When it’s rumoured that the greatest of all summer festivals has gone all family-friendly, who are we to argue. But if Glastonbury was as big on buggies this year as we’re told, it’s a bit late to that party. In fact, we’re going to fully commit and say some of the best gigs of summer have been kid-heaven for years now. Then, because we love a bit of evidence, here’s this year’s proof.
Camp Greenpeace, Latitude
Latitude – 20 to 23 July, Suffolk
Pulp (with Disco Dad, Jarvis Cocker) is headlining this year’s Latitude in Suffolk from 20 to 23 July. Living up to its reputation as Best Family Festival, this summer’s shindig has a Kids’ Area and Teen Area, as well as heaps of activities including Camp Greenpeace and Wildlife Science Adventure. A dedicated Family Campsite (complete with Enchanted Garden) should put this one top of your summer wish list.
Doune The Rabbit Hole, Port of Menteith © Christopher Werret
Doune The Rabbit Hole – 21 to 23 July, Port of Menteith
Returning to gorgeous Port of Menteith this summer, Doune The Rabbit Hole is now one of Scotland’s fastest growing summer festivals. It’s on from 21 to 23 July and under-12s go free. Which is good news because everything from extreme origami to a Mermaid Café Mud Kitchen are lined up and ready to go!
Camp Bestival – 27 to 30 July, Dorset
The family festival all the other ones want to be when they grow up, Camp Bestival is back for summer 2023 at Lulworth Castle in Dorset from 27 to 30 July. The line-up for all parents kids have to bring along with them includes Sam Ryder, The Kooks and Sophie Ellis-Bextor. And the really important stuff is all about soft play, circus skills, Horrible Histories, Mister Maker, Cosmic Kids Yoga, Mr Tumble and much, much more.
Green Man Festival, Brecon Beacons © Katy J. Pearson
Green Man – 17 to 20 August, Brecon Beacons
Set in the Brecon Beacons in Wales, Green Man always gets billed as alternative, and if that means chill, friendly and a lot of laughs, we’re good with that. It’s on from 17 to 20 August this year and headliners include Spiritualized, The Delgados and Beth Orton. But the real news is a Little Folk area for under-12s, the teen-perfect Somewhere Zone, and everything for kids from puppet-making to DJ workshops.
Crafty young things, Big Feastival
The Big Feastival – 25 to 27 August, Cotswolds
Hit the Cotswolds from 25 to 27 August for The Big Feastival. Non-foodie headliners include The Vaccines, Sigrid and Rick Astley. There’s feasting all over the place as always and kids can look forward to their own little Peppa Pig Summer Festival as well as Neff Little Kitchen, Little Dudes Den, CoComelon’s JJ, circus school and too much more to mention.
Bristol Harbour Festival
Bristol Harbour Festival – 14 to 16 July
Need a break from tents? Bristol Harbour Festival has got you covered from 14 to 16 July this year. Goes without saying that water comes into play from big boats to jet ski stunts. Kids can get skilled at the Circus Playground. Food stalls galore are go. But best news of all? The whole weekend is absolutely free.
Wilderness Festival, Oxfordshire
Wilderness – 3 to 6 August, Oxfordshire
One of this summer’s more secret festivals, four-day Wilderness in Oxfordshire has a great line-up from 3 to 6 August, including The Chemical Brothers, Christine and the Queens, Arlo Parks and the Sugababes. The atmosphere is ridiculously laid-back, kids can get into anything from arts & crafts to music, and there are heaps of cool places to camp, including painted wagons
Nozstock The Hidden Valley Festival
Nozstock The Hidden Valley – 20 to 23 July, Bromyard
If Nozstock The Hidden Valley hasn’t grabbed your attention yet, change that this summer. Easily one of the most fun festivals, it’s in Bromyard from 20 to 23 July, loved by toddlers to grandparents and has everything from indie acts at Bandstand to Little Wonderland for kids
