This May, Elderflower Fields returns to Ashdown Forest for its 15th anniversary, inviting families to unplug, play and reconnect with nature. Celebrated as one of the UK’s best first festivals for families, the award-winning weekend has grown into a cherished tradition of creativity, adventure and community.
Over the past decade and a half, thousands of families have made their festival debut at Elderflower Fields. Children who once darted through the woods now return to help run workshops, while adults who brought toddlers are volunteering alongside teenagers. This sense of continuity gives the festival a unique, welcoming spirit that feels more like a reunion of friends than an event.
The festival offers a rich programme of live performances, creative workshops, sports, and woodland activities, all set in the expansive and safe surroundings of Ashdown Forest. Facilities are designed with families in mind, and tickets for under-fours are completely free, making it easy for young children to take their first steps into festival life.
Food and drink are another highlight, with local suppliers serving Sussex ales, artisan coffee and freshly prepared dishes to suit all ages and dietary needs. Stages feature returning favourites and exciting new acts, while the forest itself is transformed into zones such as the Lazy Glades, Urban Woods and Tumbledown Meadows, full of games, discovery and exploration.
Festival Director Nigel Greenwood said: “With the average British child spending six hours a day on screens, our weekend of escape feels more important than ever. Elderflower Fields began with a simple idea: to create a safe and inspiring first festival for families. Fifteen years later, we are proud to welcome back generations who have grown up with us, while also opening the gates to families coming for the very first time.”
Nestled in the heart of Ashdown Forest, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Elderflower Fields combines the arts, outdoor adventure and family-friendly fun in one of the UK’s most treasured landscapes.
For tickets and more information, visit elderflowerfields.co.uk. The festival runs from May 22 to 25, 2026.
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