For years I have dreamed about taking the kids to a festival. Sleeping under the stars, kids running freely, great music and beautiful food. Then panic always sets in and I think more along the lines of rain, mud everywhere and wet miserable children getting lost in massive crowds!!
When we won tickets to this years Elderflower Fields festival I was over the moon that we would get to experience the festival scene for a day, without the commitment of having to camp.
As usual I was more exited than the kids and went out to get flowery hair bands and hair chalk to get us into the spirit of it all . We packed a massive picnic and set off on or short drive to Ashdown Forest in East Sussex exited at what we were going to experience ahead of us.
The journey was traffic free and very well signposted. We were greated by super friendly volunteers that told us exactly where we need to go and what to do.
We had a bumpy walk across the fields to collect our wristbands and map then made out way down to the main fields where all the magic was taking place.
If the walk was to much for you there was plenty of complementary shuttles to take you to and from the carpark and campsites.
As usual my brood were starving as soon as we got there so we pitched up and had a bite to eat before going off to explore.
We had pre booked the older children onto the art and sports camp. the camps lasted an hour, were staffed with really friendly and I had no worries about leaving them to get creative and try out new things. Whilst they were busy we took the younger two to the under 5’s zone where they could help to paint a playhouse, create models from things you would find in the woodland and get dirty in the muddy water play.
This was number fours favourite area of the day and he could if happily stayed there for hours.
There was so much on offer there for the children that we simply couldn’t fit it all in!! They helped to build mud huts, swung in huge hammocks in the trees, swung through the woodland park, tried their hand at disc golf which we all loved, shot down the zip wire, listened to the fantastic story telling and magic show, the list just goes on and on.
What I loved most was how relaxed everything was. There were no huge crowds so I was quite happy for the kids to wonder and I could keep them in sight. The beautiful setting meant that as well as doing the set activities we could just take ourselves of to explore the stunning Ashdown Forset and all it has to offer.
Later into the afternoon number three and four got their faces painted by some very talented ladies and I took this opportunity to head over to the cocktail area where they had some great props hanging from the trees that were a great photo point, whilst having a sneeky boogie to the cool music from the DJ stand. Much to the embarrassment of my older children!!
We spent our final few hours taking in the fantastic music that was being performed by some extremely talented bands and grabbing a bite to eat which proved hard as there was so much choice on offer. Mine opted for a freshly prepared burger from Big Eats which was delicious; but there were so many other options to choose from. Curry, Thai, pizza, veggie options and lots of sweet treats to name a few. All were super helpful when it came to number four and his allergies.
I really couldn’t do this event justice in this post. It was everything I wanted from a festival and more. Number four even asked if we could camp on the grass when it was home time as he didn’t want to leave.
We will be making a return next year, and this time to have our first camping experience. The great outdoors, talented musicians, delicious food and drink, well run activities and the chance for children to really be children are all my favourites rolled into one.
Thank you Elderflower Fields for creating this fabulous experience to store in our memory banks for many years to come.
So pleased to hear you made it to your first Elderflower Fields. What lovely pictures. Looks like the kids had a brilliant day. It’s certainly a perfect first family festival. Hope to see you next year!
It was truly fabulous. Just the type of thing I love for the kids. Fresh air, open space and loads to keep them active. I can’t wait for next year, will be booking tickets this week xx
our picnic looked really good and what a great festival with prebookable camps. Mich x
Fab pictures. What a great setting for your children to explore in. Looks like you all had a great time. So much for the kids to do too. #twinklytuesday
Was a fantastic day and can’t wait for the next one x
This post actually does do your day justice, it makes it look so much fun and very family friendly. My concerns would be the same as yours, not the day time but the camping bit! Perhaps if you are staying and have the luxury of enjoying a bottle of wine over the evening entertainment it would compensate for the camping part! I do love the day time though and all the activities your children tried out. Those big rope swings look really good quality, much better than the lash ups my kids have made here! thank you for sharing a fabulous day on Country Kids.
It was all in all such a wonderful time. I can’t wait to get booked up for next year, and yes a nice glass of wine would defiantly help to relax!! X
Never been to a festival, with or without kids and this looks great! 🙂 My eldest would LURRRVE the zip wire…
You should definitely give one a go x
It looks like you all had such a fun-filled time at the festival, jam packed with activities!
Carolyn
http://www.stylishmemories.com
A really fantastic day out. Can’t wait until next years x
What a great looking festival. I love how creative it was for the kids. Mine are the same – always hungry lol #KidsCorner
They don’t stop!! We were out and eating our picnic at 11am again today!! X
Looks like the kids had an absolutely brilliant day and that you did too! I’ll get it up on Mini Travellers next week! Thanks for sending it to us!
I’m glad you enjoyed the post. We can’t wait to go back and camp next year!! X
It looks like you had a wonderful time and looks so family friendly. We love festivals so it’d definitely be something to consider in the future! Bet you can’t wait for next year now! Thanks so much for linking up with #TwinklyTuesday
We all had such a great time. I’m defiantly going to try out more festivals from now on x
What a great review sounds amazing! Glad you had a nice time id love to try something like this out with my brood! thanks for linking up to #kidscorner x
Give it a go next year. I’m sure you would all love it x
Lovely photos! We had a whale of a time at Elderflower Fields, and the boys LOVED camping. I think we were lucky with the weather though!
Thank you. We can’t wait to camp next year and yes fingers crossed for good weather again!! X
I am the same as you- the magical side of it all gets taken over by the realities. So glad you had a fab time, it looks so much fun! Thanks for sharing in #KidsCorner x
We will brave the camping next year and hope for good weather!! Was a fab day x
Wow! This looks wonderful! It looks like you had a fantastic time! I would love to take my kids to a festival. This looks perfect 🙂
Oh do it!! We had such s great time and can’t wait for this years x