Gone are the days when festivals were dangerous, edgy experiences. You’re more likely to trip over a Phil and Ted buggy than an acid casualty as today’s family friendly summer festivals. Modern festival going is geared up for families and there’s plenty to keep busy pre-schoolers entertained. If the idea of lounging in a field surrounded by friendly faces with brilliant music, arts and delicious food just a short stroll way sounds good, then get booking now for the summer.

Here’s the BFB guide to the top 5 family festivals of 2010:
(Listed in date order)
Latitude – 15 – 18 July, Henman Park, Suffolk. Latitude is back for its 5th year, mixing pop with poetry and renowned for its kid friendly atmosphere. Tickets on sale from 9 March.
Port Eliot – 23 – 25 July 2010, the festival for literary lovers on a grand stately home in Cornwall. This year they’re planning a huge play area featuring magic and puppet shoes for kids, along with an eclectic mix of music and the arts.
£130 adult, £50 for child 8-15 years
The Big Chill – 5 – 8 August, this iconic multimedia festival, set in the beautiful Eastnor Castle Deer Park, Herefordshire is a fixed date in many festival-goers summer diary, many of which are now returning with their kids in tow. The Big Chill is a firm family favourite. Tickets not on sale yet
Camp Bestival – 30 July – 1 August, Lulworth Castle, Dorset. Expect to see everything from Calvin Harris to Billy Bragg, the English National Opera, to an insect circus and even Mr Tumble. Camp Bestival’s Castle Stage, Magic Meadow and huge Kids Fields wows both parents and kids with their eclectic, imaginative and inventive line-up. The best festival for young families.  £155 adult, kids 11-17 £77.50
The Green Man - 20, 21, 22 August is a mellow, alternative, folk-ish festival set in a breath-taking setting in the Brecon Beacons. The Green Man has always welcomed families and there’s masses of action for kids, from walking with the Druids, to wishing on magic trees.  £150 adults, children under 12 for free.