Let the kids run wild this summer at one of the many family-friendly festivals in and around London.
When Glastonbury weekend arrives, so the gateway to a summer’s worth of festivals is opened. Whether they’re mini party people, foodies, artists or nature lovers, there is a festival to suit every child. Here’s our Family Festivals Guide 2023.
On Sunday 9th July pop down to the Green Festival at Chiltern Open Air Museum in Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire. There will be over 30 handpicked eco-friendly exhibitors and market stallholders who are all passionate about the environment, family activities including a fantastic theatre performance from Arbor the Tree the 18ft puppet.
Set on the spectacular riverbank, the last day of the Henley Festival will be transformed into a family extravaganza, with activities, performances and concerts for Family Sunday. Expect Wonder Raps performer MC Grammar, family friendly theatre experts Stuff and Nonsense, crazy time-travelling magician Professor Strange, Cookie the Clown’s incredible balloon models and a live Doodle Jam session with Tommy Gurr. (July 9)
Alexandra Palace Park’s Kaleidoscope features a mini festival within the festival dedicated to families. Pop-up theatre, circus and magic workshops will keep the little ones busy while the grown ups enjoy the bands, comedy and DJs. This year’s headliner is Hot Chip. (July 15)
Get the party started at Standon Calling, which has a dedicated performance area for kids of all ages and also includes your mini ravers in the main festival’s agenda. (July 20 to 23)
Feria de Londres returns this summer in the brand-new location of Wembley Park. The free two-day festival will transform the space by bringing a taste of Andalusian culture and colourful carnival spirit to the area. (July 29-30)
Boutique festival Wilderness, set in a stunning nature reserve with wellbeing at its core, offers yoga and self-care sessions for kids as well as lots of festival entertainment. Nannies are also on hand to help parents with their own self care. (August 3-6)
Get the whole family involved at Camp Kindling – an action-packed summer camp with the feel of a festival. Campers can take part in more than 100 pre-booked activities, designed for the whole family to enjoy together. And, after dark, the camp transforms into a music festival where kids and their grown-ups can dance the night away. (August 18 – 21)
Give the kids a taste of the Caribbean at Notting Hill Carnival, which traditionally has a calmer Sunday Children’s Day, still full of colourful costumes, carnival floats and lots of music and street food. (August 27-28)
Spanning 18 days, the Greenwich + Docklands International Festival is an outdoor spectacle of art, circus, music and theatre, with lots of offer for children. (August 25 – September 10)
Taking place on Alex James’ Cotswolds farm, mini foodies are sure to love Big Feastival, a music and food extravaganza. There will be lots of theatre, comedy and workshops for children as well as plenty of delicious food on offer. (August 25-27)
And no festivals guide would be complete without mention of Camp Bestival, now in two locations for 2022. Firm favourite Lulworth Cove features Grace Jones, Sam Ryder, Ella Henderson, Fat Tony and many more stellar acts as well as workshops and theatre. (27-30 July) And the new venue in Shropshire’s Weston Park you can see Primal Scream, Rudimental and The Human League as well as shows from children’s favourites. (17-20 August)
