
Festival Camping
Believe it or not (I know I struggle to), winter will soon be at an end and the “Great British Summer” will once more be upon us. Admittedly, summer in the UK isn’t as hot and sunny as I remember but there are some fleeting memories from my childhood that still remain true to this day. Regardless of the weather, it’s the Brit’s love of camping.
I have many fond memories of camping but perhaps my most favourite (and I doubt I’m alone here) were those of camping at festivals. Friends and family, camp fires, music, stalls (especially the food ones!) all made for a fantastic summer and something I plan to relive this year even if the heavens should open!
So what festivals should we be looking out for this year? Well, here are the top ten festivals in the UK that camping goes hand-in-hand with:
1. Download Festival – I’m very varied with my taste in music but it does include metal and rock music. This year, Download has a fantastic line-up with bands including Slipknot, Iron Maiden, Queens of the Stone Age and Motörhead to name but a few. There are a variety of tickets on sale including five day camping and family tickets. Bands play from Friday 14th June to Sunday 16th June.
2. Wychwood – For fun family-friendly festivals, Wychwood is a fantastic choice. Children under 16 camp for free if attending with adults and there is plenty to keep the whole family entertained including (not limited to!) workshops and kids entertainment as well as artists such as Kate Nash and Human League. The festival runs from 31st May to 2nd June.
3. RockNess – For lovers of natural beauty as well as a good camping festival, RockNess is a great choice! The festival runs from Friday 7th June until Sunday 9th June at the beautiful Scottish lake, Loch Ness, with artists such as Basement Jaxx, Fatboy Slim and Madness. What’s more, under 12′s go free!
4. Isle of Wight Festival – Another family friendly camping festival with a specialised Kids Zone. Under 6′s attend for free too! From Thursday 13th June until Sunday 16th with artists such as Bon Jovi, The Script, Emeli Sande and Blondie, you’d be mad to miss it!
5. Glastonbury – The world renowned festival is back this year with an absolutely incredible line-up! The likes of U2, Beyonce, Jessie J, Mumford and Sons etc. (the list really is endless) will be performing but unfortunately, if you haven’t already registered you are too late! Make sure to get your registration in for the next Glastonbury festival so that you can enjoy the camping experience that comes with the cultural diversity of this wonderful festival.
6. Wakestock – For an extra-long camping experience, why not treat yourself to the Wakestock festival situated in beautiful Wales. With the campsite open from 1st July to the 15th, it’s the perfect British camping holiday. Example and Zane Lowe will be amongst those performing at the festival.
7. Latitude – Very much a cultural festival and includes a Children’s Area and Boutique Babysitting so perfect for families! Latitude bases each yearly festival on a theme, with this year asking ‘What Defines Me? Neuroscience Vs Sexuality’. Line-up still remains a mystery so watch this space!
8. V Festival – With a choice of Staffordshire or Chelmsford, you can escape for a camping weekend at ones of the UK’s best known festivals running in August. As with Latitude, we are still awaiting news of their line-up.
9. Reading and Leeds Festival – Reading and Leeds festivals are a couple of the most anticipated festivals of the year. There is an incredible line-up including Eminem, Deftones and System of a Down and if you book before the end of February, you can take advantage of their presale tickets. Under 12′s go free as long as they are accompanied by an adult.
10. Shambala – Recommended by several of my friends, Shambala is a wonderful, family friendly festival that is diverse and innovative, winning an ‘Outstanding’ award in the Greener Festival Awards. Running over four days in August, it’s a perfect summer camping festival.
Got your camping equipment and festival tickets now? Excellent! Now all we have to do is wait for summer to arrive…