We all remember our first festival. Whether you roughed it in a muddy field as teens or gained your first wristband later in life, festivals can act as truly formative experiences.
But festivals aren’t just for groups of friends drinking warm cider anymore. They’re truly family affairs, and there’s certainly plenty out there that cater to all ages. Here, we pick some of the top family festivals you can bring the kids to in 2026.
Camp Bestival
Festival: Camp Bestival
Location: Lulworth Castle, Dorset
Dates: 30 July-2 August 2026
Acts: Fatboy Slim & Friends with more TBA
Devised by DJ Rob Da Bank, Camp Bestival has become a dearly beloved occasion for Sunday picnic enthusiasts and ex-ravers who now need to navigate their love of dance music with the responsibility of growing older, having kids and the general responsibilities of life. Camp Bestival is a long-running weekend party that couples high-energy DJ sets and live bands with great food and even better energy.
Shambala
Festival: Shambala
Location: ‘Secret Location’ nr. Market Harborough
Dates: 27-30 August 2026
Acts: Bob Vylan, GOAT, The Selecter, Hollie Cook and more
Shambala may be the blueprint for a quintessential family festival. Offering literally hundreds of activities from yoga classes and plate painting stations to wild swimming, live podcasts and more, Shambala offers something for everyone aged between one to 100.
Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival
Festival: Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival
Location: Belladrum Estate, Kiltarlity
Dates: 30 July-1 August 2026
Acts: James, Human League, Callum Beattie, MIKA
Set in the, quite frankly, obscenely beautiful Scottish highland surroundings of Kiltarlity, Scotland, Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival hosts a variety of music, arts and cultural acts that celebrate everything this part of the world has to offer. In 2025, that came in the form of headline acts Supergrass, Texas and Paul Heaton, but look further afield and you’ll discover local singer-songwriters, crafting and stations and much more. You can even tie the knot there!
Big Feastival
Festival: Big Feastival
Location: Kingham, Oxfordshire
Dates: 28-30 August 2026
Acts: Basement Jaxx, The Streets, Bastille with more TBA
Alex James may arguably be the most versatile man in music. He’s a Blur bassist, avid cheese monger and with the Big Feastival, a festival organiser. Regularly attracting thousands of people to his own personal farm, with Big Feastival Alex has created a weekend celebration of food and music. In 2026, Big Feastival will welcome The Streets, Basement Jaxx and Bastille as headliners.
Elderflower Fields
Festival: Elderflower Fields
Location: Ashdown Forest, Sussex
Dates: 22-25 May 2026
Acts: Mellowmatic, Mista Trick Collective, Son Guarachando and more
Tucked away amongst the rolling green pastures of Sussex is where you’ll find the Elderflower Fields Family Festival. Billed as the ‘perfect first festival for families’, this intimate (and independent) festival offers kids activities, sports and art alongside headline performances from the likes of hip-hop band Mellowmatic, Mista Trick Collective, Latin act Son Guarachando and more.
Raver Tots Outdoor Festival Series
Festival: Raver Tots
Location: Milton Keynes Campbell Park, Reading Prospect Park, Bristol Amphitheatre & Waterfront Square
Dates: 16 August (Milton Keynes and Reading) and 23 August (Bristol) 2026
Acts: TBC
From the cradle to the rave is the mantra for Raver Tots, a place where multi-generations come together for the love of all things acid house, techno and plush toys. Held across three locations (Milton Keynes, Reading and Bristol), this one day event brings world class DJs to crowds high on sugar and not…other forms of energy giving stimuli.
Wychwood Festival
Festival: Wychwood Festival
Location: Cheltenham Racecourse, UK
Dates: 30 May-1 June
Acts: Kaiser Chiefs, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, The South, Boney M and more
Set at Cheltenham Racecourse, this place usually reserved for very fast horses will host Kaiser Chiefs, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, The South, Boney M and more for what will be its 20th edition. Offering a strong comedy line-up that includes German comedian Henning Wehn alongside a range of strong family activities, Wychwood Festival always offers something for everyone.
Deer Shed Festival
Festival: Deer Shed
Location: Baldersby Park, North Yorkshire, UK
Dates: 24-26 July 2026
Acts: Sleaford Mods, Say She She, Everything Everything, Working Men’s Club and more
If you’re looking for something slightly edgier from your family festival then Deer Shed may be the place for you. UK punk duo Sleaford Mods will headline while the little ones can enjoy a host free activities. Nappies, ear defenders and other vital parent paraphernalia comes as standard, too.
Green Man Festival
Festival: Green Man Festival
Location: Bannau Brycheiniog, Wales
Dates: 20-23 August 2026
Acts: TBC
Known for its eclectic array of top-tier musical acts, comedy, performing arts and much, MUCH more, Green Man Festival has become a firm favourite for many a family. A festival that truly offers something for everyone, Green Man is an immersive experience that should be on everyone’s bucket list.
Tickets (available via resale)
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