10 alternative things to do at Somersault Festival
Dive in and cool off at Somersault Festival. Pic by Andy Casey - Credit: Archant
The headline acts have been announced, but Somersault Festival in Filleigh has so much more to offer then just music. From slacklining to storytelling, here’s 10 things not to miss...
Somersault Festival kicks off at Castle Hill Estate on Thursday (July 23), but what can you expect from the wild weekend?
As well as headline acts Laura Marling, Bombay Bicycle Club and Passenger, there is plenty going on throughout the weekend.
Whether you’re after a little sporting competition, a wild swim, storytelling fun or a chance to unleash your inner child, Somersault has it all.
So if you’re looking for something a little different, here are 10 things not to miss at Somersautlt Festival this year...
Tales in the Tower
For a magical story telling night, head to Somersault’s very own crumbled stone folly. Tales on the Tower brings three nights of storytelling for adults and children, with Nick Hunt and Sarah Lisa Wilkinson. Meet at the House & Gardens meeting point at 8pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights to be led up the hill to the candlelit tower.
You may also want to watch:
Volleyball
Get your volleyball game on with Denise Austin, North Devon’s premier international volleyball coach, at Somersault. Join a two-hour slot competition to see if your team can make it through to the Sunday Grand Final. There will also be some expert coaching on hand.
Dive on in
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Festival showers not up to scratch? Freshen up by diving into the river – wild swimming is all the rage and it’s a great way to cool down if the weather starts to heat up a bit. Fingers crossed!
Rambling for Romantics
After something completely different? The Royal Society for the Pursuit of Love Birds (RSPLB) is running a Rambling for Romantics event. The bird watching and expert dating agency’s president Jenny Wren will run a stroll through the bushes, with bird watching, conversational highlights on the mating habits of birds and some very silly nature-based activities.
Lost Kinds Hideaway
For adults and big-kids alike, test out your Lost Boys survival skills with a flying masterclass, rope climbing, water sliding, tug of war and some ghoulish campfire ghost stories. Undone Productions is perfect for those seeking a little adventure.
Wagons for children
Little ones starting to tire? From 6pm on Friday you can hire a trolley overnight – complete with canopy and cushions – to wheel the children around while you dance the night away. Choose a colour, pay a deposit, and off you go!
Crafting yarn
Fancy unleashing your creative side? Hattie and Flora are offering a number of creative workshops from pompom making to seashell mermaid necklaces. Drop in to the yarn craft workshops over the weekend for £3 an item.
Slacklining
Test your balance by trying out the new craze of slacklining. Like a tightrope only wider, and with the bounce of a trampoline, learn from the experts and put your acro-ambitions to the text with Ru-Slack.
The fun of the circus
Last year the Gorilla Circus flying trapeze show was not to be missed – and this year you can once again marvel at the daring acrobatics. And don’t miss The Invisible Circus and its high wire show.
The Club House
With a five-lane athletics track, The Club House will host a varied mix of sports and games, all dedicated to the art of winning. Varying from mass synchronised dances and slow bike races to giant Scrabble and rounders, there is something for everyone.
Weekend and day tickets are still available for Somersault Festival, which runs from July 23-27. Visit somersaultfestival.com for more information and to buy tickets.