A truly gorgeous small not-for-profit festival, warm and welcoming to all, including children and families. In fact it is possibly one of the most family-friendly festivals out there. There’s a family camping area, and so much going on for kids in the kids arena. Although in fairness pretty much all of the adult workshops are suitable for the whole family to enjoy together.
This is a perfect festival to tack onto a longer Lake District holiday this summer.
Solfest has great facilities for families. The natural amphitheatre of the Main Stage and Drystone Stage ensure that you can get a fabulous view of the bands you want to see without having to risk being crushed in a marquee. Stand at the back and enjoy the whole panorama, or dance around at the front with your kids on your shoulders. It’s up to you.
The Workshops and Kids’ Arena has all sorts of fabulous things going on from Bushcraft, story-telling, puppetry, yoga, arts and crafts, physical activities and heaps of fun workshops like beading. There’s no charge at all for activities in the Kids Arena… bouncy castles, face painting, crafts…it’s all free!! So wonderful not be constantly dipping into your pockets for yet another go on the inflatables…
Camping at Solfest is a breeze – There’s a separate family campsite near to the Kid’s Arena so you don’t have to worry about late-night revellers keeping your children awake at night or your children keeping late-night revellers awake during the day! Unfortunately you can no longer park next to your camp, but the organisers say they aim to keep camping and parking as convenient as possible.
Campfires: Oh dear! They are no longer allowed. Apparently previous festival goers have caused too much damage and the land owners have banned them. Please make sure you act responsibly at any festival allowing camp fires, we don’t want to see them banned at all festivals!
I’ve just been looking at their website and you can no longer camp by your car or build campfires, two things which particularly attracted me to solfest from reading here! It probably won’t put me off going, as that is the norm with most festivals after all, but thought you might like to update 🙂
Hello Claire,
I’m sorry our information is out of date, thank you for bringing our attention to it; I’ll update the fact sheet. Please do let us know your experience at this year’s Solfest when you return, we can then update our fact page or even publish your review 🙂
We went in 2011 with a 4 and 6 year old and it was great, really good for kids, loads of (free) activities, clean loos. Going back this year! Tried kendal calling last year, good festival but not family friendly. …
Have been to Solfest the last two years with our toddler and would recommend it highly to anyone with babies/toddlers/kids. Already have tickets for this year…very excited.
Great to hear that! Hope you have another brilliant time there x