The Meraki Festival in Herts showground over the weekend was praised by visitors for offering entertainment and activities for adults and children alike.
Overnight campers and day visitors gathered at the festival site for three days of family activities and musical performances from Gabrielle, All Saints, Pixie Lott, Nik Kershaw, Morcheeba and 10CC.
Despite heavy rain on Friday, the weather brightened up in time for musical performances on the main stage, and the sun shined throughout Saturday for families to enjoy food on the field, Europe’s biggest outdoor inflatable water slide, a mobile caving system and more.
On Saturday, festival goers told the Herts Ad what they thought of this year’s activities. Tina Elstob said: “There’s loads to do. I think there’s more going on than what we thought there would be. We saw the comedians yesterday and they were really good.”
Nina Fox said: “It’s our first time here and we’re just amazed at how many activities there are to do. We’re going to go over to the kids area and try to have a swim. Obviously the weather helps as well. It’s just fantastic.”
Lisa Raftery said: “We’re really enjoying it so far. We spent some time on the water slide which was excellent. We really wanted a child-friendly festival to come to that we could also have fun at as grown-ups, and there’s plenty for them and us.”
Her friend Rachel Gibson-Dunst said: “We came last year and this year it’s bigger and better. There’s so much more going on.”
Chris Pillsworth, who was with his son Tom, said: “It’s brilliant. We came along last year and we camped then and really enjoyed it, so we actually booked last year to come back again.
“Last year we came to the glamping and this year we brought our own tents and we’ve got a bit more space. We’re really enjoying it, especially when the weather’s going right. “There’s lots of things to do for everyone, and we’ve got my daughter here and our friends who have kids of different ages and there are plenty of activities to keep them occupied.”
Michelle Marriott said: “We knew it was family-friendly but it’s actually for families. I’ve got a three year old and a five year old and it’s fantastic. Just to be able to stand and have a beer and not worry because the kids are fully entertained.”
Her friend Kelly Edwards praised Meraki festival founder Kerry Marks, saying: “I think she’s covered all bases for all age ranges. The bubble show was fantastic, and Kerry’s done a great job catering for the adults as well.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here