27/06/2017

Trevin Chengabroyen

Wildfire Adventure Camp has been a festival we’ve wanted to go to since it first began in 2015. We here at Festival For You love something that’s a little bit different, and if that something a little bit different is done well – you’ve got something very special. The festival is a hybrid between a music festival and a 1950’s adventure camp, sounds cool already right? You can take part in the carefully curated activities in the day led by the ever energetic tour leaders, then come nightfall immerse yourself in the music and lose yourself to the smells and sounds of the open woodland.

As we arrived, we were greeted with smiles and led through the orange and white retro tent towards the entrance – a long wooden chipped covered pathway with looming trees and beautifully interweaved light bulbs lead us towards the main site. You were able to roam the grounds as you pleased; there were open green areas full of activities, energy and laughter as well as hidden woodland and grassy coves you can take yourself away to. As the voice bellowed around the festival from the scoutmaster in the Radio Wildfire shack, you could really feel that the organisers put a lot of thought into all aspects of the festival.   

After trying out mask making, and escaping the sun for a spot of yoga in the shade, we decided to switch up the energy levels a little and go on the Zombie Run. As you do. The set-up was on point, from the scout leaders acting to being led into to the woods and chased by blood covered zombies – there were props, carcasses, blood, blood and a whole lot more blood. The aim of the game was to escape from the zombies, note to self, restrictive jean shorts are not useful for a zombie apocalypse.

Walking back to the main arena for a well deserved shower, relaxation and one of their delightful gin, elderflower and thyme cocktails, we headed into the woods for our next activity - beekeeping. The instructor from The London Bee Company was great, he knew about the subject in depth and we got to try exotic honeys and even have a go at beekeeping ourselves. This is just one of the examples of the breadth of activities available with over fifty on offer.

Over the weekend there were four teams challenging for the title of best camp team: The Badgers, The Foxes, The Squirrels and The Hawks. This culminated in the final sports day of the weekend where there was a tug of war, boot throwing, an egg and spoon race, a three legged-race and a whole lot more nostalgic wackiness - everyone loves an excuse to act like a child. There was also an epic live brass band.

As the sun set on the last day of the festival, the Wildfire Social Club packed out and produced a fitting send off, end the festival as it begun – with energy and happiness. We particularly liked Hey Charlie – watch out for this female grunge three piece.

This is a festival we’ll definitely be returning to. We were only able to stay for the day, but next year we’re there for the whole weekend without a doubt. Amongst the hundreds of music festivals in England, this is something that’s genuinely different to any other, and what more it's super value for money.

Early bird tickets are at a reduced price until 29th June 2017 so get there quickly! you'll find them here