Camp Bestival Shropshire Review: 2023

I write this post about Camp Bestival with a huge smile. Because in all honestly Camp Bestival is such an amazing family friendly festival. We LOVE a festival, and we love a festival that welcomes families. We have been to Camp Bestival in Dorset a few years ago when the girls were young, it is a LONG drive from the Midlands, so we were ecstatic when we found out Camp Bestival was coming to Shropshire. So… is Camp Bestival worth it? Is Camp Bestival family friendly? Would we return? Read on for our 2023 Camp Bestival Shropshire review.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Should you click to purchase, this is at no extra cost to you, but I receive a small commission. 

What is Camp Bestival?

Camp Bestival is a much loved and award winning family friendly festival based in the UK. Camp Bestival is set in the grounds of Lulworth castle, on Dorset’s beautiful Jurassic coastline. It is jam packed with activities, entertainment and music for the family to enjoy.

 In 2022 Camp Bestival came to Weston Park, Staffordshire, bringing music, entertainment and laughter to the heart of England. Having loved Camp Bestival in Dorset, I was excited to see if Camp Bestival (Shropshire) would live up to my expectations.

Where is Camp Bestival Shropshire?

Camp Bestival takes place at Weston Park, Nr Shifnal, Shropshire and is also easily accessible by train or car. It is well signposted with plenty of attendants available to direct you and help you get to where you need to be. Having attended one of the many V Festivals held at Weston Park many years ago, I would agree that Weston park is an ideal venue for a large festival and the layout works well.

Camp Bestival Shropshire REview

So is Camp Bestival a family friendly festival? 100 percent yes yes yes. Camp Bestival is an incredible family friendly festival, with something for all ages. If you are still on the fence about taking young children to a festival, then you may find my tips for surviving a festival with kids helpful!

At the time of Camp Bestival 2023, our children were 6, 9 and 12, and they all LOVED every second of their festival experience.

What to expect at Camp Bestival Shropshire

Expect a long weekend jam packed with sequins, glow sticks, crafts, rides, ice creams, yoga, theatre, workshops, circus skills, watersports and SO MUCH dancing.

There are plenty of free activities – our kids loved the crafting and the circus skills so much. Just a tip though – you need to be quick, as some activities were pre-bookable on the day and we missed out on a few that the kids really wanted to do, as we weren’t quick enough in the morning. Another thing to note is that some activities are chargeable, such as the rides, and some of the workshops and craft workshops. This can be expensive if you have multiple children – particularly young children that love the fairground rides.

One thing that always draws me to Camp Bestival, is the amazing music. The line up was incredible for 2023. It didn’t let us down. For us, this year our highlights were Rudamental, Groove Armada, Mr Tumble, Sara Cox, Sophie Ellis-Bexter, Mister Maker and Utah Saints. Rudamental were incredible and all the family danced the night away to their amazing set. Dick and Dom’s set was literally insane.

What do you wear to Camp Bestival Shropshire

Any thing goes at a festival right? If you think of wellies, sequins, bright colours and glow sticks, you will be on the right track. Check out the festival theme before you go, this year it was ‘Wild theme’ and we went to town with the animal print.

What I would say is remember to pack your waterproofs and good comfortable shoes are super important too! Bring a spare pair of shoes or sandals, (flip flops work for the showers and inside the tent or camper).

Our Top tips for Camp Festival Shropshire

• Bring your Waterproofs, throw away ponchos work and we saw loads of people with them this year.
• Download the Camp Bestival app before you leave. Take your time to look at the timings, line up, and activities ahead of the weekend.
• Don’t forget to pack your swimwear for Camp Bestival, otherwise you will have F.O.M.O when you see everyone wild swimming
• Take your glow sticks, kids festival wings, flower garlands, bubble machines, kids tattoos and festival glitter with you to the festival, as expected they are pricey and the kids will want everything. I forgot the bubble gun and my son was desperate for one!
• Think about preparing food and cooking back at the camper or the tent. As expected festival food is expensive, and whilst not a problem, if you are a family of five it can be pricey over a few days. We took our Ridgemonkey and were able to make nachos, pizzas, crumpets and oatcakes with ease.
• Pack your refillable water bottles, there were plenty of places to refill your water bottle in the festival
• Don’t forget suncream. It rained one morning and within an hour it was scorching and we hadn’t packed the suncream in our rucksacks. Wipes and hand gel are also handy to pack. A waterproof picnic rug is also handy to bring too.
• If you have young kids, take some ear defenders, We didn’t pack any this year and I didn’t expect my youngest to be bothered by the loud music, but he was. Thanks to my friend Heather (Insta: Kemp.life) who was super organised and had a spare pair!
• Go to Camp Bestival with friends. Friends make your soul smile at the best of times, and festivals are amazing with friends. More people to dance the night away with, and more eyes to watch the kids and more people to sing, dance and wear all the sequins with.

• Weekend campers can bring in your own food, drink and alcohol into the festival. No glass bottles, so bring plastic and cans.
• If you are staying in the general campervan field, it is a long old walk into the festival site. especially for little legs, there are payable taxes if you need them but be prepared for the walk, plan your day and your meals and wear comfy shoes.
• Make sure you have a wristband for your young kiddies with your mobile number on just incase they get separated from you.
• Get your tickets in advance. It is an award winning festival and tickets do sell out. 2024 Early Bird Tickets go on sale 10am, Friday 29th September 2023 and you can spread the cost with monthly payment plans too.
• Go all out on the sequins, and glitter. You can never have too many sequins, or glitter.
• Expect to have the BEST time, whatever the weather, go and make some incredible memories don’t stop dancing.

Is Camp Bestival worth it?

100 per cent yes. We had an epic weekend and the kids are still talking about it. I may need a month to get over it, but honestly we had the best time with our friends. The kids are already asking to get tickets for next year. So that in itself says it all. Would we go again? 100 percent yes. Off to start stocking up on the sequin outfits.

If you have found this post useful for planning your family camping adventures, you can show your support by buying us a glass of wine or a coffee to watch the sun go down. Thanks so much!

SAVE FOR LATER

AD | Otis and Us were provided a complimentary tickets in exchange for this honest Camp Bestival Shropshire review. As always, this review are all my own words and the photos are my own. This post contains affiliate links, should you click to purchase, it is at no additional cost to your, although I receive a small commission