The brilliant alternative festivals you need to know about
Whether you're a coffee drinker, dog lover or yoga pro
Whether you're a coffee drinker, dog lover or yoga pro
Looking for the best alternative festivals 2019 has to offer?
This year we’re being treated to a calendar of brilliant events for absolutely everyone – no camping in a muddy field necessary.
Whether you love dogs, coffee, yoga or vegan food, there are lots of alternative festivals 2019, and you won’t want to miss them.
Alternative festivals 2019
So where do we start?
Balance Festival - London
What is it?
Balance Festival cherry-picks the country’s top boutique studios, delicious food and drink suppliers, expert trainers, yogis and wellness and athleisure brands to join forces under one roof. Expect high-octane workouts from the likes of KXU, BLOK, Another_Space, Third Space, Barry’s Bootcamp, F45 and UNIT, as well as the chance to try some delicious food and meet like-minded gym bunnies.
If you’re partial to a bit of yoga, you’ll be excited to know that there will be a FLOW yoga studio for you to settle into savasana. Sessions are free to festival goers and include some big names in the biz, from Patrick Beach to Marc Hatvani.
When is it?
10th – 12th May 2019
Where is it?
The Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, London.
How much is it?
Standard Admission tickets to Balance Festival are priced from £24.50 for day tickets and from £50 for VIP day tickets. Weekend entry is currently priced at £90.
Cowes Week- Isle of Wight
What is it?
Cowes Week is the largest sailing regatta of its kind in the world and one of the oldest, dating back to George V’s reign in the 1820s. The event is a great mix of competitive sailing and a vibrant social scene and it now attracts up to 1,000 competing boats, around 8,500 competitors ranging from Olympic and world-class professionals to weekend sailors.
As well as the sailing activities, the week includes a large number of onshore events including live music and cocktail parties. Marquees are erected in the marinas serving food and drink, and around 100,000 visitors visit Cowes Week each year.
When is it?
10th - 17th August 2019
Where is it?
On the Solent, Cowes, Isle of Wight
How much is it?
Cowes Week is a free event to attend and people can watch the racing from shore view points but there are also spectators boats that go out on the water to get you close to the action for £12.50 for an adult and £8 for a child. For further information about the event and how to get there, people can visit www.cowesweek.co.uk
VegFest - Brighton
What is it?
The festival has been set up for people to celebrate and enjoy all things vegan – there will be 230 stalls selling their wares, from vegan meats, cheeses, chocolates, cakes, alcohol, supplements and sauces, to clothing, footwear, bags, cosmetics and jewellery.
Expect talks on various vegan-related talks on fitness and health as well as cookery demos, an art exhibition, live music, comedy and panel discussions.
When is it?
23rd – 24th March 2019
Where is it?
The Brighton Centre, King’s Road, Brighton
How much is it?
Advance day tickets are £8. Weekend Tickets are £13.20. On the door day tickets are £10.
OM Yoga Show - Manchester
What is it?
Whether you’re a beginner or a yoga pro, the OM Yoga Show is the chance to immersive yourself in all aspects of the ancient practice. From free open classes and workshops to over 100 exhibitors – showcasing yoga accessories, clothing, jewellery, super food and retreats – there’s something for everyone.
Soak up the atmosphere and get ready to perfect your crow pose.
When is it?
11th – 12th May 2019
Where is it?
EventCity, Phoenix Way, Off Barton Dock Road, Trafford City, Manchester
How much is it?
Day tickets £7.50, two day tickets £12.50. OM Yoga Ticket bundles, including entrance, 1 year subscription to OM Yoga & Lifestyle magazine, and a goody bag £39.99.
Dogstival – Hampshire
What is it?
This is the ultimate festival for you and your pooch. With everything you would expect from a great dog day out, the event will bring dogs and dog lovers the Dogstival Display Arena, the Dog House Behavioural Stage, Get Your Paws Involved Activities, K9 Aquasports Pool, Canine Chill Out Den, live music, artisan food and drink, a Vintage Fun Fair and Pylewell House’s dog-friendly beach.
When is it?
18th - 19th May 2019
Where is it?
Pylewell Park, New Forest, Hampshire
How much is it?
Adult one day admission costs £15.44, and a child ticket costs £9.11 (includes booking fees).
The London Coffee Festival - London
What is it?
The annual festival will welcome coffee-lovers from all over the world to taste some of the finest artisan coffee from burgeoning start-ups, industry pioneers and long-established companies.
Over 250 exhibitors are expected to join the celebration for a jam-packed schedule of coffee tastings, espresso martinis, workshops, latte art and showcases from world-class baristas, all to the soundtrack of live DJs and musicians.
When is it?
28th – 31st March 2019
Where is it?
The Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, London.
How much is it?
Standard admission is £18.50, VIP admission is £30 and includes entry to the secret garden, a coffee cocktail token and fast track entrance. Full weekend admission is £90.
So which of these alternative festivals 2019 will you be going to this year?
We'll be attempting to go to them all.
Especially the one with all the dogs...
