27 May – 30 May 2022 – Pippingford Park, East Sussex
Imagine a place where children run free, no cars or IPad, just acres and acres of magical woodland to explore. A place where you can sit back and enjoy a whole weekend of relaxation with your family. Imagine a place filled with hundreds of happy, carefree kids making friends and discovering new adventures together….
Escape to the enchanting Sussex woodland this May with your little ones and you will find Elderflower Fields. Celebrating its 10th birthday in 2022 this independent, home grown event builds on its award-winning formula and now attracts around 1000 families with young children to Pippingford Park in the Ashdown Forest.
Described as the ‘ideal first festival for families’ by The Guardian, Elderflower Fields offers guests a special blend of relaxation and adventure in a safe and nurturing environment. A chance to dip your toes into a wealth of activities, the delights of nature, eclectic music and the best local food and drink from across the region. Bliss.
The idyllic setting of Elderflower Fields is one reason families return year after year and why it’s so perfect for toddlers. On arrival you are greeted by a gentle sloping hill with views across the stunning natural valley. Absorbing the beautiful pallet of greens as you meander into the festival leaves any stresses far behind the gate. Space for kids to be free and minds to empty of the outside world. Organisers work hard to make the festival experience with small children as easy as possible. You can explore six unique and inspiring zones, each with their own focus and atmosphere. From Leapfrog Lawns to Lazy Glades, Elderflower Fields offers children and adults a chance to delve into sports, crafts, music, cooking, science, nature, spoken word and so much more with everyone encouraged to join in. Or just sit back and watch children play and discover their own interests in this safe natural playground.
There’s ample space in the camping fields and also at the stages with nowhere feeling overcrowded. Children can enjoy the entertainment with ease and the general atmosphere is very laid back. Tucked away in one of the most tranquil corners of the festival is the Woodland Spa. A chance for grown-ups to indulge in a treatment or try some early morning yoga before starting their day’s adventures.
If you can tear the kids away from the organised sports and arts camps or prise them from tree climbing or den building then the music on offer across two stages is excellent. Some of the supervised activities can be pre booked for older children allowing parents time to further relax or perhaps enjoy a drink or two at the Woodland Cocktail Bar and an evening nanny service is available to take care of tired little ones for an extra hour or two. Or sit by the fire together and take in some bedtime stories and a hot cocoa before sleeping under stars. The boutique camping village also offers those who’d like to lighten their load several pre-pitched glamping packages.
A highlight for most at Elderflower Fields is the famous So Sussex family picnic. Guests are invited to dress up and join their camping neighbours on Sunday at the Dragonfly Stage and enjoy this fantastic communal event. Full of delicious tasters from local suppliers this has become a very memorable part of this unique family weekend. After the picnic the festival theme is celebrated in a fancy dress Big Family Dance Off. Join in with the party fun with your finest moves or simply sit back and enjoy the show!
To get your tickets or for more info, click here
