Fantastic bands, weird and wonderful kids crafts, sports and activities, pop up drinks stands, a cracking hangover smoothie and lots of glitter. These were some of the things on offer this weekend gone at a little festival we organised in Sussex called DIYestival. We ran this as a cooperative affair with a group of friends, meaning everyone brought something to the festival, whether it was music, yoga, kids football, crafts or food and drink. Many said this was their all time favourite festival, so we’re already being asked for next year’s date!

Ticket prices for the 160 festival goers were kept low, just to cover costs. Any profits are donated to the Lymphoma Association.

DIYestival took place on a beautiful farm near Ashurst in Sussex. Kids had lots to do and explore independently in a safe environment. Meaning adults had fun and relaxed, knowing their kids were never far away.

Five brilliant bands and a row of DJs entertained us; Fluff Muffler‘s punk pop mashup, Honeytree‘s garage rock, The Rude Mechanicals‘ intriguing folk, Paul & Joe‘s fantastic father and son duo, and, newly formed for the event, The Dadness, with their energetic covers.

To combat potential over indulgence, I ran a smoothie stand with refreshing smoothies day and night, with an optional shot of rum. A big thanks to Juicy Retreats for providing their brilliant JR Quantum Touch blender for the event.

Four smoothie recipes on offer:

For any of the recipes above, just pop them into the blender with ice and run until smooth.

Green Dream, a.k.a. the hangover smoothie

2 bananas

2cm ginger

a handful of grapes

juice and rind of 1 lime

a large handful of spinach

around 300ml coconut milk or almond milk to taste

Key Lime Pie

250ml / 1 cup unsweetened almond or coconut milk

1 banana (ideally frozen)

1 tablespoon key lime juice

zest of one key lime

1/2 teaspoon maple syrup

1 cup ice cubes

1 tablespoon plain Greek yoghurt

1 tablespoon crushed graham crackers or similar as a topping (optional)

This great recipe is from Daily Burn.

Melon & Basil

1/3 honeydew melon

small handful of fresh basil leaves

300ml apple juice

Berry Blast

1 banana

large handful strawberries

300ml coconut milk

A Pop Up Cooperative Festival for All to Get Involved

If you like the sound of a hangover smoothie and more, why not also try my bedtime smoothie recipe or this heart and brain powering green juice.