Fancy some Beautiful Days? We do.

Beautiful Days Festival, Escot Park, Devon. 21-23 August

Sometimes, just sometimes, going to family friendly festivals can seem a bit, um, bland. Without naming any culprits, there are certain festivals which cater brilliantly for the little’uns, while leaving the adults wondering where their edge went. Where you can squint for a moment and picture yourself and your brood picnicking at Henley Regatta rather than enjoying a hotbed of rock and roll.

That’s why we love Beautiful Days. Organised by old folk punkers The Levellers (who provided much of the soundtrack to my misspent 20s), BDs is a well-organised, fun-packed weekend that the children will love but with enough of an alternative music vibe to satisfy any gig-starved parents.

Now in its eighth year, Beautiful Days 2009 has headline spots from space rockers Hawkwind,  celebrating their 40th anniversary with a laser and light spectacular, The Pogues, and of course, the Levellers closing the festival on Sunday night followed by an incredible firework show. Other acts in a strong line-up include the Sawdoctors, the Wonderstuff, Richard Thompson and the Blockheads.

There are three main stages, plus the Pussy Parlure and the Bimble Inn offering more eclectic and unscheduled delights, a kid’s field that really does have tons of activities and entertainment for everyone from tiny toddlers (we enjoyed the nursery rhyme time and dressing up) to a teenage zone complete with fire workshops and dj sessions. The comdey is always great.  The real from Otter Brewery comes highly recommended, as does the non-rip off price. And of course the Sunday is traditionally fancy dress day – this year the theme is Flower Power Power, man!

This is a non-branded festival, and many say Beautiful Days has the feel of Ye Olde Glastonbury (that Holy Grail of accolades). Tickets for 2009 are reportedly close to selling out, but are available from here.

Family Festival rating: 9/10

More information
Beautiful Days website