It's no secret that I love a festival. I've been to more festivals in my lifetime than I have holidays. Nowadays, there's at least a festival every week throughout the summer months, so it can be a nightmare trying to decide which is best suited to you, which is why I've decided to dedicate a series to some lesser known festivals that are some of the music industry's best kept secrets and don't necessarily share the limelight with the big dogs such as Glasto, V Fest and Bestival.
The first stop is Blissfields Festival (conveniently located reasonably local to me), just outside of Winchester, Hampshire. It was founded by husband and wife dream team, Paul and Mel Bliss back in 2001 and has steadily grown since then. Although, it may not host the biggest capacity at only a few thousand attendees (which part of the festival's charm), it has seen some impressive appearances over the years including Ben Howard, Jake Bugg, Bastille, Laura Marling and even Mumford & Sons. Blissfields take all the best aspects of Glastonbury and Bestival, but takes it to down a notch in a more secluded and intimate setting.
This year the festival will host the likes of The Horrors, John Grant, Simian Mobile Disco, GhostPoet, Beans On Toast and lots more. If you wanted to have a nosey you can find the full line-up for 2015 below.
Blissfields is a family-friendly festival attended by those of all ages. As well as this, it is a visual treat for the eyes with careful consideration gone into the art direction of the festival itself making it the perfect quaint, escapist weekend that you can enjoy with the kids if you wanted. Picture the traditional British garden party, bunting and cupcake galore heightened to the size of a festival!
Every year Blissfields host a theme for it's attendees to jump on board with and this year that theme is 'Somewhere In Time'. Any excuse to dress up is a winner with me! I've taken a little snippet below, so you can get an idea what to expect from this year's whimsical and wonderful theme:
You’ll be able to explore Blissfields four-dimensional world featuring brand new and bespoke installations and artwork, plunge yourself into living, breathing and interactive festival scenery, bathe under the stars, join themed games and get a clear perception of humanity; where we’ve been, where we’re going, the pitfalls, the possibilities, the perils and the promise. All realised in Blissfields own vision of inclusivity, of family, of art and wonder, of music discovery and hazy inconsequentiality.
The festival is scheduled on the Friday 3rd & Saturday 4th July with camping opening to the public on Thursday 2nd July. Weekend tickets are priced at a cheap and cheerful £95, which is less than half the price of a lot of big name festivals. So, if you fancy an escape in early July, why don't you head on down to Vicarage Farm?
Buy tickets for Blissfields here.
I went in 2013 as my boyfriend's band was playing, such a lovely festival, would also recommend!
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