Affordable livley festival recommendations

[ninjahamster]

I was wondering what recommendations people had for festivals that don't break the bank.

Family friendly is cool but i love some good campsite banter

In these cash strapped times what options are available for the fiscally challenged?

[Katster]

Bearded theory.

It's even cheap when you get there too, as in beer/food prices.

[Rufus Gwertigan]

BT, Solfest, Alchemy, Chagstock, Shambala, Knockengorroch. Next year keep your eye out for Ben and Jerrys. Last year it was in London and Manchester. Its a 2 day event aimed at families. 17 quid a day but loads on for the kids and as much free ice cream as you can manage. I made myself sick with it last year, luckily just as I got off the Helter Skelter.

[Donkey]

Alchemy is the best.

[greenfairy43]

Alchemy is the best.

[ninjahamster]

I'll be at alchemy this year

I've herd good things about BT so i'll hit next years. Its what to do inbetween that i was wondering lol

[thetime]

I'll be at alchemy this year

I've herd good things about BT so i'll hit next years. Its what to do inbetween that i was wondering lol

[kaosmark2]

Check out your local ones. You usually get a good mix of bands, just look them up, check out a couple of bands on the lineup, and if you like the style, go for it. Lack of transport costs/time helps reduce costs loads, often more than doing a cheaper one further away.

[ninjahamster]

Theres a few that i was looking at. Doune the rabbit hole is one.

[grumpyhack]

Family friendly is cool but i love some good campsite banter

[Rufus Gwertigan]

Go with the right mates and you'll get that at most festivals.

[grumpyhack]

I wasn't meaning that campsite banter can redeem a grim festival, just that if you're looking for good campsite banter go with some like minded friends. Part of the banter might be about how shit the festival is so, even if you're not enjoying the fest at least you've got some mates to share the misery with.

As far as banter with strangers is concerned I've always enjoyed meeting new neighbours and generally have found at the fests I've attended that you can make some good new friends.

Glasto has always been tops for meeting and chatting to random strangers but I've also found a lot of smaller, particularly folky fests, to be friendly.

[dondo]

We are off to our 1st festival with the kids next month. Did quite a lot if research and we opted for Croissant Neuf which heard lots of good things about. Shall report back

[Rachie]

Is Alchemy as family friendly as BT? (i.e have lots for young children to do?)

We went to BT this year with the kids for the first time, we enjoyed it very much and want to return next year. Just thinking we might add another family festival at the end of the summer. Hmm (going to Bestival too but not taking kids!)

[grumpyhack]

We are off to our 1st festival with the kids next month. Did quite a lot if research and we opted for Croissant Neuf which heard lots of good things about. Shall report back

[thetime]

Is Alchemy as family friendly as BT? (i.e have lots for young children to do?)

We went to BT this year with the kids for the first time, we enjoyed it very much and want to return next year. Just thinking we might add another family festival at the end of the summer. Hmm (going to Bestival too but not taking kids!)

Edited July 15, 2012 by thetime

[dondo]

It's superb - the best festival for kids I've encountered. Mind you I'm biased. Went two years ago, love3d it and returned as a steward last year. Hopefully we'll meet up there this year.

[Rufus Gwertigan]

Looking at BT next year as daughters first festival, she will be nearly 4 then.

Is that a bit to young for BT?

[thetime]

Simple answer No. BT is perfect for a little ones first festival. It has one of the best kids areas on the circuit. I have not been for a couple of years but I know the folk that run the kids area (Angel Gardens). They put a lot of passion and thought in to what they do, rather than paying lip service like some festivals do. The festival as well is just the right size for little ones as well.

[Rachie]

Completely agree with Rufus!

My girls were 4 and 5 (both had just turned that age)

They had a brilliant time! we don't drive so did it by public transport and tent, and it was no were near as hard as id previously imagined it might be. We lived in the kids field over the 3 days happy kids = happy parents. They even got confident enough to walk around/explore by themselves on the last day. (we were always watching from a distance + there's only one entrance/exit) (edit - i mean of the childrens area)

Here's lots of pics of my girls having lots of fun at BT this year

https://www.facebook...08447756&type=3

Edited July 16, 2012 by Rachie