At different stages
Have a field day with this feast of alternative UK festivals for spring and summer By Vicky Lissaman
Bluedot, Jodrell Bank, Cheshire, July 21-24
You don’t have to be a science nerd to pitch up at Bluedot for four days of cosmic fun. This year
Björk headlines, accompanied by
Manchester’s Hallé
Orchestra. Historian David Olusoga, space scientist Monica Grady, and comic Stewart Lee will chat science and culture. Even The Clangers will make an appearance.
Wake up below the Lovell Telescope in
Bedouin tents, podpads and bell tents at The Colony, the boutique campsite.
Standard bell tents, £425. Adult weekend £189.25, 11-15s £87, 6-10 children £27.50, five and under free, day tickets from £35. discoverthe bluedot.com/tickets
Dogstival, Broadlands Park, Romsey, Hampshire, June 4-5
Get the Vipooch treatment at the ultimate doggy weekend on the banks of the River Test. At this special Platinum Jubilee edition, expect Barkingham Palace street parties and huge canine thrones.
Kicking off the celebration is Stand-up Canine Comedy with the Barking Mad Comedy Club. Line-up includes dog-loving comedians
Adam Bloom and Russell
Hicks. The Jubilee Tea
Pawty will bring a slice of
London to Dogstival and doggies can chow down on
Poocharoni doggy pizza and raise a glass of pawsecco. Four-legged activities include Barkour, Dogstival’s twist on parkour, and a doggy-paddle in the giant 10-metre dog diving splash pool.
Dogstival’s Main Arena returns with demonstrations from gundog expert
Sam Thatcher and the Dog House Stage provide talks on canine health and behaviour.
This year’s event will also be delving deep into the hot topic of the benefits of raw dog food.
Day tickets £15 adults, £9 kids, dogstival.co.uk