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Added by: Shropshire Mums on Tue Jul 25 1:05 2023
Family Festivals and Summer Camping trips have really grown in popularity over the past few years and here in Shropshire we are lucky to have quite possibly the UK's best Family Festival Camp Bestival make its second home right here on our doorstep in the gorgeous grounds of Weston Park.
Shropshire Mums expereinced our first ever family festival at Camp Bestival last year and we can honestly say it was a fantastic experience.
Keep reading our Family Festival guide to Festivals and handy tips including some must have equipment and accessories reviews to make the festival experience that bit easier and enjoyable.
FAMILY FESTIVALS AROUND THE UK
CAMP BESTIVAL SHROPSHIRE - WESTON PARK SHROPSHIRE
AUG 17th - 21st
The 2023 Shropshire Line-up is here!
Camp Bestival are super-excited to announce that genre-swerving Glaswegian heroes Primal Scream will headline Camp Bestival Shropshire when we come together for our second Weston Park festi-holiday from 17-20 August 2023. Joining them at the top of the Shropshire line-up are drum n bass groovers Rudimental and synth-pop singalong legends The Human League.
“Well, we only went and started a new festival didn’t we?! We couldn’t have been happier with the site, the weather, the crowd, and the vibes. Oh yeah and paddle boarding round a beautiful lake with our kids! A dream! So, we’re back for 2023 hoping to ramp up the levels even more from introducing a brand-new Camp fancy dress parade, raft building and loads of cool new little pop ups to mega pop stars and indie giants on the main stage. See you in the garden at Weston Park in August!”
Making its debut for 2023, the Big Camp Fancy Dress Parade is a theme-free costume party that gives you the chance to let your creativity shine. So, whether you make your costume, buy it, cobble it together from what’s in your cupboard, or visit the Dressing Up tent on site, we are talking about a legendary fancy dressing opportunity not to miss.
Family entertainment and adventure is always at the heart and Soul of Camp Bestival and our return to Weston Park is no exception with Mr Tumble, Junior Jungle, Dick and Dom, Mister Maker, Horrible Histories, and Cosmic Kids Yoga with Jaime. Intrepid types can wonder at the Extreme Bike Battle, Skate Ramps, a Red Devils parachute display, and Cirque Bijou’s amazing ‘The Silent Forest Show’, and more than 100 free things for kids to do in a dizzying array of family fun and screen free activities, all topped off with a truly spectacular fireworks finale. Plus Camp Bestival Shropshire will partner with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) with their programme of activities to be revealed.
Temple Wood abounds with a cornucopia of unique wellness activities on offer from yoga and meditation, Rob da Bank’s Sleep Retreat, and ice baths, to wild swimming, paddle boarding, raft building, and SUP Yoga, ensuring families can enjoy moments of reflection along the banks of the stunning lake.
Bringing the party to Capability Brown’s gorgeous gardens, we have even more music from the likes of big time booty shakers Confidence Man, and dancefloor dons Groove Armada behind the decks, plus a plethora of pop super stars including Melanie C, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Ella Henderson, Sam Ryder and the boys from East 17 who are bringing a touch of Christmas to the summertime.
Who says you can’t start the Christmas spirit in summer? We can’t wait to bring an East 17 festive extravaganza to Dorset for our Camp Bestival debut! Pull out the white puffer jackets and see you on the fields.
There will also be death metal from the midlands’ own Napalm Death and intergalactic-punk-rock-hip-hop from the Black Country’s finest Pop Will Eat Itself, with good times guaranteed all weekend from Fearne Cotton, Badly Drawn Boy, Caity Baser, Bez and Rowetta, Elvana – Elvis Fronted Nirvana, The Bootleg Beetles, T’PAU, The Smyths, Hot Dub Time Machine, The Dolly Show, Goldie Lookin Chain and many more.
A festi-holiday for all the family, this year marks 15 years of Camp Bestival entertaining festivalgoers with genre spanning line-ups combined with circus spectacles, comedy, fancy dress, a mouth-watering array of exquisite food and drink, wellbeing and healthy pursuits, a showstopping firework extravaganza and much more – watch this space for a bigger and better Camp Bestival 2023!
Well, we only went and started a new festival didn’t we?! We couldn’t have been happier with the site, the weather, the crowd, and the vibes. Oh yeah and paddle boarding round a beautiful lake with our kids! A dream! So, we’re back for 2023 hoping to ramp up the levels even more from introducing a brand-new Camp fancy dress parade, raft building and loads of cool new little pop ups to mega pop stars and indie giants on the main stage. See you in the garden at Weston Park in August!
Camp Bestival offers a range of camping options from general tent camping, bring your own caravan or campervan and stay in either general caravans and campervans or the upgraded backstage option and even a range of boutique camping options with yurts and bell tents all set up in comfort ready for your arrival.... and if thats not enough.... NEW THIS YEAR.....LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE TO STAY IN THE LUXURY OF THE GORGEOUS WESTON PARK MANOR HOUSE!!!
VISIT https://shropshire.campbestival.net/
DEVA FEST - CHESHIRE - 11TH-13TH AUG
Music & comedy across five stages (including the brand new Dance Stage from Sensus featuring the best of house, old school and rave), Deva Laughs comedy is back, and throw in hand-picked street food traders, art and parades, Gin masterclasses, the best bars and free-to-use fairground, Kids Kingdom, Circus workshops and shows, water sports and more…..
** JUST ANNOUNCED ** DINO MANIA! The dinosaurs of Jurassic Park are heading to Deva Fest!
FRIDAY 11th August
Morcheeba / Symphonic Ibiza
Acoustic Odds / Kevin Davy White / Bingo Bango / Old Time Sailors
Ruff Trade / Geddes & Gioia / James J Turner / The Rosadocs / Seafoam Green / Robyn Regan / Caitlin McCarthy / Supergiant / Julia Mosley / Dr T-Bone / Zelyg
Sensus Stage: Dave Graham / Paul Maffia / Pete Samba / Pritch / Neil Willis / Emma M / Metric / Chris Lynes / Ben Edwardson / Brian Ellis / Carlosm / Emma Charles
Deva Laughs: Justin Moorhouse / Matt Richardson / Hayley Ellis
SATURDAY 12th August
Will Young / Fleur East / Five
The South / Xander & The Peace Pirates / Ashley Sherlock Band / Zoot Serious & the Bellyful of Bop / Old Time Sailors
Superhero Day Ball Ft Trix / Simon Howard / Stables / Arustic Duo / Little Planets / 1968 / Candy Opera / The Midnight Foxes / Muddy Elephant / The Clock Makers / The C90’s
Sensus Stage: K-Klass / N-Trance / Pulp Disco / Fatty Funk / Daisy Regan / Sydney / Gal / Mista Tee / Rachel T / Jack Wild / Luke O’Brien / Sammy Dean
Deva Laughs: Paul Smith / Brennan Reece / Scott Bennett
SUNDAY 13th August
Feeder / Starsailor
The Dunwells / Camens / Jeramiah Ferrari / Old Time Sailors
Foo Fighterz (UK) (Tribute) / Mississippi Riot / Fly-52 / India Arkin / The Garnetts / Bobcat Billy’s Moonshine Mission / The Bartells / Soul Revolver / The Columbians / IndifferentMonKeY / Aliens Don’t Ring Doorbells / Linkway / Mankind Arise / Sym & the Shady Branch Band
Sensus Stage: Corey James / Eric Martin from Technotronic / Adam Paul / Matty Taylor / Ad’s Alright / Aaron Amihere / James Brown / Paul Lloyd / Mike DJ / Lebby / Dream Frequency
Deva Laughs: Tez Ilyas / Nina Gilligan / Allyson June Smith
So much more Music, Comedy, Food & Family Entertainment
https://devafest.co.uk/https://devafest.co.uk/
CARFEST - Cheshire - 25th - 27th August
Located in Cheshire in August, CarFest is held in aid of BBC Children in Need, so this festival really is all about the kids. There's a kids kingdom and a vintage village, full of vintage markets, tea rooms, sweet shops and cars. There’s also the Farm-Olympics, kids theatre and the Car-Nival.
carfest.org
BEST OF THE REST AROUND THE UK
VALLEY FEST - SOMERSET 3RD - 6TH AUGUST
The family-friendly Valley Fest takes place on an organic working farm with tons for kids to do. From meeting farm animals, picking vegetables, playing on vintage tractors, cooking, storytelling and kids' yoga, they'll love every minute. With live music from The Kooks and Bananarama, plus great food and Weleda beauty treatments, there's plenty for parents to do, too!
FESTIVAL OF SPORT - NORFOLK - 11TH -14TH August
If you're looking for a family-friendly festival with a difference, then the Festival of Sport in Norfolk might be just the ticket. Sports on offer range from hockey, rugby, netball, cricket and football to kayaking, golf, trampolining, lacrosse, boxing, skateboarding plus, new for this year, American Football. Sports sessions are aimed at children aged between 5 and 17, with additional activities for under 5s and over 18s spanning sports, wellbeing and entertainment. The Festival of Sport was co-founded by international rugby legends Will Greenwood and Austin Healey. Alongside Will and Austin, sports stars returning in 2023 include cricketer Ryan Sidebottom, footballer Dean Ashton, Paralympic rowers Vicki and Tom Aggar, netballer Karen Greig and golfer Graeme Storm.
GREEN MAN - Breacon Beacons - 17TH - 20TH August
Located in the stunning Brecon Beacons, this alternative festival has a folky, chilled-out vibe, perfect for families who prefer their festivals to be more relaxed than full-throttle. The 'Little Folk' area has activities for kids aged up to 12 including storytelling, puppet-making and the Little Folk Parade. The 'Somewhere' zone is for teenagers aged 13 to 17 and includes DJ workshops, cinema and yoga.
JUST SO FESTIVAL - Cheshire - 18th -20th August
The Just So Festival tagline is 'A family weekend adventure beyond your wildest dreams' ... The annual weekend-long camping festival combines art, music and literature in musical, theatrical, and visual performances. Child-friendly loos, baby change facilities, a breastfeeding 'boudoir' and even a bath time tent, offer families practical assistance, while attractions include an exhaustive range of activities and workshops for the kids.
SUNSHINE FESTIVAL - Worcestershire - 24th - 27th August
Primarily a music festival, this year sees The Proclaimers and Marc Almond taking to the stage. As well as fun festival frolics, there's also a circus, a huge inflatable land and fancy dress for little ones.
Home - Sunshine Music Festival (uptonfestival.co.uk)
The Ultimate Family Festival Survival Guide
Family Festivals are becoming bigger and better with more of them scattered around the country and.... here in SHropshire, we are fortunate enough to have the amazing Camp Bestival make us their second home. Shropshire Mums went along to Camp Bestival last year to see what all the fuss was about and we can tell you it was a fantastic, amazing camping weekend with something for everyone and the most amazing headline acts that both parents and kids loved.
So, for those of you yet to experience your first family festival we thought we would throw together some handy survival tips below:
PREPERATION
Prepare, Prepare and then prepare some more.... Festivals with kids in tow are definatley more stressfull, however... they are also a lot more fun too. Make lists, keep things simple but make sure you take everything you need.
Take a look at our suggested packing list...
DAILY ESSENTIALS:
TICKETS!!!!
Phone
ID
USB Charger banks
Bank Cards & Cash - although some festivals such as Bestival are actually cashless so your bank cards are super important
Refillable water bottles for the whole family
Head torches - essential for finding your way to the loo in the dark
The famous festival cart / trolley - This is an essential in my book. Be aware that you are unable to park your car near you tent at most festivals so a cart is great for transporting your goods to your pitch and then doubles up to help transport little ones around the campsite. Many people decorate theirs, give them a waterproof roof and kit them out with a mini mattress and blankets for late nights.
Backpacks - For you and also for the kids. You will want to cary drinks, macs, snacks etc around the site so its much easier to eash have a backpack to keep your essentials in.
Picnic blankets & camping chairs - useful if you plan on watching any live acts from the back, not all fastivals allow chairs in main arenas so do check before you leave.
THE FESTIVAL TOILET!!! - Whilst family festivals are not usually as bad as some of the scenes you may see at some of the adult targeted festivals, they are by no means luxurious... Think sawdust in a glorified wheeleie bin stand and you will come somewhwere close. If you are lucky you may have portable flushing loos but dont expect home comforts or cleanliness. Therefore it is essential to carry your own hand sanitisers / hand wash
Kids accessories - flashing toys, wings, tails. It canbe much cheaper to buy these before you arrive.
CAMPING ESSENTIALS:
A good quality family tent
Airbeds / camping beds
Sleeping bags / blankets / pillows / inflat
Clothing - Remember to check the forecast ahead and pack appropriatley but no matter what the weather always take a rain mac just in case. Leggings, shorts, thin summer dresses, light tshirts and hoodies are always a good staple wardrobe.
Footwear - remember no matter what the weather you are likely in he middle of a field so even if the weathers dry, in flip flops you could end up with dirty feet.... Persoanlly a good pair of wellies and walking boots do the trick, festivals are not th eplace to be glamorous. Trainers are always a good call for the kids, just make sure you dont take their best.
Accessories - It wouldnt be a festival without a bit of sparkle so remember to pack any face paints for the kids, sparkly make up and hair accessories
Cooking equipment - camping stove, kettle, plastic plates, cutlery and mugs.
Food - Keep things simple with packet & tinned foods, long life milk, cerials, snack bars etc, small bottles of concentrated squash are great for carrying around teh festival site too.
A few small games such as uno and a pack of cards can be useful for those downtime moments too.
THE VITALS:
Medicines / Calpol / Paracetamol / Sun Cream if the weather permits / Minin first aid kit with plasters etc
Hygeine - toothbrushes, toothpaste, make up remover and make up, deodorants, baby wipes etc
This list is by no means exhaustive but we hope it gives you a great starting point.
We Checked Out A Few Festival Essential Suggestions..................
DRAPER STEEL MESH TROLLEY CART
This robust steel cart is designed to transport heavy goods with ease and is capable of withstanding loads of up to 200kg. The side panels can be locked into an upright position, removed entirely or folded down. This foldable frame design also allows the cart to be assembled and disassembled easily for storage or transportation. The cart is ideal for trouble-free loading/unloading and carrying of heavy compost bags, paving slabs, camping equipment and more. The sturdy pneumatic wheels are easy to direct using the pull handle and they help make light work of moving heavy goods, especially over uneven terrain. There is a hardwearing EVA foam cushioned grip for comfort when pulling. The powder-coated finish makes the cart more durable and provides added protection against rust. A heavy-duty waterproof liner (Stock No. 20760) and spare wheels are available separately. Supplied as a flat pack item for self-assembly.
Robust steel mesh trolley cart
Capable of withstanding loads of up to 200kg
Side panels can be locked into an upright position, removed entirely or folded down
Four large pneumatic tyres with tread for ease of manoeuvrability, especially over uneven terrain
Hardwearing EVA foam grip handle for comfort when pulling
Powder-coated finish makes the cart more durable and provides added protection against rust
Heavy-duty waterproof liner (Stock No. 20760) and spare wheels are available separately
WHAT DID WE THINK?
We love this fantastic trolley, it really is perfect for not only transporting your equipment to your camping spot but also for carting yong children around the feastival site.
Whilst the draper trolley does fold down to a degree, some disassembly is required in order to get in your car, although this is minimal and the pros of this trolley definatley out weigh this small sacrifice.
This trolley is lovely and sturdy with big chunky wheels maming it easy to manouvere. We have some some great additions to these trolleys at festivals... waterproof covers, decorations, mattresses in the bottom to make little beds. The uses at a festival are huge and could potentially save you a small fortune hiring one, last year we actually apid over £40 in trolley hire at just one family festival. The sides fold down really easily for ease of loading and unloading and its a reallt great size to fit everything in.
RRP £120
Available from Garden stores and DIY Stores including Charlies stores Shrewbury & Coed Y Dinas
Steel Mesh Garden Trolley Cart (58552) | Draper Tools
FRESH WIPES
For a shower without a shower and to keep clean
FreshWipes - are a full shower in one wipe - ideal when you are at a festival and don't want to queue hours for a shower. These antibacterial plastic free wipes that are 100% biodegradable. FreshWipes are ideal for anyone who is travelling, camping, going to the beach, or a festival this summer. FreshWipes launched in 2020 with extra-large, extra wet adult body wipes that are designed to clean your body whenever you can’t shower. Quickly and easily remove body odour, freshen up and feel clean, even if you haven’t showered for days! Let's be honest, no one wants to queue for cold portabable showers even if they are available on site.
WHAT DID WE THINK?
There are an absolute essential in our book. If you have ever been to a festival you will know the queue from the showers can be a mile long and even the nicest of clean showers are never the easiest or cleanest to use. FreshWipes come in a lovely range of both scented and non scented with fresh fragrances such as coconut and grapefruit as well as non scented. Super easy to use, leaving you feel fresh and clean for the day ahead / before snuggling into your sleeping bag. We love the mini range too, perfect for carrying oround with you and the antibacterial factor is a must have. The shampoo cap is a great way to give your hair a quick freshen up and leave it smelling clean and fresh for a mid wash festival frshen up. These have to be a great essential to pack in your camping rucksack and at the time of publication they currently have a great discounted sale too
RRP from just £5.99
TIFFANY & CO TIFFANY & LOVE FOR HER EAU DE PARFUM
Tiffany & Love Eau de Parfum for Her, was created as a tribute to modern love. The sweet floral bouquet of neroli is at the heart of the fragrance, with a woody blend of blue sequoia, vetiver and cedarwood at the base, creating a faceted and feminine scent. Get the matching fragrance for 'him' with Tiffany & Love Eau de Toilette for Him – a match made in heaven.
£74.99.
WHAT DID WE THINK?
We loved this sweet, crisp summer scent. Perfect for the summer festival vibes, with the sweet scented fun aroma and that bit of luxury from the sought after Tiffany brand. Conatined in a beautifully simplistic bottle bearing the iconic Tiffany & Co logo. Definaltey a new favorite of ours, light and airy perfect for the summer days and delivers a long lasting scent too.
BetterYou Magnesium Sleep Lotion
For a good night’s rest and to help aching feet:
Walking around a festival and dancing all night can be exhausting on your legs and feet. Magnesium is a very important mineral to help muscles relax and can ease restless legs and cramps and overall greatly help ease tension and stress and improve sleep. Rubbing BetterYou magnesium sleep lotion on your feet and legs before bed can help you wind down and relax for a wonderful night's sleep. It’s very simple to do and feels very nice. Just the ritual of massaging the lotion into your feet is soothing and immediately relaxing. It also smells great as it has lavender and chamomile oil in the blend. The perfect way to prep for a dreamy snooze to recharge yourself for the next day of partying.
WHAT DID WE THINK?
Whilst we are yet to still actually physically try this product we cant think of anything better at the end of a busy festival day than a freshen up with the aforementioned Fresh Wipes followed by this gorgeous smelling sleep lotion to make you feel clean, fresh and rejouvenated ready for a lovely nights sleep, drifting off to the delicate fresh scents. There is also a junior version great for the little ones. This will definaltey be in our festival pack this year.
Currently on sale for just RRP £9.95
Magnesium Sleep Mineral Lotion | BetterYou
Kindleflamers
Summer is here, and outdoor fires are a must-have for all the BBQ lovers, festival, picnic and camping adventurers out there. But with environmental concerns on the rise, it’s more important than ever to choose sustainable, natural and eco-friendly firelighters that don't compromise on convenience. Introducing the natural firelighter- KindleFlamer
KindleFlamers are natural firelighters made from untreated wood shavings dipped in refined paraffin wax, making them an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to chemical-based fire starters. They are the perfect solution for lighting fires in BBQs, chimeneas, pizza ovens and when camping in the great outdoors.
Unlike traditional firelighters that can contain harmful chemicals, Kindle Flamers are non-toxic, low emission and leave no residue behind, making them a safe and eco-friendly choice for outdoor fires. They are also convenient to use and offer a long burn time, ensuring your fire is ready to go in no time.
WHAT DID WE THINK?
We must start by saying it is important to check festival / campsite rules if you plan on using these away from home. Not all festivals and of campsites allow BBQ's or fires of any kind. So with the important info out of the way....These are super handy, easy to stire and really do get the fire / bbq started quickly, the environmentally friendliness of these ia real added bonus too.
An on-the-go pack of three costs just £3 online at www.certainlywood.co.uk
Idahoan Perfect Mash
Make dinner around the camp fire that much easier!
On hand to make sure you’ll never go a day without delicious dinners or a quick pick-me-up snack at camp, Idahoan Perfect Mash is made from the best potatoes in the USA which have been carefully dehydrated to slowly remove the water and retain all of the goodness.
Idahoan’s lightweight pouches are available in a range of tasty flavours including Buttery, Classic, Roasted Garlic, Cheddar Cheese, Bacon & Cheese and Butter & Herb and Idahoan’s Pots are available in two fantastic flavours, Bubble & Squeak and Bacon & Cheese. Simply serve with sausages and beans or enjoy a mash pot on its own for a warming and hearty meal!
WHAT DID WE THINK?
These pots make life so much easier when camping, super easy to make just add hot water, wait a minuite and fluff up the mash in the pot using a fork... It really is as easy as that. The flavoured pots taste great their own for a quick snack and you can even add a splash of gravy into the pot. They form part of a lovely easy cook meal with a few sausages or chops of the bbq to form a more substantial meal. The kids absolutley love them and they are a great price too making them a winner in our eyes.
Idahoan’s Perfect Mash products are available to purchase from Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Waitrose, Coop, Waitrose and on Ocado for RRP £1.50.
Wet Wednesdays Kids Waterproof Clothing
Outdoors Rain Jacket
Wet Wednesdays award winning, Scandinavian designed, PU Rain Jacket is the perfect outer layer for maximum protection from the rain.
Designed in Wales our Outdoor Rain Jacket is made from super-soft and supple, robust, fully waterproof, OEKO-TEX certified and PVC-free PU fabric which has been tried and tested in Forest Schools in Scandinavia where children are educated outdoors. Our jackets and coats are hard-wearing and do not need reproofing over time and as a bonus for all of us mums and dads, they do not require frequent washing - just rinse or wipe off any dirt with a damp cloth and you will be ready for your next adventure. These Jackets are a firm favourite with our customers...a must-have for any parent, school or nursery who don’t allow the weather to stop play!!!
100% Waterproof
Windproof OEKO-TEX®
Machine Washable
Welded Seams
Reflective Feature
Detachable Hood
Sustainable Choice
Phthalate Free Fabric
Available in ages 1-14
RRP £32
https://wetwednesdays.co.uk/outdoors-rain-jacket#actual_colour=94
Outdoors Dungaree
Award Winning, 100% waterproof OEKO-TEX® certified and phthalate free, children’s Dungarees are proudly designed in the UK! with safety conscious reflective strips, child friendly adjustable bib and brace & welded seams to ensure they are fully windproof and waterproof.
These Award Winning, children’s dungarees are waterproof, windproof, super soft, robust, and comfortable. Made from Wet Wednesdays amazing 100% waterproof OEKO-TEX® certified and phthalate free PU fabric. The outer material has a 4 way stretch to give freedom of movement, with taped and welded seams to ensure they are fully windproof and waterproof. Designed for rough and tumble with plenty of growing room our salopettes’ are perfect for your kid to wear through the summer and then to layer up in the winter. Easy, child friendly adjustable bib and brace with reflectors to keep them safe on the way home these coveralls are for girls or boys who love extra robust, muddy, and wet outdoor play. The perfect forest school kit for any UK parent, school or nursery looking for high quality kids’ waterproof clothes.
RRP £30
https://wetwednesdays.co.uk/outdoors-dungaree#actual_colour=47
Given this years summer... or lack of it, a good set of waterproofs are an absolute neccesity for summer festivals and camping this year. We were super impressed with Wet Wednesdays, the quality is amazing, really lovely rubbery material thats super easy to wipe clean, a great fit, the kids love them and most importantly they keep the kids super cosy and dry. The generous fit leaves plenty of room to layer up during the colder months too.
It's not often you see a range cover such a wide age bracket too and theres a great choice of colours and designs. The material seems really durable and whilst we've not tested over time, the quality certainly gives you the impression these will really last much longer than needed.
