‘Glastonbury for kids’ festival coming to Knebworth

Organisers of the Geronimo Festival have announced dates for a two-day event at Knebworth House next summer.

The UK’s largest festival for children aged up to 14 will take place in the grounds of the Hertfordshire stately home on Saturday, June 30 and Sunday, July 1, 2018.

Early bird tickets go on sale, for £25, at 9am today (Friday, September 29).

This will be the festival’s second site after Arley Hall in Cheshire.

On the addition of Knebworth, festival founder Simon Goldman said: “We’re over the moon to be rolling Geronimo out to another UK location due to popular demand.

“We have been looking for a second site for quite some time and Knebworth fits the bill perfectly.

“It’s such an iconic venue with a really amazing heritage and fantastic backdrop.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better home for the latest addition to our Geronimo family.”

Geronimo caters solely for children and aims to create magical memories for both seasoned and new festival-goers alike, whatever their age.

The festival site is 10 times the size of a children’s field at a regular family festival, and it offers the largest collection of children’s experiences in one location.

Knebworth House marketing executive Matt Smith said: “Our visitors asked for more children’s events so we jumped at the opportunity to host Geronimo Festival, which will make an excellent addition to our line-up of 2018 events.

“We love to offer our visitors unique days out at great value and that’s exactly what Geronimo will bring.

“We are looking forward to the ultimate kids’ festival.”

Launched in 2015 in Cheshire, Geronimo is the brainchild of Simon Goldman, a father-of-seven from Manchester.

He came up with the concept when he couldn’t find a day out that catered for all of his children – who range from toddlers to teenagers – in one place.

Simon said: “As a large family we were always on the lookout for days out that would keep all of our kids entertained.

“With varying ages, it was difficult to find something that catered for all.

“Then, when I started looking to take my kids to a festival, I found that a lot of the events were designed with adult entertainment at the forefront, and a kids’ zone as an addition.

“So, we came up with the idea of Geronimo and set out to create the ultimate festival experience.

“One where the kids are king, and the environment is designed first and foremost, from their perspective.

“We wanted to establish an experience where whether you’re two or you’re 14, you get to enjoy the perfect day out with your parents and siblings. A weekend of full-on fun and family madness.

“Over the last four years, I proud to say we have done that.”

The line-up is a curated mash-up of the best, as well as the most unique acts, activities and attractions to be found in the UK.

The likes of Justin Fletcher, Mr Bloom and Andy Day have all headlined Geronimo in the past.

Adventurers can also hit the ‘Adrenalin Zone’, taking to the high rope course, tackling the zip wire, building a den or facing one of four climbing walls.

Animal lovers can become junior zoo keepers, as well as ride donkeys, pet snakes and hang out with a private collection of Aldabra giant tortoises.

Those with a flair for the theatrical can get involved with music, theatre and craft workshops, as well as watch magician and illusionist performances in a 1,500-seater theatre.

While those with a love of all things fantastical can step inside the two circuses, which will be pitched at the event.

Music lovers can get enjoy silent discos, baby raves and cardboard harp classes.

And if that’s not enough, there’s a full-scale showground arena with activities such as jousting tournaments, motorcycle stunts and fire shows, timetabled each day.

Simon added: “Geronimo is now a world-class event and a great way to really connect as a family while also making magical memories.

“No other UK family festival or day out can offer as much diverse entertainment, at such great a value, as we do.

“Over the course of a day at Geronimo you can fit in over £140 of entertainment and all for just £25, if you grab an early bird ticket.

“As parents we hate hidden extras, so at Geronimo what you see if what you get.

“The only area of the festival that carries a nominal fee is the traditional Victorian funfair, and this year the festival is offering a pass for free unlimited rides if you purchase an early bird ticket.”

The newly added Knebworth event is set to replicate Cheshire festival’s winning formula.

It will take all the best elements of a fun family day out and combine them with an array of TV stars and the best in UK children’s entertainment.

The picturesque site will be split into 10 zones – 3ft And Under, Adrenaline, Circus, Pasture, Funky Junk, Library, Curio “City”, Arena, Geronostage and Theatre – and will offer something for everyone, no matter what their age.

The festival offers a free ticket for senior citizens with each paying adult, under twos and carers are also free.

Entry to Knebworth Park, Gardens, Adventure Playground and Dinosaur Trail are all included in the price of each festival ticket. This currently costs £9.50.

Knebworth House supplement tickets will cost the usual £3.50 for adults, £3 for senior citizens / children.

• To book your tickets, log on to www.geronimofest.com