With more and more popping up every year, it's safe to say that parents across the UK (and their kids) have wholly embraced family festivals. Music, dancing, entertainment, crafts, camping (for some), and delicious food and drink. Throw in a spot of sunshine, and how better to spend a weekend?!
But if trying to choose which one to head to is proving to be a bit difficult, or cost prohibitive (they can be quite an expensive affair), why not look a touch closer to home?
The back garden, for example.
Full control of the playlist, unlimited access to cold drinks, no queuing for showers, and little to no chance of being woken up by snoring neighbours.
It could be a good option, right?
If you fancy enjoying some festival fun at home, here are our top tips and recommendations.
FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINKS
Lots of yummy food and drink is a must at a festival. And if you're holding one at home, then it's incredibly easy to pop in to the kitchen to rustle up something tasty for the children ... or even get the children to help prepare some snacks and serve them from their very own festival food van (a great way to encourage imaginative play).
Have a read of our recent interview with Annabel Karmel for tasty treat ideas. How about multicoloured meringues, fruit tarts or banana and pear ice lollies? Every festival needs an ice cream stand, surely? And how about a homemade lemonade stall? We'll make no mention of a gin bar for the grown ups!
Festival Food Van / Felt Pizza Set / Play Sandwich Set / Toy Kettle
PLACE FOR PICNICS
Next, you'll need to decide where your guests are going to sit and eat. Of course, table and chairs are an option, but can we suggest our colourful and comfortable picnic blankets? They're also good alternative if you'd like to have a little lie down after lunch ... somewhere to kick back and enjoy the music. When the festival's over, simply roll them up with the integral straps and pop them back in the cupboard (or in the boot of the car as they're really handy to have at the ready for impromptu days out).
Family Picnic Blankets - see designs available
ARTS & CRAFTS CORNER
No family festival would be complete without an arts and crafts corner. Cutting, sticking, gluing, making, drawing, painting ... all without a single splash or dab on your kitchen table. Set up our sturdy art easels, stock up on paper and paints, and unleash your inner Monet. Or have fun trying, anyway.
FANCY DRESS FUN
What could be more fun at a festival than fancy dress? Glitter, perhaps? Children love an opportunity to don a costume, paint their faces, and cover themselves in temporary tattoos. Why not use a desk or dressing table to set up and outdoor makeup station? And don't forget to fill a dressing up rail with costumes, hats, and other fun props to play with.
FANCY A FILM
When the sun starts to go down, it's time to turn off the music and turn on the projector for a family-friendly film. Snuggle up in a super cosy bean bag, grab some popcorn and settle down to watch a movie. How about Peter Rabbit? Paddington 2? Or the nation's current favourite, The Greatest Showman?
SLEEPING UNDER THE STARS
Admittedly, at this point, we'd be very tempted to retreat to the comfort of our own beds - a huge plus of holding a festival at home, we think. However, for those of you brave enough to consider sleeping under the stars, spending an hour at dusk in one of our beautifully made, roomy play tents could be a great way of introducing your children to camping. And choose a quilted sleeping bag, bed in a bag or chair bed for extra comfort ... all are great for sleepovers, too, so definitely a good investment.
Quilted Sleeping Bag / Bed In A Bag / Chair Bed
Are you tempted to transform your garden? Here's to free spirited, festival fun at home. And don't forget to send us an invite!
