Here are the results of our very first Festival Kidz awards!
Thank you so much to everyone who joined in – the judging panel have read through all your responses carefully and taken them into consideration. It was a difficult decision, and something that clearly emerged from the process was how many fantastic family festivals there are in the UK and how much their loyal fans love them!
Festival of the Year
Shambala Festival
Quite simply, Shambala had it all. There were exciting kids’ activities throughout the site, the entertainment was amazing and the extra facilities laid on for children were fantastic – there was even a creche! There was a huge choice of food, all reasonably priced, and it had exceptional green credentials.
“Shambala offers the best of both worlds (for children and adults) without the normal mass advertising and crowds.”
Shambala Festival Factsheet, Festival Kidz 2013 Review
Gold Award Winners
Bearded Theory
Bearded Theory had a fantastic line up, a children’s village run by Angel Gardens and a beautiful campsite.
“Angel Gardens is a dedicated children’s area at the festival – it’s almost like a mini festival itself.”
Croissant Neuf Summer Party
Croissant Neuf was set on a beautiful campsite, with lots of room for children to roam safely, build dens and reconnect with nature. There was a huge amount of activities for all ages, a wonderful toddler area and circus workshops run by the excellent Big Top Mania and a real feeling of community. It is also the greenest festival in the UK.
“THE only totally 100% solar powered festival in the UK”
“Beautiful green family festival – really lovely place to spend a weekend”
Croissant Neuf Factsheet, Festival Kidz 2013 Review
Green Man Festival
Green Man Festival is another great family all rounder. It had wonderful children’s activities including the brilliant Flying Seagulls. There were dedicated areas for toddlers and older children. It had a beautiful campsite and a first class line up.
“Green Man is simply a wonderful relaxing festival experience for all the family in one of the most glorious settings in the british isles”
Green Man Factsheet, Festival Kidz 2013 Review
Just So Festival
Just So is a dedicated festival for children, and so all family facilities were excellent. It was packed full of exciting and imaginitive activities for children of all ages.
“There is something very special about Just So that is hard to put into words. It felt magical, imaginative, creative, yet an essence of times gone by with hand painted signs, old fashioned games and workshops… when you imagine the ideal childhood, away from technology, tv and plastic toys you get Just So.The emphasis is on creativity, play and children seem to be smiling and laughing all day long – and we can’t wait to experience it all over again.”
Larmer Tree
The facilities and campsite at Larmer Tree were some of the best of all the festivals. There was a huge provision for all ages of children, and a wide range of entertainment.
“Larmer Tree is place where we are happy to let the children roam .. not too big, not too crowded, full of families and like minded people.”
Larmer Tree Factsheet, 2013 Festival Kidz Review
3 Wishes Faery Fest
Beautiful, extremely friendly festival with so much for your faeries and pixies to do.
“Seeing my little girls eyes when she saw the mermaids was my moment of the whole summer and i’ve done a lot of festivals! I think my heart grew. “
One Day Festival Gold Award Winner
Fairyland Trust Fairy Fair
The Fairyland Trust events are magical, interactive days out for the family. The Fairy Fair has a huge amount of activities for children, with a magical theme.
“Wonderful, lovely, amazing, inspiring… can’t wait for the next one!”
Fairy Fair Factsheet, 2013 Festival Kidz Review
Silver Award Winners
Blissfields
Blissfields had a brilliant line up, a children’s village run by Angel Gardens and was a very safe place for children to roam.
Blissfields Factsheet, 2013 Festival Kidz Review
*Chilled* in a Field
This tiny festival was in a beautiful location and had a wonderful atmosphere and was a lovely place to take children, especially the smaller ones!
*Chilled* in a Field Factsheet, 2013 Festival Kidz Review
Lakefest
Lakefest had a great lineup, a lovely campsite and facilities and the extra activities for children included watersports!
Lakefest Factsheet, 2013 Festival Kidz Review
Nibley
Nibley had a stunning campsite, a fantastic lineup, and a huge amount on offer for children including an area run by Junkfish.
Wood Festival
Wood Festival had an intimate woodland site, lots to do, a friendly vibe and excellent green credentials.