First up are two I went along to last year; Timber, and Woodside
Timber, winner of Best New Festival at the UK Festival Awards, takes place 5/6/7th July at Feanedock in the National Forest. It's a mixture of informative debates, art, music and fun.
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| Stuart Maconie |
You can listen to familiar names such as Stuart Maconie, Phil Jupitus, and Peter Owen-Jones, or discover new speakers talking about environmental, green issues, and the benefits of nature to our wellbeing.
You can take part in wellness workshops ranging from yoga to forest meditation, try your hand at woodcraft, find out how to live 'slowly', or join in a dance class.
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| The Eyrie Stage |
Of course, being a festival there has to be music! From colliery band to rock, folk to disco, there has to be something for everyone. It's definitely family friendly with lots of activities aimed at children, but equally there's a vast amount to appeal to oldies like myself. Last year I couldn't attend for the whole weekend and therefore missed out on a lot of the hands-on activities - there are so many to chose from, though, that maybe three days isn't long enough!
Run by the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust (with profits going to them), Woodside was a similar 'green' festival.
Held this year on June 15th, Woodside has been renamed Wildside, but is at the same place - Woodside Farm, Shipley, Ilkeston. This is only a day-long festival but there's a mix of live music from folk to rock, theatre and story-telling, plenty of 'wild' activities to take part in - pond-dipping, willow-weaving, bug-hunting, or wild yoga and outdoor gym, if they're more your style.
Last year's event was really fun, and it was lovely to be able to take Dylan the dog along, proving that dogs and festivals can mix!
EDIT - Wildside had to be cancelled due to a dreadful week of rain so will be re-scheduled for another date
In a similar vein are two festivals being held at Whistlewood Common, a community-owned 10 acre site just outside Melbourne. Events and courses, mainly based around their beliefs of living sustainably, are held throughout the year, but on 22nd June and 20th July they'll be holding two festivals - the first a Midsummerish Music Festival, the second BemTeVi, a celebration of Brazilian culture.
The Midsummerish Festival is now in its sixth year, and growing in popularity.
There's lots of entertainment and activities for children (and their adults) - last year had wheelbarrow racing, and hobby horses - live music from local performers (last year saw a range from Roots Choir to indie group Boats on the Ocean), and food from local suppliers.
Although both are one day festivals it's possible to camp overnight (perhaps best after sampling caipirinhas!)
Now, remember I said I was looking for quirky? Well, how about this? Indietracks, a pop festival held on a steam railway! Over the weekend 26th - 28th July, this pop-up festival takes over the Midland Railway Centre near Ripley in Derbyshire. You park your car, and take the train to the festival site
There are four stages and around 50 new and established acts, mainly from the indie/DIY sector; you can check out a compilation of the appearing artists in advance. If you get bored with the music, you can ride on the trains, visit the museum, and make friends with owls and parrots from the Woodie's Wings charity.
There are two areas specially aimed at children - a messy, crafty one, and a quiet downtime space for the under 5s. While for adults there are workshops on a wide-ranging topics - they've previously subjects as diverse as ukulele-playing and cup cake decorating. Although a full weekend festival, you can't stay on site, though there is a campsite within a 10-15 minute walk.
Have I saved the biggest till last? Probably. It's certainly the one nearest to a mainstream rock festival, and with the biggest, best-known headliners. You might recognise Wollaton Hall as Wayne Manor in The Dark Knight Rises, but I don't think Batman's going to be around on 20th July when Splendour Festival takes over his garden.
This year the event is headlined by Manic Street Preachers and The Specials. Joining them on the Main Stage are Rag'N'Bone Man, X Factor winner Louisa, Slow Readers Club and more, while the Confetti Stage with be headlined by All Saints.
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| Manic Street Preachers photo credit; Alex Lake |
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| The Specials |
The smaller Courtyard stage is packed with acts that you may not have heard of yet, but are ones to watch out for, and if you fancy something different, there's a stage of comedy talent.
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| photo credit Ami Ford |
Elsewhere there's a silent disco, a funfair, and special kids' area - so, something to entertain all the family.
The only difficulty is, which of these festivals to go along to ...
To find out more about any of these festivals, click on the appropriate link
Timber
Wildside Festival
Whistlewood Common
Indietracks
Splendour Festival
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