There’s something brilliant about festival season in Leicestershire. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, 2025’s lineup of family-friendly events promises unforgettable experiences. From the vibrant Melton Pop Festival to the legendary Glastonbudget celebrating two decades of musical homage, there’s an event for everyone to enjoy. Imagine dancing to iconic tunes at Back2Festival or savoring culinary delights at the East Midlands Food And Drink Festival with the whole family. And let’s not forget the lively beats of Melton SkaFest, where the whole town grooves together. Dive into this guide and discover why these Leicestershire festivals are perfect for everyone regardless of age.  Cause at the end of the day, age is just a number, memories are for life.

Please note: Whilst I’m saying these 5 festivals are great for families, you can enjoy these festivals just as much if you are a group of adults without kids. Infact, I implore you to check these festivals out regardless because you’ll have a great time. Otherwise I wouldn’t be writing blog posts about them. Besides, who else is going to make sure the bars make money? 😉

Melton Pop Festival

The Melton Pop Festival is all about celebrating the biggest names in pop music. Imagine your kids belting out Taylor Swift’s latest hit or challenging their inner Pokemon trainer as they join in with an Ed Sheeran tribute.

It’s not just about the music. The organisers of this BRAND NEW FESTIVAL are going all out to ensure it’s a great family day out. There will be a fairground for thrill-seekers and a soft play area for the little ones. In short, the whole family will be spoilt for choice. 

One of the best things about Melton Pop Fest is its wallet-friendly pricing. At £14.40 per adult and £6 for kids aged 5-16, it’s one of the most affordable festivals on this list. And if you’ve got little ones under 5, they get in for free!

Glastonbudget

Glastonbudget has been rocking for 20 years now, and it’s a festival that I have previously raved about on this blog. These guys are pulling out all the stops for this anniversary. From May 22nd to 25th, you can expect a little bit of everything with the best tribute acts in the world.

Fancy seeing ‘Elton John’ belting out “Rocket Man”? Or how about ‘ACDC’ shaking you all night long? With tributes to P!nk, Eminem, and many more, it’s like having your favourite Spotify playlist live onstage.

Glastonbudget offers a range of ticket options to suit different needs and budgets. Adult camping tickets are £132.50, while teens can camp for £127.20. Kids under 13? Just £5.30!

If camping’s not your thing, day tickets are available for Saturday and Sunday at £53 for adults and £42.40 for teens. It’s a great way to dip your toe into the festival experience without committing to the full weekend.

For those looking for a bit of luxury, there’s Camping Plus and Club GB options. These offer extra amenities for a more comfortable festival experience. It’s worth checking out their website for full details.

Melton SkaFest

On July 26th, Melton Mowbray Town Park will be alive with the sounds of ska. The festival brings together a variety of acts, showcasing the best of ska, mod, and reggae music.

But SkaFest isn’t just about the music. The organizers have ensured there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained. From bouncy castles to soft play areas, there’s no shortage of activities for the little ones. As for the big kids? There will be a beer tent onsite to stop you getting parched. 

Adult tickets are priced at £18, which is great value for a full day of entertainment. Kids aged 5-16 are just £6. Kids aged 4 and under get in for free.

Back2Festival

From August 7th to 10th, Back2Festival will be serving up a hefty dose of nostalgia. With acts like Darren Styles, B*Witched, Black Lace, Sash, and even East 17,  it’s like stepping into a time machine back to the days where the biggest issue we haz was circling the inflatable sofas in the Argos catalogue. 

But it’s not just about the music. The festival goes all out with its retro theme. Fancy a spin at the roller disco? Or how about showing off your skills in the retro gaming area? It’s these little touches that make Back2Festival more than just a concert.

The atmosphere at Back2Festival is electric. It’s a place where parents can relive their youth and kids can discover the tunes that shaped a generation. Cause every child needs to understand the chokehold the Cheeky Girls dance had on us back in the day.

Standard weekend camping tickets are £137 for adults and £72 for kids aged 6-17. Little ones 5 and under get in free. It’s a fair price for four days of non-stop entertainment.

For those looking to upgrade their experience, VIP camping is available at £235 for adults and £85 for kids. This includes access to a special seating area, a balcony with great views, posh toilets, and a private bar.

East Midlands Food And Drink Festival

East Midlands Food Festival, set for October 4th and 5th, is a love letter to region’s best food and drink. From local specialties to innovative new dishes, there’s something to tantalize every taste bud. Even pickiest eaters will find something they like here (just bring some wipes incase you buy  the character candy floss. That stuff can get sticky. Take it from first hand experience).

One of the festival’s highlights is its series of talks and demonstrations. You might learn about the history of the famous Melton Mowbray pork pie or pick up tips for budget-friendly recipes. It’s not just about eating, your family also get to learn outside of the classroom.

For the little ones, there are food-based workshops designed to get them excited about food and cooking. Just make sure to convince them to share the results of their labour.

The East Midlands Food Festival offers great value for money. Adult tickets are priced at just £7, and kids get in for free. It’s an affordable way to spend a day exploring the best of the region’s food scene.

In previous years, Groupon deals have been available, making it even more budget-friendly. Keep an eye out for similar offers in 2025.

Want more festival ideas?

If you want even more options, why not check out my video discussing 5 festivals based in the Melton Borough that the tourism boards don’t typically cover.

Please note, both Noisily and Forbidden Forest are strictly 18+ only so bare this in mind when making your plans.

You are truly spoilt for choice in Leicestershire and I hope that your diary will be full of festival plans. Mine certainly will be.

Until next time folks, have a good one.

Kelly