The summer of 2019 is almost upon us and if you are eager to unwind and experience the excitement of a local festival, the South West of England is the place to be.
I’m sure if you have been on the web searching for your perfect summer festival you have been spoilt for choice with great events all over the UK. However the uncertainty of the British weather and choosing which event to attend your summer festival can become an exasperating experience. We want to help you embrace your summer holiday so, we have selected a couple of local festivals to choose from and outlined a few tips for you to have a festival experience to remember.
Lets Rock Exeter, the retro family-friendly 80s music festival:
Taking place in the grounds of Powderham Castle in Exeter on 29th June 2019 is the 10th anniversary of the much loved 80s music festival. Since 2009 this event has allowed 80s music fans to reminisce about the ‘good ol’ days’ and families to bond over the festival atmosphere. Whilst this festival is only a one day event there is the option to camp in a ready pitched tent in the evening, giving you and your friends the freedom to party hard!
If you haven’t already booked your ticket, wait until you hear the line up!
The Human League, Billy Ocean, Belinda Carlisle and Hot chocolate to name a few. See you there.
Photo: www.powderham.co.uk www.letsrockexeter.com
Glas-denbury, your local alternative to one of the nations most popular festivals:
The music and arts festival takes place in Denbury, Devon on 5th – 6th July 2019 and showcases some of the best bands and artists from the South West as well as emerging young talent from the area. Not only does the festival boast a variety of music it will also host craft workshops, poetry and TV celebrities, including the return of Basil Brush for a meet and greet and one of the worlds most sought after ventriloquists who was a contestant on Britains Got Talent 2019.
At only £85 for an adult weekend including camping ticket this festival is a local rival to Glastonbury which would cost you upwards of £250 for general admission.
Photo:www.glas-denbury.co.uk
Port Eliot Festival, the original free-ranging festival of ideas:
The Cornish festival will run from 25th – 28th July 2019 and during this time you will be presented with an unmatchable collection of artists, musicians, writers, comedians, performers, thinkers, makers, protagonists, agitators, and scribblers. Not only will you experience all of this, but for a small fee you can experience boutique camping, wood fired suppers and secret date clubs. The line up this year boasts some big names including; Lily Allen and Katy Brand (literary), Shappi Khorsandi (Comedy) and Charlotte Church (music). The festival also offers a handpicked range of the best food and drink options from the South West. Tickets start from £155 for an adult which includes camping for the duration, amazing value for money based on its strong reputation.
Photo: www.porteliotfestival.com
Beautiful Days, the culturally diverse music festival:
Beautiful Days is the Levellers’ independent family music festival organised by DMF music which takes place at Escot Park in Devon from 16th – 18th August. The site boasts several stages, art installations, craft workshops, healing garden, and family camping. The festival has won various awards in the past and is advertised as ‘a perfect family weekend’.
Tip: Pack up your belongings and leave either very early or wait until the crowd has dispersed. Trying to leave at peak times (7-9am) can leave you stuck in a huge queue trying to exit the site.
Don’t fancy any of the above festivals?
Sidmouth Folk Festival – Sidmouth, Devon – 2nd – 9th August 2019
The festival celebrates music, dance and song since 1955 with performances from edging talent, workshops, storytelling and ceilidhs and folk dancing.
www.sidmouthfolkfestival.co.uk
Chagstock Festival – Dartmoor, Devon – 19th – 20th July 2019
An open air live music festival on the edge of Dartmoor with panoramic views.
Teignmouth Jazz Festival – Teignmouth – 18th – 20th October 2019
Annual jazz festival featuring traditional, Latin, Blues, Funk, Modern, Cool, Swing and New Orleans Jazz.
Hopefully, we have been able to provided you with all the local festival information and advice you need to choose the right festival for you and your family this summer.
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