What should a 'family festival' entail?
Posted by badgerfishnew@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 12 comments
Went to an event advertised as a family festival yesterday in a neighbouring town to where we were staying for a weekend away.
It was alright but felt it more of a mini food and drink festival with a couple of kiddy things added as an afterthought,. Not the end of the world it was a sunny day out andwe still had fun but it got me thinking whether it's just me expecting too much? It was only a tenner for the four of us to get in as well.
Question for the sub rules so it's not just a grumpy dad rant: What kind of thing would you expect at an event aimed at families?
destria@reddit
I would say as a minimum something like a bouncy castle and some funfair rides, probably at additional cost.
I've been to some festivals that had an area with ride on tractors/cars/trucks, a dress up entertainer, face painter, children's magician shows and mini petting zoo/farm.
Haunting_Hour_4556@reddit
For a fiver each, I would expect... not a lot. A couple of small extortionately priced rides, some food stalls that will set you back three figures if all four of you dare to eat that day, and a battle of the bands with local teenagers.
pointsofellie@reddit
Sounds like it was more for parents, but acceptable for kids to run around. Sounds alright for what you paid but I'd have expected a few chargeable extras for kids like inflatables or rides.
crispycat40@reddit
Ones I’ve been to have had a petting zoo type thing with owls and snakes as well as more standard pets.
Also circus skills in a tent and a free circus show.
Someone doing fire eating.
Live music, and Julia Donaldson ‘sang’ the story of Super Worm. That was weird.
That was all free entry.
bonamoureux@reddit
A topless chav with a staffie on a chain?
700 screaming feral kids that may or may not belong to the aforementioned chav?
Many other kids wearing more ice cream than they are eating?
bellabanjsk@reddit
I think I’d expect at least a bouncy castle (for an additional cost) if it’s aimed at families with kids. Maybe face painting too.
Downtown-Orchid-2257@reddit
Agree with the post above. At our local festival, two adults can't even get in for a tenner. Try double that plus kids are a fiver each. Then the fairground rides for kiddies are easily £3 each once you're in. Cash only too. Can you tell I'm looking forward to it already? 🫠
For a family ticket at that price I would just be happy they had a decent or any toilet facility for that matter. Any additional kids' activities would be a pleasant bonus.
badgerfishnew@reddit (OP)
Haha aye I was dreading it but the toilets were in good order, they had a cleaner knocking about outside them which I felt was a good sign.
I know it's on a completely different plane of existence but I went to carfest a couple of years ago and there was just so much for the kids to get involved with, genuinely brilliant. Is it just the smaller events that obvs don't have a multi million pound budget, what kind of thing do they put on at small events across the country to make a fun day for kids that isn't just a couple of fairground rides and a gelato stall 😂
Prudent-Pressure2146@reddit
Tbh for the cost you’ve paid, what you got I think? Stuff for the kids and places for parents to mingle
badgerfishnew@reddit (OP)
The value was brilliant, £5 each adults and kids go free , obviously we spent a small fortune on some amazing food and bits and bobs. Im.not being negative it was well organised just it's more the what to expect of something advertised as a family day, just wondered what other peoples experiences were like in things like this etc
I love little days out and finding fun things to do as a family but it's quite new to me
Disastrous-Place-846@reddit
You've paid a tenner so some very amateur bands and toilets on site
TheRadishBros@reddit
Sounds fair for £2.50 each, although our local one is free and offers similar experience.