For many people, the thought of large, overcrowded festivals seems like the perfect idea of hell; there’s nothing worse than being wedged in a massive crowd, miles away from your tent, with a terrible view of the stage. There is, however, an alternative.
Situated just 30 minutes from London in the charming town of Redhill,
Redfest offers punters a more relaxed festival experience. Celebrating its fifth year, the 2 day festival is well known for championing the best of up-and-coming and unsigned artists, with this year’s line up not disappointing. It acts as a brilliant launch pad for unsigned artists, offering a wide, eclectic mix of genres; from the brilliant
We Are The Ocean and
Ed Sheeran to the lesser-known, but just as splendid,
Two Spot Gobi and
Hold Your Horse In. There is something for everyone.
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| Two Spot Gobi |
The small, 5,000 person capacity allows revellers the chance to sit and chill in front of the main stage or in one of the many armchairs outside the ‘EasyNow’ bar. However, the numbers are still large enough to sustain a good atmosphere. The festival site itself is fairly small, and therefore easy to walk around and feel comfortable in, but at the same time is still big enough to appreciate each stage and tent, without music interference.
With a reasonable ticket price (£30/£35 for day and £50 for weekend tickets), Redfest is the perfect ‘starter’ festival for music lovers everywhere, allowing people – teens especially – to gain a love and knowledge of festival life, without the problems and worries that attending larger versions include. The small, homely site is also perfect for parents with young children, due to its designated family camping area, and its safe, relaxed environment.
Despite lacking the global headline acts which the larger competitors offer, Redfest remains an accomplished, independent festival, and a perfect eye-opener for the next generation. With an energetic atmosphere, diverse line up and intimate setting, Redfest is the ideal weekend break from a hectic city life, without any of the stress, expense or distance that other festivals offer.
