Micro Festivals and Weekend Gatherings 2021

I've been going to music festivals since my teens and have taken both of my boys each summer since they were babies, but of course, the past year has thrown a real spanner in the works and like everyone else in the UK we gladly stayed home last summer but as the vaccine roll-out keeps going from strength to strength and restrictions are slowly easing and as long as infection rates don't rise then there is the possibility that small weekend festivals and gatherings may go ahead this year.

All of the festivals and gatherings mentioned in this guide are running with a Covid protocol in place, with limited numbers in spacious settings, but of course, going to any sort of gathering this year may not be for you at this time and that completely understandable as we are all navigating this pandemic in a way that feels comfortable for ourselves but for those that are trying to capture that festival feeling on a much smaller scale, here are my top picks.

1. We are not a festival summer solstice, Sussex, 18-21st June

This summer weekend aims to capture the festival spirit without the crowds. There will be wellness workshops, art classes, forest walks, opportunities to dive deeper into exploring holistic & sustainable living as well as ending each day with music around The Folly Stage. Set in a beautiful site this weekend is for those whole love to be outdoors, reconnect with nature and have a moment of calm in this manic world. Prices start at £135

2. The Big Retreats Feel Good Weekends, West Wales,  18-20th June and 9th-11th July

Instead of running The Big Retreat (one of our favourite festivals in Wales), this year they are putting together two smaller retreats that offer an intimate wellbeing weekend away, with activities such as saltwater swims & cold water swimming workshops, woodland walks, foraging & cooking lessons and finishing the days with storytelling around a campfire, if your looking to step away and relax this could be the one for you. Luxury Glamping accommodation, each with its own space and bathroom and unlike other weekends this one includes food. Spaces are limited due to the intimate nature of the retreat and all lessons and workshops will be socially distanced. Prices start at £350

3. The Good Life Summer Camp, Deeside - 9th July-2nd August across 4 long weekends 

The Good Life which normally hosts a larger scale festival has paired down their feel-good events into four relaxing weekend summer camp, limiting to 100 guests, which gives the opportunity to reconnect with nature in an intimate and inspiring way. Guests stay in the idyllic Walled Garden on Hawarden Estate and the weekends will offer talks, expeditions and workshops from outdoor, craft and nature experts, with the evening spent around the campfire. Activities include wild swimming, runs, paddle boarding and more. Prices are around £405 for two adults with a camping pitch (Children are welcome and can be added to your pitch)

4. Cloud Nine Glamping Weekends - 3 Locations, Dorset, Cotswolds, Norfolk 19th July-30th Aug

These luxury glamping weekends sound amazing and have created a perfect balance of those mini-festival vibes paired with family camping that ties in outdoor adventures and relaxation. From paddleboarding, kayaking, wild swimming, yoga, storytelling plus loads more within a stunning location with plenty of space for children to run free is fantastic along with gourmet street food, cocktails and alfresco dining, there is something for all ages. Prices start as low as £132 per family per night

5. Elderflower Fields Family Festival, East Sussex, 23rd-27th July

Elderflower Fields is a well-known small family festival and while it is still running as a festival this year they have reduced the capacity and will be following all Covid Government guidelines. The location also lends to plenty of outdoor space and offers a relaxed nature focussed festival. From live music to art camp, urban woods, star gazing, kayaking, workshops, activities, this is one of the more full-on lineups than the others in this list which is pretty exciting. Adult tickets start at £143 and child ticket £71

6. Camp Kin Camping, Kelmarsh 23-26 July, 30th July - 2nd Aug, 6-9 Aug

While the well known Starry Skies has been cancelled they have now created a series of creative weekend family-friendly getaways in the form of Camp Kin which will have a focus on a small intimate event that allows for one to rekindle friendships and connections with friends around the campfire. There is plenty on offer such as yoga, storytelling, paddle boarding, craft workshops, forest school and much more, as well as live music. You can bring your own tent or go for a glamping option such as a Tipi, bell tent or yurt. Prices start at £105 for adults and £36.75 for children

7. Just So Festival, Cheshire, 20-22nd Aug

We love Just So Festival, in fact, it's my children's favourite festival so it's very exciting to hear it's going ahead this year, of course within the guidelines and with restricted numbers. The location offers plenty of outdoor space to run around. The lineup is perfectly balanced without being overwhelming and offering a lot of downtime. You can enjoy things rowing boats on the lake, mindfulness workshops for kids and family yoga or step into the spellbound forest for some nature and bush crafts, campfire tells and bonfire bands. They also have a selection of glamping options (you can also take your own tent) including bell tents, vintage tents, yurts and gypsy bowtops. Prices start at £160 for adults and £53.50 for children