HELP !
The first time around you didn ’ t sleep for three days , you woke up in tie dye and couldn ’ t be certain if the wellies on your feet were actually yours . The original party people are returning to the festival scene for a healthier and wilder lifestyle for their family .
Centre Parcs is so yesterday . “ As a family we were bored of the usual trips to the cinema , parks and beaches . We tried taking the children to alternative festivals and really felt a strong community value for both the children and us ,” says festival mum Amanda Berry , who has taken her children to multiple festivals across the UK since 2001 .
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UNWIND AWAY FROM NORMAL WORK AND SCHOOL PRESSURES
“ Festivals are a great opportunity to try out new things whatever age you are , [ and ] these places offer out of the ordinary experiences , such as bongo drumming circles to completely vegan dishes .” Amanda shares her top tips for festivals with children : “ absolute do ’ s are camp in the family areas , remember there are always assigned sections or quieter camps , and forget bedtime ; [ when ] some of the most magical shows begin , like fire twirling .”
5 • Dawn Magazine • Issue 01
LIFESTYLE & WELLBEING words by : georgina walker
Grab your wellies and get ready for the ultimate family-friendly party . Introducing the UK ’ s alternative festivals , where Dawn speaks to parenting life coach Kim Bromley and the families who festival .
The power of engagement at festivals encourage new activities and experiences to share with your family and other locals , from trying new foods to hobbies . Parenting Life Coach and yoga specialist Kim Bromley discusses , “ these festivals are known for trying new things and healthy eating . Vegan and vegetarian foods are always a great way to try new dishes and begin to talk to new people .”
Out of the ordinary activities such as body painting and creating music are enjoyable for the whole family . LOST festival crew member and seamstress Rosa Hopper wishes that she had experienced this with her own parents : “ I did not have the chance to grow up in the tent wonderland of festivals like some of my friends , but I would definitely recommend the events to families , as they are such a great environment for children to grow .”
From campfire cooking to barefoot dancing and nature trails ; there are plenty of activities to distract children from their modern electronics . “ For children to be away from the internet , social media and other distractions is vital to their wellbeing and emotional development . It can also support communication within families ,” adds Kim Bromley .
“ My experience is that the joy of being in an outside space , with fun activities is beneficial to all and can create a unique bond within families and childhood life ,” shares Bromley . “ What is most important is that many of these festivals are drug and alcohol free which supports families to attend .”
This is where alternative festivals are separating themselves from the mainstream festival stereotype , and cater for a safer side in the great outdoors .
The festival scene enables the whole family to relax and relight new adventure in a safe and educational space . “ Celebrating or eating outdoors around a camp fire helps us reconnect with some instinctive primal force . All of which can help the individual unwind away from normal work and school pressures .”
The rising appeal of lifestyle festivals provides a sense of community and a refresh to the normal routine , not just for your family circle , but also for yourself as a parent . •