Festival Vibes - Host Your Own Festival

Why not host your own mini festival... Just you, your favourite people, and the freedom to do it exactly your way.  Whether it’s a celebration weekend for a wedding or birthday or an opportunity to get family and friends together we have you covered. 

Here’s your full guide to creating your very own mini-festival, and did we say, we have the perfect location for your festival at Lydeard  Farm Bush Camp & Lodges in the Quantock Hills, Somerset. 

How To Organise A Mini Festival in Somerset – Top Tips and Tricks! 

1. Who’s Coming Along?

Think about who you’d like to invite, and how many. Having a rough number in mind will help when it comes to choosing a location and sorting things like food and facilities.

2. When and Where?

Pick a few possible dates, but be ready to be flexible. British weather can be unpredictable, and availability might vary, especially around bank holidays or summer weekends. Having a couple of backup plans is always a good idea.

3. What’s the Budget?

Be honest with yourself about what you’re happy to spend. Is this a treat you’re covering yourself, or are you planning to chip in as a group? You could ask everyone to contribute a small amount to cover essentials like food, decorations – or even create fun ‘tickets’ for your mini fest to help split the costs in a light-hearted way.

4. Choose Your Festival Name! 

One of the most fun parts of your festival organising is that you get to pick a name! Whether it’s Dave-Fest, Camp Besties, The Great Family Fest, or whatever your vibe is, pick a name to suit!

5. Fuel the Fun – Food and Drink Ideas

Food makes or breaks a festival. And you’ve got complete control here. You could do the classic bring-your-own approach, or go all-in on stalls and shared meals.

DIY Festival Food Options

Pizza night – Bring it along and pop it in the oven. Set up a make-your-own station and let everyone top their own.

Food stalls – Set up little zones for different food types: one person brings curry, someone else does wraps, another does breakfast burritos. 

BBQs and fire pits – Nothing beats burgers and halloumi grilled outdoors. Just make sure fire safety is top of the list.

Or if you feel like splashing out why not organise a street catering trailer to come in.

Drinks

BYOB bars – Set up a table as a ‘festival bar’. Everyone adds their drinks to the stash, and take turns bartending.

Gin & tonic tent – If you’re feeling fancy, have a separate gin tent with garnishes and mixers.

Mocktail stand – Not drinking? Create some colourful mocktails with fruit juices, herbs, and soda water.

Don’t forget cool boxes, plenty of ice, and reusables to cut down waste.

6. Bring the Stage to You

No festival is complete without a bit of music. But you don’t need a line-up of signed acts to get people dancing.

DIY Entertainment Ideas

Open mic night – Invite mates and family to bring instruments or spoken word. Acoustic guitars, ukuleles, drums, or even a violin – there’s always someone with a hidden talent.

Custom band challenge – Split into groups and create a ‘band’ each. Give everyone 30 minutes to come up with a song. Perform them around the campfire. Guaranteed laughs.

Silent disco – Hire or borrow silent disco headphones and create playlists for a proper late-night dance-off without waking the neighbours.

Outdoor Cinema - we have the perfect space under the starts on our 'Wembley' Sports pitch.

7. Mini-Festival Activities

To keep everyone entertained, scatter a few fun extras through your festival. You don’t need to spend loads – it’s more about the vibe.

Face painting station – Adults and kids alike love a glittery design.

Craft Corner – Bracelet-making, tie-dye, or even badge design.

Scavenger hunt – Perfect if you’ve got kids (or big kids).

Outdoor games – Think giant connect four, giant Jenga, swingball, or a makeshift football pitch.

Yoga or meditation session – A gentle start to the day in a sunny field.

Fancy dress theme – Choose a day or night to go all out. Think glitter, feathers, retro vibes

Practical Considerations (A Few Grown-Up Bits)

• Waste – Have a recycling and rubbish system. Don’t leave any trace.

• Noise – Be respectful if there are neighbours or wildlife nearby.

• Licences – If you’re using public land or serving alcohol, check if you need a temporary events notice.

• First aid – Always have a kit on hand.

8. Add Personal Touches

This is your festival – so make it feel personal. Why not add

• A big welcome sign with your festival name (custom banners are cheap to print!)

• Hand-drawn line-up boards with times for music, food, and games

• A memory wall or photo board where guests can peg up polaroid photos or messages

• Custom T-shirts or tote bags as keepsakes

Whether you go full-scale with lighting and live bands or keep it stripped-back with a fire pit and some fairy lights, your mini festival is all about celebrating in your own way, with your favourite people.

9. Happy to help

   From marquee planning, to caterers and outside bars we will happily offer some recommendations and suggestions,

   
   

Remember - Your festival, your rules. Let the good times roll.

Take a look at the wonderful bush camp from above!

Get in touch now to help plan your festival in Somerset! Accommodation between 8 - 56 guests within 5 lodges. Extra capacity with camping, or exclusive use camping also available. Large indoor social space with fully equipped self catering kitchen. Outdoor BBQ and camp fire. Space to roam! Options to add activities such as archery, air rifle guns, laser tag etc. Guide pricing.