With some of the bigger festivals cancelling this year, here is a selection of my favourite smaller and more alternative festivals offering something a bit different from the mainstream:
2000 Trees has great music and plenty on offer for kids: musical instrument / mask-making, face painting, juggling, bonfires and nature walks (although sometimes all kids want is an open space to run around in, and they certainly have that too). twothousandtreesfestival.co.uk
The Green Man Festival is a medium size festival set in beautiful countryside in the Brecon Beacons in Wales. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming and the music tends to have a modern yet folky edge. You can camp for a week to make the trip into a holiday. greenman.net
Farmer Phil’s is set in the glorious Shropshire countryside and has all the hallmarks of a perfect little festival: real campfires, circus tent, storytelling, craft tent, puppet shows, fancy dress, workshops, spacious camping, comedy, open mic, discussions, acoustic stage and of course the main stage. You can camp for up to a week at no extra charge. farmerphilsfestival.com
Lakefest takes place in the wonderful Gloucestershire countryside with access to The River Avon with views of Bredon Hill. At night the sunset over the Malverns is spellbinding. There is a thriving waterpark encompassing the campsite. lakefest.co.uk
Wilderness Festival is a little different, billing itself as a celebration of the arts and outdoors in the wilds of Oxfordshire. The photos on their Facebook page are simply stunning – overflowing with creativity and eccentricity… wildernessfestival.com
Eden Festival is a welcoming, atmospheric, family friendly celebration of music, dance, colour, culture and community built on an ecologically sound and carbon friendly set of principles, exhibiting live music hand in hand with stunning decorations and surroundings. edenfestival.co.uk
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If these don’t tempt you, have a browse of our festival map and find one of the hundreds of great festivals for families near you.