Walking along the path I look up to find a few people dressed as sheep coming towards me….. Our girls are jumping around dressed in their usual tutu, head garland and wellies combination, there is a man walking around on stilts, and I can hear the buzz from the campfire songs and trumpets in the distance. I wander passed the Spellbound Forest and smile as I head to the High Seas. We can only be in one place…..The family friendly Just So Festival. A place where imagination comes to life.
Our year is not complete without a weekend of mayhem, magic, music, dancing and lots of imagination at the Just So Festival. The kids have a blast, we have a blast, and it is an opportunity to step outside of our lives for a few days to enter a magical wonderland of stories, arts, theatre, music and creativity.
We have been invited along to the Just So Festival 2018, and I can honestly say I am beyond excited. We have been fans of Just So for many years now, and we love everything about it.
Just So is a multi-award winning family arts festival, produced by Wild Rumpus. Now in its 9th year, the festival is held on 17th 18th and 19th August 2018 at Rode Hall in Cheshire. It is a not-for-profit arts festival – the ticket price includes all entertainment and programming across the festival site and the capacity is capped at 5000 to ensure it remains a safe and relaxing environment. It offers a weekend of mayhem, mischief, magic, music, dance and imagination. Think pillow fights, fairy trails, wishing trees, midnight feasts, campfire songs and circus skills and you will be on the right track…..
I always try to research a festival and plan before we go, just so we don’t miss anything. The Just So Festival has a really handy guide for first timers to the festival which includes packing tips, the programme, and the very important stuff… the Just So traditions – which include;
Pillow Fight
Midnight Fest
The Just So Festival Bake Off
The Tribal Tournament – Will the foxes retain their 2017 title?? Grab some costume ideas and join the fish, frog, fox, owl, lion, stag or bee tribe ….I can tell you that lots of people dress up…… oh and may the best tribe win!
What’s new for 2018?
The Playground of Illusions
A new area packed with mystery and trickery from the Travelling Light Circus. Look out for “The Gravity Vortex Floor,” and the “Pendulum Wave Machine,” and “The Forever Speeding up Rhythm!”
Roll Up Roll Up
Roll Up, Roll Up will be a wonderful lake side area dedicated to all things circus and seaside. This year expect tumblers, somersaults and aerial mastery!
The Flamingo Lounge
The Flamingo Lounge is a new area with all things dance and tripping the light fantastic. Take part in the Swing Circus and Film Dance performances and workshops, the 80s Anthem Yoga (I am loving the sound of this one!) and stick around for the evening and boogie the night away.
Idlewood
Deep in the woods you can expect to indulge in relaxation, tranquillity and rejuvenation at the brand new Idlewood area. Here you will find ukulele and singing workshops, family yoga, tai chi and the opportunity to take part in the Twilight Chorus. Relax in the Tentsile tree tents and hammocks and enjoy the live music and performances. (I think you may find me here all weekend!)
Don’t miss……
Custard Catwalk
Spectacular high wire show Equilibrious,
Seek, Find, Speak, (the outdoor theatre companion to The Lost Words),
The Peekaboo Garden especially for 0–4s,
Lantern Parade
Photo Credit Mark Carline
Tempted?
The family friendly Just So Festival runs from the 17th-19th of August 2018 at Rode Hall Estate, Scholar Green, Cheshire ST7 3QP and tickets are on sale now.
For more information and to book head over to the Just So Festival online
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Featured image – Photo credit TenEight