Events | Big Beat Playground
There’s something magical about the sound of live music floating through the summer air - especially when it’s paired with laughter, sunshine, and the joy of being together. Family-friendly music festivals are more than just concerts; they’re celebrations of community, creativity, and connection.
Whether you’re dancing under the confetti cannon, enjoying local food trucks, or watching your kids make magic in the creative space, this festival offers something special for every age.
What makes the Big Beat Playground Festival so unforgettable? It’s the kid-approved activities, the joy of spending time under the open sky, and the chance to make lasting memories to the perfect soundtrack. Set at Our Yard at Clitterhouse Farm in Cricklewood, the outdoor space ties it all together beautifully - a vibrant world filled with colourful festival decorations, curiosities, and oddities that capture the spirit of play and community.
At its heart, Big Beat Playground is a grassroots community, founded by a group of friends and family who believe that the festival experience should be for everyone. I’m proud to be one of those friends, having been involved since the very beginning - creating crafts with all ages, and sharing the soothing sounds of my Tibetan Singing Bowls to bring a sense of calm to the Wellbeing Hideaway.
“In the Wellbeing Hideaway, the gentle sound of Tibetan Singing Bowls mingles with laughter and craft - a reminder that creativity is its own form of meditation.”
One of the things I love most about working at Big Beat Playground is the genuine sense of community. People of all ages come together to share in the joy of music and the spark of creativity that happens when you gather a large group with a shared purpose - fun, connection, and exploration.
The people who find their way to my space are often looking for a moment of rest after dancing. I offer a calming place to sit, reflect, and make time for wellbeing - focusing on creating colourful bracelets to wear and share. As we craft together, people open up about their day, share stories of the different things they’ve experienced, and take a little time to unwind and reconnect before heading back to the Main Stage.
The Main Stage is always bursting with energy, featuring alternating DJs spinning an uplifting mix of House, Club Classics, Reggae, Calypso, and Carnival vibes. Glitter cannons sparkle through the air, fog machines roll out waves of mist, and bouncy balls sail above the crowd of enthusiastic partygoers. Kids and adults alike dance in a joyful daze, completely lost in the moment.
The event is run by power duo Ian and Hilary, who truly put community first. They offer free tickets for low-income families, making the festival experience genuinely inclusive for everyone. Speaking with Ian, he proudly tells me: “Last year, with the assistance of local charities and social enterprises, we gave 535 complimentary tickets to low-income families.”
It’s an impressive achievement, driven by kindness and inclusivity at its core. He continues: “By working closely with local social organisations (including schools, family groups, community hubs, arts and cultural centres and food banks), we can ensure that our free tickets reach the right families, ensuring everyone can access our festivals and have a great time.”
“At Big Beat Playground, we believe creativity is for everyone - a place where friends, family, and strangers come together to make, play, dance and share in the joy of being human.”
Alongside the Main Stage and the Wellbeing Hideout, there’s plenty more to explore - a Soft Play area for the little ones, a Creative Space for budding young artists, a Tropical Hangout and Gaming Station for the older kids. You can even reconnect with nature in the tranquil Bamboo Forest. Around the site, delicious local food stalls tempt you with their aromas, and a charming craft market offers handmade trinkets and thoughtful gifts to take home.
As the sun sets and the music drifts through the fields, I’m reminded why I love being part of Big Beat Playground. It’s more than just a festival - it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and connection. Whether you come to dance, craft, or simply breathe in the joyful energy, there’s a place here for everyone. Once the stalls are packed away, there’s something magical about that final tune at the Main Stage - everyone united in rhythm and joy, giving everything they have and weaving the perfect memories to take home.
Kate Khullar | @makersmob.uk
Kate is the founder of Makers Mob UK and loves making, creating and finding happiness through craft.
