By Parkdean Resorts on 30/09/2016
With music festivals becoming more and more popular in the UK, you may consider planning your holidays around particular events. Or you may already be staying at a Parkdean Resorts park nearby, and be tempted to check one out. Gone are the days where music festivals meant wading through mud to get to your bed. Now ‘Glamping’ and festival holidays are becoming popular and with some festivals being based in holiday parks, you can soak in the atmosphere stress-free. Whether you are creating memories as a family, couple or group of friends: there is something out there whatever your taste.
Here is a guide to some of the best music festivals and events based close by (or sometimes in) Parkdean Resorts Holiday Parks. Hopefully there is something out there for you. If we have missed any you would recommend - let us know on Twitter or Facebook.
As you can imagine at a festival named GoldCoast Oceanfest, at a campsite called Surfer’s Paradise – there is a lot of surfing involved. Although this appeals mainly to the surfer community, there is plenty to discover. For sporty types there is beach volleyball, beach soccer, skateboarding and open water swimming. For the younger ones there are beach inflatables. Plus Oceanfest offers many craft ales and street foods to try, as well as bungees, skyswing, and even a dedicated ‘Chill Zone’ all to the tune of the biggest names in music. Most impressively this festival boasts ‘The best view in the world’.
Although this is suitable for families – all under 16’s need to be accompanied by an adult over 21. Some age restrictions do apply
Kendal Calling
Nearest Park: Fullbarrow (17.5 miles)
When?: Last weekend of July.
This is a family friendly festival crossed with a huge garden party. Taking place in the picturesque setting of the Lake District, Kendal Calling has grown a lot over the years. Past acts have included Blondie and Mumford and Sons among many others. Although this is a unique kind of weekend - Kendal Calling provides a ‘real’ festival experience with a ‘lost disco’, real ale and even designated kid’s areas.
There are no age restrictions for Kendal Calling but tickets go fast so be quick. It’s only 35 minutes in the car from Fullbarrow Holiday Park, so this could be your family’s first festival
Eden Sessions
Nearest park:White Acres (15.5 miles)When? June and July
More of a series of concerts than a festival, the Eden Sessions usually take place at Cornwall’s stunning Eden Project throughout June and July on various dates, making it the perfect choice for a day trip during your holiday. Only a 25 minute drive away from White Acres Holiday Park, the Eden Project has hosted gigs by Amy Winehouse, Elton John, Pulp and many more huge names in the past. This is also a great chance to create amazing memories in a different part of Cornwall, especially as it is easily accessible by public transport. There is also a selection of fresh food and drink as well as some real ales available. Different shows have different age restrictions, so check before booking.
Planet Rockstock
Nearest Park:Trecco Bay
When? December
Curated by Planet Rock, the radio station ‘Where rock lives’, this is one for the head-bangers and hard rockers of the world. In the past bands such as The Darkness and The Dead Daisies have headlined. Even though this takes place in the first weekend of December, don’t worry about rain (or snow) – this festival is indoors on Trecco Bay Holiday Park. This event is best for rock fans who are making amazing memories as a couple, with friends, or even solo.
This festival is over 18s only, so not recommended for young families or those looking for a quiet weekend. Nevertheless, this is a very enjoyable festival for those who like it loud.
Beautiful Days
Nearest Park: Torquay (26 miles)
When? August
Not too far from ‘the English Riviera’ is a hidden gem organised by indie-rock band The Levellers and named after their hit single. Voted ‘Best Family Festival’ in 2011, due to its exceptional children’s facilities, Beautiful Days is the ideal way to create amazing memories while checking out some great live music. Expect the likes of Happy Mondays, Billy Bragg and The Levellers themselves - who have played in the past. There’s also a theatre tent for those who want to check out some comedy or a surprise variety act. This festival is free of corporate sponsors and takes the festival vibe back to its roots. Just under 40 minutes down the road from Torquay Holiday Park, this is the best way to experience a real festival with all the family and still return to your accommodation safe and dry.
Welsh Rockabilly Fair
Park:Trecco BayWhen? September
A totally unique festival unlike anything else on the list, aimed at those who have a love of all things 1950's and ‘rockabilly’. This can range from classic cars and bikes, vintage clothing stalls, rare vinyl for sale, and the largest traditional fairground in the country. As the poster says ‘More fun than most people can handle’ and inspired by the Coney Island Rockabilly Festival in New York. The Welsh Rockabilly Fair also includes an outdoor live music stage. This includes legends to the rock n roll world– but don’t worry if this isn’t your thing, it’s all part of the retro atmosphere and creating memories.'
Tickets for under 16s are half-price but best suited to those who want to be ‘All Shook Up’ by rockabilly world.
The Big One
Park:SandfordWhen? November
Born from ‘The Specialized Project’, a charity album put together by a fansite of ska band The Special, The Big One is the annual concert hosted by the project, taking place on Sandford Holiday Park. Each year features amateur and professional musicians paying tribute to particular bands – this has included tributes to Bob Marley, The Clash, and Madness, as well as The Specials. Now spread over three days, this concert showcases the best in underground ska, punk and reggae all for a good cause. For music lovers this is a real treat, best to check this year’s theme before you book in case it’s not your cup of tea. Being billed as ‘the cheapest ska festival in the UK’ this is for a certain kind of gig-goer. Although families are welcome, this is mainly geared towards ska fans.