By Neil Glasspool. Image: festival goers by Emma Wurfel.
I imagine that most parents will, like me, probably testify that taking children to a festival can be “challenging”. There’s the obvious stuff like the British weather. Too hot, too cold, too wet, too windy. And unless you’re happy to lug around a suitcase of apparel options, it’s unlikely you will be able to satisfy every seasonal demand.
Then there’s the other thing that’s even more unpredictable than the weather – mood. You can be as up for this you like. You may have been excited for weeks and have a carefully planned itinerary. You probably have a list of acts that you deem unmissable. You (me) may also have serious aspirations about being transported back to your (late) teenage years through the music and lyrics of Louise Wener and Sleeper. Your child, however, may have scant regard for all of your hopes, dreams and best laid plans.
At festivals, as in life, what is required is compromise. A bit of give and take. But for that to happen you need plenty of options to put on the bargaining table.
That’s where Victorious really has your back.
The festival has always prided itself on being family friendly and 2026 was no exception.
Firstly, the overall site is compact. That makes a big difference when ferrying your entourage from area to area. That’s not to say you won’t be racking up your step count. You will, but no journey feels like a step too far.
Where the site really lives up to its family oriented label is the dedicated children’s arena; a 30,000sq meter section of the site full of entirely free entertainment, stalls, music sessions, live performances, and arts and crafts. It’s pretty much a mini festival in itself.
The kids’ stage features a steady flow of performances and appearances, from TV characters like Fireman Sam to more iconic faces, such as Darth Vader and Disney princesses.
The Nivea, Lidl and Scouts areas offer a range of fun activities including axe throwing, rock climbing and a silent disco, with Nivea and Lidl also offering child-friendly freebies.
The retro gaming tent is always a hit, for both kids and nostalgic adults alike. This also doubles as a handy rain shelter – more of those would definitely be handy given the random monsoons that arrive in late August. Kids can also do battle away from a screen in a giant nerf gun arena and jump around in the big bouncy castle area with a range of inflatable courses.
In keeping with the location, there’s a beach area complete with deck chairs and since this is a music festival, there’s everything from a rock school and karaoke to bongo sessions.
The family-friendly nature of Victorious is not solely confined to the Kids Arena.
For those with children needing a total change of scene, the D-Day museum is open to visitors.
You’re also sorted too on the food front. The vast, dizzying array of food stalls will satisfy even the fussiest of eaters.
Moving onto more musical matters, the World Music Stage has a very safe and welcoming feel, and is a great way for younger children to get used to the festival vibe. And when it comes to watching the main action, you’ll find quieter and less hectic spaces if you head for the sides of the Common Stage and the embankment area of the Castle Stage.
If your budget can stretch to it, then a Hideaway and Garden ticket upgrade is well worth it, simply because it gives you a great area to retreat to when it all gets too much.
Yes. Festivals with children can be challenging. It’s a big sensory experience. But with a bit of planning ahead (and compromise), your offspring can get in their own festival spirit and your best laid plans will stay on track. At Victorious, everyone’s a winner.
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