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Summer festivals in style
June 8, 2009
Who says you need to rough it to enjoy the UK’s best music festivals? There is no shame in ditching the tent, binning the babywipes and retreating to a warm, clean bed every night. In fact, we’re not sure why we didn’t think of it before.
Here are some of our favourite festies, and a great selection of comfy places to stay nearby. And not a portaloo in sight...
7th - 9th September, Newport, Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight’s quirky pop-fest is a huge summer fete of a festival, with fantastic music, loopy fancy dress, a big wheel, a big top, great food and drink and a smiley, happy atmosphere.
Just some of this year’s line-up: Elbow, Massive Attack, Doves, Lilly Allen, MGMT
Where to stay: Lovely Gotten Manor in Chale is an easy 8-mile taxi ride from the festival. Or for an even posher festival experience, book The Seaview, 10 miles away.
www.bestival.net
11th-13th September, Larmer Tree Gardens, Dorset
Chill out in an English Country Garden at this eco-friendly, non-commercial, musically-minded festival. Enjoy the best in world music and folk music, with some big names thrown in for good measure.
Just some of this year’s line-up: Steve Earle, Fleet Foxes, Howlin Rain, The Leisure Society
Where to stay: Pretty Manor Barn in Child Okeford is a really comfy b&b 7 miles from Larmer Tree Gardens. Otherwise, mix your music with some great food and stay at The Stapleton Arms, 12 miles away.
www.endoftheroadfestival.com
24th-26th July, Malmesbury, Wiltshire
The mecca of world music festivals, WOMAD brings together the best in music and dance from all corners of the globe. Enjoy bands you might not have otherwise discovered, food you might not otherwise have tasted and meet people you might not otherwise have met.
Just some of this year’s line-up: Solomon Burke, The Black Arm Band, Oumou Sangare, Melingo
Where to stay: The lovely market town of Tetbury is just 5 miles from the WOMAD site. Stay at the great Priory Inn, or splash out and enjoy some luxurious post-festival pampering at Calcot Manor.
www.womad.org
10th-13th July, Guildford, Surrey
A laid-back and eclectic mix of big names, old names and local names in a happy location not far from London. This year’s line-up has something for everyone and is one of the best family-friendly festivals in the UK.
Just some of this year’s line-up: Brian Wilson, The Stranglers, The Charlatans, The Happy Mondays, Will Young
Where to stay: If you like nothing better than peace and quiet after a day in the mosh pit, the beautiful little Rookery Nook b&b, 6 miles from Guildford.
www.guilfest.co.uk
11th-12th July, Charlbury, Oxfordshire
A boutique-y summer festival, that stays true to its country fayre roots. Amid the beautiful hills of the Cotswolds, with hot air balloons drifting overhead and a romantic fairground lighting up after dark, you are as likely to find morris dancers as big name acts.
Just some of this year’s line-up: Scouting for Girls, The Sugababes, The Pretenders, Magic Numbers
Where to stay: A 12-mile taxi ride from Charlbury is the beautiful Cotswolds town of Burford and the friendly Cotland House b&b.
www.cornburyfestival.com
6th-9th August, Eastnor Castle, Herefordshire
A festival that does exactly what it says on the tin. Three days of laid-back, chilled-out soul and electronica that will leave you without a care in the world. Add to that the beautiful grounds of romantic Eastnor Castle and you’ll never want to leave.
Just some of this year’s line-up: Basement Jaxx, Amadou & Mariam, Jon Holmes, Kathryn Williams, Tim Minchin
Where to stay: Five miles from Eastnor Castle is the rural retreat at Old Country House. Or head in the other direction for a place to stay with a bit of a difference. The plush rooms at Three Choirs Vineyard are 7 miles from Eastnor.
www.bigchill.net
18th - 21st June, Appledram, Chichester, W. Sussex
Why follow the crowds to the biggies when you can enjoy some fantastic music at one of the country’s smallest, but best festivals. A blues, soul and boogie-woogie line-up to blow your socks off, in the grounds of a pretty sussex farm and all within spitting distance of the seaside.
Just some of this year’s line-up: Imelda May, Storm Warning, Mike Sanchez, The Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain
Where to stay: Lovely Spire Cottage b&b is just a few miles away from Appledram in the pretty village of Hunston. Or keep by the seaside and stay at Charters in the sailing mecca of Bosham, 4 miles from the festival.
www.bluesonthefarm.co.uk
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