Helter-skelters, crazy drummers, 12ft tall aliens, robots with beards and Arabian royalty hanging out with Freddy Mercury… it could only be found at the mystical Bearded Theory festival near Derby. 
Every year, we look to pack one of our VW Campers and head off on a festival adventure with the children. The Bearded Theory festival caught our eye, not only because it had an awesomely cool yet intriguing name, but because it was well catered for children and had an impressive music line up.
The “Angel Gardens” provided a world dedicated to the younger festival goers, with activities to include a talent contest, drumming workshops, discos, story telling, circus skills, arts and crafts to include colouring in campervans and painting ducks, hair braiding, nail painting, fire displays… the list goes on! There was a children’s café on site and immaculate toilet facilities. The children’s entertainment staff were incredible – with Pirate Dan being affirm fave…
Outside of the Angel Gardens you could find a huge range of activities, to include pottery wheels, healing sessions, hula hooping etc, along with a mini fairground with swing boats, bouncy castles, merry-go-round, helter skelter and big wheel. Heaven for the kids!
Mum and Dad got a treat too, with a line up to include the almighty Asian Dub Foundation and A Man Called Gerald (bringing me back to my University days!) … oh and thank you Bearded Theory festival for introducing me to the fabulous Lancashire Hot Pots who brought humour to the stage and catchy sing-along songs that got the crowds up and dancing in the sunshine!
There was a bit of mud after an overnight downpour (we were snugly wrapped up in the VW Camper!)… but the mud dried by the end of the day…
We sat in the sun using the deck chairs supplied with the campervan, and the children enjoyed touring the festival in style in their wagon which was a huge success. We found it to be such a useful piece of kit, that are offering this as an optional extra to hire with our campers, should you want to take advantage of it.
Bearded Theory is a superb festival and I would not hesitate recommending it to families who enjoy music and camping. There is a very broad demographic of people that go, as there is simply something for everyone – so hurry up and get your 2014 tickets booked so as not to miss out – and if you want to hire a campervan, then you know where to come!!!
Nathalie
Buttercup Bus VW Campervan Hire London
Nathalie - lucky owner of Buttercup Bus VW Campers