Name: Dellfest - The fun-size Hampshire festival offering a family-friendly alternative to the UK’s megafestivals
Uploaded: 2026-04-24T12:23:51.000Z
Duration: 39 s
Description: Independent festival is offering a refreshing alternative to the UK’s large-scale music events this summer

Independent festival is offering a refreshing alternative to the UK’s large-scale music events this summer

A small independent festival in the Hampshire countryside is offering a refreshing alternative to the UK’s large-scale music events this summer. Dellfest, hosted at The Dell in the Meon Valley, is a family-friendly countryside festival designed for those seeking a more relaxed, welcoming and community-led experience.

Taking place on Friday 17th July (4pm–10:30pm) and Saturday 18th July (midday–10:30pm), the two-day event blends live music, outdoor activities and great food in a setting where children can roam freely and adults can enjoy the atmosphere without the crowds.

Set within the South Downs National Park near Petersfield, Dellfest is part of a growing trend towards micro-festivals - smaller, independent events that prioritise atmosphere, space and experience over scale.

At its heart, Dellfest is a celebration of local talent and community spirit, with a line-up that reflects the creativity and character of the surrounding area. The weekend opens with performances from Churcher’s School Choir, bringing a strong local connection to the stage, before giving way to lively sets from The Fabulous FUG Band and HYPR. Saturday builds on this with an eclectic mix of sounds, from the vibrant rhythms of Swan Samba to the feel-good harmonies of Little Town Choir and the playful energy of a ukulele band. Acts like Truly Medley Deeply and Earth Lights round out the programme, creating a soundtrack that moves from laid-back afternoon listening to a more upbeat evening atmosphere.

Beyond the music, Dellfest has been designed with families in mind, offering a wide range of activities that feel more like a village fête than a commercial festival. Children can dip in and out of creative workshops including crafts, pottery and jewellery-making, while face painting, festival glitter and balloon entertainment add to the sense of occasion. There are also opportunities to get active, with organised sports sessions and yoga for both adults and children, creating a balance between energy and relaxation across the site.

Food and drink play an equally important role in shaping the experience, with a strong focus on quality and independent traders. The Dell’s own wood-fired sourdough pizza sits at the centre of the offering, alongside gourmet burgers and a selection of carefully chosen food partners including The Garden Restaurant, Black Butter Social Dining and Crepe Salut. Together, they create a relaxed, social dining atmosphere where guests can gather, eat well and enjoy the setting as the day unfolds.

The result is a festival that feels rooted in its surroundings - where local performers, independent food, and a thoughtfully curated programme come together to create something that is both intimate and distinctly community-led.

Visitors can extend their stay with camping or glamping at The Dell’s sister site, Cedar Valley, offering safari tents, cabins and spacious camping fields just moments from the festival site.

Dellfest is proud to support Sands, the charity speaking up about pregnancy and baby loss, saving babies’ lives and supporting bereaved families.

Hannah Peck, Strategic Partnerships Manager at Sands, said: “We’re so grateful to everyone at The Dell for choosing Sands as the charity partner for this year’s family friendly festival, Dellfest. Their generosity and commitment will help us continue our vital work to support anyone touched by pregnancy or baby loss, as well as supporting to drive forward research that saves babies’ lives. We’d like to say a big thank you to everyone involved.”

Organiser Emily Tyrwhitt-Drake said: "We created Dellfest to be a festival that families can enjoy together - where there’s space to relax, great music, and a real sense of community. It’s everything people love about festivals, just on a smaller, more welcoming scale.”