A number of you have been asking when booking will open for this year’s Family Fest and we hope the following explains where we are.
As you will have observed in the media, there has been a number of issues relating to safeguarding and the management of abuse within the Church of England, which led to the resignation of Archbishop Justin Welby at the end of 2024. As a result, the way events which are not organised by a specific parish or by the Diocese has had to change. At this point we would like to emphasise that there are no issues with how Family Fest is run or the Safeguarding processes we follow; in fact we have been commended in that regard.
For those who have been coming to Family Fest since 2016, you will have seen it grow year by year, from 35-40 in the first year to just under 300 last year – which is remarkable given that we could not run the Festival for two years after the pandemic. In the light of the national picture, a meeting was held with the Diocesan Senior Team in January and, because of the success of Family Fest and where it sits within the Diocese, we were asked to form an independent Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) which would provide a long-term foundation and governance for Family Fest.
Despite our best efforts, and a lot of work, and because of a change to the way bank accounts run for charities, this has taken far longer than we expected, and is still not in place. This means the formation of the Charitable Incorporated Organisation is not complete.
All this is leading for us to tell you that it is with heavy hearts, that Family Fest will not be able to run this year. We are continuing to work to have the CIO in place in the coming months so as not to affect next year. We appreciate that this will be disappointing for you, as it certainly is for us, but we hope you understand.
On a more positive note:
Next year, Family Fest will be ten years old! So please put the 12th-14th June 2026 in your diaries as it will be a weekend to remember.
If you have any queries or questions please do not hesitate to be in touch.
What is Family Fest? Family Fest has been running since 2016 at the River Dart Country Park. It a great opportunity to gather together with other families and share a weekend of activities, games, workshops, music and worship. Everyone has a wonderful time as you can see from the comments below and the photos in our gallery.
We returned to the River Dart Country Park in 2022 (after missing 2 years due to Covid) and again in 2023 and 2024 for our fabulous weekend under canvas (or in a caravan/camper). As always we had a brilliant weekend, and were again blessed with great weather.
Family Fest 2026 will take place from the afternoon of Friday 12th to the afternoon of Sunday 14th June. Save the date and join our mailing list for all the details as they are available.
A poster for the 2024 event is available here.
Who is Family Fest for? Well, for YOU! Families are made up of people of all ages, and we look forward to welcoming families from parishes and communities across the Diocese of Exeter and the South West region.
Family Fest is open to everyone – those exploring faith, re-engaging, or looking to deepen their existing belief. Enjoy a relaxed weekend of family time, getting away from the stresses of the everyday. Children can play together outdoors in a safe environment, whether it’s kicking a ball around on our camping field, playing on the pirate ship, swinging on the high ropes or having a sing-song. For parents, it’s a chance to talk about faith, family and parenting – or whatever they want to share.
Where is it? The River Dart Country Park, just off the A38 near Ashburton and within the Dartmoor National Park – http://riverdart.co.uk/
When is it? Friday 20th to Sunday 22nd June 2025
What are the arrival and departure times? Arrive after school on Friday and depart after lunch on Sunday (although everyone is welcome to stay and use River Dart Country Park’s facilities for the rest of the day).
What is the programme for the weekend? Friday evening opens with a BBQ followed by games and the opening liturgy in the marquee.
Saturday starts with Morning Prayer and Mass for those that wish, followed by family workshops until about lunchtime. The afternoon is free to explore the extensive park attractions, with everyone regrouping for supper and early evening liturgy.
On Sunday there’s a Bible study for those who wish and a sung Mass at 11am. After lunch Family Fest closes for another year, but you can stay to enjoy River Dart Country Park’s facilities for the rest of the day.
On the Friday and Saturday evenings the marquee becomes a socialising space.
How much does it cost? Once again in 2024 we managed to hold the cost at £25 per person. The price for 2025 is to be confirmed. There’s no charge for children under 3. The subsidised cost includes camping fees for the weekend, worship and workshops, access to River Dart Country Park, and meals on the Friday and Saturday evenings. Day visitors are welcome. For more information please email us on: familyfestsw@gmail.com .
What are the camping facilities like? Family Fest takes over the Picnic Meadow (see http://riverdart.co.uk/park-guide/park-map for a map of the park). This field is for tents, caravans and campervans and has its own amenity block with free hot water and showers, and toilets. There are electric hook-up points if required (available on a first come, first served basis). There are covered washing up areas, water and rubbish points, recycling facilities, and laundry rooms (coin operated).
Please note there is a steep descent into Picnic Meadow, notify us if you are planning to bring a large caravan as you may need to be sited on an alternative field.
Is there catering? Meals on Friday and Saturday evenings are included in the price for weekend campers, or day visitors. All are encouraged to join together for evening meals. Breakfasts and lunches are expected to be provided by campers themselves. There is a tea and coffee tent available for all to use.
What do I need to bring? In addition to all the usual camping equipment, please bring chairs for the worship in the marquee and meals. Please don’t forget plates, cutlery, mugs and glasses for all the family. You’ll need to bring your own breakfast items for Saturday and Sunday, and your lunch on Saturday. Don’t forget suitable items for protection from the sun (we hope..) and something warm and waterproof in case we aren’t blessed with the weather we are praying for.
Can I bring my dog? River Dart Country Park welcomes dogs for day visits and for camping trips (maximum of 2 per pitch). Dogs must be kept on leads at all times on site.
What have people said about Family Fest?
“We had such a fabulous time….. all of the families want to come next year! Importantly, I met people from other churches too.”
“Family Fest was a fantastic success again – the best so far!”
“First weekend at Family Fest! What an amazing time we’ve had. Thank you!”
“We had the best weekend.”
Have a look at our Gallery and view the links below for videos and photographs of previous Family Fest weekends:
2019 – https://www.facebook.com/CofEDevon/videos/1699156923548876/?v=1699156923548876
2018 – https://www.facebook.com/SocietyofStWilfridandStHilda/videos/750107305381243/
Family Fest Southwest 
