Family Festivals are now as fashionable as camping in a designer tent. You will have read numerous articles in all the Sunday newspapers about family friendly festivals, how to enjoy a festival in 5 star luxury, the latest line-ups and the coolest place to be seen this summer.

Here at Urchin we’ve been into the festival scene for years! It’s all part of the premise that when you have kids, life doesn’t stop, it just gets more fun! What better way to jump off the day-to-day treadmill and remember that life is for living. Head off to a festival for a day or two and return home tired, grubby but danced out and thoroughly chilled.

You are probably reading this and saying to yourself – “hang on a minute; 3 kids under 4 in a tent for 2 nights doesn’t sound like a recipe for a weekend of relaxation” but kids love music and camping and the excitement of a bit of freedom. It’s not the end of the world if no- one washes for the weekend or if you all end up with muddy toes. If you stay relaxed and don’t rush about, everyone will have a good time but a bit of planning and a bit of kit will really help it all go smoothly. You may have to compromise a little and allow for the kids to have a rest etc but if you go with a partner or with friends, you can take turns in minding the children if there is something you really want to do yourself.

There are now so many festivals up and down the country and a good place to look for one to suit you is Virtual Festivals.

You know that the Urchin ethos is to help make life as a parent just a little bit easier and a bit more fun so we have put together some top tips – we hope you find them useful.

Urchin Tips for a Successful Family Festival Adventure

• Find a festival that isn’t too far from home


• Go for just one day to start with if you are not sure that it’s for you.


• Allow enough time the day before and the day after for packing and unpacking.


• Choose a festival which has plenty of children’s activities


• Choose a festival where activities are included in the ticket price.


• Go with another family if you and the children all get on


• Choose like-minded friends to go with.


• Find out as much as you can about what is on before you go - which bands do you most want to see? Which activities will your kids most enjoy? What facilities will there be?

What kit should you take with you if you are camping?

• An easy-to-erect tent which accommodates all of you (practise before you go!)


• Quick and easy camp beds or mats


• Sleeping bags or quilts and pillows - you want to sleep in comfort.


• A quick-erect gazebo to give you extra shade or protection from the rain.


• Some compact camp chairs


• A fold up table


• An easy to use camp stove with a small pan and lid (doubles as a kettle) a fry pan and a big pan with lid.


• Unbreakable crockery.
  
• Waterproof picnic rugs


• Wash stuff – wipes for the kids and for you. A combination hair and body wash (if you ever make it to the shower) Loo roll or packs of tissues

Useful bits and bobs to take with you if you are camping

• You are at a festival – you need to customise your tent with some bunting or decorations!


• If you have crawling babies, some lightweight waterproof trousers are useful.


• Consider taking ready-made food with you especially if you arrive in the evening –a big pot of chilli to eat with tortilla wraps and avocado is fast to heat up and fun to eat.


• Take water bottles and/or cartons of juice so you don’t have to keep buying drinks.


• Take lots of non-squashable snacks to keep everyone’s energy levels up. Dried fruit, cheese biscuits, apples, nuts (for older kids)


• Take some “down-time” books or small toys to keep young children amused whilst you are preparing supper or having a well-earned drink.


• Take lightweight fleece blankets to wrap up little children in the evening especially when you are watching an evening band.


• Rubber flip flops for the loos or showers.


• Extra wipes or a travel loo seat if you have little kids who can’t “hover”
  
• Hand wash – this is great stuff which you can find in camping shops. Use a squirt on sticky or dirty hands without the need for water.


• A good back pack so you can be hands free or a “fanny pack” - one of those belts with capacity for phone, money, tissues, wipes and a nappy if needed – you don’t want to lug heavy unwieldy bags around all day.


• A washing up bowl with some washing up liquid, scourer and tea towel


• A big tub to keep all crockery and pans in or to bath the baby!

You can, of course, take the bare minimum with you and buy all your food from the undoubtedly scrumptious food stands – you’ll spend a bit more money but it may be less stressful. Don’t rely on being able to buy essentials though – take sun cream etc with you.