Carnivals, Festivals, Fairs and Fun!

With a new year comes new and exciting events. Here in Suffolk, we are spoilt for choice with an abundance of wonderful things to do from music festivals to village fetes. We’d like to give you the low down on what we think are the not to be missed events to attend this year, as well as our suggestions for some fantastically family-friendly properties.

Latitude 12th – 15th July

Now in its twelfth year, the ever popular and very successful Latitude Festival is an amazing presentation of music, comedy, poetry, dance and all-around having a great time. Found in the beautiful Henham Park, just a few miles from Southwold, this festival has previously won Best Family Festival and Best Family Day Out and we certainly agree. Kids will love the family field, which is now home to three areas including ‘kid’s area’, ‘inbetweeners area’ and the Enchanted Garden. Here you’ll find the likes of ‘Creative Crafting’, ‘Wildlife Weird science & Adventure’ and the standout helter-skelter. As well as the family area, the rest of the festival always delivers an outstanding lineup, delicious food stops and non-stop fun.

Wangford Lodge

Located at the edge of Henham Park estate, and therefore only a mile and a half from Latitude Festival is Wangford Lodge. A luxurious abode sleeping up to seven people, this holiday home links indoors and outdoors perfectly with its double French doors that lead out onto the patio and a large private garden, hidden by its surrounding trees. Inside guests will find calming interiors, exposed beams and high-quality furnishings.

Aldeburgh Carnival 18th – 20th August

Dating as far back as 1835, Aldeburgh Carnival is a wonderful town tradition that still brings hundreds of people flooding to the popular seaside town each year. Across the three days, the carnival offers fun goings on such as swimming races in the sea, Punch and Judy performances, a wealth of food and drink and on the Monday, a carnival procession. Most iconic from the Aldeburgh Carnival is the lantern procession. Carnival goers march from the town centre to the beach, creating a beautiful river of lights that lead to the final, and very impressive firework display.

10 North Warren

Located a mile away from the centre of Aldeburgh is 10 North Warren, a spacious and well-presented holiday home with a generously sized garden, perfect for garden games and al-fresco dining. Guests can enjoy waking up to peace and quiet along with beautiful views across to Thorpeness. Once the fun of Aldeburgh Carnival has been enjoyed, families can return to the comfort of North Warren knowing they’ll gain a great night’s sleep.

The Suffolk Show 30th – 31st May

Suffolk is proud of its farming heritage, the county has luscious farmland that produces top quality meats and vegetation, there are more pigs in Suffolk than humans! With farming right at the heart of the show, The Suffolk Show is a celebration of all things agricultural along with live music, food and drink, shopping, displays and much more. The largest pop-up show in the county, it is a family-friendly event to not be missed. From dog agility displays to bungee jumping, The Suffolk Show offers a great day out for the whole family. Kids will love getting up close to a range of thousands of animals including sheep, cattle, horses, ponies and pigs. The show runs over two days at Trinity Park, whether you decide to visit once or twice, you’ll certainly not be at risk of running out of things to do.

Wayfarer Cottage

Just a few minutes' walk from all the amenities of Woodbridge, Wayfarer Cottage is a beautifully presented holiday cottage for up to five people. Kids will love the Wendy house which can be found at the bottom of the garden along with the fun bunk beds found inside. Wayfarer Cottage is just under a twenty-minute drive from Trinity Park where The Suffolk Show takes place, so is a perfect base for guests wishing to visit the show.

Jimmy’s Festival 21st – 22nd July

Made famous by the celebrity chef Jimmy Doherty, you know, the one who’s friends with Jamie Oliver, Jimmy’s Farm is a wonderful day out for the family, and in July the farm opens up to the public and has an annual celebration of music and food. The main theme of the festival is sausages and beer, and Jimmy is known for producing high quality, local ingredients from farm animals which have the best quality of life possible. As well as the adults being able to test some tasty tipples, the kids can too with the festivals amazing kids bar which sells mocktails and juices. The festival hosts other great food traders and cooking demonstrations, live music, and a wonderful wildlife and farm park area for children, open from 12-6 each day. If you’re really wanting to be a great sport, why not enter their eating competitions!?

Lake Farm Barn, Holbrook

Surrounded by Suffolk Countryside, Lake Farm Barn welcomes guests with open arms into its wonderful open planned living spaces. A light and airy property with floor to ceiling windows and slide doors, the property makes the most of its naturistic views. Lake Farm Barn sleeps up to six people, and two pets are welcome should the guests wish. Being just over ten minutes away from Jimmy’s Festival, the barn is the perfect retreat for families wanting to make the most of the two days of the festival.