Weekend Wanderings - Latitude Festival

As regular readers know we are a family of festival lovers, with many yet to be visited and favourites already on the calendar.  Continuing my Weekend Wanderings sojourn around the Suffolk countryside it seems only right to mention Latitude.  About an hour north along the Suffolk coastline from my house, set in the beautiful grounds of Henham Park, our sleepy county hosts the festival filled with cultural treats.  Alongside big acts headlining the main stage smaller tents play host to poets and other literary performances, comedy and more initmite gigs from lesser known bands and performers.  For me it is these smaller tents that make any festival more magical, discovering new acts and not wading through huge crowds to get a glimpse of whomever is on stage.  

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Whilst Latitude plays host to the plethora of Suffolk and Norfolk teens it is also a great festival experience for families too.  Infact the Kids Area could be considered a festival in itself!  With a jampacked programme of creativity, arts, crafts, music and science this year promises to delight families again.  Whether you want to learn to extract DNA from a banana with the DNA Splats, celebrate the bards big birthday and watch the Oxford Pocket Theatre interpret Shakespeare's plays for the younger audience or enjoy some puppetry and pizza with The Italian Job.  As the sun goes down over Henham Park, families can head to the Kids Area for a family disco, circus performances and on Saturday night children can join the parade.  This is just a tiny sample of the programme for children and families at Latitude this year.  For more information please visit the Family page.

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As our own children have got older the music line up has become an important part of festi-family holidays.  This year Latitude welcomes The Maccabee's, Bears Den, Squeeze, Laura Mvula and New Order, to name a small selection.  A personal favourite for me is the BBC Radio 6 Music Stage, showcasing music from a multitude of different genres and hidden among the canopy of trees the Sunrise Arena welcomes new acts embarking on their first steps into the wonderful world of the music industry.  

So whether you are sans family or not, Latitude promises a fabulous weekend in Suffolk this year.  

More details of this years line up and tickets are available at www.latitudefestival.com .

Until next time, take care.

Zoe

xo

It's Camp Bestival Time

Camp Bestival 2012

Roll up, roll up, the best circus this summer is in town! The car is packed, I'm not quite sure where the children will be sitting?! Early tomorrow morning we will be heading to Lulworth Castle in Dorset for Camp Bestival.  We are all very excited and I am sure there will be little sleep had tonight.  With so many things to see and do this weekend we have each chosen specific things we really want to do or bands/acts we want to see.  Personally I am looking forward to watching James on the Castle Stage on Friday night and of course De La Soul on Saturday night, reliving my sixth form and uni days.  A visit to Dingley Dell for activities with Project Wild Thing and The National Trust is a must and Kitty won't leave without seeing Ben & Holly.  I am also really excited to meet up with some of the other Camp Bestival bloggers and enjoy a drink, laugh and dance.

But for now I am off to get Lucys glasses fixed, one of the arms fell off this morning, then I may sneak in a cheeky cold beer in the garden before tea, well it is almost holiday time!

Until next time, take care.
Zoe
xo

Stylish Festival Camping

I know pitching a tent in the middle of a field at a festival, sharing toilets with who knows and not having a sink to brush your teeth in, is not everybodys cup of tea.  However you may prefer some home luxuries but desperately want to go to a festival.  Well I have the answer for you.....Airstream Facilities.  With home from home luxuries, including iPod docking stations, fully equipped kitchens and your own toilet and shower, these airstream caravans make for the perfect choice of festival accommodation for the camping shy.  Whatever the weather you can return to your festi-home knowing that the heating or aircon can be switched on, so probably no need to bring that extra jumper.  

Now I am have to admit to loving the design of airstreams and am very envious of Jane at Snapdragon who has one in her garden.  The perfect alternative to a shed, maybe I could find a 'little' space for one here one day?! Yet I also love the idea of  my sun soaked (hopefully) and weary family resting in one of these, but sadly we have too many bodies to fit.  However for those of you wanting all the fun of the festival this summer without tripping over guylines and sharing your toilet with strangers, then this could be the perfect compromise.  Airstream Facilities are at many festivals this summer, including Glastonbury, WOMAD and Camp Bestival.  Having spoken with them this week I know that they still have four berth and one five berth still available at Camp Bestival.  So why not take the plunge and enjoy some festival fun with your family or friends.

To book accomodation with Airstream Facilities please visit their website.

Until next time, take care.
Zoe
xo