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!
Elderflower Fields was the festival that broke our family festival and camping virginity! Our happy place that is probably one of the only times of the year in which we can really switch off from the world.
We are getting set to visit for the third time this year and couldn’t be more excited. There is still time for you to join in the fun, so take a look at my top five reasons for visiting if a family festival is something you have been considering this year.
Peace And Quiet – Of course a festival is lively, music filled and full of the hustle and bustle of the crowds; but it is equally a place you can sneak off into the woods for a secluded walk, plot up in the middle of a field and watch the fun from afar and of course the peace and quiet of sleeping under the stars.
Family Time – With the fast pace lives we all lead in this day and age getting away for the weekend with little internet connection and phone connection allows you to spend real quality time together without ant distractions.
Food – If you are a foodie then this is definity the right festival for you. The amount of top quality, locally sourced vendors at the festival is unbelievable. Each and every one serving the most sumptuous food using top quality, ingredients made with love by the passionate owners.
Another bonus for us is the fact that Frankie’s multiple allergies are always catered for without any problems.
Learning New Skills – Aside from a few all the activities at Elderflower Fields are included in the price making it fantastic value for money and allows the children to take part in a things they wouldn’t ordinarily do.
Over the past few years mine have learned a whole host of circus skills, trapeze tricks, kayaking and so much more.
Building Independence – The festival isn’t as big as some and at no time have I felt worried about the safety of the children which is great for allowing them to build their confidence by independently moving to and from different activities and getting stuck into tasks on their own.
I really could go on and on with reasons to visit Elderflower Fields, but really the best way to see exactly what I’m talking about is to visit yourself. There is still time to grab tickets ‘here’ so don’t miss out.
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)
Around a year ago now I attended one of the most surreal locations for a children’s event to date – The Ministry Of Sound.
Yes you heard me correctly, we danced, played and sung the afternoon away at the first ever RAVE-A-ROO event that has since gone from strength to strength.
RAVE-A-ROO events are daytime festivals that the whole family will love and have elements that all ages can enjoy.
From dancing along to old school tunes played by top DJs to neon crafts or jumping though the soft play area to getting a UV tattoo it really is a fun packed day out.
The fun is starting this weekend and tickets are still available for 7th October which will be the first event in partnership with Vtech and tickets can be booked ‘here’.
If you can’t get along this weekend then no fear there is another event on the 11th November and I am giving away a family ticket for two adults and two children to the 4pm-6-15pm session.
To enter, simply tell me which exciting London club RAVE-A_ROO will be held at in the comments below and I will select a winner at random.
Good luck!
Competition T&C’s:
The competition closes on 29th Oct 17. We have one family pass to giveaway. Each pass admits two adults and two children. The winning family can attend the 4pm-6.15pm session on Saturday 11th November 2017. The prize is non-refundable and no cash alternative will be offered. The prize is non transferable and ID will be required on arrival at the event.
You know when you leave a place and you are already planning your next trip back next year that it is place to remember.
This is exactly how we feel about Elderflower Fields and why we have just had our third and equally as fantastic trip there.
Our first taste of Elderflower Fields was as day visitors and it captured our hearts the moment we set foot in the field…so much so that last year we returned for the whole weekend and had our first ever experience of camping as a family.
This year was set to be just as good…if not even better than the last and we were all itching to get there and start the fun.
We were lucky enough to be trying out Pitch this year that is a fabulous company that sets up luxury bell tents for you that are beautifully kitted out and ready for you on your arrival.
I have lots more to tell you about this, but as they say a picture paints a thousand words so I will leave you with this picture of the most incredible tent I have ever had the opportunity to stay in!
With setting up being completely pain free we doned the glitter and sparkles and made our way down to the main field to see what was going on this year.
The familiar main stage was alive with fantastic music and a sea of families relaxing and taking it all in.
For us one of the big pulls of this festival is the food and the children all made their way to grab an ice cream before they got going on the activities.
What I love most about Elderflower Fields is its relaxed atmosphere.
You can slowly wander without any pressure to get to planned activities all the time. There are of course a few things that have timed slots, but the majority you just turn up and have a go.
This year there was the addition of the Woodland Tribe that was a huge hit with the boys.
It saw Daddy uncharacteristically put his DIY hat on and hammer and saw with them all to help create a super cool den.
Another activity the children returned to plenty of times was the trapeze workshop.
The boys had no fear at being twisted and spun in the silks and it left Izzy with a real want to take it up as an activity once we got home.
Circus skills were up next and they tried their hands at everything on offer. I however wasn’t so skilful!
Grabbing a bite to eat was on the agenda before the evening fun.
Food is a huge part of this festival with something for everyone from meat lovers to vegans, savoury fans or those with a sweet tooth all tastes are catered for.
The potato stall has us coming back every year without fail and this year the Thai stall was my favourite with its beautifully flavoursome dishes, in fact I didn’t visit anywhere else all weekend.
As the sun came down we settled on the main field to listen to more bands and have a few cheeky cocktails before heading back to the comfort of our beautiful tent.
Fully refreshed from a great nights sleep we made our way down to the campfire to take part in the Campfire Cookout.
This is new to Elderflower Fields this year and something the children all really enjoyed taking part in.
Alongside cooking up some yummy chocolate waffles on the campfire the children got to take part in a drawing lesson that saw them making their very own comic strip.
My all time favourite face painter Nam Nam’s were back creating their masterpieces so we couldn’t pass up this chance.
I always feel so sad when I have to take their wonderful creations off.
Still pretty full from the waffles it was time for the So Sussex Family picnic.
Last year this was something I felt a little worried about as the theory behind it is to get together with twelve people, friends or strangers and select one leader to go and collect your picnic of delicious local products to enjoy together.
This year we met up with one of my husband school friends and some others they were camping with and thoroughly enjoyed the gorgeous food and great company.
It was then time to get out of the sun and take a stroll through the Art Trail.
Some unbelievable sculptures had been created and there was something new and unique round every corner, including a lookout tower that the children played in happily trying to spot all sorts with their binoculars.
I simply can’t fit everything in that we got up to over the course of a few short days as there was just so much going on.
For me this festival offers more than just music and dancing, although they are big parts of it to!
The activities offer the children new experiences they can take home and further if they wish to and gives them a real understanding of nature and the world around them through the fun of play.
This magical festival keeps us coming back time and time again and I would highly reccomend a visit to see the brilliance yourselves!
For anyone that reads my blog I’m sure that it hasn’t gone unnoticed that we are huge fans of Camp Bestival.
I have been getting so excited over all the fantastic acts that are set to hit this fantastic festival this year and with it being their 10th birthday it is sure to be even bigger and better than last year.
Last year I was asked to be an offical blogger at Camp Bestival and it was honestly the absolute highlight of our summer for so many reasons.
This is why I am delighted to announce that this year we have been chosen as Offical Rock Stars and can’t wait to get covered in glitter and rock out with everyone else at the best festival around!
Keep an eye out for updates on the ever growing acts that are coming through thick and fast and hopefully if you like what you see you can come along and join in the fun with us too!
This year will be the third year that we have visited the fantastic Elderflower Fields festival in the heart of Pippingford Park, Sussex.
The first year we went along for the day and fell in love with it so much that we couldn’t wait to book ready for the following year where we wanted to imerse ourselves in the whole experience by camping for the whole weekend.
For me this is the perfect starter festival as its on a slightly smaller scale than most which allows you to really kick back, relax and enjoy everything it has to offer.
Your weekend can be as chilled or as full as you want to make it and with all activities included in the ticket price the children won’t be bored for a minute.
The tickets are selling out fast for this years event and you only have until the 7th May to purchase yours.
If you fancy dipping your toe into the family festival scene and coming along as a day guest or if you want to try out the whole experience under canvas I can whole heartily recommend you start here!
Click on the ‘link’ to find out a little more and get your hands on the last remaining tickets!
Every few weeks new acts get announced for Camp Bestival and my excitement grows even more with each announcement.
This year is set to be one of the best ones yet and with the Lightning Seeds, Julian Clary and many more acts being added to the already fabulous line up it really will be an event not to be missed.
With a very big family I know all to well about the costs of events such as this and having to find the funds to pay it all in one go could be a little daunting.
This is why Camp Bestival have a payment plan that make it an affordable event for everyone by spreading the costs across fifteen weeks and making an adult ticket an average of £12 a week.
Simply sacrificing your morning coffee could have you well on the way to getting a ticket to a truly memorable break that will create memories that are going to last a lot longer than that latte!
We had our first taster of Elderflower Fields in 2015 when we visited for the day and had such a wonderful time we couldn’t wait to get back and enjoy a full weekend of fun.
Last year Elderflower Fields gave us our first experience of camping as a family…well we did cheat a little with a camper van! bur we loved every single moment of it!
The emphasis of this festival is to find new skills, take part in new activities and sample sumptuous food all in the beautiful surroundings of the great outdoors.
This year the festival will be coming to life from 26th-29th May in the stunning Pippingford Park, East Sussex.
It looks set to top lasts years with lots of familiar activities such as mountain boarding, arts camp, climbing walls, and pond dipping to name just a few and the exciting addition of a campfire cookout and the woodland tribe playground.
The list goes on with the activities that are on offer that are nearly all included in the extremely reasonable price of the weekend ticket.
If music is more your thing then the main stage is home to some fantastic performers that might not be well known artists but they are certainly not lacking in talent.
My tummy is always something I think our and the food here is second to none. The variety is huge and a good proportion of it is from local suppliers who’s passion for their products really shines through.
If you are looking for a relaxed family festival this year then this is the place to be.
I can promise a weekend they won’t break the bank but will leave you with some fabulous memories.
Take a look here to see what you could have to look forward to.
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
