Activities for young and old
Welcome to the Hive! A kaleidoscopic kids’ hub and evolving playspace where, together with you, we create a cauldron of fun, get silly and sandy, build friendships and blow our imaginations.
What to expect?
A rambunctious range of games and activities: scrap craft, clay creations and loose parts play for all to try, a chance to build fantastical creatures from recycled wood with Seed of Play, try your hand at circus with our talented teacher and watch some excellent juggling from Panda before getting a chance to join us on stage at the Hive Show and Tell open floor Saturday! What will you share? A story? A dance? A song? We’re looking forward to this years show stopping delights. Not forgetting our face painting station, ping pong patch, games to share, games to create and making bibbidybop beats with recycled treasures… all under one cosy, colourful and covered canvas.
There will be games for adults too (because play is for everyone) and seating for those tired, dancing feet. There’ll also be entertainment a-plenty while you’re keeping an eye on those in your care, as they interact with the awesome and skilled Hive facilitators.
The area has been made using ethically sourced timber from a sustainably managed woodland with all of the off cuts from production repurposed in the design and creation of the play materials and decorating the space. The decor is sourced from scrap and all the items used in the space for activities are recycled; to build and make and create from others waste is what makers us buzz. Come and check out our interactive play structures using art, nature and the elements to inspire our play.
You can find us next to the Dragonfly pub, see what’s on and plan your weekend of play!
From morning to late afternoon, bring your good vibrations to The Hive!
Our Space
Available to play at all times – Craft and Clay, Sandpit, Drawing Wall, Sound Sculpture, Three Throw, Head Body Legs game, Scales with block play, chess and backgammon.
The idea for a free-flowing play space that offers provocations to inspire creative play, such as wooden blocks for construction play, a drawing wall to excite the budding artists and a sound sculpture to make music with each other. Spontaneous sounds using scrap materials, this piece has captivated the interest of our smallest to our largest guests. The big games can be used on your own or can be play with others such as our large Head Body and Legs face hole board and Three Throw play piece. Challenge someone else or challenge yourself. We prepare an environment that allows for individuals to take ownership over their play, they have choice and flexibility in what and how they play, making for happy children and in turn happy parents!
What's on at the hive?
Show and Tell
A chance for you to perform on our Hive stage. Be it a song or a dance, a trick or a treat, we welcome all performers big and small to share what they wish. A polished piece or an improvised moment, you’ll get an encouraging audience and a boost of confidence to boot. Expect a…
Read more
Scrap craft
Let your creativity take you on a journey of junk modelling – make a festival accessory, design your own mandala or create a box robot… Make anything you want at our table of scrap items available for your use throughout the day.
Read more
Clay Table
See where your imaginations take you, using clay and nature craft to unlock your creative flow. A beautiful, sensory, calming and reflective activity available throughout the day, welcome to come and go as you please and take your creations home.
Read more
Stories and Songs with Madness and Mysteries
Madness and Mysteries is bringing to Good Vibrations Society original storytelling and singalong performances. All ages welcome to be your silliest self and prepare to immerse yourself into the action packed adventure of our ancestors. Let music, stories and frolicking remind us of who we are and where we come from! We’re excited to welcome…
Read more
Wyld Experiences – Nature craft around the Fire
Wyld Experiences is a nature connection concept created by mothers, for mothers. We meet as our ancestors did, around a fire, connecting with other mums in our community. It provides a sense of connection to the earth, opportunities to listen to one another, time to create, craft and share stories as well as experiences, as…
Read more
Scrap play
Large scale items for a mega loose parts play activity. What will you build with tubs and tubes and fabric and rope? The idea with loose parts is that there is no set purpose, it is the children’s inventiveness and creativity that makes for endlessly different and imaginative journey of play. Play is a process,…
Read more
Circus with Panda
The Circus is back in town! We are delighted Panda is returning for another year of helping us build some circus skills. Join us Saturday 3pm at the Hive.Open to all, big and small! Try your luck at juggling, diablo, plate spinning, staff spinning and balancing things on your head with Panda the multi-talented performer…
Read more
Seed of Play – Woodcraft Activity
SeedofPlay: An Eco-Friendly Woodcraft Activity for Children and Families. Friday at 2pm and 5pm. Saturday at 11am and 2pm. Book your workshop space with the Hive crew. SeedofPlay offers a unique and exciting woodcraft activity for children and their families. It provides an opportunity to explore creativity, imagination, engineering, building, and artistry, all in a…
Read more
Big Games for all
Friday afternoon The Hive will host some big group games for young and old contenders. Bring your game faces and join The Games!
Read moreMost people I explained the concept to were amazed that the whole area, (including decorations, workshop equipment and structures) is zero waste...the fact that everything is repurposed scrap delighted the masses... it really sets you apart from other more wasteful kids projects, it's always in the back of my mind, especially at festivals, how much waste there is in order for my kids to have fun...this feels guilt free!
"Vides games" - battle to get them off them! Just been here for five hours totally engaged and not mentioned them once.
Thank you so much. This is an amazing space. We've booked our tickets next year because of it.
You guys have been great! You have made it possible to enjoy the festival as a family, the day times have been a delight, my kids wake up and want to see what's on at The Hive immediately!
Scrap play
Large scale items for a mega loose parts play activity. What will you build with tubs and tubes and fabric and rope? The idea with loose parts is that there is no set purpose, it is the children’s inventiveness and creativity that makes for endlessly different and imaginative journey of play. Play is a process,…
Singing Mamas
Kate says that everyone can sing and she’s here to prove it. This workshop is open to everyone with a voice! Absolutely no experience needed, just come and get ready to sing your heart out in harmony! Easy, lush, joyful! SInging Mamas was started in Forest Row many moons ago by Kate Valentine. Kate is…
Big Games for all
Friday afternoon The Hive will host some big group games for young and old contenders. Bring your game faces and join The Games!
iRest seated meditation with Lisa Christie
Lisa Christie is a qualified nutritional therapist, family mediator, coach for young people and certified iRest meditation teacher. She combines these approaches to work in an integrated way with people one to one and in groups, supporting their connection to self and other. iRest, the class will a seated meditation class. You will be invited…
Seed of Play – Woodcraft Activity
SeedofPlay: An Eco-Friendly Woodcraft Activity for Children and Families. Friday at 2pm and 5pm. Saturday at 11am and 2pm. Book your workshop space with the Hive crew. SeedofPlay offers a unique and exciting woodcraft activity for children and their families. It provides an opportunity to explore creativity, imagination, engineering, building, and artistry, all in a…
Axes & Arrows
Axes & Arrows will be back again this year with some exciting activities for you wonderful people at Good Vibrations. Axe Throwing, Archery & Crossbow shooting will be on offer at extremely reasonable prices. Minimum age for axes is 10y, for Archery it is 8y and crossbows are 16y+ for solo participation or 12y+ if…
Woodland Trust
We are the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity. Our vision is a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature. We fight to protect woods and trees, preventing the loss of irreplaceable habitat, nature and carbon stores for a healthier future for everyone. We bring damaged ancient woods back to life, restoring irreplaceable ecosystems…
Wild Swimming
A short walk through the forest takes you to our lake. Simply the perfect way to start the day
Circus with Panda
The Circus is back in town! We are delighted Panda is returning for another year of helping us build some circus skills. Join us Saturday 3pm at the Hive.Open to all, big and small! Try your luck at juggling, diablo, plate spinning, staff spinning and balancing things on your head with Panda the multi-talented performer…
Sussex Wildlife Trust
We want our Sussex to be a home for nature’s recovery. A place where people and wildlife can thrive together, where people can enjoy nature and the health and wellbeing benefits it provides. We believe that nature is too important to lose We are a conservation charity for everyone who cares about nature in Sussex.…
Clay Table
See where your imaginations take you, using clay and nature craft to unlock your creative flow. A beautiful, sensory, calming and reflective activity available throughout the day, welcome to come and go as you please and take your creations home.
Winnie The Pooh talk
The Ashdown Forest is home to both Good Vibrations Society and everyone’s favourite honey connoisseur.
Firebirds Firewalking
Walk on Fire, Find Your Power at Good Vibrations Festival! Are you ready to conquer your fears and unlock your inner fire? Join us at the Good Vibrations Society Festival for a transformative firewalk experience with Firebird Firewalks! Imagine yourself walking across a bed of hot coals. Feel the surge of empowerment as you defy limitations and discover a strength you never knew you…
Wyld Experiences – Nature craft around the Fire
Wyld Experiences is a nature connection concept created by mothers, for mothers. We meet as our ancestors did, around a fire, connecting with other mums in our community. It provides a sense of connection to the earth, opportunities to listen to one another, time to create, craft and share stories as well as experiences, as…
Ecstatic Dance
Ecstatic Dance is a freeform movement journey, held in a safe and sacred container, & facilitated by a professional DJ. It’s a place where we can be our unique selves, while commented by music.
Stories and Songs with Madness and Mysteries
Madness and Mysteries is bringing to Good Vibrations Society original storytelling and singalong performances. All ages welcome to be your silliest self and prepare to immerse yourself into the action packed adventure of our ancestors. Let music, stories and frolicking remind us of who we are and where we come from! We’re excited to welcome…
Scrap craft
Let your creativity take you on a journey of junk modelling – make a festival accessory, design your own mandala or create a box robot… Make anything you want at our table of scrap items available for your use throughout the day.
Sound Bath with Shivani
Re-discover the Harmony and Inspiration within: Sound Healing Therapy with Shivani Maria at Good Vibrations Festival You are invited to step into the serene Sound Healing Therapy tent at the festival and embark on a journey of relaxation and inner peace. My sessions, tailored for 1, 2, or 3 people, utilise the soothing vibrationsof singing bowls, tuning forks,…
Globetrotters Crazy Golf
Step into a world of excitement and discovery with Globetrotters Golf, your gateway to adventure! Crazy golf is more than just a game—it’s a captivating experience. Embark on a thrilling 9-hole journey where each putt reveals new surprises.
Show and Tell
A chance for you to perform on our Hive stage. Be it a song or a dance, a trick or a treat, we welcome all performers big and small to share what they wish. A polished piece or an improvised moment, you’ll get an encouraging audience and a boost of confidence to boot. Expect a…
The Hive – A kaleidoscopic kids area
An evolving playspace where, together with you, we create a cauldron of fun, get silly and sandy, build friendships and blow our imaginations. What to expect? A rambunctious range of games and activities: scrap craft, clay creations and loose parts play for all to try, a chance to build fantastical creatures from recycled wood with…
Wild Spa by the Enchanted Glade
Travel down the high street and past the Root, trough our peace garden you will find the Wild Spa. With stunning views over the Ashdown Forest, the Spa will boast Hot-Tubs, a Sauna, Massage and a plunge pool.