We are hitting family favourite festival Camp Bestival in July. Held in Lulworth Castle in Dorset, this will be my first ever trip to Camp Bestival and the first festival I have taken the kids. It's going to be interesting as I'm not going to lie... I don't like camping! In fact in recent years I've also not been that into festivals either. Having spent my twenties watching my other half play gigs at festivals including Glastonbury and Secret Garden Party I finally feel like I have outgrown them, favouring home comforts over muddy fields, damp bottoms, noise and lack of sleep. Festivals always represented freedom, turning a bit feral and losing all forms of responsibility - not exactly what being a parent is about! I'm just feeling a bit middle aged these days and question if it's going to be that enjoyable being even more tired than I currently I am (if that's possible) whilst camping in probably what will be a cold wet field. Plus I am a routine mum and all forms of routine go out the window (although I like Clemmie Telford's advice - to keep a hint of a routine, see her great blog post on How To Survive A Festival with Kids here.)
However this is a festival specifically designed for families (Kids are King there apparently) so what could go wrong? Plus it's the perfect excuse to embrace some sequins and glitter and you know me, I love a bit of festival style and fancy dress! Dressing up the kids is also always fun. This years theme is Popstars and Rockstars - endless possibilities for some original ideas for you and your kids and best of all an excuse to bust out the spandex ;) Plus I am lucky - I have kids that don't run off and are fairly well behaved (famous last words) so hopefully I won't have to keep them on a rein. However the combo of early starts, lack of sleep on all parties, adult headaches and no shop to buy a kinder egg (the ultimate tantrum diffuser) are all pointing towards meltdowns and irritability all round. But hey it's an experience right!
Picture: Camp Bestival
There are plenty of fancy upgrade options for accommodation that are tempting me - Gypsy Caravan or Pop-up Hotel anyone?? Should we just embrace the 'real' camping experience? Putting up a tent (in fact we don't even own one) and taking it down fills me with fear. So watch this space for updates and full coverage of how we get on. Anyway its not all about me - its about creating childhood memories and connecting with my kids right? Special family time. My lovely friend Ashlyn from Olive Loves Alfie was an avid festival goer with her daughter Olive and I loved hearing her tips which she has written about here. It' all about embracing the care free and go with the flow side of life, I'm just not very good at that...
A whole lotta fun!
OK just a bit more ranting... what else is there to be nervous about...well, packing for camping for a start. Packing for all weather for a whole family, well I think I may need a trailer there is so much stuff! Wellies, coats, sandals, chairs, wagon to pull the kids around, tent, lights, snacks, sun protection, fancy dress costumes, cool box, food, cooking equipment, pillows. wipes, towels, sleeping bags, toiletries...the list is endless. Some SERIOUS planning and organisation is in order to ensure a smooth experience. Check out Ladylands post on what to pack for a festival with kids here and Kate from Mad About The Boys post here, both very helpful but both made me realise I need a truck to get everything there!
A few people I mentioned to that I was going and blogging about it said they would like a really honest account of the whole thing - so I'm being honest right here right now... watch this space for updates!
Apparently there are air guitar championships at Camp Bestival this year. Photo above: Stella McCartney Guitar Bag
So why am I doing this to myself?? Well I'm fed up with feeling like this crazed middle aged person! Festivals embody a sense of freedom and fun, I want to embrace some mayhem and break up the routine of our real life, push my boundaries, plus it will be good for my kids to try something new. Its all about them at the end of the day so I can't be selfish and stay at home with a cuppa when they could be out there having LOADS of fun! The worlds largest disco ball, Dick & Dom, School of Rock The Musical, Brian Wilson, Mr Tumble.... loads of entertainment for the kids to embrace. Plus a LOT of mum dancing, glitter and glow sticks. We can sleep when we get home right?
So apologies for any negativity but there, I've got it off my chest now and am ready to fully embrace the wonder that is CAMP BESTIVAL!!!!! yippee!!!
Photo by Emma Scott-Child. Head to her Ladyland page for costume inspiration
So in the spirit of excitement of course I had to start researching and making a wishlist of all the fun stuff to take, nothing practical to see here! And of course to start thinking about all the fun stuff to make!! I've also started making a Pinterest board here.
KIDS EDIT
Check out Tiger Stores, Ikea, Claires, Accessorize, Etsy, H&M, Amazon, Primark and your local craft stores for ideas and inspiration too. Customising tees and capes are always simple and effective as well as wigs, sunglasses, hats and headbands. It just depends how much time you have on your hands! Here are some cool finds for kids that I want to share...
1. Gold Guitar Baby Bling Sleepsuit by Rockaby Baby from NOTHS, £25. The ultimate festival onesie for our baby!
2. Melody Baseball Jacket by Mini Rodini from Olive Loves Alfie, £79. Perfect for music festivals and pretty darn cool too every day too
3. The Rolling Stones © Tee from Next £10- £11. They also have The Ramones, Bowie and ACDC too.
4. Tribal African Print Coat by What Mother Made, £50. Nothing beats a statement print at a festival, plus it's waterproof
5. Pink Kids Wig from H&M, £9.99. Wigs are the ultimate outfit transformer! Can't go wrong with a pink one.
6. Star Sunglasses from M&S, £6.00. For your little Elton John
7. Kids Glitter Bumbag by Edith Joan Designs from Easy, £25. So your little one can keep a few goodies to hand in it, like a torch. Handmade with adjustable belt
8. Superhero Fancy Dress Costume from H&M, £17.99
9. Guitar Hero Costume Set by i wish I was a, £50
10. Sequin Cape by Selfish Mother X Pearl Lowe, £60
11. Inflatable Guitar from Amazon, £1.74. A rockstar essential
12. Sleeping Bags by Rice from Olive Loves Alfie, £39.99 each. Because sleeping bags should be fun
MUMS EDIT
On a budget you can find some bargains and ideas at ASOS, Topshop, Etsy, Primark, Claires and Tesco. Here are a few things I've found recently and fallen in love with...yes pink, sequin and lurex overload!
1. Pink Elwood Rucksack by Tiba & Marl, £130. Because you're going to need a rucksack to cart everything around in...this is the ULTIMATE rucksack that also doubles up as a nappy bag
2. Maxi Sequin Cape from Topshop, £85. Chuck it on over a tee, instant festival glam pop star
3. Sparkly Bumbag by Edith Joan Designs on Etsy, £35. Another essential for keeping your valuables close and hands free dancing. See the kids version above too :)
4. Silver Vinyl Jeans by Topshop, £55. Going to the loo in these could be interesting! They also come in pink and gold x
5. Hooded Cape from Topshop, £75
6. Starman Glitter Face Stickers from Topshop, £4. These would be ace on a kid too!
7. Mermaid Metallic Cagoule by ASOS, £45
8. Nirvana Tee from Topshop, £28. Any excuse to rock a classic tee
9. Coated Leggings by H&M, £17.99
10. Sunflower foldable Poncho by Monki from ASOS, £6. Because lets face it its likely we will be getting soaked!
11. Rockstar Chunky Glitter for nails, hair, face & body by Feather And Fox, £4.50. For a rockstar face!
12. Pink Short Wellington Boots by Hunter, £75
Who else is coming to Camp Bestival??
There are still some tickets left - come for the day or the whole weekend! To grab a ticket take a look here...