Entertain clients with our pick of August and September's out-of-town festivals and their VIP packages
Words: Olivia Palamountain Photos: Carolina Faruolo, Jenna Foxton, Louise Roberts
London’s restaurant scene has a jolly country weekender
If you can survive the food coma brought on by feasts from Breddos Tacos, Frenchie and Kricket, Wilderness will let you binge on music from Bonobo and First Aid Kit. We love the lakeside spa, VIP fire pits and long-table banquets; glampers will love the beautiful gypsy wagons. Further foodie headliners include Nuno Mendes, Thomasina Miers and Yotam Ottolenghi.
A shamanic hideaway for the cultured and creative
PJ Harvey and Future Islands share the weekend with a host of independent-minded talent. Hotel Bell Tent offers a beautiful riverside backdrop, with pamper rooms, lounges, and charging points. Settler’s Pass holders can stay a whole week and host BBQs, try a pub quiz or snuggle down with a film.
Shambala, 24-27 August, Northamptonshire
An ethical festival with a sense of humour
Eclectic sounds, spoken-word workshops and healing fields are just some of the alternative activities at this family gathering, featuring music from Barely Legal, DJ Dazee and 65daysofstatic. Luxury camping options include cosy tipis and decadent Shire Houses in the woods. Don’t forget to book ahead for the day spa.
A small festival with big foodie vibes
Tear yourself away from the snazzy Boutique Sanctuary and be sure to catch Maribou State and Moderat. The Tribal Banquet isn't to be missed either – think four courses of blue-chip cuisine hosted by Elizabeth Allen, ex-head chef at Michelin-winning Pidgin, and Typing Room’s Lee Westcott. Hawksmoor will host a Sunday roast while Honest Burgers runs the Officers Mess dining experience.
Upmarket gastro fun with more munch than music
Bring big appetites and elasticated waistbands for a weekend of Madness (the band) on Blur bassist-turned-cheesemaker Alex James’s farm. VIP frills include lounge access and a daily glass of champagne. You can also book an alfresco banquet or immersive feast from The Art of Dining. Top of the pots are Rick Stein, Gizzi Erskine, José Pizarro, Mark Hix and Antonio Carluccio.
Ironic revelry at an adults-only playground
It’s found a new home in Dorset but Bestival is as silly as ever. Expect grown-up hijinks and japes on the ground and The XX, Pet Shop Boys and Little Dragon on the mics. Hospitality puts you dead-centre of the action, with loads of hot showers and a 24-hour concierge team to ferry gear to the campsite.
Sophisticated cool for seasoned festival junkies
Like the sound of Irvine Welsh in conversation and Mogwai on the main stage? You’ll like the VIP vibes even better. There’s a host of deluxe camping options, a retreat serving up comp brunches, a Swedish spa courtesy of Volvo and – new this year – a reception suite with 24-hour concierge and porter services. Long-table banquets will be curated by ‘some of the UK’s most sought-after Michelin-starred chefs’.
For 2017's best festivals outside London – part one, click here.
To discover the best festivals in London for entertaining your clients, click here.