Milefest 2016 saw 25 acts play across two stages from Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd of July in Hartpury,
Gloucester. Performers included Nigel Clark, The Drawing of the Three, The Purple Shades, and the Rumble.
Of course, Milefest is one of those special festivals that, while certainly centred around great music, is really about so much more. This is an event where the performers form an acoustic backdrop for family fun, as well as family fundraising. All proceeds are given to the Milestone school from which the festival derives its name. Happily enough, this vital special needs school received £8148 from last year’s Milefest alone, and that’s a pretty good reason to get out to Gloucester with your whole gang for a weekend of amusements.
Of course, you’re always welcome to picnic with the family while you listen to one of the festival’s acts, but the event is also packed to the gills with things to keep the kids smilingly occupied.
If you want them to unleash all their energy while getting enjoyably messy to boot, just take a trip to the Mud Tent. It’s a great excuse for your kids to indulge their disorganised sides, and adults are encouraged to join in – just remember to bring a few spare sets of clothes.
If you’d prefer to keep things a little more civil, try the Sensory Story Tent. Fully stocked with an engaging mobile hoist and big, squashy bean bag chairs, it forms the perfect place to sit back and get creative with your children. You can even turn that creativity into a hands-on experience by taking a walk on over to the Robot Tent, where you can supervise the building of a robot suit.
Milestone boasts the happy distinction of being completely accessible for the disabled, and the site itself has been chosen for its flat, level fields to make pushing wheelchairs a breeze. For when you all get peckish, there are two outlets to deliver yummy snacks and meals, complete with plenty of vegetarian options. Grown-ups who need to take a little break can snatch some cake and a drink in the tea garden.
If you’re looking for a festival that’s focused on family and plenty of fun for people of all ages, Milefest might be just what you’ve been searching for. Better yet, ticket prices don’t break the bank, and everything you do contribute will be going towards a very worthy cause.
