If a festival still conjures up visions of flower power and slightly spaced out hippies preaching peace and love, think again.
The festivals of today are genuine family affairs, with an eclectic mix of music and entertainment it’s more like a going to a big outdoor party, yet you don’t go home for several days! You don’t have to drive at the end of the night, strangers quickly become friends and children discover there’s a lot more to life than computer games and TV screens.
According to the weather forecast (so please take this with a pinch of salt), this weekend is set to be warm and sunny. Which is perfect as from tomorrow, Friday 30th August until Sunday 1st September the 5th Annual LodeStar Festival takes place.
Now before we even begin to talk about what’s on offer, I feel compelled to mention perhaps the festival’s most enviable accolade… drum roll please……………….. Winner of the UK Festival Awards 'Best Toilets'!
Those of you who have previously attended any field based musical event, no matter how small will appreciate the awesomeness of this award! There is many a festival goer who if faced with the choice of Beyonce on the main stage or a decent, clean toilet would opt for the latter every time!
So, you will find LodeStar Festival just 15 minutes from Cambridge, set over 220 acres of lawn and flat fields just perfect for the task in hand. Farmer, Festival Director and visionary, Doug has spent many many months handpicking the very best artists and entertainers, some seasoned professionals and others newer to the scene but all highly talented.
Past musical acts include:
Sir Bob Geldof
The Magic Numbers
The Datsuns
The Go! Team
Let me entertain you!
Although music plays a major role in the LodeStar Festival, it is complemented by a huge variety of drama, comedy and performance artistes which guarantees there will be something for everyone. The atmosphere from start to finish is fun, friendly and exciting!
Fun for all!
Within the entertainment areas you will find archery, zorbing, Power Kiting lessons plus Market Stalls, Browse and Buy and Pan-Jam Steel drums to play as well as the KitchInSync Choir and Arco Iris Samba Band!
On Saturday 31st there’s a disco just for the kids from 12.30 – 2.00pm
Eat, drink and be merry!
LodeStar’s hand picked caterers use local produce wherever possible creating delicious menus from around the world. Get your laughing gear round a spectacular Fired Up Pizza, enjoy the delicate flavours of Simply Thai or Scoff & Nosh with Big Vern.
Be sure to try Cambridge’s own ice cream, brought to you by the Verrecchia family for the last 45 years. Or feed your sweet tooth with Fresh Do’nuts or Senor Churro, washed down with delicious Fair Trade Coffee from the Café Mobile.
For those seeking something just a little stronger, The Snug Bar will be running two bars at the festival with help from Sailor Jerry’s to bring some of the best treats and cocktails to festival goers this year!
Camping Glamping
If you fancy doing the whole experience but don’t have your own tent or camping gear, why not try a spot of ‘boutique camping’, or Glamping as it is increasingly becoming known. Cambridge festival, LodeStar Festival has an area complete with fully equipped yurts and bell tents offering the ultimate in outdoor comfort!
The entertainment flows from 11am to 2am Friday and Saturday closing Sunday at 11:30pm. Tickets come in three tiers –early, mid-bird and full price, with under 14yrs FREE! Tickets can be booked on the day via the website.
When it comes to festivals, LodeStar definitely believes in leaving the best til last and there can’t be many more entertaining ways to draw the summer holidays to a close.
For more details and a link to the LodeStar Festival website, go to thebestof Cambridge's Events page.
