Festival fun for free

Posted by Anita Brook at 11:09 on 12 Apr 2010

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The sun's out, the shades are on and it's time to dig out the fake tan. After a weekend of gorgeous weather, my thoughts have turned to romantic notions of sitting in a field, listening to some laid back grooves, at one with nature and a bottle of Magners. Yes, it's festival time - here's my guide to some of the best free outdoor events the UK has to offer.

We all know about the big boys - Glastonbury, Reading and Leeds, Bestival - and we all know that these festival extravaganzas cost lots of money. There are some fabulous alternatives however, all over the UK, which will help you itch your festival scratch without the hefty price tag.

Head to the beach!
Brighton is a serious party town, with a whole host of free events throughout the year. Things kick off on May 1, with Brighton Festival, three weeks of music, art and theatre, at venues across the city. Some of it costs, but a lot of it's free, particularly the Fringe festival, which runs alongside the main event: http://www.brightonfestivalfringe.org.uk/.

No tents are involved (no one really likes sleeping in a tent do they?) And the money you save on tickets can be spent on a hotel, which means you can stay clean and gorgeous throughout.

Folk fest
Now it's perfectly respectable to drink cider and the brilliant Mumford and Sons have won over our hearts, it seems that folk music might possibly be cool. There are loads of folk festivals around the country and most of them are free.

BEWARE! You may bump into a Morris dancer - drinking cider is imperative and will help you get over the shock. Visit Folk and Roots website for a list of events throughout the UK.

Camp without the camping
For a totally outrageous festival experience, Pride, the carnivals throughout the UK celebrating all things non-heterosexual, are perfect for glam girls (and boys) with an open mind.

Pride events are held in most of the major cities and incorporate street parties, music, dancing and general debauchery. To find your nearest, visit: Gay Pride.

Green goddess
For wanna be tree huggers, London's home of the hippie, Camden, is hosting a free, green fair on 6 June. Located in Regents Park, The Camden Green Fair, features two music stages powered by renewable energy, a circus, solar cinema and organic food and drink. You can sit in the sun comfortable in the knowledge that civilisation is within touching distance, so no need to resort to a portaloo or grow your armpit hair!

Competition time
DB Bahn is giving away tickets for you and three friends to one of Europe's most spectacular dance festivals, Melt! The prize also includes train travel across Europe, stopping off in Paris and Berlin. Reach for the lasers and visit DB Festivals to enter. All entrants will receive a 10% off voucher for rail travel across Europe.

Summer's on its way, so make hay while the sun shines and enjoy some festival fun for free!

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