Just a short drive from Weston-super-Mare, the Mendip Hills will come alive across six weekends this summer with the return of the Mendip Mini Festivals – a packed programme of live music, outdoor adventures, family activities and feel-good festival fun in one of Somerset’s most beautiful landscapes
A different kind of summer festival for all the family
The Mendip Mini Festivals set in the grounds of the Mendip Activity Centre and Mendip Basecamp, offer something increasingly rare: a festival atmosphere that’s relaxed, affordable and genuinely family friendly. With live entertainment, outdoor activities and beautiful countryside all rolled into one, it’s one of Somerset’s most unexpected and memorable summer experiences.
the perfect introduction to the festival scene
Mendip Mini Fests offer the perfect introduction to the festival scene – and are a fabulous option if you’re looking for something different to do during the school holidays. With camping onsite This could be your new family tradition.
Running every weekend from 24 July to 30 August 2026, these family-friendly events combine the best bits of a festival with the space, freedom and fresh air of the countryside. Think live bands under the stars, storytelling sessions, circus skills, nature discovery walks, woodland orienteering and outdoor yoga – all set against the backdrop of the stunning Mendip Hills.
What Can You Expect?
Every Mendip Mini Festival weekend features:
• Live music on Friday and Saturday evenings
• Circus skills workshops including juggling, plate spinning and diabolos
• Children’s storytelling sessions
• Nature activities exploring Somerset’s wildlife and landscapes
• Orienteering adventures through woodland trails
• Outdoor yoga sessions for all abilities
It’s a chance to swap queues and crowds for campfires, countryside and quality family time.
Live Music in the Hills
Music is at the heart of every Mini Festival weekend, with local talent and popular regional bands taking to the stage across the summer.
Highlights include performances from:
• Sam Evans
• The Lipinski Brothers
• The Missing Cat Band
• Aardvarks
• Supervision
• Station2Station
From acoustic folk and soul to indie rock, Britpop and party classics, there’s something for every generation. Better still, performances wrap up by 10pm, making it easy for younger festival-goers to enjoy the fun before bedtime.
Camping at Mendip Basecamp
Surrounded by ancient woodland, Mendip Basecamp is an award-winning family campsite where you can experience authentic off-grid camping with the freedom to pitch where you like, have a campfire, and check out when it suits.
Basecamp has all the essentials plus several luxuries: hot showers, flushing toilets, a café-bar, a pop-up shop, USB charging and even fast WIFI.
If you’re already camping the Mendip Mini Fests are already included at no extra cost.
Add on some adventure activities
Alongside the festival vibe, you’ll find over 20 bookable outdoor activities at Mendip Activity Centre’s onsite adventure hub. With activities like rock climbing, skiing, archery, frisbee golf, paddleboarding and caving, there’s an adventure for everyone!
Mini-Fest Weekend Dates 2026
24–26 July
Kick off the summer with storytelling, family workshops and a headline performance from Supervision, bringing a Rock ‘n’ Soul soundtrack inspired by legends including Stevie Wonder, Queen and Journey.
31 July–2 August
Enjoy uplifting folk and soul from Sam Evans before dancing along to the energetic world-folk sounds of Aardvarks.
7–9 August
Fresh from Glastonbury success, The Sam Evans Band headlines a weekend packed with music, family activities and outdoor adventures.
14–16 August
Expect feel-good favourites from local favourites Station2Station, covering everything from the 1960s to today’s chart hits.
21–23 August
Bring your dancing shoes as The Missing Cat Band delivers a weekend of crowd-pleasing party tunes and festival energy.
28–30 August
Round off the summer with Weston-super-Mare favourites The Lipinskis, bringing their signature acoustic indie-rock and Britpop sound to the Mendip Hills.