DadFest 2026 Celebrates Family Bonding at South Cliff Holiday Park
A Weekend of Family Fun
DadFest 2026, held from May 15 to 17 at South Cliff Holiday Park in Bridlington, has been hailed as a tremendous success, drawing families from across East Yorkshire for a weekend filled with outdoor adventures and bonding activities. Organized by The Dads Network CIC in collaboration with East Riding of Yorkshire Council, this unique festival is designed for dads, father figures, and their children to engage in fun and meaningful experiences.
Award-Winning Event
Building on its recognition as the ‘Best Small Event in the UK’ by the National Outdoor Events Association in 2025, DadFest continues to impress attendees with its diverse lineup of activities. This year’s festival featured archery, high ropes courses, storytelling, beach games, and much more, all aimed at providing a safe and inclusive environment for families to connect with nature.
Councillor Nick Coultish, cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “DadFest continues to be a fantastic event for families, offering a unique opportunity for dads and father figures to spend meaningful, quality time with their children. It’s wonderful to see so many people enjoying the outdoors, building confidence, and creating lasting memories together.”
Accessible Camping Options
To enhance accessibility for families, Rewilding Youth provided complimentary 'camping kits' that included a two-person tent, sleeping mats, sleeping bags, and camping chairs. They also offered a variety of forest school activities throughout the three days, allowing families to immerse themselves in the natural surroundings.
Colin Phillips, lead youth environment educator with Rewilding Youth, remarked, “It was a true pleasure to run DadFest Yorkshire 2026. The time in the woods, around the fire, singing, and the time spent on the beach really did embody what rewilding youth aims to achieve. Seeing everyone have a brilliant time away from screens and be part of such a beautiful, unique, and enjoyable experience is a true blessing.”
Dad Dancing Championship Highlights
One of the standout moments of the weekend was the National Dad Dancing Championship, where enthusiastic fathers showcased their dance moves in a lively competition. This year, James Davies from Leeds claimed the title of Yorkshire champion and will represent the region at the World Dad Dancing Championships in Devon this September.
Reflecting on the event, James shared, “It’s been a wonderful weekend. It has been great getting my son to engage with the wild, whittling, and fire starting. Playing on the beach was a delight. Very entertaining magician and probably the best dad dance competition ever held. I’m sure the weekend has formed memories we will treasure for a lifetime.”
Community Spirit
DadFest 2026 not only provided an opportunity for families to bond but also fostered a sense of community among attendees. With activities designed to promote interaction and collaboration, the festival has proven to be a cherished event for East Yorkshire families.
As participants left South Cliff Holiday Park, many expressed their hope to return next year, eager for another round of adventure and connection. The event clearly resonated with the local community, reinforcing the importance of family time and outdoor engagement in today’s digital age.