Whether you’ve already booked your pitch and are bubbling with anticipation or you’re considering trying it for the first time, the National Feast of Lanterns (NFOL) is a camping rally like no other. But why should you go to NFOL and if you are already going, what is there to do there? Hopefully here you’ll find some answers and inspiration.
1. Take part in the Mardis Gras parade. This is one of the key events of the NFOL and one that makes it an especially memorable camping meet. All attendees are welcome to dress up according to this year’s science fiction theme and parade through the campsite to a central area, where the best-dressed will be awarded prizes according to group size (individual, up to ten, ten to 19 and 20 plus). Even if you don’t feel like sporting a Stormtrooper costume, the event is fun to watch and brings nearly all the campers at the event together.
2. Brighten up your evening with the Lighting Up. Take a stroll down marvellously-illuminated walkways as campers come up with inventive ways to decorate their units with lights according to the theme. As with the Mardis Gras, anyone who takes part will be considered for a prize – with individual, small ‘street scenes’ and large ‘street scenes’ all considered. The night of the Lighting Up creates a really special atmosphere on the site and one you’ll struggle to recreate anywhere else.
3. Grab a bargain in the trade area. As usual, NFOL will include a special trade area that will be packed with some of the biggest names in camping and caravanning, as well as many independent traders. You will be able to browse and buy anything from the latest caravan, to a new Aquaroll – and probably at a bargain price.
4. See the Club Band perform live. The much celebrated and terrifically talented Club Band will be performing at NFOL for the 25th time in its history. The band usually perform a mix of classic hits combined with traditional favourites in their ‘Last Night of the Proms’ outing and often encourage a good old-fashioned sing along. Whether it rains or shines, the band will be there to fill the air with happy soundwaves.
5. Bring along your canine companion for the fun dog show. This year NFOL will be hosting a fun dog show – you can register the furry friend in your family to take part before 9am on Saturday 25 August at the admin tent and they can take part to win a prize in six tongue-in-cheek categories: dog with the waggiest tail, dog most like its owner, best junior handler, cutest puppy (under 12 months old), best veteran (over seven years old) and the dog the judge would like to take home.
6. Get folky with the Special Interest sections. The Club’s Folk Dance and Song Group will be providing some free, home-grown entertainment at NFOL once again, which will include activities as varied as Maypole dancing, playing instruments and a barn dance. They are a very friendly and welcoming bunch, so why not give it a go? Many members from the other Special Interest Sections will also be there, so perhaps you could get inspired to join one and expand your camping horizons.
7. Extend your stay. District Associations (DAs) from the North West Region are putting on a range of Temporary Holiday Site (THS) meets around Arley Hall both before and after this year’s NFOL. Liverpool and South West Lancashire DA are holding a THS just three miles from Arley Hall at Belmont Hall from 17 to 31 August. Meanwhile Lancashire and Chesire DA are hosting one from 17 August to 2 September at Boundary Park, near Manchester and South Lancashire DA are hosting one at Wilkins Farm, also near Manchester from 16 to 23 August. Finally, North East Cheshire DA are hosting a THS at Sterndale Green Farm, near Buxton from 18 to 23 August, which is ideal for exploring the Peak District.
8. Get your juices going at the Cadac Cook-Off. The finalists from the year-long Cadac Camping Cook-Off will go head-to-head at NFOL for the prestigious title of Campsite Cook of the Year. It’s always a great event to watch, to smell, and if you’re really lucky and at the front of the crowd, taste! Last year the event was judged by Eat Local’s Ali Ray as well as our Rob Ganley and a representative from Cadac.
9. Represent your local area with pride. The curtain is drawn on NFOL with the pennon parade where campers are invited to join a procession through the campsite, showing off their local DA’s pennon. This a fun event to take part in or watch, and if you’re not part of a DA, perhaps this could be the place where you make a connection with one and start camping with its friendly members.
10. Do your bit for charity. Throughout the long weekend, there will be numerous opportunities to take part in charity activities or donate some money for the NFOL Chairman’s chosen charity for 2018: Alzheimer’s Society. It’s great to spend the weekend having fun and enjoying the festival atmosphere of the event, it’s even better to do that knowing you are raising funds for a great cause.
11. Get active with a wide range of activities. There will be masses of indoor and outdoor activities for all ages at this year’s NFOL including archery, a shooting range, crazy golf, cave bus and a climbing wall. No one will be bored, whatever their age or disposition.
