Our little family arrived at The Green Gathering on a sunny August day, greeted by a warm 29-degree heat and brimming with excitement for our first family festival.
With our car packed full of gear and our adorable blue trailer tent in tow, we were ready to embrace the experience. Travelling to the UK from Tasmania had already been a great adventure for us. Our little one, Elsie, had just turned three months old and we couldn’t wait to enjoy visiting this beautiful part of the UK countryside with her. From the moment we drove through the gates, the warm and welcoming atmosphere set the tone for an unforgettable weekend.
Getting Settled
Upon arrival, we were directed to park and check in at the ticket office. The crew’s friendly smiles and efficient process made it a breeze, even offering us a refreshing brew before we headed to set up in the Family Camping area. As the midday sun beat down, we quickly found a shady spot, popped Elsie in a bucket of cool water to keep her comfortable, and set up our cozy camp. Conveniently located taps provided fresh water, a much-appreciated feature throughout the festival.
Exploring the Site
In the late afternoon, we ventured out to explore the festival. The site was expansive, with various camping areas, and it took us about 45 minutes to walk the full site and get our bearings at a leisurely pace. One highlight was the “Mums and Babies” yurt, a serene space furnished with soft couches, cushions, and wooden toys. The thoughtful inclusion of baby slings for borrowing added to the welcoming vibe. The craft area also stood out as an excellent shaded spot, offering activities like weaving and bow-making—perfect for escaping the heat while unleashing creativity.
Family-Friendly Amenities
The family camping area’s proximity to key festival features made life with a baby smooth and manageable. The nearby market—featuring stalls like Tat 4 Tibet and the delightful Wingmore’s bakery—provided easy access to fresh produce and hearty meals, such as Cornish Pasties – a new discovery for us! Frequent breaks back at camp for snoozing and toast were made easier by the festivals thoughtful layout.
Festival Highlights
With a young baby, we embraced a slower pace, soaking in the simple joys of being outdoors in the lush green environment. Morning chai and tasty treats became a ritual, enjoyed in shaded communal spaces where Elsie could stretch out on a blanket and take in her surroundings. These cafes were hubs of gentle conversation with other families and quiet festival-goers.
One standout moment was joining a Laughter Yoga workshop in the Common Space. With Elsie in our arms, we laughed and connected with others, and a kind four-year-old even volunteered to entertain Elsie while we participated. The festival’s open mic stage was another favourite, offering low-key entertainment with clear but gentle sound—ideal for dancing and relaxing with a little one.
While many of the larger stages were too loud for our little ones’ ears, we thoroughly enjoyed the Open Mic on a smaller stage and enclosed tent. The sound quality was clear and the intensity was low. We danced outside, sat inside and were able to engage with many of the performances, even with little Elsie in tow.
The Voices of Gaia tent provided a peaceful learning environment, and the kindness of strangers offering chairs and support was a recurring theme. Elsie slept the whole time while we learned.
We managed to catch a few bits of some interesting storytelling at the Raconteurs Delight but the sound through the speakers was a bit loud for us so ear defenders are on our list of festival essentials in the future.
Kids’ Areas and Facilities
Two main kids’ areas offered a treasure trove of activities, including water play, bubbles, sandpits, and a cozy teddy tent. While these spaces will be even more exciting as Elsie grows older, they added to the festival’s family-friendly appeal.
Facilities were well-maintained, with clean toilets, accessible fresh water, and conveniently located bins. The family camp’s quiet yet central location ensured restful nights and easy access to the marketplace, activism areas and kids’ spaces with clothes swaps and the teddy tent.
Tips for Families with Babies
Bringing a baby to The Green Gathering was a rewarding experience, but preparation is key:
- Shade and Hydration: Ensure your little one stays cool and hydrated with frequent water breaks and shaded spots.
- Gentle Sound Levels: Seek out smaller, quieter stages and workshops that accommodate sensitive baby ears.
- Community Support: Don’t hesitate to connect with other families; the sense of camaraderie is invaluable.
Final Thoughts
The Green Gathering proved to be a beautiful introduction to family festivals and a wonderful place for us to visit from Australia. Throughout our stay, we felt supported by the festival crew and the friendly community. With its thoughtful facilities, gentle pace, and abundance of family-friendly activities, it’s a perfect choice for conscious parents seeking to share the magic of festivals with even the tiniest adventurers. Visit greengathering.org.uk to find out 2025 festival plans.