Suffolk festival celebrates swapping homes for the road

A first-of-its-kind festival is bringing together nomad travellers who have swapped the creature comforts of modern living for the freedom of the open road.

The inaugural Vanlife & Camping Festival is taking place in Bromptons Farm in Stanton, Suffolk.

The family and dog-friendly event promises a “laid-back weekend of live music, local stalls, wellness, and outdoor fun”.

“The Vanlife event is for likeminded people to come together, but van life itself is about freedom and getting out of the rat race,” said festival organiser Ellie Deacon.

“I, personally, do it in a caravan because I have five children, but a lot of other people have done their conversions of vans or use trucks.

“It’s about being there to enjoy life and the nicer things in life, like nature and travel, and just enjoying the freedom the world can give you.”

One van-lifer attending this weekend’s event is 60-year-old Mark Myers, a self-employed bricklayer.

He has been living in his van full time for four years, having decided to go on the road instead of renting after going through a divorce.

“When I found out how little money you need living in a van compared with living in a property it was a win-win situation,” he said.

“It gives you a lot more freedom and I am not stuck in one place – I don’t have to worry about getting home, because I am already home, and everywhere is my garden.

“Every day there’s a different view and it’s very good for one’s emotional wellbeing.

“I park up in a lot of beautiful places and it is just a great way of life.”

The festival – which runs until Monday – is raising money for the Tetra Project, a new charity supporting young people who have faced difficult childhoods.

Brompton’s Farm, which is hosting the festival, was opened in May by owner Brendan Fisher after he “met some wonderful van-lifers”.

“And it basically snowballed from there,” he said.

“This festival is the result of a lot of hard work, and so to have this happening is absolutely fantastic.”