone want to take me to latitiude to stay in a yurtel? pleeeaaase x

[Mrs Humm]

Indeed - Festihno is the way forward...

I was going to write almost word for word what this post says...

[Tulsie]

Hi Mrs Humm

see you there!!

Tulsie x

[redjam]

This is all really helpful, thanks. I'd thought about Latitude but it just seems so big and also the website barely mentions kids, so I wasn't sure there'd be much to do for them, but will look again now. Very useful info about The Big Chill, Tulsie, thank you. And the Larmer Tree festival and Festihno are really interesting ideas - I'd never even heard of the latter but they both sound great. Is Festihno all world music though? I do like world music, just not sure I want three whole days of it...

I've also been looking into a new festival called Vintage at Goodwood which sounds quite bonkers but quirky. But that really would be a gamble with the kids as it's the first one. Ah, remember the days when you could just rock up to one of these things as the mood took you, with only the clothes on your back and your bodyweight's worth of booze? Now you practically need a separate lorry just for the kids' paraphernalia. That said, both kids absolutely loved Camp Bestival last year, so I do think it's worth the effort. Let's just pray for a sunny summer this year!

[Ruth_Baldock]

I second Latitude- they have a bedtime story hour! We are going to try and go with Bubs Baldock this year.

[buggie]

Oo yes - snuck in at the end of that - Richard Curtis and his kids were in there watching! Think the Latitude website has only just launched for this year so might find more info on there by the day.

Am going to be 7mths pregnant by then this year so going to give it a miss :'( but thinking with bubs being about 9-10mths old Latitude 2011 could be a goer!

[Mrs Humm]

Festihno is not all world music at all.

The profits go to a Brazillian children's charity, but the music is eclectic and the people who organise the festival have been long term Big Chillers.

Also - Festihno is a bargain, as it is relatively new etc so the risk of spending the cash/taking kids etc feels less.

[roisinhenn]

You should also try out 'Vintage at Goodwood', it is a new festival this year. It is a music, art, film, fashion (everything!) festival that celebrates 5 decades of British cool! Its located in the Goodwood estate in Sussex. It is definitely family orientated with plenty to amuse the kids! I'll attach the link to the website .... http://www.vintageatgoodwood.com/home.aspx

[hoipolloi]

Another recommendation for Latitude - took our then 4 year old twins last year, they absolutely loved it. Loads of stuff to do for kids. But their favourite bit was seeing the Pet Shop Boys! I think they even had babysitters available.

[plimsoul]

i'm going for the big guns, went to glastonbury last year and it was fantastic. both kids were close to 4 and the kids area is amazing. i mean incredible plus there are shows for them all day. the best part is there is a massive campsite set aside for families right next to the kids field.

some may recoil in horror but we and the kids loved it. where else do you get a circus thrown in?

[damzel]

We're doing Glastonbury this year but leaving kiddie with my mum. Green Man is great for kids - we went last year with our 18m old and are going again this year. Might check out Latitude too after all these recommendations.. hmmm

[Mellors]

Latitude for us as well this year with our 3 and 1 year olds. Thankfully Mr Mellors parents live nearby so we are going to dump them back with them after tea and come back in the evening for a grown up night out!