Ah festivals, a real staple of British culture. We love 'em and boy do we go hard. Many of us have been attending music festivals since our teenage years. They represent an escape from reality, an affordable holiday and the chance to watch a year's worth of gigs in a few days - a win, win, win if you ask us.
Whilst having kids inevitably changes the way you live your life, many festivals in the UK are very accommodating of families, allowing you to catch up on all your favourite music in a safe environment that is also engaging to children of a variety of ages.
The best family friendly UK festivals you should check out in 2022:
1 of 13Glastonbury
Is there any festival quite as ICONIC as Glastonbury? The short answer is no. Whilst Glastonbury always attracts some of the biggest names in music, with this year's lineup including Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar and Paul McCartney to name a few, it is also the perfect festival to attend with your family.
There is an abundance of stuff to do, from an area exclusively dedicated to kids aptly named The Kidzfield, to a cinema tent. And there is also an overall friendly atmosphere that permeates every inch of the whoppingly huge festival.
When is it: 22-26 June 2022
Where is it: Worthy Farm, Somerset
2 of 13Victorious Festival
Another great option is Victorious Festival, The UK's biggest metropolitan family friendly festival. This festival boasts an incredible lineup featuring artists such as Metronomy, Stereophonics and Bombay Bicycle Club as well as having a large variety of stages and some incredible options for families.
The festival boasts a dedicated family area, as well as a beach area, roaming performers and a meet and greet allowing your kids to meet their favourite characters. The festival promises some magical moments for parents as well as children and would be the perfect festival getaway for any family this summer.
When is it?: 26-28 August (August bank holiday)
Where is it?: Southsea seafront, Portsmouth
3 of 13Bluedot Festival
Bluedot festival is a great option for those with families as there are a wide range of activities to do as the festival fuses music, science, arts and culture. With an incredible lineup featuring the likes of Bjork, Mogwai and Groove Armada, and Space Camp, a dedicated area for families, Bluedot has something for everyone and would make for a great choice of family festival this summer.
When is it?: 21-24 July
Where is it?: UNESCO World Heritage Centre, Jodrell Bank Observatory
4 of 13Camp Bestival (Dorset)
Camp Bestival (Dorset) is another great option for festival goers looking to bring their family along for the ride. The festival is renowned for being family friendly, combining an amazing festival experience with a fantastic family camping holiday. Not to mention it also has a cracking lineup including the likes of Rudimental, Rag n Bone Man and Sister Sledge. Definitely not one to be missed.
When is it?: 28-31 July
Where is it?: Lulworth Castle, Dorset
5 of 13Camp Bestival (Shropshire)
If you can't make Camp Bestival in Dorset why not go to its sister festival in Shropshire? This is an ideal solution for those who have missed the first festival as the Shropshire edition takes all the unique and essential elements of Camp Bestival to the heart of England. With a lineup including Fatboy Slim, Self Esteem and the legend that is Mr. Tumble, this festival is really not one to be missed.
When is it?: 18-21 August
Where is it?: Weston Park, Shropshire
6 of 13Bearded Theory
Bearded Theory is another great option when it comes to family festivals. It is a multi-award winning creative and performing arts festival that boasts a lineup including Placebo, The Flaming Lips and Patti Smith. The festival also has an incredible Family Village which on the Friday is taken over by Bearded Theory's Festival School providing a huge itinerary of fun educational classes meeting key stage criteria making the festival an educational and entertaining option for children.
When is it?: 26-29 May
Where is it?: Catton Hall, Derbyshire
7 of 13Standon Calling
Standon Calling is an amazing option for those who want a balance of incredible music and great family entertainment. Standon Calling offers a variety of daytime activities and performances for babies, kids and teens in dedicated spaces as well as a lineup that includes incredible musicians such as Anne-Marie, Annie Mac and Basement Jaxx.
When is it?: 21-24 July
Where is it?: Standon Lordship, Hertfordshire
8 of 13Latitude Festival
Along with Glastonbury, Latitude is one of the biggest festivals in the UK and boasts some of the biggest musicians from around the world. But on top of this Latitude has also earned a reputation as one of the best festivals for families in the UK with a multitude of family activities.
The festival has an incredible Kids Area by the lake, where children are entertained with fire shows, pizza-making, traditional woodland crafts and a host of exciting science experiments. In addition to this there are also activities for teenagers in the Inbetweeners' Teen Area, such as music, media, fashion and technology workshops, and the option to learn wildlife survival skills.
When is it?: 21-24 July
Where is it?: Henham Park, Suffolk
9 of 13Kendal Calling
Kendal Calling is another example of a festival that delivers for both children and parents. With an incredible lineup that features the likes of Stereophonics, Bastille and Supergrass, and a dedicated family area in which kids can take part in craft workshops, circus skills, face painting, story telling and more, Kendal Calling has a little something for everyone big and small.
When is it?: 28 – 31 July
Where is it?: Lowther deer park, The Lake District
10 of 13Green Man Festival
Greenman Festival is a lovely option if you just want to get away from it all for a few days as it takes place in the Brecon Beacons, a magical location for both children and adults alike.
On top of having an amazing, eclectic lineup including acts such as Kraftwerk, Michael Kiwanuka and Beach House, Green Man is also the perfect festival for children of all ages, with a dedicated Children's Area for those under 12 as well as an area for teens called Somewhere with DJ workshops, fire shows, filmmaking workshops, T-shirt designing loads more.
When is it?: 18-21 August
Where is it?: Brecon Beacons, Wales
11 of 13Into the Trees
Into the trees is less of a festival in the conventional sense and more of a weekend of outdoorsy activities to help parents and children get more in touch with nature. This is a great option for those that want a bit of a twist on the classic festival formula - and not to mention the fact tickets cost between £5 and £15! (We know).
When is it?: 9-11 September
Where is it?: Ashdown Forest, Sussex
12 of 13Shambala Festival
Shambala is a great option for those more eco-conscious as it aims to be as green as it can be and is even meat and fish free, making it perfect for vegetarians. on top of this it offers a variety of activities for kids, dedicated family camping and just general good vibes, an essential when introducing your children to the world of festivals.
When is it?: 25-28 August
Where is it?: Secret Country Estate, Northamptonshire
13 of 13Womad Festival
Womad festival is a great option for lovers of world music. Dubbed "the world's festival" Womad is a great way to broaden your music taste whilst also introducing your children to music and cultures from around the world. On top of this the festival also offers a variety of activities for children and teens - oh and did we mention children 13 and under can go for free?
When is it?: 28-31 July
Where is it?: Charlton Park, Wiltshire