A celebration of fatherhood, getting back to nature, building campfires, spending time with the kids in the outdoors, trying out adrenalin-filled challenges – and competing in the world championships in the art of dad dancing– is due to start in Cornwall tomorrow (Friday, August 20).

DadFest, which proclaims itself to be the UK’s only ‘Festival of Fatherhood’, starts tomorrow in Penryn and runs until Sunday. It is a unique festival now in its eighth year and was previously awarded ‘Best Small Event in the UK’ by the National Outdoor Events Association. Organised by Dangerous Dads Community Interest Company (CIC), DadFest is for dads, male carers and their children of all ages and takes place at Via Ferrata Cornwall, located at Goodygrane Activity Centre, Halvasso, Long Downs, Penryn TR10 9BX.

DadFest organiser and founder of ‘Dangerous Dads’, Ian Blackwell, is excited about this year’s DadFest and said: “Dads tell us how much they value getting back to nature, chilling-out and spending special time with their kids and other dads. It’s all about having some adventurous fun with their children, such as playing in the woods, building dens, exploring nature, camping and sharing campfire stories.”

The festival is renowned for its highlight event: the ‘World Dad Dancing Championship’, with its top title being hotly contested by grooving dads, much to the sheer embarrassment of their kids. Cornwall’s winning dad will take home the bragging rights along with a trophy for the mantlepiece.

DadFest 2021 will provide a range of fun activities, including archery, storytelling, bat walks, bushcraft, campfire cooking, zip-lining, kayaking, den building, slip ‘n’ slide, coasteering, raft crossing, an adventure trail, and award-winning beer, food and more. All this is included in the price.

However, there’s also a super unique and exhilarating activity on the cards: the Alpine-style Via Ferrata itself. Metal steps, suspension bridges and zip wires make it one of the most adrenaline-filled climbing activities worldwide. Event organisers say: “Now that Via Ferrata has come to Cornwall, you can enjoy the ultimate high wire adventure as you journey across historic granite quarries on an epic challenge that will be fun, conquer your fears and give you amazing memories.”

They add: “Everything at DadFest is run by qualified, experienced leaders who are fully insured and all risk assessments are in place. DadFest is a small, safe, and intimate festival focused on outdoor activities. Our aim every year is to get Dads and their children out and about in nature... especially after a year of being cooped up inside. This event will be COVID-secure but please do talk to us if you have any concerns or questions (Via Ferrata Cornwall has received approval from the AA and ’We’re good to Go’ to operate as a Covid-secure establishment).”

For details of whole weekend or day ticket prices, plus camping or other accommodation arrangements and food and drink tickets, see http://www.dangerousdads.org.uk/dadfest