capturing memories as we make them
The summer is drawing to a close now and I can honestly say it’s been an awesome one with so much fabulous weather and all kinds of adventures for us it a real shame that it has to end.
I am however really grateful to have captured so many of these moments on camera with some of my favourite times being at this years Camp Bestival.
A picture really does paint a thousand words and I hope this little collection gives to an insight into what an amazing place Camp Bestival is!
All I can really say about Camp Bestival this year is, “you’ve done it again”.
Despite being battered by 50mph winds and torrential downpours Camp Bestival still managed to keep shinning and gave everyone a weekend to remember.
I’m not going to give you a blow by blow account of the whole weekend, as to be honest there is way to much to cram into one post, so instead I will give you the highlights of my amazing weekend and will have more posts to follow.
Food Glorious Food – When we first visited Camp Bestival three years ago now one of the biggest surprises for me was how amazing and varied the food on offer there is.
The moment we leave the car Izzy is on a mission to have her first Nutella and cream cover waffle whilst Darren finds it hard to move away from the Paella UK stall the entire weekend.
I however like to try something new each time we visit and for me it was DJ BBQ that tempted me this year with his woody flavoured pulled pork, crispy rustic chips and of course the fab tunes blasting out whilst waiting for your order. You really do get a feast for all your senses when you eat there.
Absolutely every taste is catered for from delicious maki rolls that are perfect for vegan diets, crispy breaded chicken, amazingly creamy mac ‘n’ cheese, corn on the cobs as big as your head and so much more!
Music, Singing, Dancing – One of the main attractions at Camp Bestival is the music and in the past the boys were a little young for us to really appreciate it due to the fact they got a little restless. This year however they fully embraced it all and we couldn’t be happier.
It as actually my youngest that made my weekend when we when to see YouTube star HRVY take to the stage in the big top. Izzy had left us all and weaved her way to the very front of the stage to get as close to her teenage crush as possible, while Oscar waited patiently on Darren’s shoulders for him to take to the stage.
His little face lit up and he spent the entire set transfixed on the stage, singing along to his favourite tunes. It so amazing that children so young can get the opportunity to enjoy the wonder of live music in such a safe and friendly atmosphere.
Sarah Cox wowed the crowds with an outstanding set of all our 80’s favourites that we took great pleasure in dancing along to whilst embarrassing the kids. Basement Jaxx and Clean Bandit were as awesome as I expected and we were thrilled that the boys managed to stay awake long enough for the later acts this year…with the help of a little sugar!
Doing It For The Kids – Ultimately Camp Bestival is all about the kids and this year as always there was something for them to do around every corner. This year we didn’t watch so much on the main stage although Dinosaur World Live was pretty amazing. Instead we spend a lot of time in the Kids Garden where the children got their craft on in the craft tent, turned into little einsteins in the Science Tent, wurled around on the helter skelter more times than I can remember, dug away in the sandpit and created some brilliant sandcastles.
A big hit with us was the LOL Surprise stand that was a real crowd pleaser. Izzy and the boys are all big fans of these little collectables and as you can imagine a whole area dedicated to them went down really well. They got to hunt for prizes in the ball pit, get a glittery makeover and even take to the catwalk that Izzy relished in.
All Mucking In – Camping is bundles of fun but far from easy, especially when there are a few little ones to sort out. This calls for everyone to have their own little tasks which is something they don’t really get involved with at home. I’m actually my own worst enemy and take care of all the cooking and cleaning at home for a quiet life so I love that Camp Bestival allows me to relax a little and hand the meal prep baton over to Darren, the washing up and water runs to Izzy and the tent cleaning to the little ones.
A bit of responsibility is certainly good for them and something I love to see.
Good Friends – Over the past few years Camp Bestival has been a brilliant place to make new and meet up with good friends. The blogging world is a funny one with a lot of friendships being built online and I love that Camp Bestival gives me the opportinity to meet with them at least once a year and have a good catch up over a cocktail or two! Aby from You Baby Me Mummy and Caro from The Twinkle Diaries being two of the lovelies I can’t wait to see each year.
Back To Basics – Every year I say the same thing but it always has and probably always will be the most import thing about Camp Bestival for me – family time.
We all spend way to much of our live lost in our own little words and rushing around worry about the next thing, tied to our smart phones and computer screens and forget about the things in life that are really import.
The ability to really get back to basics and forget about everything else for a few days is the perfect way to draw closer as a family and just enjoy each other.
If this sounds like the kind of place for you, and lets face it why wouldnt it! take a look HERE and get yourselves booked in for more fun next year.
*I went along as an ambassador for Camp Bestival and here are all my own honest opinions.
All of mine have been crazy sleepers in the sense that they can’t keep still in bed for more than a few minutes! From tiny babies it was always the relentless task of going into their rooms at night to cover them back up before they got woken by the cold.
This is where the discovery of baby sleeping bags with my youngest two was an absolute game changer and the ability to keep them warm all night was finally discovered!
As they grew though we still had the issue with missing bedcovers but a real lack of anything to use once they outgrew the sleeping bag stage.
However the clever people at ergoPouch have got this covered with their amazing Ergo Pouch Sleepsuit.
Ergo Pouch in fact start with baby swaddles and sleeping bags for little ones and then allow older children to progress to the sleep suit.
All their products are made with natural, skin friendly fibres that allow both temperature regulation and breathability which gives the child comfort and you peace of mind.
Oscar is probably on of my most wiggly little ones who also feels the cold terribly so trying out the sleep suit bag on him made for the perfect candidate.
The bag is easily converted into a suit from a bag allowing the child freedom to move around or the perfect way to move them from car to bed in one easy movement without having to fuss around.
Being avid campers this is also the perfect alternate to the traditional and somewhat uncomfortable sleeping bags we usually use for the children and we will be testing ours out at Camp Bestival in a few weeks time.
If this sounds like the perfect solution for your little ones then please feel free to enter my completion below to win one of your very own!
With only a few weeks until Camp Bestival we are in full preparation mode with sparkles, glitter and face paint by the bucket load.
This is one of the most exciting times of the year for us and it looks like this year is going to be one to remember too!
Below I have left the top five things we are looking forward to this year and feel free to take a look HERE at all the other fun that is going to be going on.
Dingley Dell – The Dingley Dell….especially Lizzie’s Way is our favourite part of the festival. The laid back vibe and the chance for the children to really enjoy the natural surroundings are amazing.
The children use their imagination for hours in the role play style areas of Lizzie’s Way, learn woodwork skills in the National Trust area and get up close and personal to the cute little chicks at the farm corner.
Rob And Josie’s Gin Festival – With all the fun to be had for the children there has got to be a few things for the parents to enjoy and this year for me its going to be Rob And Josie’s Gin Festival. With over 50 gins from around the world and Rob And Josie’s very own one I’m hoping to sample just a few!
The Top Musical Lineup – Music is something we all love as a family and w all have such varing tastes, so Camp Bestival is great to explore new music as well as some old favourites…its always good to embarrass the teens by singing and dancing to some of the golden oldies from our youth.
This year we are going to be treated to some brilliants acts such as Rick Astley, HRVY, Clean Bandit, Basement Jaxx, Simple Minds, Orbital, The Undertones and so many more.
The Literary Institute – This is an area that we’ve not ventured in to before but with so much going on in here this year I will be making a trip or two. I am also a very excited as well as a little nervous to be joining the lovely Natalie from Style Me Sunday on stage to support her amazing Warrior Woman Project.
The Feast Collective – We are huge foodies and I hands down say we’ve not been to a festival that has such a wide range of amazing food. The Feast Collective is one of our favourite areas and is returning for its fifth year.
From DJ BBQ who pumps out amazing tunes whilst serving mouth watering meats to Zoes Ghana Kitchen who rustle up the most devious vegan food there really id something for every taste.
This really is just a snippet of the fun that is offer this year and there is still time to GET YOUR TICKETS now so hurry up and get booking!
When it comes to Camp Bestival nobody is left out. There really is something for anyone from 1-100 and at no point throghout the whole festival is there time for anyone to get bored.
As the countdown begins the line ups are looking more and more exciting and if it’s things to keep the family happy you are looking for or having some belly laughs for yourself then this year all these bases are certainly covered.
Top of the comedy bill is award winning Sean Lock who is probably best known for his captain spot on 8 Out Of 10 Cats who will be taking to the stage in the Big Top on Sunday afternoon.
Veteran of comedy Dave Jones will also be heading back to Camp Bestival this year. He has been touring festivals and comedy clubs for three decades now and always enjoys his time with his family at Camp Bestival.
Another familiar face who will be returning this year is Andrew Maxwell, one comedy great modern stand-ups.
If its more family fun you are after then the line up is looking pretty spectacular already!
Camp Bestival regulars Mr Tumble and Dick and Dom will be there to keep the little ones entertained, joined again by Mister Maker And The Shapes who were a huge hit with my youngest ones last year.
Something that we are really looking forward to is the Nautical Gorilla Circus And Flying Trapeze School that will have everyone in awe at their dazzling and death defying acts, there will even be the chance to have a go yourself.
Andy And The Odd Socks will be making an apperance with the fun filled show of singing and dancing that is sure to entertain everyone.
The Magic Meadow will be home to a very special guest this year – The Whale Of The Pirates Misadventure. There will be a chance to climb inside the 50ft inflatable sperm whale and see all sorts of seaside tales.
Lastly a very exciting festival exclusive is going to be show casing this year – ZSL London Zoo: Gruesome Nature Live with an interactive musical show. There is all fun an interesting facts to find out about from who has the slimiest eyeball to which species of animal can endure fire.
This really is just a small snippet of whats to come this year and I I can’t wait to let you know more about this fantastic festival.
There is still plenty of time book your tickets and I have left all the info below:
Camp Bestival Ticket Info:
Camp Bestival 2018 will take place on July 26th – 29th. Early Bird tickets and Weekly Payment Plan are on sale now. Book Tickets here / 0844 888 4410
WEEKLY PAYMENT PLAN
The Camping Bestival 2018 Weekly Payment Plan is on sale now. Use our 25-week payment plan from £7 per week. Book online via Ticketline only.
TICKET EARLY BIRD PRICES
Adult Weekend Ticket – £180*
Student Weekend Ticket – £175*
Age 13 to 17 Weekend Ticket – £111.20*
Age 10 to 12 Weekend Ticket – £84.75*
Age 5 to 9 Weekend Ticket – £31.75*
Age 4 & Under Weekend Ticket – £10.60*
Babes in Arms (1 & Under) – FREE (but ticket required)*
*All weekend tickets include camping from Thursday
*Please refer to the Camp Bestival Ticket Terms & Conditions
Camping Plus, Boutique, Backstage and Hospitality tickets are available.
Car Parking – £20 in advance
Campervan Ticket (Field A) – £90 – please read Campervan T&Cs here before booking
Caravan / Trailer Tent Ticket (Field A) – £100 – please read Caravan / Trailer Tent T&Cs here before booking
Festival Programme Pack – £10 (reserve your festival programme pack to collect on site at the festival)
When it comes to Christmas presents I always have a bit of a dilemma with myself. The children compile lists of plastic toys that I know will be discarded before Boxing Day, and every part of me wants to fulfil their wishes…however the sensible side of me thinks all that money would be better spent on experiences that will last a lifetime rather than faddy toys that will last for minutes.
If we look back over our year then one of the experiences that sticks in all our minds the most is certainly Camp Bestival – the family festival that has to be seen to be believed.
This year sees fantastic musical acts taking to the stage such as Rick Astley, Clean Bandit an Simple Minds. Regulars to the festival are Mr Tumble and Dick and Dom will be returning to amuse the children…well and the adults too!
One of the shows that my little ones are most excited to see though is Dinosaur World Live that looks absolutely outstanding.
This really is the kind of gift that I would love to find nestled under the tree on Christmas Day and if it sounds like something your family would love to receive to then there is a great promotion running until 11th December.
If you book your tickets before this time you will receive a whole host of fantastic stocking fillers such as nautical tattoos to go with this years ‘Sets Sail’ theme, character stickers, a hand illustrated Christmas card and a limited edition sew on patch.
If you would like to spread the cost then you can still sign up to the 30 week payment plan and still receive all your goodies!
Take a little look at just a few of the reasons we love Camp Bestival so much:
Scree Free, Quality Time: This for me has to come top of my list as it is something that is so lacking when we are at home. Its a chance to put away those phones, leave the iPads alone and just enjoy spending time together talking, laughing, playing and having fun.
My lot spend a huge time arguing and fighting when we are at home, and don’t get me wrong it is never an argument free trip but we are certainly more drawn together as a family and that bond gets a little tighter.
Good Food: As a family we are often drawn to places with our bellies and I can assure you if you are a foodie like me then Camp Bestival won’t fail to stimulate your taste buds.
From ice cream covered waffles to juicy burgers, scucculent corn on the cob to crispy chips every palate will be catered for and every belly filled.
Th little ones can also get more hands on and prepare their own food which was a big hit for mine last year.
Enjoy The Great Outdoors: The whole trip involves being outside which can seem a little daunting but there is actually nothing better.
From enjoying the hustle and bustle of the main festival to simply chilling out round the tent or hiding away in our favourite place – The Dingly Dell there is a whole host of ways to enjoy the great outdoors.
Late Nights: As a Mum of five bedtimes are pretty strict in this house for the sake of everyones sanity to be honest. Camp Bestival allows us to kick these rules aside and just let them all stay up until they drop. They love being up until way after dark, huddled up in their trailer listening to music and watching Mum and Dad’s silly dancing.
The last night has to be the favourite though with is spectacular firework display that is simply not to be missed.
Learning New Skills And Using Their Imaginations: Camp Bestival isn’t just about the music and acts on stage, it holds so much more and really allows the children how to build skills by trying things they may not have come across before such a circus skills, woodwork and cooking and bundles of activities that allow them to use their imagination and just LET KIDS BE KIDS!
I hope this has given you a little snippet of just some of the fun Camp Bestival can bring and has you wanting to experience it for yourselves next year!
The countdown is really on now for Camp Bestival, and with only a few weeks left lists are being made, stock piles of tinned food are being collected and the camping gear is being pulled out of storage.
This year however there will be no tent appearing from the depths of the loft space as we are going to be trying out the most spectacular tent from The Glam Camping Company.
For well over a year now I have been lusting after the exclusive strawberries and cream bell tent over on Instagram that has been having a makeover and is only just available to preorder now.
The red and white tent has been worked on to make it even better with the addition of extra waterproofing, mosquito nets and some super cute porthole windows.
It is certainly set to be a crowd stopper and the children will have no excuse to say they can’t find the tent!
We will be showing you how we get on in the next few weeks and if you have fallen in love with it as much as me then head over to their site and get your order in as there is only a limited amount being made to really keep their uniqueness.
Many of you may like the ‘roughing it’ side to camping and enjoy the whole process of finding the perfect spot to pitch up in and doing it all for yourselves.
I however find the whole process extremely stressful and with the lack of patience and knowledge my husband and I have pitching a tent is a recipe for disaster.
We had our first experience of this last year at Camp Bestival and let’s just say it wasn’t the best start to our trip away.
Tempers were frayed, there was sweat dripping from us all and the final product wasn’t exactly how it should have been.
It will certainly be something to look back in and laugh about but if this stressful few hours had of been taken out of the equation I think it would have made for a much happier start.
A few weeks ago we had our annual trip to Elderflower Fields and our saviour came in the name of Chris from Pitch.
Chris runs a bell tent hire company with a real difference, and was something that did in fact exceed all my expectation.
Upon arrival at the festival we were greeted with an extremely friendly welcome from Chris and the sight of the stunning tent that we were going to have the pleasure of staying in all weekend.
There was so much attention to detail in everything that had been set up, from the fluffy duvets and pillows to the pretty fairy lights and bunting adorning the tent both inside and out.
It really was a home from home and noting about it felt remotely like our previous experience of staying under canvas.
Another huge plus for me was the amount of headroom we got in this tent.
Trying to get children dressed and undressed is so much easier when you have the room to stand and walk about and the extra space also allowed for us to be more organised which is always a bonus.
For me the tent really came to life at night and certainly stood out from the crowd.
Each night we were cosy and warm and even during a huge thunderstorm not a drip of water came though.
Rolling the sides up during the day allowed fresh air into the tent and it really felt like we were bringing the outside in.
Instead of rushing down to join in with the festival we were all super relaxed in the comfort off the tent which is always a good sign and a far cry from our previous experience.
There are an array of packages from the basic tent and beds to the whole chibang of cooking equipment and even outdoor games to keep everyone occupied.
I can’t recommend Pitch enough if you want the experience of camping with the comfort of home.
From a busy festival to a secluded beach trip, Pitch is the perfect way to camp in comfort and style and trying them out is a must!
*we were given the hire of this tent for the purpose of this review and they are all my own, honest opinions.
Last year as a family we caught the bug for festivals and camping and now love them both in equal measures.
In this technology driven age I found the freedom and simpleness of camping such a refreshing change and it certainly helped us to connect so much better as a family because of it.
However it can have its downsides and for us top of the list had to be transporting and pitching the tent!
Being a large family means any trip away equates to a car full of everything, so imagine adding to that a tent, bedding and everything else they goes with it…it was a cosy trip to say the least.
Then came the stress of trying to keep an eye on the little ones whilst cluelessly trying to errect a tent and blow up air beds.
It was no mean feat and to say that tempers were frayed would be an understatement.
Thankfully this weekend we are lucky enough to be able to try out a fabulous package from the super friendly new company Pitch at Elderflower Fields this weekend who offer camping and glamping experiences that allow you to enjoy the wonders of the great outdoors in a little more luxury than your usual tent.
Pitch are a small business that have set up through their own love of camping and the great outdoors allowing you to experience all the fun of camping without the stress.
All you need to do is pick the amount of tents you require, choice where you want to pitch up and they come along to do all the hard work for you.
They will bring along their stunning bells tents with a thick mat flooring and air beds which will all be set up for your arrival.
Depending on the package you choose it is not only the tent they supply. You can also add bedding, soft furnishings, lighting, tables and chairs, stoves, BBQ, cooking equipment, crockery, outdoor games and most importantly for my daughter…fairy lights and bunting!
Take a look here at all the different packages and prices that are on offer.
Be it a festival or a week at the beach, a wedding or a corporate event Pitch can tailor one of their packages to suit your personal needs.
Keep an eye out on the blog this weekend for what we think about this fab tents!
The excitement for this years line up at Camp Bestival came a few weeks ago now, and with the likes of All Saints, Louisa Johnson and Leftfield taking to the stage I was wondering who was going to top them as the Saturday night headliner this year.
Well it turns out we will be donning our baggy trousers and taking one step beyond as Madness come to Camp Bestival.
This Ska band were formed in the mid 70’s and were a huge hit with my Dad.
His passion for this lovable group was passed down to me and I have many happy memories of singing along to the likes of Our House and Baggy Trousers and of course trying to perform the infamous dance to One Step Beyond.
This is going to be the icing on the cake to a line up that is set to rock Camp Bestival like never before!
Ticket Info:
Camp Bestival 2017 Weekend Tickets are on sale now via: Ticketline / 0844 888 4410
WEEKLY PAYMENT PLAN
The Camping Bestival 2017 Weekly Payment Plan is on sale now. Use our 25-week payment plan from £7 per week. Book online via Ticketline only.
CAMP BESTIVAL 2017 WEEKEND TICKET PRICES
Adult Weekend Ticket – £ £197.50*
Student Weekend Ticket – £185* / Age 13 to 17 Weekend Ticket – £125*
Age 10 to 12 Weekend Ticket – £98.75* / Age 5 to 9 Weekend Ticket – £45*
Age 4 & Under Weekend Ticket – £15*
Babes in Arms (1 & Under) – FREE (but ticket required)*
*All tickets include camping from Thursday / Please refer to the Camp Bestival Ticket Terms & Conditions below
Car Parking – £20 in advance / Campervan Ticket (Field A) – £95
Caravan / Trailer Tent Ticket (Field A) – £105
T&Cs here before booking
