We absolutely love festivals as a family. Max has been immersed in the music and fun since before he was even born as I went to many a festival pregnant. Since then we've been to big festivals and small local ones, Max loving every minute of the experience. Here's my list of some of the best ones on the south coast.



Common People - Set in Southampton Common, Common People is a relatively new festival. This years lineup includes Craig David and Duran Duran, which is sure to get everyone up and dancing. Whilst this isn't a camping festival, it does have a circus, knitting tent and a kids area that will have you and the family begging to stay!

Camp Bestival - This award winning family festival has cracked the formula for something for all the family. For the grown up's there's acts such as Fatboy Slim and Tears For Fears and the kid's have a choice of Lazytown and Aliens Love Underpants. One of my personal favourites is the poetry and spoken word tent where you can sit back and relax. This years theme is Outer Space and everyone is encouraged to dress up!

Victorious Fest - With Manic Street Preachers and Noel Gallagher headlining, Victorious is an amazing festival for the price of a ticket. Whilst they haven't fully announced the kids lineup, in previous years they have had traditional seaside shows and soft play buses to keep the kids more than occupied in this great festival. It's based in Southsea seafront, which is beautiful in itself.

Butserfest - One of the more edgier and alternative festivals on the list. Butserfest prides itself on being completely alcohol free. Whilst for some parents that might be the deciding factor, we've absolutely loved our experiences there. The line up mainly consists of alternative bands and they are yet to announce the headliners, but in the past have included Don Broco and Kids In Glass Houses. The kids area, whilst relatively small is packed with inflatables, games and activities to keep them all amused.

Larmer Tree - Set in beautiful Victorian gardens on the Wiltshire/Dorset borders, this is definitely one of the quirkiest festivals on the list. The music line up includes Tom Odell and Jamie Cullen, but the kids corner is where the festival comes alive for families. Not only is Mr Bloom putting on a fantastic show, but there is a wealth of craft sessions to make even the most little of Larmers have bucketfuls of fun.

Isle Of Wight - With a stellar line up including The Who, Queen and Faithless, this festival is one that packs a punch. With a great mix of stuff for the adults, there's a great kids area with acts such as the Science Museum and the Ryde Extreme Performers. There's more than enough to keep the whole family amused.