5 European Music Festivals Your Family Will Want to Visit in 2016

If your family loves music and the festival vibe then there are plenty to choose from in 2016, dotted around Europe that you can combine into a longer holiday. Here are five European music festivals, perfect for the family to visit next year:

  1. Secret Garden Party, Abbots Ripton, UK 21st – 24th July, 2016

secret garden party UK festival
Stay in the UK this year and head to the Secret Garden Party festival in the daytime with your family to experience the festival’s usual merriment and antics in the sun. With a specially created kids’ area as well as stunning art, fun games and activities to enjoy as well, it’s the perfect festival destination. For 2016 the theme is ‘The Guardians guide to the Garden’, so expect space-themed stalls and décor when you visit – although most of the new features and activities are under wrap at the time of writing – and there will of course also be great music acts on stage throughout the day to enjoy.

  1. Førdefestivalen, Norway 6th – 10th July, 2016 

Taking place in Norway, this festival is all about embracing the arts and culture from countries around the world as intimate stages in pubs and restaurants and bigger, grand parades take place throughout the week, celebrating a different theme each year, based on a country or culture. Last year saw the theme of World Connection, bringing together numerous musical acts from around the world, from Indian sitar acts to Spanish flamenco music and dancing. It’s the perfect place if you wish to expand your children’s view of the world, and Norway itself is a stunning country for a holiday.

  1. Positivus, Salacgriva, Latvia 15th – 17th July, 2016

Perfect for families, this festival is located in an idyllic setting where you can also camp for the weekend. The Apovit Smartkidz kids island is great for little ones to experience throughout the day and they can be left in the care of experienced child-minders while you go and enjoy the sounds on the main stages. 2016 is the 10th anniversary of the festival and huge acts are being lined up already, with Ellie Goulding confirmed as a headliner for the Friday night.

  1. Fête de la Musique, France Date TBC

This music festival in France is a thrilling experience for families with older children, who perhaps enjoy more sophisticated styles of music or play instruments themselves. Expect to enjoy smaller acts, on more intimate sets and stages while enjoying the warm climate in France – you could even make a proper holiday of it with a family friendly location provided by Tots Too that allows you to relax and unwind after your visit to the festival.

  1. La Roche Bluegrass Festival, Roche-sur-Foron, France 4th – 7th August, 2016

fete de la musique
Another family friendly festival set in the French Alps and featuring authentic bluegrass music acts from the US and Europe all coming together to perform not only stages but on terraces of bars and restaurants throughout the town centre.

It’s great for families as you can take a casual stroll up one of the many streets the festival takes place within to experience a variety of music. You’ll also discover home made food stands, wines and beers and plenty of fun activities for the kids to enjoy throughout the day. It’s definitely a festival that needs to be on your list even if you’re not all massive bluegrass fans.