Festivals don’t have to be all rock’n’roll, there’s plenty to keep little ones entertained too. Read our guide to the best child-friendly festivals taking place this summer…
3foot People Festival, Hylands Park, Chelmsford, Essex, 26-28 June
Attracting over 14,000 visitors, the hugely popular 3foot People Festival, aimed exclusively at pre-school children will feature a mix of music, theatre, storytelling, arts, crafts, sporting activities and play. https://www.chelmsford.gov.uk/leisure-theatres-and-museums/festivals-and-special-events/3foot-people-festival/3foot-people-festival-tickets/
Geronimo Festival, Knebworth House, 30 June – 1 July
Thanks to its new venue, the festival that is hailed as “Glastonbury for kids” has arrived in the East. Designed purely for children and their families, Knebworth House will be transformed into a fairytale experience. There’s excitement at every turn with hundreds of activities, performances from popular children’s personalities and hands-on experiences. This is one not to miss! Tickets priced from £25. www.geronimofest.com/
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The Wildwood Rumpus, at Horseheath Racecourse, Cambs, 30 June
This magical one-day family festival set in a woodland will feature enchanting activities and performances around every corner. Art installations, story-tellers, woodland crafts, children’s theatre and authors, a kid’s Bubble Disco and Mad Hatter’s tea party hidden in the forest, plus fantastic food from local street food vendors, bars, and live music from the Brass Funkeys and local bands are all on the line up. The Wildlings area will be curated by the team behind the kids areas at Wilderness and Standon Calling, where children (and adults) can make nature wands, dream catchers and much more plus there will be a tent for under 5s with fancy dress, stories and baby changing facilities.
The event will see the Fairyland trust create a trail in search of the fairy king and queen, and a brilliant theatre troupe will lead processions through the trees. There’s also a literary tent, totem pole painting, bush-craft, den building, face painting, mad hatters tea party and much more. It’s the perfect excuse to get children away from the screens and into the great outdoors! www.mylittlefestival.uk
Standon Calling, Herts, 26-29 July
Standon Calling is all about music and fun! Having quickly established itself as one of the most popular festivals of the summer, attracting visitors from across the country. The festival has become a much more family orientated event in recent years with entertainment including children’s craft zones, workshops and performances, plus a wellbeing area which includes yoga and hot tubs and a dog show! 2018 headliners include Paloma Faith, George Ezra and Bryan Ferry. http://standon-calling.com
Maui Waui Festival, Theberton, Suffolk, 24-26 August
Maui Waui is a three day festival of international music, performance and arts. Now in its 6th year it is fast becoming one of the area most exciting festivals in East Anglia, pulling in accomplished as well as undiscovered bands and performers from all around the globe. A family friendly festival, there’s plenty of activities for children and for adults, a host of world class bands, full circus shows in a dedicated circus tent, small upbeat bands and acoustic acts, plus cabaret and comedy.
New for 2018 is the World Music Café Stage; an exciting new stage to showcase world music from around the globe, expect late night Flamenco shows, traditional Reggae and live African music. www.mauiwauievents.co.uk
