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!
