As the festival will be without children in 2024, parents who enjoy parties are seeking family-friendly alternatives to Boomtown.
Discover these seven exciting events, each presenting a unique fusion of music, art, and enjoyment, creating an atmosphere perfect for children.
1. Anthropos Festival (Hertfordshire, England)
The Anthropos Festival, set to take place from May 23rd to 27th, 2024, is a transformative event near London. It features an extensive round-the-clock program including mesmerizing psychedelic music, over 100 workshops and lectures, and a vast art gallery. Attendees can indulge in live painting sessions and educational workshops, while children can enjoy a dedicated program designed especially for them.
The festival’s eco-conscious ethos is reflected in its 100% vegan food offerings, solar power utilization, and a tree planting initiative for every attendee. The ethos of community, human connection, and learning is at the heart of the Anthropos Festival experience. Tickets are available for £133, while children under 15 go free.
2. Glastonbury Festival (Somerset, England)
Experience a fantastical world at Glastonbury from June 26th to 30th, 2024. Although acquiring tickets for the UK’s largest festival can be challenging, this colossal gathering embraces the principles of the International Rights of the Child by offering free admission to children under 12.
While some parents worry about the scale of the event, at child-centric zones like Kidzfield and Green Kids, young ones can revel in a whole host of creative activities, including circus antics, melody-making, and puppetry marvels while watched over by the festival’s crew. The Theatre & Circus fields further enliven the atmosphere with quirky walkabouts and riveting performances catering to all ages. Adults can partake in this iconic festival for £355 plus a £5 booking fee. Secure your tickets here.
3. WOMAD Festival (Malmesbury, England)
Experience a worldwide musical adventure at WOMAD Festival 2024, taking place from July 25th to 28th in the scenic Charlton Park of Malmesbury. Embracing the realms of Music, Arts, and Dance, WOMAD serves as a hub for cultural discovery and diverse melodies. This family-friendly event provides a wealth of entertainment for kids at the World of Kids, where they can engage in circus talents, crafts, and an exuberant parade that embodies the festival’s inclusive and celebratory atmosphere.
The eclectic lineup showcases artists from around the globe, reverberating with rhythms that transcend geographical boundaries. In 2023, adult weekend tickets were priced at approximately £225, while the festival also offered a plethora of family-centric ticket options, making it a viable choice for a family getaway. Grab your tickets, exploring the global music scene through the lens of WOMAD 2023.
4. Shambala Festival (Northamptonshire, England)
Envisaged for August 2024 (exact dates TBC), Shambala unfolds as a playground of imagination for kids. The festival grounds brim with youthful zest as children hula hoop, race on whimsical bike tracks, bounce on trampolines, master circus skills, revel in free face painting, and much more. The family yurt transforms into a cosy storytelling haven with bedtime tales and warm cocoa. Tickets are available here.
5. Maui Waui (Suffolk, England)
Maui Waui, a three-day extravaganza of international music, performance, and arts, is poised to captivate festival-goers in August 2024 at Peak Hill Farm, Leiston. This vibrant event showcases a diverse range of genres including DNB, techno, psy, reggae, dub, ska, punk, rock, and folk, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The atmosphere is electric yet family-friendly, with a plethora of activities for kids: From circus skills workshops to engaging storytelling sessions, the young ones are in for a treat. The visual arts and crafts areas provide a playground for imaginative minds, while the various stages echo with the rhythm of diverse music. It’s a smaller-scale festival but brimming with the authentic vibe that music and art enthusiasts cherish. Check out the tickets.
6. Tropical Pressure (Cornwall, England)
Experience the enchanting journey of Tropical Pressure, taking place on July 12th-14th, 2024. Immerse yourself in a vibrant celebration of music, dance, and cuisine from tropical continents. This festival is located at Mount Pleasant Eco Park in Porthtowan, North Cornwall—a breathtaking World Heritage site known for its natural beauty. Prepare for a weekend filled with cultural exploration in a stunning setting.
The weekend offers a plethora of enjoyable activities for everyone, particularly children. They can explore their creativity through craft sessions like making floral headdresses and pressing flowers. An exclusive activity area is available for kids to play with homemade instruments, participate in engaging workshops, and delve into the fascinating world of diverse cultures.
The festival’s mission to celebrate the cultures of Latin America, the Caribbean, and Africa resonates through its vibrant ambiance, making it feel like a tropical retreat barely set in England. In 2023, the weekend camping was priced at £125 for adults, £80 for ‘young adults’, and £40 for children, offering a reasonable estimate for the 2024 event. Book your tickets if TP sounds like it would resonate with your family.
7. Landed Festival (Powys, Wales)
Landed Festival, located in the peaceful Doldowlod Estate near Rhayader, combines the nostalgic energy of an old-school punk party with mind-blowing visual art. It was honored as the Best Welsh Festival in 2019 and offers drinks at pub prices and affordable food, making it a budget-friendly choice for families.
On top of its funk music, the festival showcased a whole bunch of child-friendly activities, and camping in a beautiful valley has a great allure, making it a weekend of rustic charm and musical enchantment. In 2023, the full weekend ticket was priced at £120 online, providing a reference for 2024 pricing. You can reserve your spot here.
8. Equinox Festival (Lincolnshire, England)
Join us in September 2024 near Grimsby, Lincolnshire at Equinox Festival, a rhythm-filled haven for families. Considered the ultimate end-of-season celebration in the Universe, it boasts three vibrant live music venues and two energizing dance tents pulsating with Psydub/Tech and Jungle/DnB beats. The Children’s Area is a delightful hub of excitement, offering engaging activities alongside mesmerizing fire shows, workshops, and traditional crafts. With walkabout entertainers and relaxing chill-out areas, this event promises an enchanting experience for the whole family.
Get your tickets.
9. Nozstock: The Hidden Valley (Herefordshire, England)
In July, Nozstock takes you on a magical journey through the picturesque hills of Herefordshire. This family-run festival, born from a simple backyard barbecue, now boasts 11 stages filled with diverse entertainment. With an array of creative outlets for young attendees, Nozstock offers craft workshops by Spare Room Arts, Renegade beatbox sessions, kids poetry, family fun dance workshops, and even yoga. And let’s not forget the special chance to create your very own Dino Tail.
Check out the tickets.
