Jurassic Fields 2024

On the first night of the 10th instalment of the Jurassic Fields Festival, while my twin boys slept in the pram, I was dancing to the sweet ska revival sound of Reverend and the Makers as sheep wandered on a farm behind me. At that moment I realised I had just reached Maximum England. I did not know the weekend would throw even more England at me.

Tucked away into a remote corner of Dorset, just north of the coastal town of Bridport, Jurassic Fields is a pocket-sized but vibrant music festival. Three stages, one of which is dubbed “Tiny Tent” and about the size of a London bedsit, showcase a ska-focused but eclectic offering of new bands (favourite: Phwoar), beloved stalwarts (omg: The Selecter), and young DJs. Elsewhere on site were children’s play areas my kids couldn’t get enough of, relaxed bars, and a smattering of stalls.

The contained festival area was so well laid out, I could let my 5-year-olds run around without a worry. Well, I started to worry about how much they annoyed the Funhouse attendant, but that’s her job, right? What I’m getting at is this was the perfect family festival for many reasons.

During the day, before the music commenced, we took a trip to nearby Bridport and the adjacent “Jurassic Fun Centre”, just a 15-minute walk or a few minutes drive. (A historic market town and holiday fun camp: England turned up to 11.) We played on the beach, took a boat tour, and bowled at the Fun Centre. The kids felt it was a weekend for them, not just another festival where mummy and daddy listen to bands. Large-scale festivals like Glastonbury and Camp Bestival are intimidating for many families, so quainter offerings like Jurassic Fields, where you listen to exciting bands while your little ones run freely, are ideal for anyone without the funds, luck, or energy to handle the mega-fests.

On the festival’s final night, a record-breaking amount of England was bestowed upon me (I forgot to mention I’m an ex-pat American partnered with a Bristolian): the Euro football final. The Beat’s and The Selecter’s sets were shortened by 20 minutes to make time for the match. I could have done with more Pauline Black, that woman crushed it even at 70, what a sensation she is, but coming together with all the attendees, from ska fanatics to teenagers to Dorset farmers, was a wonderful way to watch the England team, well... you all know what happened. The sounds of the DJs in the Tiny Tent consoled fans afterwards and the campsite became a festive gathering for all to commiserate and enjoy the rustic surroundings.

I hope this festival has a long future, it’s a unique offering on the summer calendar. 2024 wasn’t as well attended as previous years due to the downpours experienced in 2023. But the organisers should push on, whatever the weather be. We’ll be back.