Every year circa late spring slash early summer, I start planning my festival season. And each year circa late summer I retire my wellies, bin the tent, and swear I’m never doing it ever again. But then the next late spring comes around, and….. the cycle continues.
But this season there’s festivals for the even most reluctant festivals fan and season dodgers. And whilst we can’t guarantee the unpredictable British weather, theses are the ones that you *probably* won’t need the Hunters for. Which is important. Here’s our pick of the best alternative festivals for 2019.
The one for sports fans
Now in it’s second year, LDN 7s is an epic three days rugby, hockey and quidditch (yes really) tournaments. By night, the Chiswick venue erupts into party with sets from international DJs, producers, and artists. They do glamping, which is GREAT NEWS. Or you can opt for regular camping and day tickets. Tickets here.
The one for explorers
The Great Escape spans thirty walkable venues across Brighton, including a site on the beach. The venues are super intimate and artists emerging. Tip: book a cute seaside b’n’b for the over-night bit, because there’s no official over-night bit.
The one for families
NGL, I’m pretty tempted to book this one sans kids. This year’s Camp Bestival theme is heroes v superheroes (I call Elektra), and probably the most exciting part is the array of sleeping options: tipis, yurts, podpads, bell tents, bedouin tents, shikar tents, gypsy bowtop caravans… Yeh, try saying that after a couple of gins….
The one for surfers
Since 1981, the touselled hair and chiselled abs of surfer-types have made the annual pilgrimage to the Cornish Coast for Boardmasters Their mantra? Surf, skate or BMX by day; party by night. Head to Fistral Beach for a hedonistic five days of salty, wind-swept fun.
The one for dog lovers
New Forest? Yes. Dogs? Yes. I’m yet to find something I don’t love about Dogstival, aka the festival for dogs. There’s a daily treasure hunt, and ‘canine aquatic sports’ (I think they mean the dggos can go for a swim). Acceptable to go when I don’t actually own a dog? Answers on a postcard, please..
