Lesser-known gems: the best UK music festivals you may not have heard of

The UK festival scene has grown out of all proportion, from collections of daisy clad hippies camping out and spreading the love, to massive commercial ventures with all manner of corporate sponsorship and extortionate ticket prices. If the idea of 100,000+ people camped in a field, listening to a playlist not unlike Radio1 doesn't appeal, grab your tents and sleeping bags and take heart, there's still some intimate, groundbreaking events out there.

Aeon - Devon

Billing itself as a ‘shoestring boutique festival' Aeon nestles in the beautiful depths of Devon, offering camping on the edge of a lake in amongst big old trees, an amphitheatre and resident cricket club. There's a real family focus, but also an excellent line up of music, featuring everything from ska and jazz through to folk and electronica. Plus Cabaret Voltaire offers up its much loved mish-mash of artistic endeavours and a mass fancy dress theme rules the festival dress code.

Trowbridge - Kent

Established in 1973, Trowbridge has somewhat of a history tucked under its festival belt. The focus here is on pitching up with camping chairs, knocking back dozens of pints of good ale and listening to live folk, roots and blues. The Family Island keeps the kiddies contained but happy, whilst an amphitheatre has been introduced to the cosy site specifically for the purpose of lazing in the sun. Plus, if you're no good at assembling a tent after a few pints, check out Yippee Yurts, who are on hand offering bespoke, luxury camping alternatives.

Festinho - Bedfordshire

Modelled on early Big Chill festivals (before they got all massive) and English picnics, Festinho showcases established and lesser known musicians from around the globe, cabaret, world class DJ's and VJ's, cinema, comedy and cakes. All profits go to the ABC Trust, which helps Brazilian children and young people on the streets to transform their lives.

Tapestry - Hertfordshire

Tapestry started life as a monthly event at a church social club in Euston, London. Live music from acts in their early stages of promotion, as well as an 80's disco and cheap drinks created quite a following, and in 2004 the event went national with a festival - Tapestry Goes West - at a cowboy town in Cornwall; since then it has taken up residence in a medieval village in South Wales, and now holds a one day event at the lovely Shenley Park - no camping at this event so don't bother bringing the tent.

Bimble Bandada - Secret location

Most famed as a bar/music venue that travels the countryside appearing at festivals such as Glastonbury and Bestival, in 2009 the owners and organisers decided to throw open the tent flaps for an intimate gathering all of their own. The Bimble Inn is a solar powered, tent-like structure, which alongside serving great cider (no need for the Thermos flask) and unique entertainment, is generally the haunt of all manner of shenanigans.