The Best Festivals in Somerset 2024

A Guide to the Best Festivals in Somerset in 2024

If you’re looking for the best festivals in Somerset in 2024, we’ve done all the hard work for you. Here, is a round up of the best music, food and family-friendly festivals the county has to offer. There is a great selection of Somerset festivals, from huge weekend festivals to more intimate one-day festivals. There is something on offer for everyone to enjoy.

Do keep coming back to this guide as it will be updated regularly. If you do find this guide useful, please share it with your friends and family, and don’t forget to follow Somerset Family Adventures on Instagram and Facebook.

When you’ve decided which festival is the right one for you and your family, it’s advisable to book your tickets as soon as you can. It is often cheaper to buy tickets as soon as they are released, so keep checking.

Read on to discover the best Somerset festival near you.

Glastonbury Festival

Where: Worthy Farm, Pilton, Somerset

When: 26th – 30th June 2024

Ticket price: £355 plus booking fee

FOLLOWING THE COACH AND TICKET SALES IN NOVEMBER, TICKETS FOR GLASTONBURY 2024 ARE NOW SOLD OUT. THERE WILL BE A RESALE OF ANY CANCELLED/RETURNED TICKETS IN APRIL 2024.

What to expect: Glastonbury Festival is the UK’s largest greenfield music and performing arts festival in the world, so (of course) I had to mention it first. Held over five days, with six main stages, expect a mixture of the biggest names in pop, as well as new bands. Anticipate, every type of music going plus cinema, stone circles, the Tipi fields, the sculptures of Carhenge and so much more.

Is Glastonbury Festival for kids?  It has many areas specially dedicated to kids, such as the Kidzfields, the Green Kids area, the Theatre and Circus fields, family camping fields and even free craft activities.

The site is huge – 1.5 miles across and a perimeter fence of 8 miles. Be prepared to walk miles over the weekend, but there’s so much to see and do you won’t mind.

It’s the hottest ticket in town so I hope you manage to get one, because it’s an experience you’ll never forget!

Valley Fest

Where: Denny Lane, Chew Magna, BS40 8SZ

When: 1st – 4th August 2024

Ticket price: Adult weekend (tier 1) £167.38; Teen (age 13 – 20) weekend ticket (tier 1) £129.59; Child (age 4 – 12) weekend £37.79; Under 4’s FREE but still require a ticket. Single day tickets available too. Car Parking £21.60. Accommodation (Yurt, Tipi, Bell Tent) available too.

What to expect: A three-day food and music festival on the banks of Chew Valley Lake. Headliners include The Feeling, Tiny Tempah, Sister Sledge, Sophie Ellis Bextor and Fabio and Grooverider.

This festival is the perfect introduction for kids and first-timers, set on Luke Hasell’s organic working farm. Little ‘uns will find mini raves, crafting, face painting, veg picking, circus games, and ride-on tractors for fun.

Locally produced food and drink is a big part of this festival, with cooking demonstrations from the region’s top chefs or you can get stuck in to a masterclass.

What is there for Kids at Valley Fest? There is so much for kids to do! Valley Fest is nice and compact – so they are never far away. There are activities for children across the site, including storytelling, a carnival parade, farm tours, junior discos, arts and craft workshops and interactive theatre. The Alchemist’s Playground, a collaboration with Arcadia and the Woodland Tribe – a place for grown ups and kids to play.

Shindig Festival

Where: Dillington Estate, Ilminster, Somerset, TA19 9EQ

When: Thursday 23rd – 26th May. Bank holiday weekend. Gates open at midday on the 23rd

Price: Adult £200, Teens £95, 12 & Under £25, Live In Vehicle £85, Car Park £40

What to expect: This dance music festival in Somerset has Funk, Disco, House, Drum & Bass and Jungle. The first headliner to be announced for 2024 is Kurupt FM! Jodie Wisternoff will also be playing this year.

What is there for Kids at Shindig? There is a Kids Kingdom, a huge kingdom just for kids, with tons of free kid’s activities available from 9am until 5pm daily. The activities include: Breakdancing, Graffiti, MCing, Ringworld inflatables sessions, drumming, climbing wall, puppet show and a giant marble run! There’s performances, shows and kid-friendly films shown in the Cinema until 10 pm.

Home Farm Fest

Where: Home Farm, Main Street, Chilthorne Domer, Somerset, BA22 8RD

When: Friday 7th at to Sunday 9th June 2024. Gates open at 4.00 pm on Friday.

Price: Weekender With Camping: Adults (18+) £65, Teens (13 – 17) £32.50, Child (0 – 12) FREE. Caravan/Camper £43.

Weekender without camping: Adults (18+) £56, Teens (13 – 17) £28, Child (0 – 12) FREE.

Day Tickets: Friday and Sunday – Adults (18+) £20, Teens (13 – 17) £10, Child (0 – 12) FREE.

Day tickets Saturday: Adults (18+) £35, Teens (13 – 17) £18, Child (0 – 12) FREE.

What to expect: Home Farm Fest blends an eclectic mix of quality music, plenty of non-music related entertainment including a Market Area, Wellness Area, Wild Play, talks and workshops, locally sourced food and drink outlets. The proceeds from this annual charity music festival go to the Piers Simon Appeal, School in a Bag initiative (so far they’ve raised over half a million quid).

What is there for Kids at Home Farm Fest? It’s a great family festival, perfect for first timers and festival pros alike! There is a Children’s Area, wild play a climbing wall, fairground and lots of fun for all ages.

Love Saves The Day Festival

Where: Ashton Court, Long Ashton, North Somerset (Near Bristol), BS23 2JT

When: Saturday 25th to Sunday 26th May 2024

Price: Early Bird Day Ticket: £61.60/person; Tier 1 Day Tickets £67.64; Weekend Early Bird £100.64; Weekend Tier 1 £112.44/person.

What to expect: Camelphat, Rudamental and The Streets headline the weekend, alongside many other artists including Groove Armada and Shy FX, at Bristol’s biggest music festival held at the historic 850-acre country estate, 10 mins from the centre of the city.

Is Love Saves The Day Festival for Kids? No, this event is strictly for people aged 18 and over.

Priddy Folk Festival

Where: Priddy Village Green, Priddy, BA5 3BB

When: 12th -14th July 2024

Price: Adult Festival Ticket £120 (£108 Early Bird; Youth (age 12-16) £60 (£54 Early Bird); Camping Pitch £40 (£35 Early Bird); Camper Van £55 (£50 Early Bird).

What to expect: Presenting traditional and modern folk music from the top of the Mendip Hills. This folk festival is often called the friendliest in the UK. Highlights include Sunto Soussa, a phenomenal singer-songwriter; Breabach are securely ranked among Scotland’s most skilled and imaginative contemporary folk acts; The Fugitives from Canada have been described as the missing link between Leonard Cohen and The Pogues. Other acts include the delightful Gnoss from Scotland, the Rin Tins and returning festival favourites Sheelanagig with the amazing violinist Aaron Catlow.

There’s a splendid selection of food stalls, a lively atmosphere with concerts, ceilidh and dancers on the village green in Priddy , plus camping options available, and all surrounded by stunning Somerset countryside.

The Godney Gathering

Where: Garslade Farm, Godney, Somerset, BA5 1RX

When:  Friday 19th July @ 6 pm to Saturday 20th July 2024 @ 12 midnight.

Price:  Adult Weekend Ticket (Tier 3) £45 + booking fee. (Kids free with accompanying adult).

What to expect: One of the best 2-day micro festivals in the UK and it’s all about fun for the whole family. Expect a plethora of local talent as well as some big names. Line up to be announced soon!

What is there for Kids at The Godney Gathering? The kids have a designated area called the playground with brightly coloured tents where they can run wild and explore, join in with the crazy activities and have fun. Activities include games, arts and crafts and a disco.

Glastonbury Abbey Extravaganza

Where: Glastonbury Abbey, Magdelane Street, Glastonbury, BA6 9EL

When: Saturday 3rd August 2024

• Gates open 4 pm
• Fireworks 10 pm

Price: £45/Adults; £25/Children (up to 16) in advance.

What to expect: A headline performance from Keane, plus Shepton Mallet Big Band plus special guests to be announced.

Overnight camping is available nearby which has a shuttle bus for this event.

ArcTanGent

Where: Fernhill Farm, Compton Martin, Somerset, BS40 6LD

When:  14th to 18th August 2024 from 11 am

Price: 3 Day Festival Ticket (Thurs – Sat) (2nd Release) £154.50; Teen 3 Day Festival Ticket [13-15] (Thurs – Sat) (2nd Release) £112, Kids under 13 FREE.

What to expect: Headliners include Mogwai, Explosions in the Sky and Meshuggah for the 10th Anniversary special. The 100+ acts play across five alternating stages on a relatively compact site, so there is no chance of missing your favourite band.

Every night ends with the infamous silent disco from 11pm to 3am. This has to be seen to be believed!

Live in the Park

Where: Vivary Park, Upper High Street, Taunton, Somerset
TA1 3SX

When:  Saturday 24th , Sunday 25th and Monday 26th August 2024

• Gates open 5.00 pm

Price:

• Saturday 24th – £45 + booking fee
• Sunday 25th £35 + booking fee
• Monday 26th £45 + booking fee

What to Expect: JLS on Saturday 24th

Ministry of Sound on Sunday 25th

Busted on Monday 26th August

Is this event suitable for kids? Children can attend and must be accompanied by an adult (under 16). All children over age 1 must have a ticket.

Rock n Ribs Festival

Where: Wincanton Race Course, Wincanton, Somerset, BA9 8BJ 

When: Friday 19th July – Sunday 21st July 2024.

What to expect? A 3 day American themed family-friendly festival in Somerset. Expect American exhibition vehicles, big rig driving, music in the arena and line dancing.

What is there for kids? There is lots to keep the little ‘uns occupied – there are fun fair rides, face painting, glitter make-overs, inflatable rides, a drum bus, axe throwing, an American fire engine, monster truck rides and mini golf.

Forwards Festival

Where: Clifton Downs, Bristol

When: Saturday 31st August – Sunday 1st September 2024

Price: Ticket info coming soon! Kids under 5 go free.

What to Expect: Line up to be announced soon!

What is there for Kids at Forwards Festival? FORWARDS has a dedicated kids area, featuring immersive shows and exciting workshops, theatre, ball pool, skate ramp, arts & crafts, music, plus much more – there is something for the whole family.

App Fest (Somerset)

Where: The Blue Bowl, West Harptree, Bristol. BS40 6HJ

When: Saturday 8th – Sunday 9th June 2024

• Doors at 11:00 | Ends: 23:30

Price: Tier 4 Adult Weekend £59.40; Child 2 Day Ticket (5-17) £27.50; Family weekend tickets also available.

What to expect: Headliners include The Feeling, The Wurzels, Jamie Lawson, Skinny Living, Chesney Hawkes and many more.

What is there for Kids at App Fest (Somerset)?

Family and Community is at the heart of APP-FEST and there will be activities to keep everybody entertained throughout the festival.

Somerstock Music Festival,  Somerton

Where: Recreation Ground, Gassons Lane, Somerton, TA11 6HS

When: Friday 12th – Saturday 13th July 2024

What to expect: From small beginnings in 1988, now a growing family-friendly music festival in the heart of Somerton. Expect full day of fabulous live music on Saturday across two outdoor stages and a big top, and a special selection of bands performing on Friday night. 

There will also be children’s activities, retail stalls, food stalls and bars. The silent disco will be in full swing on the Friday evening for the adults with live DJs, and a special kid’s session on Saturday afternoon. Headlining is super-star jazz-funk band and Shakatak.

Somerset Jazz Festival

Where: Radford Mill Farm, Radford (near Timsbury) BA2 0QF

When: Friday 6th – Sunday 8th September 2024

What to expect: Contemporary and Traditional Jazz, Jazz Fusion, Contemporary Classical and New Music.

Lineup Includes: Lady Nade Sings Nina Simone, Shirley Smart Trio, Gin Bowlers, Jake Leg Jug Band, Ruby Jazz Band, Luke Purbrick Quartet, Eastern Strings Quartet, Frome Jazz Club Allstars and Hot Jazz Society. There will also be dance workshops, yoga, tai chi and some fabulous food available.

What is there for kids at Somerset Jazz Festival? Children are welcome at the festival. Although there are no special facilities for children, they find enough to do in the woods, fields, rivers and gardens to keep them active and happy for the weekend.

Camping/Glamping available

Bristol Volksfest

Where: Birches Farm, Long Ashton, North Somerset, BS48 3RN

When: Friday 7th to Sunday 9th June 2024

Price: Weekend Adult from £65; Weekend Teen (Aged 10 – 16 years) – £20; Weekend Children (Aged 5 – 9 years) – £10; Weekend 0-4 – £0; Vehicle Pass / Pitch – £5; Caravan/Motorhome/Trailer Tent Pass – £15. Day tickets are also available. 

What to expect? Bristol Volksfest is a grassroots VW festival embracing the best of the VW scene, lifestyle and culture. Now in it’s 31st year, the theme this year is ‘Carnival Las Vegas’. A mash up of Mardi Gras style carnival festivities and Las Vegas pop culture. 

This action packed weekend has a dazzling display of Volkswagens, live music, family entertainment, trade stalls and Brizzleness!

Expect an eclectic mix of bands and DJs ready to rock you through the weekend. Rock, Blues, Metal, Folk, Live Drum and Bass, 90’s Rave – there ia a little something for everyone. You’ll find the bands on the main stage and DJs in the Bunker.

Acts confirmed so far include: General Levy, The Killerz, Wilderman, Little Thief, Bootleggers Turn and Elvis!

Weir Fest, Porlock

Where: The Ship Inn, Anchor Road, Porlock Weir, Minehead TA24 8PB

When: Thursday 4th, Friday 5th, Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th July 2024

Price:  A free event 

What to expect? A 3-day festival of live music, over 50 real ales and ciders and food available from the Little Red Fire Truck. 

There’s a minibus running from Top Ship to Bottom Ship all weekend 

Wells Comedy Festival 

Where: Cedars Hall and Little Wells Theatre, Wells Somerset

When: Friday 24th May to Sunday 26th May 2024

What to expect: The Wells Comedy Festival – founded in 2015 – brings the finest comedians in the country to the heart of Somerset for one jam-packed weekend. This years line-ups includes Harry Hill, James Acaster, Jessica Fostekew and Rich Hall. It is a good chance for comedians to try out new material in front of a friendly audience. Many of the pubs in Wells host afternoon and evening performances. Prices are kept low and you can easily catch several different performances in a day. 

Is this event suitable for children? No, this event is currently for 18+. 

Sea Shanty and Folk Music Festival

Where: Various venues around Weston super Mare town centre and seafront

When: Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th August 2024

What to expect: It’s all about folk music and shanty singing. There will be pirate crews invading Weston-Super-Mare, so why not dress as your favourite pirate and join in the fun?! 

Food and drink will be available to purchase in the Italian Gardens and at the venues.

Tangled Roots Folk Festival

Where: Radford Mill Farm, Radford (near Timsbury) BA2 0QF

When: Friday 7th – Sunday 9th June 2024

What to expect? Set on a 115 acre organic farm in the Somerset countryside. Expect accoustic, roots, folk, contempoary and traditional music from around the world. On the main stage you’ll find Solana, John Hegley, Cider with Kirsty, Sugarmoon, Moonlit Poachers and more. Plus there’s an open mic, acoustic campfire sessions, the Sunday Acoustic Cafe, morning yoga, dance choir talks, plus the onsite kitchen and bar.

What is there for children at Tangled Roots Folk Festival? Children are welcome at the festival. Although there are no special facilities for children, they find enough to do in the woods, fields, rivers and gardens to keep them active and happy for the weekend.

Camping/Glamping available

Art and Literary Festivals 2024

Bath Festival

Where: Various Locations, Bath, Somerset

When: Friday 17th – Sunday 26 May 2024

What to expect: This multi arts Festival is an annual celebration music and books, with well over 100 events in more than 50 of Bath’s distinctive buildings and spaces. There’s a carefully curated programme of talks, workshops, performances and walks the festival encourages opening up to new ideas, conversations and experiences. Line up TBA.

Bath Children’s Literature Festival

Where: Various Locations, Bath, Somerset

When: 27 September – 6 October 2024

What to expect: As Europe’s largest dedicated Children’s Literature Festival expect a packed programme of authors, illustrators and workshops to entertain and enthuse young people about reading.

Somerset Food Festivals

The Bath and West Food Festival

Where: The Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 6QN

When: Friday 22nd March – Sunday 24th March 2024; Door open at 9 am

Price: Adult (16+) £6; Children FREE

What to expect: On the Main Stage will be a host of delicious talks from experts in the food & drink industry; Delicious food & drink stands giving you the opportunity to peruse and enjoy a huge range for mouth-watering food and drink from the Southwest of England, plus The British Cheese Awards will be front and centre of the Food & Drink Festival, taking place in the main hall with visitors being able to view and taste some of the award-winning cheeses! 

What is there for kids at the Somerset Food Festival? There’s a designated Kids Zone!

eat:Festivals

eat:Festivals bring the very best West Country food & drink producers and artisans together at festivals in town centres across Somerset and the South West

Time: Ususlly 10 am – 4 pm

eat:Weston Sat 13 April – on the Italian Gardens

eat:Taunton Sat 11 May – around Taunton minster, Hammet Street and all up East Street

eat:Yeovil Sat 18 May – town centre

eat:Burnham-on-Sea Sat 25 May – all through the town centre, focused on College and Victoria Streets.

eat:Portishead Sun 26 May – Parish Wharf and all along the north bank of the Marina

Axminster Gate to Plate Mon 27 May – on Silver Street, Church Street and around St.Mary’s Minster

eat:Portishead Sat 10 August – Parish Wharf and all along the north bank of the Marina

eat:Chipping Sodbury Sat 31 August – using the Pitching between Horse Street and The Horseshoe pub

eat:Wellington Sat 07 Sept – South Street and High Stree

eat:Yeovil Sat 21 Sept – St John’s Churchyard, Quedam Centre and Silver Street

eat:Weston Sat 28 Sept WSM – on the Italian Gardens

eat:Burnham-on-Sea Sat 26 Oct – all through the town centre, focused on College and Victoria Streets.

eat:Weston & Lights switch-on Sat 23 Nov – inside The Winter Gardens and outside on the Italian Gardens

eat:Yeovil Sat 30 Nov – in the Quedam Centre

eat:Nailsea Sat 07 Dec – High Street and in the Crown Glass Shopping Centre

eat:Taunton Sat 14 Dec – Hammet Street and all up East Street

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Which Festival is Best for Kids?

There are family-friendly festivals all over the UK and the best one for you is purely down to personal choice. 

Now Read Family-Friendly Festivals in the UK, 2024

Please note, every effort has been made to ensure that all information is correct at the time of publishing this post, but please check the venues website before travelling, as events may be amended or cancelled at short notice. Most of these events need pre-booking.

If you have any more suggestions for festivals in Somerset, we’d love to hear from you!

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If you’re reading this in January – March, check out our snowdrop walks:

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If you’re reading this in April – May, check out our Bluebell walks:

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Check out our summer posts, if you’re reading this in June-July.