Bloom

Why should I go?
They promise both “extra fun” and “nice bits”.

Any interesting titbits of information?
Bloom was nominated Best New UK Festival in its first year, 2006.

Eagerly establishing itself as a festival to watch, Bloom is now in its fourth year and appears to be in very rude health. Touting the same festival philosophy as Green Man and End of the Road, these three days of electro, breaks, jazz, hip-hop and funk are designed for all the family. Its heavy emphasis on good food and drink and non-musical activities make it a boutique-y, grime-free experience. There is camping next door to the site (the price of which is included in the weekend ticket) and if you’re quick, you can buy an Early Bird ticket now for £50.

The festival line-up usually has an exciting dance bent, and last year saw Roisin Murphy headline, with Roni Size, Kissy Sell Out, Benga and Scratch Perverts all lending their talents to the Bloom experience. Expect plenty of familiar DJs, with an emphasis on dub, drum and bass, electro and techno. On top of that, there is loads on offer should you prefer to relax: Digital Funfair can help you realise your mixology dreams; get married in the bigLOVE inflatable church or get an Indian head massage in the Vegetable Patch. A great weekend for big kids and real kids alike.

Ticket price: Early bird weekender: £50 (+ £5 booking fee). Prices will go up once 500 tickets are sold.

Accommodation: Camping, Caravans (£25 charge for live-in vehicles). Boutique camping available through festival website.

Site opening: Camping areas open 6pm, Thursday August 13th. Festival site will open at 11am, Friday August 14th.

Capacity: 6,000

Stages: There are five (as yet unnamed) stages this year.

Travel: Nearest train station is Cheltenham Spa; Bloom is 10 minutes from there in a cab. For drivers, it’s 5 minutes off Junction 11a of the M5, Seven Springs is just off the A435 and A436.