Outcider Festival Outcider Festival

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OutCider Festival is a lively weekend of music and real cider in the scenic Mendip Hills near Bristol. Held at a family-run farm, it offers a relaxed, no-nonsense vibe. Two big covered stages host talented bands across folk, rock, indie and more – nothing too mainstream, just authentic live tunes. The atmosphere is friendly and unpretentious: festival-goers dance on the grass or lounge by campfires, sharing drinks and laughter. From sunrise sets to late-night jams, everyone is encouraged to join the fun under the open sky.

The music lineup is eclectic and energetic. With alternating sets on two covered stages, live bands perform all weekend long. You might hear a powerful rock group followed by a mellow folk singer – variety is guaranteed. Between sets, DJs and surprise performers keep the vibe alive. This carefully chosen mix of genres means something for everyone without any corporate fluff. Crowd favorites often end up jamming together spontaneously, creating unique moments you won’t see at larger festivals.

Cider and local food are at the heart of OutCider. Dozens of craft ciders and ales flow at the multiple bars – from traditional apple cider to fun fruit blends – so there is always something new to try. When you’re hungry, the on-site kitchen (run by the farm) serves up hearty meals from breakfast through late night: big cooked breakfasts, stews, pizzas, curries and plenty of vegetarian or vegan choices. Every dish is made with fresh ingredients – often grown or reared on the farm – so you can feel good about every bite.

Camping here is wonderfully easygoing. Green fields slope down from shady trees, leaving plenty of space between tents. You can arrive in your own tent or van (spaces should be booked in advance), and the festival provides clean toilets and hot showers to keep it comfortable. Mornings often start with hammocks swaying and the smell of brewing coffee; evenings end with campfires and sing-alongs. Whether you’re in a cosy tent or kicking back in a van, the vibe is safe and friendly – no one will hassle you for an extra sleeping bag or an unplugged phone charger.

OutCider's vibe is warm and inclusive. It is not a stuffy show – kids play in the dirt, grandparents dance to the band, and everyone in between finds something to smile about. People toast new friendships over cider and freely share their snacks. You might even discover a craft workshop, a comedy skit, or silly games popping up around the field. With colorful costumes everywhere and an ever-growing apres-music party, the site feels like one big happy family reunion.

In short, OutCider Festival is a weekend-long celebration of music, community and top-notch cider under the British sky. Bring your sense of adventure (and maybe a spare pair of wellies) and leave with pockets full of memories you will carry home to relive again next year. At OutCider, every muddy footstep and shared laugh becomes part of a story you will be telling for years.

Compton Martin is located in the scenic Mendip Hills of Somerset, about 15 miles south of Bristol. By car, visitors usually take the M5 motorway and exit at Junction 21 (Flax Bourton) or Junction 22 (Weston-super-Mare). From there, follow the A370 toward Weston-super-Mare, then turn onto local roads (via Cheddar) eastbound to reach Compton Martin. Follow signage to Fernhill Farm. On-site parking is available (for a small fee) but limited, so car-sharing is encouraged to ease traffic. Tip: entering postcode BS40 6LD (Fernhill Farm, Compton Martin) in your satnav will guide you straight to the site.

Public transport: The nearest main train station is Bristol Temple Meads (about 20 miles north). From Bristol, you can catch a bus or hire a taxi toward the Mendip Hills. For example, the Big Lemon bus (service X9) runs from Bristol city centre to Chew Valley villages, including a stop in Compton Martin village. Nailsea & Backwell station (~9 miles away) is another option (taxi onward). Buses in the area are infrequent, so check timetables carefully. Taxis operate from Bristol, Wells or Bath to take passengers directly to the farm entrance if needed.

Air travel: Bristol Airport (BRS) is closest (about 15 minutes by road) and offers flights across the UK and Europe. From Bristol Airport, take a bus or taxi into Bristol city centre, then continue by train or local bus toward Compton Martin as above. Cardiff Airport (about 30 miles west) has fewer flights but can be used, connecting via transport to Bristol or Bath. Many international visitors fly into London (Heathrow or Gatwick) and then take a train or coach to Bristol Temple Meads or Bath Spa, before switching to local travel. Plan carefully, especially if arriving near the festival start.

Accommodation tips: The festival has large on-site camping fields for tents, campervans and caravans (book a camping or vehicle pitch in advance). If you prefer a roof over your head, nearby villages and towns offer options: B&Bs and country inns in Compton Martin or Cheddar; hotels and guesthouses in Wells, Weston-super-Mare or Bath (all within a 30-minute drive). Bath and Bristol also have many hotels, hostels and inns with easy rail or road links. Book lodging early, as summer weekends fill up fast. Remember that this area is rural – bring warm layers, comfortable shoes and waterproofs, since evenings can get chilly even in summer.

Compton Martin, Compton Martin, BS406LD