Enjoy England’s Festivals

England isn’t just old architecture and big clocks, in fact, the Brits know how to have a good time. Hosting many of the world’s top festivals and most unique festivals, attending a festival in the country should be at the top of your bucket list. Here are a few to try out:

Glastonbury

Inspired by the hippie, counterculture, and free festival movements, Glastonbury was started by Michael Eavis after going to an open-air Led Zeppelin concert in 1970. Eavis still produces the festival on his own land in Pilton, Somerset, England the last weekend of June. What once was small two-day festival put together by an even smaller group is now the largest greenfield festival in the world lasts for five days and in the past has shown leading acts such as Wu-Tang Clan, Vampire Weekend, Kenny Rogers, Blondie, and Lana Del Ray. Over the years, iconic bands and artists like David Bowie, Van Morrison, Rod Stewart, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, and Paul McCartney have performed at the festival.

This is not just a music festival, though. You can also see dance, comedy, theater, circus, and cabaret acts, making this an amazing event for the whole family to attend.

Camping at the festival is a popular means of accommodations for the festival, with many different sections for camping, each with its own atmosphere. There are quiet areas and party areas, family areas and a disabled area, accommodating everyone that wants to enjoy the shows. The campsite accommodations are included with entry-ticket as long as the guest brings their own tent.

If you prefer less primitive means of enjoying the festival, you can purchase a campervan ticket, separate from your entry ticket, to park just outside the main festival site and enjoy (most) of the luxuries of home.

Notting Hill Carnival

Eponymous for its location on the streets of Notting Hill, this three-day festival celebrates London’s Carribean community and has been doing such since 1964. It is held each August on the August Bank holiday and the two days prior to. The festival is one of the largest street festivals in the world, boasting its own app for getting around as well as an illustrated guide. You’ll enjoy live music playing everything from dub step to reggae. Along with the music performances is the amazing food. The food alone is worth the trip. You must try the jerk chicken and fried plantains, it will become a staple dish when you return home.

On Saturday the free, open-air event with competitive performances by national steel bands among other performances will be a joy to see. Sunday is best for those travelling with Children as it is Children’s Day. The children will love watching the streets come alive with colorful performers and vibrant floats. 

On both Sunday and Monday the parade starts at 10 am and the judging finishes at 6:30 pm, so head to Great Western Road to catch it in action. You can easily catch the tube to the festival right along with the locals so no matter where you are staying in London you can visit and enjoy the festival.

Latitude Festival

This annual music festival is held in Suffolk, England and shows musical performances across four stages. The festival is not, however, limited to music. Much like the Glastonbury Festival, you can see theater, art, comedy, cabaret, poetry performances, among others. Last year’s acts consisted of big names like Lily Allen, Robyn, Booker T. Jones, and Cass McCombs.

This year the festival will take place 16th-19th July and you’ll enjoy performances from the likes of James Blake, Caribou, and La Roux. 

Latitude has a campsite facility for those that don’t want to miss a single minute of the experience including areas for those that want a more calm camping area and families that would prefer to camp with other families. There is even an area for the teens that are bit too old for the children’s section, they can enjoy music, fashion, and workshops for a fun time that will offer a lifetime of memories. Latitude has also won a Family-friendly award and is perfect for bringing young children to.

Festivals are a time to let loose, enjoy a new culture, a new space and a new experience. Instead of fretting over the little worries and annoyances that can crop up when you travel to a new country, count on cheap travel insurance from Cover-More to let you get back into the music while staying out of trouble.

Image courtesy of Flickr user David Sim