We’re barefootin’

A FESTIVAL, which is all about getting back to basics, getting grass between your toes and taking time out from the pressures of modern life, once again returned to Prestwold Hall.

From Friday, July 28, until Sunday, July 30, the award-winning Barefoot Festival took over the wellused Leicestershire grounds.

This year once again saw the festival host an array of musicians. Brandy Thieves, Goldwater, The River Chickens, Chris Duckett, Midnight Honey Club and The Skys, were just a few of the talented performers to take to the stage.

And it wasn’t just music on offer for festival-goers as many workshops and craft sessions ran throughout the weekend. There were also child-friendly activities, evening shows and a Holi powder run.

Festival director Louisa Darling has hailed this year’s event a success and said it was great to see an increase of Leicestershire people.

She told the Echo: “Despite the weather forecast looking a bit grim, many people from near and far came to this year’s Barefoot Festival - Leicestershire’s best kept secret!

“There was an increase in local residents attending this year which we were really happy about.

“I’m passionate about keeping it local with many of the performers and teachers being from the Loughborough and the Leicestershire area.

“We served local brewery Charnwood Brewery Real Ale, locally made cider and Two Birds Gin - another Leicestershire product.

“We had fancy dress theme days and everyone got very involved - Saturday was Mythical Creatures Day so we had lots of dragons, mermaids and unicorns running around the site.”

She continued: “We were voted Best Family Friendly Festival by Green Parent Magazine this year so we felt we had a lot to live up to but I think we smashed it as we had over 100 children on site and had some fabulous feedback from mums and dads.

“We had some of Leicester’s top bands play in our band tent, the standard of local talent is mind blowing, there is not much need to look further a field and it also helps keep our carbon footprint down.

“We had over 70 workshops over the week end including cupcake decorating, salsa dancing, martial arts, tight rope walking, every type of yoga you can imagine and even a twerk workshop.

“But the highlight for me was the cabaret and burlesque shows held in our beautiful Big Top!”

For more information on Barefoot Festival, visit the website at www.barefootfestival.com. Alternatively search @barefootfestival on Facebook.

Pictured are festival-goers taking part in the holi powder run. Picture courtesy of Ed Chappell.

Pictured are festival-goers taking part in the holi powder run. Picture courtesy of Ness Sherry.

Pictured are festival-goers in full costume. Picture courtesy of Ness Sherry.

he festival, had plenty for children too including a yoga tent, an art tent and bubble fun. Picture courtesy of Ness Sherry.

Pictured are festival-goers enjoying the great outdoors and the various activities on offer. Picture courtesy of Ed Chappell.

Pictured is a festival-goer enjoying the great outdoors. Picture courtesy of Ness Sherry.

A festival-goers at the ‘back to basics’ event. Picture courtesy of Ness Sherry.

Festival-goers enjoying one of the many workshop. Picture courtesy of Ness Sherry.

Festival-goers enjoying one of the many workshops. Picture courtesy of Ness Sherry.

Barefoot Festival - getting back to basics. Picture courtesy of Ness Sherry.