As the sun set over the picturesque Weston Park last weekend, it marked the conclusion of another extraordinary edition of Camp Bestival Shropshire. Known as the UK’s favourite family festival, this year’s event didn’t just meet expectations; it exceeded them, offering a perfect blend of music, entertainment, and activities for all ages. Accompanied by my friend Chloe and her energetic eight-year-old son Luca, we embarked on a weekend filled with time travel-themed adventures, incredible performances, and unforgettable moments.

Thursday: Setting the Stage

After a long drive to Shropshire, we arrived at Weston Park on Thursday afternoon, eager to immerse ourselves in the festival atmosphere. The campsite was well-organized, with flat grounds making tent setup a breeze. Despite a brief drizzle, our spirits remained high as we explored the site before the grand opening. The festival organizers charged a modest £1 for hot water, which we used to prepare a quick meal of pot noodles before settling in for an early night. We wanted to recharge for the exciting days ahead, and as we drifted off to sleep, the anticipation of what was to come filled the air.

Friday: Watersports and Pop Bingo Disco

We awoke on Friday to the sound of happy festival-goers and immediately joined the queue for the park pool watersports. Although the wait was long, the excitement was palpable, and we successfully booked ourselves for a weekend of aquatic adventures, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and an adult wild swim.

My first experience was the wild swim in the cool waters of Weston Park’s lake. Despite the chill, the refreshing dip was invigorating, especially under the warm sun. Later, we headed to the Pop Bingo Disco, a family-friendly event that had everyone, including Luca, dancing and laughing. As the afternoon faded, we cleaned up and prepared for a night of live music. The evening lineup was nothing short of spectacular, with McFly energizing the crowd, followed by Mellowmatic and the legendary Rick Astley, who wowed everyone with a surprise drum solo during his performance of AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell.” We capped off the night with a BBQ by our tent, reflecting on the incredible start to our festival weekend.

Saturday: Kayaking, Yoga, and Iconic Performances

Saturday began with our eagerly anticipated kayaking session. Navigating the serene waters of Weston Park was a peaceful and enjoyable experience, providing a perfect start to our day. After a quick shower, we ventured to The Slow Retreat for a family yoga session led by Inner Sunshine. The session was a beautiful opportunity for us to stretch, relax, and bond as a group. Luca especially enjoyed creating a “magic tree,” a charming activity that added a touch of whimsy to our morning.

In the background, we could hear the soulful sounds of the Amy Winehouse Band, and we couldn’t resist heading over to the stage once our yoga session concluded. Bronte’s tribute to Amy Winehouse was nothing short of magical, transporting us back to the days of the iconic singer. The experience was made even better with a glass of red wine in hand, as we swayed to the music.

The festival’s food offerings were just as impressive as the entertainment. We treated ourselves to a meal from Lola’s Fish and Chips, and it did not disappoint. The curry sauce was particularly noteworthy, adding a delicious twist to the traditional dish. As we enjoyed our meal, Paloma Faith took to the stage, delivering a performance that was both powerful and moving. The entire crowd sang along to her hits, creating a moment of unity that epitomized the spirit of Camp Bestival.

Sunday: Paddleboarding and Final Adventures

The final day of the festival arrived all too quickly, but we were determined to make the most of it. We kicked off Sunday with a paddleboarding session, where we learned new skills under the guidance of the amazing Scoobie and the Black Goats Adventures team. Luca was particularly thrilled to master standing on the board and paddling confidently across the lake.

After our aquatic adventure, we explored the Wild Tribe & Spinney Hollow area, where we had the opportunity to contribute to the construction of an adventure playground. It was a hands-on activity that allowed us to connect with nature and each other, making it a memorable part of our festival experience.

As we prepared to leave, we couldn’t help but reflect on the incredible time we had at Camp Bestival Shropshire. The festival was more than just a series of performances; it was a carefully curated experience designed to bring families together through creativity, music, and play.

The Verdict: A Festival for the Whole Family

Camp Bestival Shropshire 2024 truly lived up to its reputation as the ultimate family-friendly festival. The variety of activities available, from wild swimming and yoga to the engaging workshops in Navigation Town, ensured there was something for everyone, regardless of age. Luca’s highlight was undoubtedly the chance to explore and participate in so many different activities, while Chloe and I appreciated the balance of relaxation and entertainment that the festival offered.

The time travel theme added an extra layer of fun, with festival-goers embracing the opportunity to dress up and take part in the Fancy Dress Parade. The inclusion of the Camp Bestival Navigators and the Explorer’s Passport made navigating the festival easy and exciting for the younger attendees, adding to the overall family-friendly atmosphere.

The performances were truly on point, with iconic headliners like Paloma Faith, Rick Astley, and Faithless delivering unforgettable sets. The surprise appearances and unique collaborations, such as Josie Gibson’s DJ debut with Gok Wan, added to the festival’s charm and kept the energy high throughout the weekend.

Camp Bestival Shropshire is not just a festival; it’s a celebration of family, music, and the joy of discovery. Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or a first-timer, this event offers something truly special. For us, it was a weekend filled with laughter, music, and memories that we’ll cherish for years to come. We’re already looking forward to next year’s adventure!

Camp Festival 2025 tickets are on sale now here.