Family-friendly festivals for summer 2008

Larmer Tree Festival
The Larmer Tree Gardens, between Salisbury and Blandford, Dorset
16-20 July

One of the original boutique festivals, Larmer Tree still manages to maintain its family-friendly reputation. With 11 acres of gardens to explore and a huge adventure playground, kids are unlikely to get bored. But if they feel they're missing out on the fun, there are carnival workshops, craft making, circus skills and storytelling for the under 10s, as well as a specially designated area, The Zone, for 11-17 year-olds, where they can indulge their song-writing passions, or learn new skills, such as woodland survival or tee-shirt design.

Adults can also embrace their creative side with workshops and a Carnival procession, open to all on the Saturday night.
Tickets cost £172 for five days (including camping), 11-17 year-olds £146, under-11s £11, but these may be sold out now. Day tickets are also available.
Web: www.larmertreefestival.com

Secret Garden Party
Near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire
24-27 July

The Secret Garden Party boasts ten stages of music, theatre, comedy and public eccentricity. Festival goers are encouraged to take part in parades, sights and spectacles by dressing up, body painting or creating sculptures. Acts include Grace Jones and Morcheeba among others will be playing.
Tickets cost £125 plus booking fee (including camping), over 14s £100 and under-12s free (when accompanied by an adult).
Web: www.secretgardenparty.com

Green Man Festival
Glanusk Park, Brecon Beacons
15-17 August

Another small, non-corporate event where pretty much anything goes. There's a children's area in the Walled Garden, where there'll be puppet shows, drum and voice workshops, arts and crafts and comic making sessions. Music is provided by Super Furry Animals, Howlin' Rain, King Creosote, and others. Massage and alternative therapies can be found in the retreat field, and there are areas specially designated for breastfeeding mothers. Tickets cost £105 plus booking fee (including camping), under 12s are free.
Web: www.thegreenmanfestival.co.uk

Bestival
Isle of Wight
5-7 September

Complete with its own village green, Bestival promises a mix of music and mayhem. A grand procession on the Saturday night encourages everyone to dress up and strut their stuff. For children, the festival is set in Robin Hill Countryside Adventure Park which has a children's Tree Top Trail, maze, Rabbit Run Tunnels and miniature village. On the site itself there's a Kid's tent and Breastival section for breastfeeding mums and their little ones. There's also a family camping area. Headlining the music acts are My Bloody Valentine, Amy Winehouse, Hot Chip and Underworld. Tickets cost £130 (including camping), but it's sold out!
Web: www.bestival.net