This post contains everything we're looking forward to before our first visit to Lakefest. After the festival, I'll be back with a full review, sharing our honest experience, favourite moments, tips for families and whether we'd recommend it for next year.
If you're anything like us, summer isn't complete without at least one big family adventure. This year we're packing up the tent, grabbing the wellies (because, let's face it, it's the UK!) and heading to Lakefest 2026 at the beautiful Eastnor Castle Deer Park in Herefordshire.
As a family with children of different ages, finding a festival that genuinely caters for everyone isn't always easy. Teenagers want great music, younger children need plenty to keep them entertained, and the grown-ups would quite like some decent food and somewhere to relax too. Lakefest has a reputation for being one of the UK's most family-friendly music festivals, so we're incredibly excited to experience it for ourselves.
In this post I'm sharing everything we've discovered while planning our trip, along with practical information if you're thinking of booking tickets or already counting down the days until festival weekend.
What is Lakefest?
Held in the stunning grounds of Eastnor Castle Deer Park in Herefordshire, Lakefest combines live music, family entertainment, camping, great food and activities into one long weekend. Running from 5th-9th August 2026, it's grown into one of the UK's best-loved family festivals while keeping a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
Unlike some larger festivals that can feel overwhelming, Lakefest seems to strike the perfect balance between big-name artists and a welcoming community feel.
Why We're So Excited
With four children ranging from primary school age to teenagers, we're always looking for days out and holidays that everyone genuinely enjoys.
Lakefest looks like it ticks all the boxes:
- Live music throughout the weekend
- Activities for younger children
- Plenty for teenagers
- Amazing street food
- Family camping
- Beautiful countryside setting
- Fairground rides
- Entertainment from morning until late evening
I'm especially looking forward to switching off from everyday life, spending time outdoors together and making some fantastic family memories.
The 2026 Line-up
One of the biggest reasons people love Lakefest is the music.
This year's line-up includes artists such as:
- The Charlatans
- Example
- Soul II Soul
- The Undertones
- EMF
- The Bluetones
- Ferocious Dog
Alongside the main stages you'll also find DJs, tribute acts, comedy, family entertainment, dance music, food demonstrations and plenty of smaller performances happening across the site all weekend.
Whether you're reliving your youth or introducing your children to the music you grew up with, there's something for everyone.
Why Lakefest is Perfect for Families
One thing that really stood out while researching Lakefest is just how much thought has gone into families.
Rather than simply allowing children to attend, the festival actively welcomes them.
Families can expect:
- Dedicated family camping areas
- Children's entertainment
- Safe, friendly atmosphere
- Fairground attractions
- Creative activities
- Food to suit every taste
- Clean shower facilities
- Plenty of open space
As parents, that balance is exactly what we're looking for.
Camping at Lakefest
We're planning to make the most of the full festival experience by camping.
Weekend tickets include standard camping, parking and showers, with the choice of family or general camping. If you'd prefer a little extra comfort, there are upgrade options including marked pitches, campervan spaces and bell tents.
Family camping sounds ideal if you're bringing younger children and hoping for a slightly quieter night's sleep.
Food and Drink
One of my favourite parts of any festival is trying all the food!
Lakefest is known for offering a huge range of food vendors alongside bars, coffee stands and sweet treats.
As a vegan, I'm hoping there'll be plenty of plant-based options too (I'll definitely report back after the weekend).
Practical Information
If you're thinking of booking, here's what you need to know.
Dates
5th-9th August 2026
Location
Eastnor Castle Deer Park
Herefordshire
Weekend Tickets Include
- Camping
- Parking
- Showers
- Arena access throughout the weekend
Children aged 1-4 go free with a paying adult, while separate child and teen tickets are available. Anyone under 18 must attend with a responsible adult aged 25 or over.
Tips If You're Going
Although we haven't been yet, here's what's already on our packing list:
- Wellies
- Waterproofs
- Sun cream
- Hats
- Refillable water bottles
- Power bank
- Picnic blanket
- Warm layers for evenings
- Baby wipes (festival essential!)
- Ear defenders for younger children
I'm also planning to bring plenty of snacks for the children because festival days are long and little ones always seem to be hungry!
Thinking of Buying Tickets?
If you're still deciding whether to go, I'd recommend booking sooner rather than later. Lakefest has become increasingly popular and ticket tiers regularly sell out before the festival. Weekend tickets include camping, making it excellent value if you're planning to stay for the whole event.
Follow Along With Our Lakefest Adventure
This is just the beginning!
During the festival I'll be sharing plenty of photos and behind-the-scenes moments on social media, and once we're home I'll be publishing a full Lakefest review covering:
- Our honest thoughts
- What the children loved
- The best activities
- Food highlights
- Camping experience
- Tips we'd give first-time visitors
- What we'd pack differently
- Whether we'd go again
If you've been to Lakefest before, I'd love to hear your recommendations in the comments. Is there anything we absolutely shouldn't miss?
We're counting down the days already! Hopefully this will become the first of many Lakefest adventures for our family.
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