We arrived on a lovely sunny afternoon to the inaugural Forgotten Fields Festival in Eridge Park. A beautiful location once we could find it, a diversion took us through some ‘interesting’ country lanes, a few more signs next year would'nt go a miss!

On entering you would not have known there was a festival taking place if it wasn't for stewards in there high vis vests collecting for the car park, the walk to the entrance was about half a mile over undulating countryside. It was clear to see there were some issues with camper vans/ caravans which tailed back almost to the entrance with still an hour to go before the gates were due to open. On a positive the queues for the camp site were minimal, this was due to the ‘relaxed’ nature of the security staff.

Perhaps a gap of 1 week between Kendall Calling and their new baby Forgotten Fields was the reason for some teething problems. 

Once in the arena there was various food stalls including stone baked pizzas, chocolate churros, Indian, Mexican Rotisserie chicken & The Tibetan Kitchen a new one us for which you could buy a super combo of everything on the menu for £9.00 although for those on a budget there was lots more on offer.

The Woodman Cocktail Bar provided some light refreshments at £8.50 for a double or £6 for a glass of prosecco and they were also open to requests.

The beer festival started slowly and there was only 2 available when we arrived priced on the strength of the brew from £4-£4.50.

The kid’s area The Big Top Mania boasted, Zumba, bikes, Trapeze, workshops, UK African Acrobats, arts and crafts, juggling plus along with A Big Bears BIG Balloon disco.

This area would prove to be popular as the festival was billed as family friendly and we had never seen so many under 5’s at a festival since Wood Festival. Perhaps being advertised as a 4,000 capacity event helped to aim at those seeking a safe environment for their little ones to enjoy and it proved to be the case.

Photo: Jason Pierce-Williams

Stages varied from The Main Stage, Tim Peaks House Party Stage for dance lovers and the weird and wonderful Gypsy Disco Stage, plus The Horizons stage for the up and coming.

The event kicked off with festival veteran Beans On Toast, who performed a relaxed set in within the crowd instead of on the Main Stage, getting some interaction from the crowd and some young girls. Beans on Toast loves a chat between songs, so before performing an unnamed track about David Cameron he gave the background of how the election result would see the Tories steal from the working class and give to their wealthy etc etc. At the end of the song a little girl took to the microphone and asked “has this man stolen your money” the response was “yes he had stolen the money of everyone there and given it to his friends”, “well I’m going to get it back” she said to huge cheers.

As the set finished after only half hour the crowd cried for more, an impromptu set followed under a shady a tree much to everyone’s delight

Photo: Tom Martin

Some new bands treated us to some fresh sounds on The Horizons stage while we refuelled and sampled the refreshments before returning to the Main Stage for the ever popular DJ Yoda Presents Breakfast of Champions, with not one but two MC’s and saw James from Lazy habits join the stage. The set was upbeat and continued the feel good vibe and saw people gradually leaving their chairs and start to dance 

Photo: Tom Martin

Slamboree who describe themselves as Pyro-Circus Dub Rave Massive they did exactly that. Creating a mini Dub rave on stage with circus acrobatics, fire, dancing and a full on energy set, we cannot wait to see them again. A quick jaunt to The Gypsy Disco for a gypsy style version of the Jungle Book theme tune, the kids were loving and back off to the main stage.

As the sun began to set Public Service Broadcasting hit the Main Stage, it was the first time this year we had seen them on an outside stage and the good news is that they seemed at home. This was the third time we have seen them this year and just like a fine wine they are getting better and better. 

Photo: Tom Martin

Friday’s headilners were Basement Jaxx, the band are made for festivals and this year we have been lucky enough to follow them round on the festival circuit. Colourful costumes, rainbow hair, amazing singers and dancers with a few dancing gorillas thrown into the mix. Simon and Felix have created a live show that makes you feel like your part of a carnival, they closed the day in great style with a perfect set for all ages.

Hopefully 2016 will see the festival return having learnt from some of glitches we experienced. In addition Forgotten Fields needs to incorporate some of the quirkiness that defines Kendal Calling so that it stands out in the already busy festival market place. 

The festival did however bask in glorious weather and hopefully many young families bonded over a pint or glass of something special while the wee ones slept on into the early hours, vowing to meet up again at the festival to share the experience again next year we hope so.