Described as a hybrid of The Big Chill, WOMAD and the Cambridge Folk Festival, as well as a “bijou Glastonbury”, Wychwood Festival in Gloucestershire – just over two hour’s from London – is a laid back festival for all the family. 

Since it launched in 2005, Wychwood has been nominated at the UK Festival Awards for Best Family Festival every  year; this year, it celebrates its tenth anniversary.

Over the weekend, you and your child can become Bubbleologists, learn some Bhangra dancing, and watch The Boomtown Rats with Sir Bob Geldof

Musical Maestros Highlights include 10cc’s Graham Gouldman, The Real Thing, The Stranglers, Bad Manners, Newton Faulkner, Reef, The Levellers, Lee Thompson’s Ska Orchestra, The Boomtown Rats, Craig Charles, The Vinyls, plus many more!

Featured Fun A dedicated BBC Stage will showcase local musical talent, including hotly tipped Coventry band Pretty Rascals playing alongside a variety of acts including singer songwriter Stylusboy, experimental synth 4-piece Bunsen Honey and Emma McGann (a favourite of Kylie Minogue). There are also workshops where you can learn Bhangra dancing, become a ‘bubbleologist’ with SamSam the Bubbleman or join Brazilian/tribal inspired ‘Glamba’ drumming band.

Kid Stuff

  • The Booktrust Children’s Reading Fun offers storytime sessions with plenty of accompanying songs, dance and movement, plus a reading by popular CBeebies presenter Cerrie Burnell
  • Charity partner World Vision hosts ‘Hope House’ where families will be transported to Sierra Leone to take part in Calabash and hear remarkable stories of local children
  • Toybox – a charity set to end the injustices suffered by street children – presents a marquee packed with art and craft activities, pop-up piano playing, storytelling, workshops and entertainment
  • Mime performances from Electric Cabaret, who are former National Street Theatre champions and regulars of Jools Hollands’ yearly Hootenanny celebration
  • Stomp-inspired SoundSketch create high energy crash-bang-wallop music using brooms, kitchen sinks and dustbin lids
  • Festival stalwart Mr Tumble AKA Justin Fletcher, who describes himself as “Mr Bean for preschoolers”, kicks off Saturday’s main stage performances

Chill Out Time For chillaxing, there are healing and sculpture areas where you can relax with a soothing hot stone massage or reflexology sessions, or submerge yourself in the hot tub at Superspa DJ, handily located directly opposite the main stage, so you can rock ‘n’ soak.

Dining Tables Pandemania Wood Fired Pizza, 
The Goan Seafood Company, La Grande Bouffe , Gourmet Catering, Churros Bros, Carnival Coffee, Posh Baps, Happy Crepes, Casa Portugesa and Wrappers’ Delight, Tin Can Catering Co, Perfect Burger.

Happy Campers The campsite sits beneath the Prestbury Hills, complete with areas for caravans and camper vans. Facilities include hot showers, a campsite shop, café, and a lock up to store any valuables.

Luxury camping options including tipis and yurts from Hearthworks or pre-erected tents and bell tents from Pillow Camping

THE PRICE TAG
Full Weekend 
Adult, £125 | 10–15 year-olds, £60 | 5–9 year-olds, £20 | Under-5s, Free
Weekend Camping Adult (in a tent), £20 | Adult (in a campervan/caravan), £60 | Youth/Concession, £10 | Under 16s, Free
Individual Day Festival Pass Adult, £40 (Friday), £55 (Saturday), £45 (Sunday) |10-15 year-olds, £20 | 5-9 year-olds, £8 | Under-5s, Free
Daily Camping Adult, £10 | Under-16s, Free | Campervan, £25

Photography Credit: Wychwood Festival | Darren Coleman (‘electric’ stage) | Jon Mackay (Feature Image of girl on shoulders)

See more family friendly Festivals in the UK for 2014