Campervan hire for Festivals
VW Camper vans and Festivals just seem right don’t they? If you had to pick a mode of transport synonymous with festival life, everybody always imagines the iconic split screen VW Camper van. They just seem to go together like peaches and cream, Ant & Dec or gin and tonic!
2019 is now behind us and it’s time to look forward to 2020 and festival season. It seems that the UK is becoming the world leader in the number of festivals that we host, and the choice that we have. From full on renowned events like Glastonbury to the smaller family orientated festivals, there is pretty much something for everyone!
Whilst we can’t guarantee the weather in the UK you can rest assured that you will have a fantastic experience and meet like minded people who enjoy the spirit and atmosphere that festivals bring. A sense of freedom and community as everyone celebrates the open air and the music together.
Of course the coolest way to experience the festival life is in a VW, it’s almost mandatory. Well lucky for you we have the very latest vw camper vans for hire!
When you hire a VW California Camper van from Southampton Campers for a festival, you get extra festival chilled out vibes channelled into your soul by the VW symbol… as well as a better night sleep than under the canvas (only one of these statements is true!!). You’ll also be warm with the amazing heating system and best of all, mud free!
If you do get caught in the rain then at least you know you’ll have a warm, dry and cosy camper van to come back to. With the on-board kitchen, you can whip up the bacon sarnies to refuel before heading back into the festive village. The VW California Ocean has so many features, check them out; VW California Ocean Features
For festival trips in a camper van we like to change the name of the white “on-board thingy-that-makes-food-cold" device to “beer-cooler", it seems to get more use! Of course it’s still a large fridge really!
You also have peace of mind that all your gear is safely locked away and someone’s not stealing your tent pegs…or glo-stixs!
Can’t help you with the loo situation of course….but hey, that’s part of the fun….right? UPDATE: We are now able offer you a porta potti for your on-board convenience.
I’ve listed the upcoming Festivals for 2020. If I’ve missed your favourite then please contact me at info@southamptonvwcamperhire.co.uk and I’ll add it to the list.
BEARDED THEORY’S SPRING GATHERING – CATTON HALL, DERBYSHIRE
May 23 – May 26, Family Friendly
Bearded Theory is a multi award winning festival, well known for it’s family friendly atmosphere. Now in it’s twelfth year, they certainly know how to put on a show. This years acts include; Suede, The Cult, Stiff Little Fingers, Idlewild and my personal favourite, a Faithless DJ Set. With it’s unique Bearded Theory School for children, subjects follow the national curriculum and the organisers do everything they can to to persuade head teacher’s to authorise the absence. This allows your children to experience festival life and learn outside of 4 walls without fining parents.
COMMON PEOPLE FESTIVAL – SOUTHAMPTON, HAMPSHIRE AND OXFORD, OXFORDSHIRE
May 24 – May 27 (Rumoured dates!), Family Friendly
Featuring even more music, arts and fun for all the family, Common People is back for 2019! The multi-award-winning team who bring you Bestival, Camp Bestival and now Common People, promise this year’s two-day spectacular at Southampton Common will be bigger, better and even more dazzling than ever.
This year’s headliners are still under wraps but with last years included Lily Allen, All Saints, The Jacksons, Boney M, Jaguar Skills and many more. 2019 is sure to be a belter! The festival will also see a brand new kids’ garden with giant sandpit, inflatables, kids’ bushcraft, circus skills and vintage fun fair. See further details at: Common People Festival
WYCHWOOD FESTIVAL – CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE, GLOUCESTERSHIRE
May 21 – June 2, Family Friendly
The Independent had this to say about the family friendly festival located in the Prestbury Hills. “…you can go to festivals all over the world, but none will be quite as homely as Wychwood" , we think that is high praise indeed and with 80 ‘s era acts such as The Stranglers, ABC, T’PAU and Toyah this is definitely one for the Mums and Dad’s. Children are well catered for also with classics such as Basil Brush and the creators of Wallace and Grommit, Aardman, will be there giving children the chance to model classic characters from clay. Further details can be found at: Wychwood Festival
ALRESFORD MUSIC FESTIVAL – ALRESFORD, HAMPSHIRE
June 8, Family Friendly
Catering especially for families Alresford Music Festival has five stages for live music and could be the most chilled, family friendly festival of the summer. There is a festival village with a family arena with loads of activities ranging from wall climbing to a circus workshop and zorbing! You can read more about it at: www.alresfordmusicfestival.com
DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL – DONINGTON PARK, DERBYSHIRE
June 14 – June 16,
Family Friendly but children under 5 not allowed
Photograph: Danny North
The rockiest festival around. This year the headliners are Def Leppard, Slipknot and Tool. With three days of heavy rock music comprising of 150 acts performing over five stages it’s the spiritual home of all you rocker’s out there. More details to be found here: downloadfestival.co.uk/
ISLE OF WIGHT FESTIVAL – NEWPORT, ISLE OF WIGHT
June 13 – June 16, Family Friendly
The Isle of Wight Festival has been going for 17 years and is probably the second famous festival after Glastonbury. Each year it brings over 90,000 music fans from across the globe to celebrate a culmination of musical genres. Perfect for families, the festival village also includes an array of theatre, film, comedy, with activities and games to enjoy, it’s a perfect family festival.
The island typically enjoys it’s own micro climate which adds to the festival vibe and has some stunning scenery. For those of you wanting to make a longer holiday of it, there is plenty to do on the island. Additional details about the festival can be found here: isleofwightfestival.com
TRNSMT FESTIVAL – GLASGOW GREEN, GLASGOW
July 12 – July 14, Family Friendly
A weekend of Alternative, Indie and Rock to tantalise your senses. Replacing T In The Park, TRaNSMiT is the go-to Scottish rock and indie festival. Previous headliners gracing the stage have been Artic Monkeys, The Killers, Radiohead and many more top flight bands. Catering primarily for the well established acts, but there is also the chance to catch emerging artists at the King Tut’s stage. Main website can be found here: trnsmtfest.com
BRITISH SUMMER TIME – HYDE PARK, LONDON
July 13 – July 14, Family Friendly
In the heart of London in the largest of the Royal Parks, headliners Florence and the Machine and Bob Dylan are sure to delight you in this most regal of settings. Since 2013, music lovers will be able to enjoy performances from popstars to cherry picked developing acts from the heart of London. The festival website is here: www.bst-hydepark.com
BLUEDOT FESTIVAL – JODRELL BANK OBSERVATORY, CHESHIRE
July 18 – July 21, Family Friendly
Taking place against the backdrop of the Lovell Telescope, this festival uniquely combines culture, science and music to blend a presentation of live science experiments, expert speakers and colorful artwork. Add a splash of comedy and you have relaxing and informative show ahead of you. Musically you can enjoy the talents of Kraftwerk and New Order along with Kate Tempest and Jarvis Cocker. For an environmental take you can listen to talks to Liz Bonnin and Matthew Palmer. This really is an educational and entertaining festival. The official website can be found here: www.discoverthebluedot.com
CAMP BESTIVAL – LULWORTH CASTLE, DEVON
July 25 – July 28, Family Friendly
Camp Bestival is set to be jam packed with music and entertainment from cultural sideshows along with the usual amazing musical line up. With its focus on families, Camp Bestival has been awarded the Best Family Festival five times since its first year of 2008. We think they know a thing or two about putting on a show!
Headlining this year is Jess Glynne along with The Human League and Sister Sledge. I’m personally looking forward to Nina Nesbitt. Campervan Field A is already booked but you can use Caravan Field A instead. Get in there quick for this one. The very latest details are to be found here: www.campbestival.net
GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL – GLASTONBURY, SOMERSET
June 26 – June 30, Family Friendly
Photograph: Dan Poole
The Holy Grail of all music festivals. For five days Somerset plays host to a tented festival village and you can expect something like 2,000 performances at over 100 venues including music, cabaret, theatre, circus, a fantastic Kidz area, poetry, green crafts, site art, and loads, loads more. With huge mainstream artists likely to be announced throughout the year you can find out the latest details here: www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk
Glastonbury is such a big deal we have a dedicated page all about hiring a campervan for the Glastonbury Festival.
THE GREEN MAN FESTIVAL – GLASNUK PARK, WALES
August 15 – August 18, Families
Set within the majestic Brecon Beacons, the Green Man festival boasts more than 100 acts performing across 5 stages. A three day festival but with camping spots available for the entire week, this Festival is ideal for a weeks holiday with the Family. You can get your festival vibe on for the whole week with the Settlers Pass in the amazing Settlement area. Campervans welcome of course!
VICTORIOUS – PORTSMOUTH
August 23 – August 25, Family Friendly
Running over the August Bank Holiday Weekend, Victorious is back for Summer 2019! With some headliners already announced such as The Specials, James Bay, Clean Bandit and The Vaccines. Located directly on the picturesque Southsea seafront, be sure to pack your sunscreen! Victorious main website here: www.victoriousfestival.co.uk
READING FESTIVAL – RICHFIELD AVENUE, READING
August 23 – August 25,
Under 13s allowed but not recommended
The Foo Fighters and The 1975 will be headliners this year at the UK’s most famous rock music festival. Home to some rock and roll legends of yesteryear, Reading is a rite of passage for any rock fan. Musical greats such as The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Jam and Fleetwood Mac have all played here.
The festival has diversified over the years and now caters for a mix of genres. You’ll find artists from techno, drum and bass, house and hip-hop all supporting their rock ‘n’ roll stablemates. And it’s not just about the music, the festival village will play host also to comedic acts as well as showing films and much, much more. Main website here: www.readingfestival.com
END OF THE ROAD FESTIVAL – LARMER TREE GARDENS, SALISBURY
August 29 – September 1, Family Friendly
The organisers aim to fill this festival with their own handpicked artists that they personally like, making for an eclectic mix of music genres thrown together in one heady musical event. The End of the Road festival has 4 main stages and an array of arts and crafts tents, literacy talks and games areas for the whole family to enjoy. A relaxing festival with a truly chilled out vibe. More information to be found here: www.endoftheroadfestival.com
