Wychwood Festival 2014 Review
Wychwood Festival
Cheltenham Racecourse
30 May to 1 June 2014
Reviewed by Carla Allsopp
Where do I start? This was our first experience of a festival and also of camping as a family, so a big double whammy! One which myself and our 4 year old twin daughters were really excited about. Unfortunately the same couldn’t be said for my husband, who voiced his concerns on more than one occasion as the date grew nearer.
Following a rather wet lead up to the festival I am pleased to say that the weather was kind to us and remained dry, with a beautiful sunny day on Sunday too!
On arrival we parked and checked in fairly quickly. There were plenty of Marshall’s around, each it appeared with specific roles in order to ensure the smooth running of getting people into the camping area and back out again once pitched up. There were several different areas, which was entirely our choice in which to set up camp, general camping, family and quiet areas as well as the other areas for the caravans and camper vans.
Having decided to stay in the family area we were quickly directed to a space in which to park and unload. We located a space close by and set up camp, which we somehow managed to do without it ending in divorce! Several toilets and cold water taps were located close by and throughout our stay all toilet areas on the site were very clean, most having loo role and some portable toilet blocks even having sinks. It was nice to wash your hands properly now and again!
With the weather dry we set off up to the festival, all which was clearly marked and with Marshall’s and security around we felt that we were in good hands. We located the food area where there was a multitude of choice, everything from pizza and wedges to the lovely pie and cheesy mash. Several bar areas meant that service was quick and drinks were reasonably priced.
With the Big Top, Main Stage, The Hobgoblin/BBC/Comedy Stage and also the Pomme Stage there was no shortage of choice and we enjoyed dipping in and out of the different areas throughout the festival, taking our portable camping chairs with us as we did so. Mr Tumble drew a big crowd and our girls thoroughly enjoyed seeing him. They couldn’t believe it was actually him, although did ask why he didn’t have his spotty suit on!
We enjoyed many of the artist’s during the weekend, although we particularly enjoyed The Real Thing, Newton Faulkner, Reef, The Levellers and of course The Boomtown Rats. Had the children been older I’d have liked to have experienced the ‘headphone disco’, although this understandably didn’t start until 11pm.
Having small children we spent a significant amount of time in the area that is known as The Green which encompasses The Forest, The Seaside, The Meadow, Hillside, Mountainside and The City as these areas held workshop throughout each day with plenty for children to do. My two really enjoyed the opportunity to make something in the clay tent and collect it the following day. They also really enjoyed making a ‘tutu’, watching the puppet show and participating in the various other workshops that were on offer including circus skills, hula hooping and drumming to name a few.
For slightly older children there was plenty of fun to be had and I loved that there was a Children’s literature festival within the Waterstones tent, with famous authors and illustrators giving talks about their work and reading their stories.
For those wishing to relax you could treat yourself to anything from a holistic massage to a Thai body/Yoga massage and you could also get a shower or Jacuzzi if you fancied it.
Another big hit with our girls was the chance to have their faces painted. At £5 each it was a little expensive, although they were really well done and lasted the day. Glitter tattoos were also available from the same stall. The bubble stall with the amazing foam and bubbles filled smoke was a big attraction for all of the children as was observing the Giant Bubble Show which they found captivating.
We had a great first experience of a family friendly festival, one that we enjoyed so much (yes that includes the husband) that we have booked to go again next year! Here’s hoping that the weather is kind to us again.
From crafts, relaxation to live music there really is something for everyone.
For more information visit www.wychwoodfestival.com.