If you’re looking for a family festival that brings together art, crafts, music, and literature in one magical weekend, then the multi-award-winning Just So Festival could be just what you’re looking for.
A Unique Festival Set in Stunning Surroundings
Nestled among the stunning woodland clearings, rolling parkland, arboreal landscapes, and lakeside spots of the Rhode Hall Estate, Cheshire, this small, family-friendly festival (with a capacity of just 5,000 people) is all about creativity. Over the weekend, families can enjoy a variety of musical, theatrical, and visual performances.
In fact, it’s the only combined arts festival in the UK dedicated solely to families. This year’s theme is Intrigue and Trickery, promising Codes & Ciphers, Detectives & Disguises, plus Mysteries & Mayhem. Needless to say, we’re beyond excited!
Enjoying the Just So Festival Without Breaking the Bank
One of the best things about the Just So Festival is that it doesn’t have to be expensive. With a little planning, you can make the most of the experience without overspending. Consider bringing your own food, making DIY costumes for the Tribal Tournament, or opting for a single-day ticket instead of a full weekend pass. And you don’t have to spend a fortune to create magical family memories. There are some great ways to enjoy festivals on a budget. It’s proof that you don’t have to spend a fortune to create magical family memories.
Highlights of the Just So Festival Program
While I’d love to enter the Just So Bake Off (sadly, cake doesn’t travel well in a festival-laden car), there are so many other activities to look forward to. Here are just a few highlights:
- Creative Workshops: Try your hand at ukulele playing, circus skills, songwriting, or even French CanCan dancing! (Those frilly tulle skirts will come in handy!)
- Outdoor Fun: Enjoy outdoor cinema, boating on the lake, and the magical lantern parade.
- Unique Activities: Have you ever tried playing a saw? Yes, that bendy piece of metal can make music!
A Storytelling and Literature Lover’s Dream
For book-loving families, the Children’s Literature and Storytelling Program is a festival highlight. In partnership with The Guardian’s Children’s Booksite, families can meet some of the UK’s favorite children’s authors, including Paul Stickland, Tamsin Murray, Jo Cotterill, Nadine Caadan, and James Campbell. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover the best new stories and foster a love of reading.
Even More Magical Moments to Experience
And that’s just the beginning! Here are a few more unforgettable moments the festival has to offer:
- Midnight Storytelling Feast
- Stargazing Under the Night Sky
- Old-Fashioned Sports Day Fun
- Pillow Fights and Giant Bubbles
Don’t Miss the Infamous Tribal Tournament
No trip to the Just So Festival would be complete without participating in the infamous Tribal Tournament. Families divide into teams and compete for glory—who will be on the winning tribe this year? We can’t wait to find out!
Create Magical Memories at the Just So Festival
The Just So Festival is truly a weekend filled with creative fun and endless opportunities to bond as a family. Whether you’re crafting, playing, storytelling, or simply soaking in the magical atmosphere, it’s an experience you won’t forget.
I really wish that we could make Just So, but it just isn’t to be. Have an ace time
Festival looks as though it was jam packed and those cakes….
Your photos are so fun and just beautiful x
It looks like a magical place to be. Have fun.
This sounds right up my street, we love things like this. Sadly I didnt know about it till reading this so we cant go this late but I’ve bookmarked the website for next year.
I hope you have an amazing time, look forward to seeing your post festival write up!
We love a good family festival and this sounds like it brings together everything and more. Have a brilliant time – can’t wait to hear all about it! x
I would so love to go, I wish I had my car already 🙁 I’ll have to make do with your review when you get back, have a fabulous time xx
That looks like a fabulous festival – love those little lions!
That does look amazing – my sort of festival x x
Just love all these festival posts – there is no better place to be in the UK than a festival! Great pics too x