Welcome to Deer Shed Festival 3

Our ethos - we are massive fans of music and the arts in general, and we all have kids. We have over the years got increasingly fed up with paying a small fortune to get our families into various festivals only to be disappointed in the music or in the entertainment, facilities and vibe for the sprogs. The Deer Shed Festival is our long considered response to this. Kids are not second class citizens at DSF.

However, we will not compromise on what's on just because we are 'family friendly'. If you don't have children to bring along you will still find a lovely chilled atmosphere in which to enjoy a great weekend.

We are chuffed this year to be one of the four festivals to make it to the Best Family Festival short list at the 2011 UK Festival Awards. Camp Bestival, Wychwood, Beautiful Days (who won) as us. Thanks to all of you who got us here in just two years.

So what's the plan for 2012?

We had a great festival in 2011, we sold out, the weather was well behaved, we had some lovely feedback, great reviews and made a nice vid. Onwards, upwards and across a bit.

The Deer Shed Festival is not a long haul, it's super-concentrated, like Fairy Liquid. In 2012 we will be using all of our 90 acre site, increasing our capacity only very slightly to 6000 whilst giving more room for those massive family tents some of you cats bring with you. Enough folks for a great atmosphere but not so many that you can't get out of the car park.

The festival site will open around lunchtime on Friday 20th July. In addition to our circus cabaret performance in our Big Top, Friday evening will also have headline music acts on our main stage. The Friday ticket is optional though most folks make a full weekend of it.

Saturday is our main music and arts day, three music stages, loads going on, the meat in the sandwich.

Sunday is a Long Goodbye. Coffee, newspapers, organised kids sports, spoken word, interesting creatures in the Big Top, a crafts market and lots more to be confirmed. The festival site will close late on Sunday afternoon.

Camping in a tent is free and kids activities are free unless stated otherwise on this site.

If you came in 2011 you can expect more arts including commissioned theatre productions through the woods, more camping space, more after hours entertainment and later bar opening hours, a longer long goodbye on Sunday, custom indestructible* swingballs and whatever else we can dream up between now and then.

Cassettes, we miss 'em. We hanker for the days when those special people in our lives presented us with painstakingly compiled C90s. Made with love. So here we present a Spotify mixtape of our line-up, updated as we announce.

Your thoughts on Deer Shed Festival 2 from Facebook

Tim Frenneaux There are 'family friendly' festivals and then there is Deer Shed: A music friendly family festival. Top work on sorting out the weather too, nice touch ; )

Val Marshall Thanks for a wonderful weekend. The main highlight for me was watching I Am Kloot perform on Saturday night. We found out about the festival when you were flyering at the Kloot gig at Halifax Minster and they were the main reason we booked it. Having said that we enjoyed the whole weekend so much that we will definitely be back next year whoever the headliner is.

Kathryn Dunn Oliver, my son, has just received his prize for name the puppet in the post. Thanks to the puppet people and Deer Shed. His face lit up when it came through the door. Icing on cake after a fantastic weekend :-) x

Andrew Gibson Great weekend - many highlights Glendale family practicing in the pitch next to us friday night Laki Mera on Sunday in big top followed by echasketch - unbelievable - took me back to different time and place. Adult lounge on Sat night - guy on the decks before glendale family was awesome. Glendale family - how they did that without any mikes or amps beyond me. Reasonably priced drinks and great vibe all round.

Graham Harkness Brilliant. Better than last year if that were possible. Laki Mera in The Big Top on Sunday morning was an unexpected highlight. Matthew and the Atlas, Admiral Fallow, Hope and Social - perfect - but bring back Lone Wolf next year please.

Gayle Appleyard Been wonderful.. Thankyou for the beautfully organised parking and camping (seasoned festivalers with kids in tow and this has been the smoothest yet),best size ( please don't get any bigger), non corporate, good value, good bands(admiral fallow, leisure society, cailtin rose), good vibe, good range of activities, wondefully spirited sports field and activities, good bogs!, good ageing rockers and likeable politicians ( Carl Putnam & Andy Burnham)

Michael Robinson Super fantastic you nice Deer Shed Festival chaps,thank-you, you have made me and the kids very happy. Have some favourite new bands, some new friends, and the image of my 2-year old daughter dancing in the disco on Sat nite at 11pm with a cup of chips in her hand will live with me forever. See you next year:)

Trev C Jenkins Well Done really enjoyed the music and atmosphere even the weather was kind too... was really impressed with the set up of the festival which had family in mind deffo recommend it to my friends who have families....

Natalie Hampson Thanks to everybody involved in making this year bigger and yet still better. Our whole family had a really amazing time! We'll be back next year and plan to get in quick for tickets coz I've got a feeling this Deer Shed thing might be catching on!

Gemma Wilkinson Brilliant festival, great atmosphere. Our 3 year old loved the soft play and sand. We all loved the Go Team and I am Kloot. Looking forward to next year!

Marie Tulinius Hughes Absolutely Fantastic!!!!!

Dave Baker A very well organised festival. Plenty to see and do. I thought the local Scouts did a superb job moving my bags. They worked really hard. Hope they are there again next year. Can't wait to be back again.

Emma Burr Had an amazing weekend - my 19 month old boy hasn't stopped singing & dancing since we got back. Already looking forward to next year :-)

Sharon Redhead It was really hard to explain to my daughter, when she asked, 'can we come back next weekend?' that we had to wait another whole year for the next one!!! We have had a totally immense time and will definitely be back next year.

Jeremy Suddards Thanks All great weekend with my 2.5 year old ! she loved all of the random children's acts and making aliens- I thought all of the bands were excellent with some real gems!!! We didn't camp this year but think next year we will take the plunge! xx

Becky Breakwell Our first deershed was loads of fun, Phoebe 4 and Alice 18 months loved their first festival experience, safe and very well organised and amazingly clean loos!! We really loved the Venerable bead and will treasure our creations forever. Train rides and swing balls were a hit (!). The face painters were awesome - only suggestion would be even more for next year to reduce the wait. We can't wait for next year!

Annie Jolly Fab Deer Shed again! Thank you for making it longer! But don't get any bigger now! Loved every minute. Kids loved the hula workshop, flying fish and the comedy, and the face-painting queue was so much better than last year's. I loved Pappy's and coffee and people-watching and bits and bobs of music. Husband loved Spokes and Kloot, and wandering in and out of other bands. We seem to have missed out on Hope and Social... off youtubing them now! Those scouts with their trollies were great too, hope they'd a fun time!

Janine Roberts A great weekend. First introduction for my teenagers. Lovely and safe for them to spread their wings. Also first introduction for my toddlers who were equally as happy. Happy kids = Happy parents. Well done for arranging the weather too.

Leanne Todd Just a short few lines to thank you a for the effort you put in for the whole weekend, it was our first experience of something like this and it was fab thanks again see you next year!!

Andy Cottiss loved the weekend. Highlight for Phoebe (2) was dancing in the big top way past her bedtime, and to Holly Tamar on Sunday morning. Highlights for the boys (7 & 5) dancing, singing, not washing, eating meat in a bun, the list goes on. Thanks

Rachel Louise Thompson Yaay loved every minute and i didnt have kids lol. Whens the ticket out for next year :-)

Gaynor Clark Thanks for another great festival, even better than last year. Brought the kids this year (and 24 other people so glad you lived up to our hype!). Our 11 year old's highlight was the spacehopper field - wants even more next year. Our 8 year old's highlight was the Ukelele Workshop; seeing Holly Taymar play loads more chords on Sunday morning was the cherry on her cake - more Holly next year please. I loved it all and thanks for the improved availability and variety of food and beer, much appreciated.

more comments

Marion Jones We loved it. Thank you SO much for a wonderful, wonderful weekend x

Jenny Firth Thanks so much for organising such a fantastic, memorable weekend. We have 3 children (5,3 & 1). We all had a ball with the help of cider(mainly the adults). Perfect. I now know how to make friendship bracelets, cardboard guitars, bracelets, knit and not shower for two days!

Sarah Howard Well done to all of you, our first festival with our kids and was just as I had pictured it - perfect!! Thanks for helping to make special memories.x

Rachel Wood It was our 1st visit to Deer Shed with our 4 year old. It was perfect we all had a wonderful time. My little boy made so many friends and was given freedom to play in the sports and craft areas which is so precious. Thank you. See you next year x

Karen Riley Was a brilliant weekend, my son Laurence wants to live at deershed!

Donna Willacy We had such a fantastic time thanks to your hard work and fantastic attention to detail. The kids loved the freedom they had to play in the sports field whilst we watched them from the tent and the whole vibe of the weekend was fantastic. See you next year!

Lucy Coleman Dear Deer Shed people, thank you for a brilliant weekend. You have allowed me to give my daughter her first camping trip in a safe and fun environment. My daughter and I loved it, I've had to buy her a swingball now because she's addicted :))) The park is a beautiful venue, thank God the weather held out! Sunday was idyllic the chilled out music in the big top was much appreciated as we relaxed before our drive home. Thankyou for making sure the toilets were nice and clean it was very much appreciated! My daughter did miss out on most of the craft activities, but really she can make a cardboard guitar at home, the main thing was the lovely atmosphere and the excellent idea of having a play area in the middle of the campsite. Overall although there were a few things that could have been improved I think you did an amazing job and it was all much appreciated. :)))

Adele Walker We had a great time at the festival, though it was really well organised, perfect for our 3 year old. We had some trouble with some people in the campsite but security sorted it immediately. Couldn't have asked for more. All the facilities were great and clean and the bands we're really good. Great balance of activities for kids and adults alike. Will definately be going again next year.

Teresa Clarke Had an absolutely fantastic time. Yes my kids missed out on some of the activities as they were over booked but they went and did other things instead as there was plenty to choose from. They loved every second. As we all did. Cant wait to go next year. No bigger though please its just perfect :D :D :D

Andrew Jones Great festival, a breath of fresh air after suffering the mindless idiots at the Isle of Wight a few weeks ago. Very well organised and some great live performances (Special mentions to I am Kloot, Hope & Social and Admiral Fallow). Everyone in our party thoroughly enjoyed themselves and would definitely attend again - and bring some more people too!

Charlie Clarke i thought it was mint , the only problem was that there wasn't enough time to fit everything in but there was still alot to do and alot to listen to and buy thankyou :)

Si Waudby Superb weekend, honestly couldn't fault any of it. The bands were great Yonderboy (that guy had some energy), Just Handshakes, the fantastic Leisure Society (agree about Melting Snow :( ), Hope and Social (should be on main stage, 2 of the kids are converts) and lastly the totally brilliant Admiral Fallow my personal highlight, but in saying that, I saw nearly all the groups except ones that overlapped and they were all great not one dud. Hopefully there will be a Deershed 3, all 7 of us will be back without a hint of a second thought.

Diane Jones We all had a fantastic time at the Deershed, there was so much for the kids to do that my daughter got a bit peeved when informed that she actually had to listen to music for a while (Hope and Social were great). The numbers attending and arena size were just right, enabling parents to relax whilst being able to see the kids playing. Great loos too for a festival!! No real negatives, but the camping area could have done with being bigger, very few of the usual festival 2 man tents around, but full of family versions that take up the groundspace of an average semi!! Congratulations to the organisers, you did a great job and we're looking forward to next year already.

Kath Fletcher had a great weekend will def be back next year please dont change the formula like others have done (ie latitude) was just the right size and fantastic for the kids, perfect!!

Rebekah Kadhim i had a great time at deer shed im so coming next year

Patsy Gilthorpe Totally fab weekend at Deer Shed 2. Didn't think you could improve on year 1 but you did!! xxxxxxx thanks :0)

Carolyn Brown Can't fault it . . . . apart from should be all day sunday too!!! Ace weekend!!

Richard Embleton It was our first time and we're definitely going next year as we had such a great time. Hope they have another good line up and I get to see more bands next year.

Helena Hodgson Perfect Weekend. Our group of 3 families with 5 young children LOVED IT! Highlights, so many including Laki Mera, The Neat, Lets Buy Happiness and of course I am Kloot (I still have 'You Me and the Alarm Clock' by Johnny Dangerously). The kids loved clay modelling, plasticine especially the computer animation, the sandpit, ice cream and pretty much every activity. They are both doing 'But with fish' from Jon Reed the child comedian, to anyone that will listen. Great value for money and priceless memories! The only one thing to improve it is too organise the queues a bit better for the kids activities! It will save the kids getting upset when after half an hour of queueing they realise they aren't in the queue as it's just a free for all where the loudest get in first! Luckily it was sorted but more organisation in the Big Top would help. Excellent Festival and all the Deershed Team need a huge pat on the back. See you next year.Coming back for sure! X

Richard Embleton What a fantastic weekend, thanks to all at Deer Shed for making it truly memorable - very well organised and lots of fun had by all. My twin 3 year old girls really enjoyed themselves and especially liked the soft play area...and the tasty ice creams! Of the bands I saw, Frankie & the Heartstrings & I Am Kloot were excellent. Meeting John Bramwell was my personal highlight though, having a drunken chat on the way back to the camping area about him messing up 'Proof' was most amusing. We'll definitely be back next year as will everyone we went with. The only thing that could make it better would be more wheelbarrows to help cart stuff to and from tents! Thanks again.

Donna Willacy When can I buy tickets for Deer Shed 3?!! We had such an amazing weekend, my 2 year old has only just stopped dancing! Perfect family festival, loved the sports field and echoing the other comments please dont get any bigger.

Therese Mc Brilliant again Deershed. Very well organised and the atmosphere was so happy and relaxed. Thanks

Kerry Young Not sure which my boys loved more: James Campbell or weeing on a straw bale!

Cora Elizabeth Fowler thanks deershed for a brilliant day on saturday a fantastic lineup of bands, erland and the carnival marcus foster, the leisure society, caitlin rose , matthew and the atlas, lanterns on the lake , admiral fallow and I am Kloot what a incredible line up be difficult to better, at any other festival. i had a great time

Beth Blenkinsopp Excellent weekend! A huge thank you to the fantastic coaches who ran the 7 year olds football session this morning , it was so well organised and the kids loved it. The sports field in the middle of the site worked really well. See you next year ! X

Elizabeth McGough thanks for a really great weekend, a lovely festival that was even better for us by the Tigers That Talked

Angela Lambert thanks 4 taking on board all comments made last year and making this years festival wonderfull i speak for myself and all 25 of us who will be talking about this years festival till the next 1 well done x

Anne-Marie Barningham Absolutely brilliant time great music, really friendly atmosphere the kids had such fun. Even when one of our party lost a handbag we got it back from lost property with nothing missing, not many places that would happen !!! the food was amazing too not the usual greasy spoon stuff ! thanks to all those who made it great, see you next year x

Hannah Howe ditto to everything written before, what a way to start the school hols x

Louise Jane Peacock Amazing weekend- brilliant atmosphere, the highlight for me was listening to Laki Mera, the bands singer has the most gorgeous voice! Will definitely be returning year after year. Well done x

Carol Ann Fearnall Thanks-we had a brilliant time and you are my new fave festival, loved it, especially the kids comedy (we dont have kids but are mature like that!). See you next year x

Lee Muncaster Brilliant weekend! Massive thanks to everyone who organised, volunteered, performed, planned the brilliant kids ents and activities, cleaned the loos and everything else! Will definitely be hoping to return in future years!

Ruth Mann We had a wonderful time. Thank you Deer Shed for apparently thinking of everything. Sam aged 7 liked Harris III, James Campbell, and the paintball art best. We loved the atmosphere, the size (please don't get any bigger), the food choices, the music, the eco toilets, and the weather today! Looking forward to next year already.

Tracy Philippa Evans-Phillips We've returned home from our first DSF which will not be our last!!! We had a fantastic weekend and will not forget this for a long time! Before I forget I must thank you for putting on a fab weekend, thank you for ensuring the toilets were emptied and re-stocked frequently and thank you for arranging the weather!. (although wish it wasn't quite so cold at night - will bring duvet too next year) There was so much to do and so many activities we didn't get time to do everything. The weekend seemed to last for ever but go so quickly at the same time. Fantastic array of food and music too. The kids play field was a marvellous idea - the kids could play all day there (and it kept them entertained while we put up the tents) and then we joined in as well - must get my swingball out of the shed! Can't wait until next year. I'm off to find big sheets of cardboard to expand my son's cardboard guitar collection! So much to write in the school holiday journal - where on earth do we start???

Rachel Gregory It is hard to imagine how you could have made it any better. (except for maybe having more pizza stalls!) Thank you!

Joanna Wilkinson i had a lovely time at the deer shed festival (i am missing it alredy) from evie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Marion Jones Absolutely loved the weekend. Thank you SO much for all the hard work and effort that went into it before/during/after. Hope I'm still Deer Shedding when you're in double figures! (PS Has number 367 been called for facepainting yet...?!!!) x

Joanna Foxton Had a brilliant time with family and friends at Deershed - went way too quickly but will be back next year. Thank you organisers and volunteers you did an amazing job x

Lucy Hooton We've had a fab weekend!! Everything spot on (except the space hoppers which you could have done with more of!) Some very good bands, great kids activities, good food choice and just the right number of people to give a great atmosphere but without too many queues for the loos and not far to walk everywhere. When do next years tickets go on sale?

Thanks to Sorted, Simon Godley, Karen Rangeley and NL photography for images

Some festival reviews

The Guardian

As children tired and news spread about Amy Winehouse, I Am Kloot's stunning songs of 'drinking and disaster' sound ever-more mournful underneath the stars. When an otherwise chirpy John Bramwell dedicated an almost unbearably sad I Still Do to the departed singer, he provided something that seemed unthinkable at 2pm: the Deer Shed moment.

Dave Simpson, The Guardian

Full review

 

UK Festival Guides

In summary this festival does exactly what it says, provides a relaxed and safe environment for festival goers to enjoy with their family, young and old. The usual problems with festivals such as litter, high entry fees, expensive catering and poorly cleaned toilets are not problems for DSF. I recommend the festival to everyone, with or without kids. A thoroughly enjoyable weekend, I will definitely be going back.

Becca Leisk, UK Festival Guides

Full review

 

Festivals For All

Deer Shed's charm is in the change in mood each day. With Friday we have the slow, relaxed start, Saturday the wall to wall music and activities and then on Sunday, well, Deer Shed was made for Sundays! The fields and areas that were buzzing with music, chat and excitement the night before were transformed to a sea of tranquility - papers, cake and coffee were the order of the day. The Big Top was host to the Just Music Café and we were again treated to Laki Mera, whose charm had not diminished from the previous afternoon. And for the kids, lots of big cardboard boxes! Save your money on your next Child's birthday, the cardboard box is the way to go - I have never seen so many kids have so much fun!

So, would I recommend Deer Shed? All I have to say is, can I do it again next weekend!

Charlie Greenwood, Festivals For All

Full review

 

Carpe Musica

In my opinion, this was one of the best thought-out and fun festivals that I have been to and it would be a superb first try for anyone who isn't sure if a festival is for them. With such a friendly atmosphere and a phenomenal all-round, the organisers of Deer Shed Festival really hit the nail on the head and created something to be truly proud of.

Kelvin Leigh, Carpe Musica

Full review

 

Keep your customer satisfied

Deputy Sheriff said to me, "thanks to all who completed our festival survey". We had a great response and your comments help us make better festivals. Although most of you seemed to have enjoyed an excellent weekend you have like last year highlighted areas for improvement - some we knew about and some we didn't (sharper scissors please). Top of your wish list were improved workshop availability and better separation in the camp site for folks wanting to stay up into the wee hours. Duly noted for next time.

Camping at the Deer Shed Festival

We have a really spacious and beautiful parkland campsite. In 2012 for the first time we will be using all 90 arces of our site for even more space. In the family camping areas we will have loads of stuff to keep kids occupied whilst you argue over which bit of the tent goes up first.

We only have so many wheelbarrows so this year we are delighted that Mr Trolley will be on site hiring out his trolleys to ease the carting about of camping clobber.

We know that most of you bring a car full of clobber with you to the festival but for those with a bit of space to spare why not head on over to goCarShare and go share a car.

Volunteers

Like all festivals we need keen volunteers of all ages to run smoothly. In exchange for working two 3 hour shifts over the weekend you will receive free entry to the festival. We need general volunteers to work parking cars, as campsite wardens, litter picking, welfare team members and helping out with kids workshops. Of course if you have a special skill, let us know.

Emails to andy.dalton@deershedfestival.com