Liz Morrell contemplates her first music festival and camping experience in nearly 20 years this summer

CAMP BESTIVAL

So I’ve got to (er-hum) 40-plus and the last music festival I went to was V back in the 90s. Not that I can remember very much beyond excessive drinking, horrendous toilet queues and my very sparse camping gear collection – consisting of little more than a dome tent, sleeping mat and sleeping bag.

The idea of going back to my music festival days when I attend Camp Bestival for the first time this summer therefore has me a little scared. Having got used to camping gear that fills a car, roofbox AND a trailer how on earth will I survive at a festival where I have to go back to basics and arrive with pretty much just what I can carry?

The only saving grace is that I won’t have to worry about the children’s stuff as they are with their dad that week. Although making it easier to pack that is also a huge disappointment since the line-up for families is the very foundation upon which Camp Bestival is based.

However with the first UK festival performance from my 80s favourites Tears for Fears in 26 years it’s an opportunity I can’t turn down – kids or no kids.

So what’s in store for me this July?

In truth the options are huge - the family festival market has exploded in the last few years since it offers something for the adults and the kids within a safe, camping environment and it’s the likes of Camp Bestival that have led the way.

The event is the sister festival of the Isle of Wight’s Bestival and was first launched in 2008, winning the mantle of Best Family Festival at the UK Festival Awards a number of times since.

This year’s line-up – as well as my beloved Tears for Fears – includes a range of acts that will keep both the kids and the adults happy.

For the adults this includes old school acts such as Bananarama and Fatboy Slim. This is supplemented by newer acts such as Jess Glynne and Jamie Lawson (you know, those acts your kids know more about than you, even though you always prided yourself on being into your music until you had kids…).

Music isn’t the only attraction of course. The line-up also includes shows from the likes of Camp Bestival veterans Mr Tumble and Dick and Dom.

When it comes to camping the options are also varied. These include the main campsites where you simply turn up and pitch with space for both families and non-families.  In addition there is a premium campsite in the form of Camping Plus –where you can even pre-book space; as well as an exclusive backstage premium campsite Backstage VIP Camping.

For those that don’t want to bring their own tent there is also the Boutique Campsite – offering a selection of yurts, tipis, and bell tents amongst other options.

What to do: Music headliners: Jess Glynne (Friday), Fatboy Slim (Saturday) and Tears for Fears (Sunday) to kids favourites such as Mr Tumble.

When and where? July 28-31, Lulworth Castle, Dorset.

www.campbestival.net

4 more family festivals for summer camping fun

STARRY SKIES

What’s it all about: Starry Skies, now in its fourth year, describes itself as a small and intimate camping experience produced by the people behind the Shambala Festival. It’s largely based on getting back to nature and activities that occupy the kids but give the parents a break.

When and where: July 27-31, Monnow Valley, Wales

www.starry-skies.net

GREEN MAN FESTIVAL

What it’s all about: Green Man says its festival is about freedom, feasting and family. Its music line-up includes Belle & Sebastian, James Blake and Wild Beasts to mention just a few and the site is split into various themed areas from Fortune Falls to its dedicated children’s area.

When and where: August 18-21, Brecon Beacons, Wales

www.greenman.net

BIG FEASTIVAL

What it’s all about: Launched in 2011 by chef Jamie Oliver and musician Alex James the Big Feastival combines live mustic, family fun and food all hosted by former Blur bassist James at his family farm. From music to cooking demos there is much to keep the family busy.

When and where: August 26-28, Kingham, The Cotswolds

www.jamieoliver.com/thebigfeastival.com

ELDERFLOWER FIELDS

What it’s all about: Elderflower Fields describes itself as a “magical weekend of wild adventure designed especially for families”. Like many of its peers the festival celebrates its firth anniversary this year and promises evertthing from treatments in its woodland spa to sports and arts camps for the kids.

When and where: May 27-30, Ashdown Forest, Sussex

www.elderflowerfields.co.uk