Herts &amp; Beds


<p><a href="https://wildcanvas.uk">Wild Canvas</a> offers a laid-back camping experience with a festival vibe in the Bedfordshire countryside complete with modern facilities (yes, hot water, private cubicle showers, flushing toilets). It’s the perfect getaway for those looking to unplug, unwind and reconnect. We caught up with co-founder, Ilke, to find out more about this one-of-a-kind family-friendly event that runs from 7-26 August.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Ilke-1000x667.jpg" alt="Ilke co-founder of Wild Canvas" class="wp-image-90751" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Ilke-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Ilke-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Ilke.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tell-us-a-bit-about-your-background"><strong>Tell us a bit about your background</strong></h2>



<p>I’m originally from Istanbul and over the years I’ve been involved in all sorts of events from music and film festivals to art exhibitions, theatre and corporate projects. Along the way, I’ve co-founded several festivals, including Sunsplash, a much-loved music festival we ran for eight years in Turkey, and I was also involved in launching the Istanbul Independent Film Festival, the first of its kind in the city. Wild Canvas came from that same place, a love for music, art, nature and community. The idea was to build something that felt vibrant but also relaxed and welcoming. A space where families, friends and people from all walks of life could all come together, slow down and feel at home outdoors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-the-best-thing-about-putting-on-wild-canvas"><strong>What’s the best thing about putting on Wild Canvas?</strong></h2>



<p>It’s the mix of creativity and community. I love the process of shaping something from the ground up. Bringing together music, wellness, nature and shared experiences and then watching it all come to life with the help of an amazing team. Watching kids roam free, families enjoying good times together and even seeing strangers strike up conversations around a fire, that’s what it’s all about. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-being-a-family-event-there-must-be-lots-on-for-kids"><strong>Being a family event, there must be lots on for kids?</strong></h2>



<p>Absolutely! Creating a space where kids of all ages can explore and play safely is a big part of our vision. There are a range of activities from bushcraft and paddle boarding to creative workshops, circus skills and a brilliant talent show that ends with a superhero-themed kids’ disco.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-there-anything-new-to-look-forward-to-this-year"><strong>Is there anything new to look forward to this year?</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/CourtyardWildcanvas-1000x667.jpg" alt="Courtyard Wild Canvas" class="wp-image-90754" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/CourtyardWildcanvas-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/CourtyardWildcanvas-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/CourtyardWildcanvas.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Yes! We’ve upgraded our food offering with the launch of our new Soul-Full Kitchen, serving healthy, wholesome dishes including fresh breakfasts, Caribbean-inspired curries and colourful salads. We’ll also be joined by a rotating line-up of food trucks including pizza and BBQ. On the wellness front, we’ve expanded the programme to include a wood-fired sauna, a range of treatments, and daily yoga and fitness classes. This year also marks the launch of our weekend live music sessions in our secluded courtyard. And we’re hosting an all- inclusive women’s retreat from 11–14 August, led by the brilliant <a href="https://www.instagram.com/luinluland/">@luinluland</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-which-acts-are-you-most-excited"><strong>Which acts are you most excited?</strong></h2>



<p>That’s a tough one! Each act brings something unique but I’m especially excited about our live music performances, I think they will bring a lot of fresh and uplifting energy to the event this year. Our resident DJs also bring a great selection of music so I’ll definitely be having a dance or two after dark.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-does-the-event-always-go-smoothly"><strong>Does the event always go smoothly?</strong></h2>



<p>There are always surprises, that’s part of the charm! The weather definitely keeps us on our toes. In our very first year, when the event was in Somerset, a huge storm hit and actually blew down several tents. We were out in buggies at 3am helping guests evacuate, thankfully no one was hurt, but it was definitely one to remember!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-about-camping-do-you-supply-tents-home-comforts"><strong>What about camping? Do you supply tents, home comforts?</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/rivercamping-1000x667.jpg" alt="Camping at Wild Canvas" class="wp-image-90753" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/rivercamping-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/rivercamping-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/rivercamping.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>You’re welcome to bring your own tent or campervan, or you can opt for one of our fully furnished canvas tents for a more comfortable stay. Our glamping setups come with proper mattresses, rugs, lighting, and seating &#8211; all the home comforts, so you don’t have to sacrifice a good night’s sleep. On-site, we’ve got hot showers, flushing toilets, and a café serving up essential barista coffee. Plus, our fully stocked festival bar is always nearby for a cocktail or two!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-great-how-long-can-i-stay"><strong>Great! How long can I stay?</strong></h2>



<p>We’re open for three weeks this summer, from 7 &#8211; 26 August. The best way to experience Wild Canvas is to join us for an extended weekend, arriving Thursday or Friday and staying through to Monday. That way, you can really switch off and settle in. Some guests come for just a few nights and some stay for the full stretch. We always recommend arriving early so you can soak up the full experience.</p>



<p><strong>Win a 3-night weekend family camping stay worth up to £540. The stay includes a fully furnished bell tent and free activities from 15-18 August.</strong> <a href="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/reader-treats/win-glamping-camping-wild-canvas-turvey-bedfordshire/"><strong>Enter here.</strong></a></p>



<p>Book tickets to Wild Canvas <a href="https://wildcanvas.uk/booking-page/">HERE</a>. </p>



<p><a href="http://@wildcanvascamping">@<em>Wild Canvas</em></a><em> is at the Turvey House Estate, Turvey, Bedfordshire MK43 8EQ from 7-26 August.</em> </p>


Muddy meets Ilke Durmay, co-founder of Wild Canvas

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