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Music Festivals 2014: Family friendly

By MusicRadar Team
published 21 April 2014

Discover where to give the whole tribe a great experience this summer

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Intro
It's child's play
(Image credit: © Hannah Mentz/Corbiss)

Intro

If you think your festival going days are over just because you've got a family, think again. There are plenty of magical events around that are great for kids without forgetting to deliver fun for adults too.

The best of them mix kids entertainment with timeless musical acts, meaning an inclusive experience that won't see anyone getting left behind. Here's our pick of some of the top events!

Page 1 of 9
Page 1 of 9
Camp Bestival
31 July-3 August, UK
(Image credit: © Gideon Mendel/Corbis)

Camp Bestival

Headliners: Basement Jaxx, James, De La Soul, Johnny Marr, Sinead O'Conner, Skatalites

Location: Lulworth Castle, Dorset, UK

Best reason to go: Aside from some classy musical acts, a whole section of the site is dedicated to kids, with a big top circus, go-carts, a toddler's area and more.

Other line-up highlights: Peter Hook and the Light, Public Service Broadcasting, Laura Mvula

Tickets: Adult weekend camping from Thursday £195 / 11-14 year olds £88 / 5-10 year olds £20 / Under 4's free

Official site

Page 2 of 9
Page 2 of 9
Bonnaroo
12-15 June, USA
(Image credit: © Samantha Shrader ./Retna Ltd./Corbis)

Bonnaroo

Headliners: Elton John, Kanye West, Jack White

Location: Great Stage Park, Manchester, Tennessee, USA

Best reason to go: Jack White's back with a new album this year, while the Kidz Jam area inspires a love of music, culture and creativity for the little 'uns.

Other line-up highlights: Lionel Richie, Vampire Weekend, Arctic Monkeys, Flaming Lips, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Damon Albarn

Tickets: VIP tickets (pairs only) are $85.90 per pair, while kids go free up too the age of six

Official site

Page 3 of 9
Page 3 of 9
Wychwood
30 May-1 June, UK
(Image credit: © Dave Zorg/Demotix/Corbis)

Wychwood

Headiners: The Stranglers, Boomtown Rats, The Levellers, Craig Charles DJ set

Location: Cheltenham Racecourse, Gloucestershire, UK

Best reason to go: Punk legends turned pop heroes The Stranglers will be amazing, plus there's a kids' literature festival, workshops, healing tent and more.

Other line-up highlights: Reef, Newton Faulkner, 10cc's Graham Gouldman

Tickets: Weekend adult £125 / 10-15 year olds £60 / 5-9 year olds £20.00 / Under 5's free

Official site

Page 4 of 9
Page 4 of 9
Larmer Tree Festival
16-20 July, UK
(Image credit: © David Atlas ./Retna Ltd./Corbis)

Larmer Tree Festival

Headliners: Tom Jones, Frank Turner, Squeeze

Location: Larmer Tree Gardens, Nr. Salisbury, UK

Best reason to go: Mr Jones will be swivelling his hips live once again, while the kids' area offers shows, dance, puppetry and mini-gigs.

Other line-up highlights: Public Service Broadcasting, Staff Benda Bilili

Tickets: Four day adult £185 / Youth £120 / Child £60

Official site

Page 5 of 9
Page 5 of 9
Oregon Jamboree Music Festival
1-3 August, USA
(Image credit: © Matthew Mendelsohn/CORBIS)

Oregon Jamboree Music Festival

Headliners: Tim McGraw, Jake Owen, Miranda Lambert

Location: 401 Main St, Sweet Home, Oregon, USA

Best reason to go: A trailer park lets you "sleep near the tunes", while there are children’s activities and special displays in the Kids Zone and numerous opportunities for outdoor activities.

Other line-up highlights: Billy Currington, Eli Young Band, Justin Moore

Tickets: Adult three-day pass $140 / Children under 6 go free

Official site

Page 6 of 9
Page 6 of 9
Cornbury Festival
4-6 July, UK
(Image credit: © Keith Larby/Demotix/Corbis)

Cornbury Festival

Headliners: Jools Holland with Mel C and Marc Almond, Simple Minds, Scouting For Girls, Sophie Ellis-Bextor

Location: The Great Tew Park, Oxfordshire, UK

Best reason to go: A pop-friendly bill plus music theatre workshops, magic shows and more for the kids.

Other line-up highlights: The Feeling, Sam Bailey, 10cc

Tickets: Adult weekend camping £200 / 13-16 year olds £120 / 3-12 year olds £35

Official site

Page 7 of 9
Page 7 of 9
Standon Calling
1-3 August, UK
(Image credit: © Mark Makela/Corbis)

Standon Calling

Headliners: Public Enemy, Frank Turner, Maximo Park

Location: Standon, Hertfordshire, UK

Best reason to go: A perfect combination of quality music and kids activities, the latter of which includes face painting, badge making, storytelling, yoga classes, drama workshops, interactive theatre and more.

Other line-up highlights: Peace, Grandmaster Flash, Toy

Tickets: Adult weekend £119.00 / 4-12 year olds £10.00

Official site

Page 8 of 9
Page 8 of 9
Green Man Festival
14-17 August, Wales
(Image credit: © Gideon Mendel/In Pictures/Corgis)

Green Man Festival

Headliners: Beirut, Anna Calvi, Simian Mobile Disco + more TBA

Location: Brecan Beacons, Wales

Best reason to go: Enjoy a blend of folk and alternative music amidst some great Welsh mountain scenery. The 'little folk' kids area is all about the enchanted forest this year.

Other line-up highlights: Bill Callahan, Teleman, Real Estate, Lanterns On The Lake

Tickets: Adult weekend tickets £159 / 13-17 year olds £85 / 5-12 year olds £5

Official site

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Page 9 of 9
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