Magic picnic

1:39pm Friday 16th May 2008

YORKSHIRE'S first 24-hour luxury musical picnic will be held this summer at Newburgh Priory, Coxwold.

Already selected for the 50 hottest things to do this summer in the Sunday Times and the Top 50 Best Festivals in the Independent, The Magic Loungeabout aims to "take the hassle out of festivals by offering an intimate and more refined musical day out for family and friends alike".

Running from midday on Saturday, August 30 to midday the next day, the festival focus will fall on folktronica by day and electronica by night in a line-up that will be led by Gary Numan, Morcheeba, Nouvelle Vague, The Egg and Pacific.

Guests can picnic in the landscaped gardens of Newburgh Priory during the day with views across the North York Moors National Park. Those seeking a break from the music can play a round on a golf simulator, shop at the on-site farmers' market or have a relaxing massage in the spa. Qualified carers will run a crèche for children, who can enjoy the hourly story reading in the Magic Garden.

An after-show party with cocktails under the stars will be held in the priory's roofless west wing, featuring DJ sets until 3am.

Overnight camping in the gardens will be available at no extra cost with a "boutique camping experience available in the Yurt tented village - surrounded by woods and streams - for those looking for a touch of luxury". Room service, the Sunday papers and festival admission are included in the £195.50 price.

The team behind the Magic Loungeabout have worked on such music events as the Secret Garden Party and now they have created their version of the "ideal stress-free festival".

Promoter and picnic lover Simon Adamson says: "The Magic Loungeabout is the first 24-hour musical picnic in the UK and promises to be a grown-up festival experience with champagne bars, the world's biggest luxury Yurt tent bar and online picnic-hamper ordering, with menus especially created for the event."

He believes Newburgh Priory to be the ideal location. "I'm delighted that we've chosen to hold this event in Yorkshire as I grew up in Harrogate so I know that the north sometimes misses out on good music events," says Simon.

"This festival will be a great boost to the Yorkshire music scene as it will attract a whole range of people who, for one reason or another, wouldn't go to one of the usual festivals that take place across the summer."

In order to keep crowds to a minimum, only a limited number of tickets are available. Bookings can be made online through etickets, whose aim is to "reduce the booking charges that have become standard with festival booking lines".

Admission is £78 and children under nine go free. To book, visit www.themagicloungeabout.net/tickets.php Did you know?

A Yurt is a circular, domed tent, made of felt or skins on a collapsible frame, originally used by nomads in Mongolia, Siberia and Turkey.

Editor's choice