Quick Answer: Family Fest 2026 takes place from Friday 29 to Sunday 31 May at The Meadows (Julians Field), Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1EF. Meadow View Country Park, just 10 minutes’ drive away in Wigbeth (BH21 7JH), offers glamping pods, safari tents, shepherd’s huts, and luxury static caravans. It is the closest peaceful countryside stay for families heading to the festival.
The May Bank Holiday weekend in Dorset has one big highlight for families this year, and that is Family Fest 2026. Three days of live music, children’s shows, falconry, food traders, and family fun on a working farm in Wimborne. If you live in Dorset or you are travelling in for the weekend, this is the easiest way to kick off the summer.
The challenge for many families is simple. The on-site festival camping fills up fast, and not every family wants to sleep in a basic tent with a tired toddler. That is where Meadow View Country Park comes in. We sit just 10 minutes from the festival site with proper beds, hot showers, hot tubs, and 52 acres of quiet countryside to come back to after each day.
What Is Family Fest and Why Is Everyone Talking About 2026?
Family Fest is a multi-award winning family festival held every year in Wimborne, Dorset. The 2026 edition runs from Friday 29 May to Sunday 31 May and the theme this year is rewinding, relaxation and connections. The whole event sits on 12 acres of working farmland and is built around bringing families together for a relaxed Bank Holiday weekend.
The festival is also a charity event. It proudly supports Plants and Minds at Cherry Tree Nursery, a mental health charity (registered charity number 900325) that helps adults living with serious mental health conditions through gardening and community work.
Key facts at a glance:
- Dates: 29 to 31 May 2026
- Location: The Meadows (Julians Field), Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1EF
- Headliners: Lottie, Static Tandem, and Yazadi
- Tickets: Friday only, Saturday only, Sunday only, weekend, and weekend with camping
- Supports: Plants and Minds at Cherry Tree Nursery
When Does Family Fest 2026 Open and Close?
Family Fest 2026 opens at 4pm on Friday and closes at 4pm on Sunday. The festival site, campsite, and car park each have their own hours, so check them carefully before you travel.
Festival Site Opening Hours
- Friday 29 May: 4pm to 9pm (last entry 7pm)
- Saturday 30 May: 10am to 9pm (last entry 7pm)
- Sunday 31 May: 9am to 4pm (last entry 2pm)
Festival Campsite Hours
- Opens: 3pm Friday 29 May
- Open 24 hours across Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
- Vehicle access closed between 10pm and 7am each night (pedestrian only)
- Closes: Midday Monday 1 June
Festival Car Park Hours
- Friday: 3.30pm to 9.30pm
- Saturday: 9.30am to 9.30pm
- Sunday: 8.30am to 4.30pm
A 2026 parking pass is required. Passes cost £2 per day or £3 for the full weekend and must be bought in advance through the festival website.
Who Is Performing at Family Fest 2026?
The 2026 main stage at Family Fest is headlined by Lottie on Saturday afternoon, Static Tandem on Saturday evening, and Yazadi on Sunday. Tom D Jay hosts the stage across the weekend, and there is an open mic slot on Sunday morning for anyone brave enough to take part.
Friday 29 May (Family Evening)
- 17:30 Family Quiz
- 18:30 Yazadi (live music)
- 19:30 Bingo (over 18s only)
- 20:15 Family Karaoke
Saturday 30 May (Live Music Day)
- 11:00 Lauren Blundell
- 12:00 Harvey Glenn
- 14:00 Lottie (Saturday afternoon headliner)
- 16:15 Hunters Moon
- 17:15 Sammi JoJo
- 18:15 Gracie Park (supporting act)
- 19:00 Static Tandem (Saturday evening headliner)
Sunday 31 May (Sunday Sessions)
- 10:00 Disneyoke
- 11:00 Ben P
- 12:00 Layla Jurado
- 13:00 Yazadi (Sunday headliner)
What Else Is Happening at Family Fest 2026?
Beyond live music, Family Fest 2026 includes children’s shows, falconry, crazy golf, a petting farm, mascot appearances, and over 30 Dorset craft and food traders. There really is something for every age in the family.
Here is what to expect across the site:
- Children’s entertainment: Punch and Judy shows, Magic Jay, and Junk Jodie
- Falconry displays with live birds of prey
- Crazy golf for all ages
- Petting farm with friendly animals
- Ghostbusters appearance plus ghost shooting and remote driving activities
- Urban Displays and vehicle show
- Delicious food zone with savoury options from local traders
- Sweet food zone for desserts, ice cream, and treats
- Festival bar for the grown-ups
- Local Dorset traders selling crafts, gifts, food, and small business goods
Is Family Fest Suitable for Neurodivergent Visitors?
Yes. Family Fest 2026 includes a dedicated Quiet Hour from 9am to 10am on Sunday 31 May. During this hour no music is played, no family shows run, and the site is kept calmer overall. The Quiet Hour is designed for visitors with autism, dementia, special educational needs, or mental health needs who find busier festival environments overwhelming.
Carer tickets are also available, and the festival publishes a full accessibility guide on its website.
If you have a child or family member who would benefit from a calmer stay as well, Meadow View Country Park is a strong fit. Caroline at our stables runs a guided animal care experience that is well suited to autism, ADHD, anxiety, and sensory sensitivities. It runs in small groups with no pressure to take part, and many families pair it with a festival visit for a balanced weekend. Our glamping pods and shepherd’s huts also give your family a quiet, private base to retreat to when the festival energy gets too much.
How Do You Get to Family Fest 2026?
Family Fest 2026 is held at The Meadows, Julians Road, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1EF. The what3words location is ///stay.ruling.airfields. You can get there by car, bus, train and taxi, or the official festival shuttle.
By Car
The site is signposted from Wimborne Square and the A31 across the festival weekend. Drivers from Wimborne or Colehill come over Julians Bridge from the right, and drivers from Corfe Mullen, Bournemouth, or Poole approach from the left just before the bridge. A pre-purchased parking pass guarantees a space in the festival car park.
By Bus
Several services run close to the site. Morebus routes 3 and 4 stop on Julians Road at certain times. Morebus route 13 and Yellow Buses route 6 both go into Wimborne Square, which is roughly a 10 minute walk from the festival entrance.
By Train
The nearest stations are Bournemouth (for London-bound services) and Poole (for Weymouth-bound services). From either station, you can take a taxi, hire a car, or pick up a local bus to the site.
Festival Shuttle Bus
Burrows Coaches run the official Family Fest shuttle bus, and the service is included in every festival ticket. A small donation is appreciated and goes directly to Cherry Tree Nursery.
⚠️ Travel Warning for 2026: From Tuesday 26 May for six weeks, Dorset Council are running temporary 24/7 traffic lights at Julians Bridge. This is part of a safer pedestrian crossing trial. Expect delays at peak times, especially on Saturday morning. Build in extra travel time and consider arriving earlier than usual.
Where Should You Stay for Family Fest 2026?
The closest peaceful countryside accommodation to Family Fest 2026 is Meadow View Country Park in Wigbeth, just 10 minutes’ drive from the festival site. We offer glamping pods, safari tents, shepherd’s huts, and luxury static caravans across 52 acres of quiet Dorset countryside.
On-site festival camping is a great option for some families, but it is not for everyone. Here is how the two compare:
| Feature | On-Site Festival Camping | Meadow View Country Park |
|---|---|---|
| Distance to stage | Walk from your tent | 10 minute drive |
| Accommodation | Bring your own tent | Pods, safari tents, huts, caravans |
| Beds and bedding | Bring your own | Included |
| Showers and toilets | Shared event facilities | Proper bathroom blocks |
| Dogs welcome | Generally no | Yes, with on-site dog park |
| Hot tub access | No | Yes, at The.Cinespa |
| Bar on-site | Yes | Yes, at The.Barnhouse |
| Quiet for babies and kids | Limited | 52 acres of peace |
| Stargazing | Limited by site lighting | Excellent dark skies |
| Booking options | Festival website only | Direct, Airbnb, Booking.com, Pitchup |
Why Meadow View Country Park Is the Smart Choice for Family Fest
Just 10 Minutes from the Festival Site
Our park sits at Horton Road, Wigbeth, BH21 7JH, roughly 10 minutes by car from The Meadows. You can dip in and out of the festival across the day, head back for a nap with the little ones, and return for the evening headliner without missing a thing.
Real Beds, Real Bathrooms, Real Comfort
After a full day of music, food, and walking around the festival site, the last thing most parents want is to crawl into a sleeping bag on a thin mat. Our glamping pods, safari tents, shepherd’s huts, and static caravans come with proper beds, bedding, and access to clean hot showers.
52 Acres of Peace After the Crowds
The park is surrounded by Dorset countryside, with a wildlife pond, woodland, and very little light pollution. Once the kids are tucked in, the adults can step outside and look up at one of the clearest night skies in the area.
Pet Friendly (Unlike the Festival)
Dogs are generally not allowed at Family Fest, but they are very welcome at Meadow View. We have an on-site dog park, and most of our accommodation options take up to two small dogs at no extra fuss.
The.Cinespa Hot Tub and Outdoor Cinema
Our newly renovated shepherd’s hut comes with a private hot tub and outdoor movie screen for up to four people. It is bookable in hour-long sessions and is the perfect way to recover after a long day on your feet at the festival.
The Barnhouse Bar and Wood-Fired Pizza
The.Barnhouse opens on weekends from 5pm and serves drinks plus pizzas from our wood-fired oven. It is a calm, social space to debrief on the day’s music with a cold drink in hand.
Choice of Accommodation
Whether you are travelling as a couple, a young family, a multigenerational group, or with the dog, we have something to suit. Pick from glamping pods (great for couples), safari tents (great for families of four to six), shepherd’s huts, luxury static caravans, or off-grid grass pitches if you do still want to bring your own tent.
What Does a Perfect Family Fest Weekend Look Like?
Here is one way to spend the full Bank Holiday weekend, balancing festival energy with proper rest.
Friday 29 May: Arrival and Festival Opening
- 2:00 PM Arrive at Meadow View, check in, settle the kids into your pod or safari tent
- 4:30 PM Drive 10 minutes to Family Fest
- 5:30 PM Catch the Family Quiz on the main stage
- 6:30 PM Yazadi live set
- 9:00 PM Festival closes, back to Meadow View
- 9:30 PM Hot tub session at The.Cinespa
Saturday 30 May: Festival Full Day
- 9:00 AM Slow breakfast at your pitch
- 10:00 AM Visit Meadow View Stables and meet the animals with Caroline
- 12:30 PM Drive over to Family Fest
- 2:00 PM Lottie performs the Saturday afternoon headline set
- 5:00 PM Family meal from the food traders
- 7:00 PM Static Tandem closes the Saturday evening main stage
- 9:30 PM Pizza at The.Barnhouse on the way back
Sunday 31 May: Sunday Sessions and Wind Down
- 9:00 AM Quiet Hour at the festival (great for SEN families)
- 1:00 PM Yazadi’s Sunday headline set
- 4:00 PM Festival ends, return to Meadow View
- Evening Stargazing and a final relaxed evening at the park
Monday 1 June: Final Morning
- 10:00 AM Slow checkout, last walk around the grounds
- 11:00 AM Head home rested rather than wrecked
What Should You Pack for Family Fest 2026?
For Family Fest 2026, pack layered clothing, waterproofs, a reusable water bottle, sun cream, picnic blankets, and your pre-purchased parking pass. Dorset weather in late May can shift quickly from warm sun to cool evenings, so layers matter more than a single jacket.
Festival Day Essentials
- Layered clothing for warm days and cool evenings
- Waterproof jacket
- Reusable water bottle (the festival has an eco commitment)
- Sun cream and a hat
- Picnic blanket
- Pre-bought parking pass
- Bike lock if you are cycling in
- A mix of cash and card (some traders prefer one over the other)
- Carer documentation if applicable
Extras If You Are Glamping at Meadow View
- Comfortable walking shoes for the festival site
- Swimwear for The.Cinespa hot tub
- Dog lead, bedding, and food if you are bringing your pet
- A torch for evening walks around the park
Family Fest 2026: Frequently Asked Questions
When is Family Fest 2026?
Family Fest 2026 takes place from Friday 29 May to Sunday 31 May 2026.
Where exactly is Family Fest held?
Family Fest 2026 is held at The Meadows (Julians Field), Julians Road, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1EF. The what3words location is ///stay.ruling.airfields.
How far is Meadow View Country Park from Family Fest?
Meadow View Country Park is approximately 10 minutes’ drive from the Family Fest site. We are located at Horton Road, Wigbeth, Wimborne, BH21 7JH.
Can I bring my dog to Family Fest?
Dogs are generally not permitted at the festival site. They are warmly welcomed at Meadow View Country Park, which has an on-site dog park and dog-friendly accommodation.
Is Family Fest 2026 suitable for babies and toddlers?
Yes. Family Fest is designed for all ages, with children’s shows, a petting farm, mascot appearances, and family-focused activities running across the weekend.
Is there a quiet area for autistic or SEN visitors?
Yes. Family Fest hosts a dedicated Quiet Hour from 9am to 10am on Sunday 31 May. No music or loud shows run during this hour, making it suitable for visitors with autism, dementia, special educational needs, or mental health needs.
What is the closest glamping site to Family Fest Wimborne?
Meadow View Country Park in Wigbeth (BH21 7JH) is the closest dedicated glamping site to Family Fest, just 10 minutes by car.
Can I buy Family Fest tickets on the gate?
Family Fest tickets are best purchased in advance through the official festival website. Options include Friday only, Saturday only, Sunday only, weekend, and weekend with camping.
Where can I park at Family Fest?
Parking is on-site at the festival car park, but a parking pass must be pre-purchased. Passes cost £2 per day or £3 for the full weekend.
Will the Julians Bridge traffic lights affect travel?
Yes. Temporary 24/7 traffic lights are in place at Julians Bridge from 26 May 2026 for six weeks. Allow extra travel time, especially on Saturday morning.
Ready to Book Your Family Fest 2026 Stay?
May Bank Holiday weekend books up quickly across Dorset, and Family Fest weekend sees especially high demand for local accommodation. If you want a peaceful countryside base just 10 minutes from the festival, the sooner you book, the better your choice of pitch or pod.
Meadow View Country Park offers a range of accommodation to suit every kind of festival weekend. Couples and small families often choose our glamping pods, safari tents, or shepherd’s huts, which come with proper beds, cosy interiors, and access to The.Cinespa hot tub for some quiet recovery time after the music finishes. Larger families and multigenerational groups tend to book our luxury static caravans, with two and three bedroom options that give everyone their own space. If you still love the classic camping experience, our off-grid grass pitches give you room to pitch your tent in 52 acres of quiet Dorset countryside, with proper bathroom blocks just a short walk away.
To check availability or ask a question, give us a call on 07919 275236, drop us an email at info@meadowviewcountrypark.com, or visit us at Horton Road, Wigbeth, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 7JH.
Whether you are coming for one night or the full Bank Holiday weekend, we look forward to welcoming your family to Meadow View.