Festival season is finally upon us, and there’s never been a better time to make last-minute summer plans.
The UK provides plenty of choice when it comes to festivals, with every type of music fan catered to across the country – whether you're a hardcore rocker or raver, or someone who fancies something more tranquil.
Stuck for where to begin? We've created a comprehensive guide to all of the top UK festivals on offer, regularly updated with artists and ticket prices to assist your eager hunt for your year's plans.
Here's our big guide to UK festivals in 2024:
BST Hyde Park
Don't miss @MorganWallen's special headline show at American Express presents @BSTHydePark this summer on Thursday 4 July 🙌
— BST Hyde Park (@BSTHydePark) May 7, 2024
He’ll be joined by a full lineup to be announced!
Book your tickets now at https://t.co/M1cTew4pEE
Be sure to check out our VIP tickets and hospitality… pic.twitter.com/wsIGxXtvaQ
A series of concerts in London's Hyde Park, BST Hyde Park lasts for up to three weeks and boasts some of the world’s biggest acts – and an orchestral concert. It’s an important fixture of London’s summer calendar.
When: Jun 28 – Jul 14
Where: Hyde Park, London
Who’s on the line-up: SZA, Kings of Leon, Morgan Wallen, Andrea Bocelli, Robbie Williams, Shania Twain, Stevie Nicks, Kylie, Stray Kids
Tickets: Weekend tickets from approximately £100; bst-hyde-park-tickets
Lytham Festival
From a one-night-only community Proms-style concert, Lytham Festival has expanded into an incredible five-day live music extravaganza that draws well over 100,000 visitors each summer.
When? July 3-7
Where? Lytham Green
Who’s on the line-up? Hozier, Courteeners, Shania Twain, Rag’N’Bone Man, The Kooks, Madness, Rick Astley, James, Johnny Marr, Brittany Howard, Lord Huron and more.
Tickets: From £61.60; lythamfestival.com
Timber Festival
Have you seen our first #programmeannouncement? Well buckle up because there's more!
— Timber Festival (@timber_festival) January 22, 2024
🎷 music from @ROZIPLAIN @frankiearcherm @PerhapsContrap @DJChrisTofu1 to name a few
📖 Hear from author @KadiatuKM on issues of race and class in twenty-first century Britain. pic.twitter.com/rhryt8IMQn
Timber is a unique event which looks to nature, trees and forests to explore what a positive future for the planet might look like. The festival promises to uplift: think sunrise yoga, secret woodland DJ sets, art, campfires, talks and dancing with ethereal soundtracks to help boost relaxation.
When: July 5-7
Where: Feanedock Woodland, The National Forest
Who’s on the line-up: Lou Rhodes, Rohan Heath, Kiiōtō, Jason Singh, Stone Club, Kiiōtō, Frankie Archer, Rozi Plain
Tickets: Weekend tickets are £160; timberfestival.org.uk
Love Supreme Jazz Festival
The three-day festival held annually every July returns to Glynde Place in East Sussex, bringing you the silky sounds of jazz, funk, soul and the blues with some celebrated music legends headlining.
When: July 5-7
Where: Glynde Palace, East Sussex
Who’s on the line-up: Chaka Khan (celebrating 50 years in music), Olivia Dean, Kool & The Gang, Joss Stone, Dionne Warwick, Sergio Mendes, Jordan Rakei, Mahalia, Black Pumas, Hiromi, Joss Stone, Noname and more.
Tickets: Day tickets from £79.20; general camping weekend tickets from £189.20; lovesupremefestival.com
Big Smoke Festival
#BigSmokeFestival2024 pic.twitter.com/wFsGQa1ThP
— Big Smoke - (@Skepta) November 27, 2023
There's not a lot we know about Skepta's inaugural Big Smoke Festival – yet. The British rapper shared details about the one-dayer across his social media on November 27, announcing that his headlining performance will be his only live UK show of 2024.
When? July 6
Where? Crystal Palace Park
Who’s on the line-up? Skepta, Más Tiempo, Uncle Waffles, The Streets, Mahalia, JME, Ossie, Kitty Amor, Jammer, The Mendez Brother, Syreeta, Laney K-Trap, Odumodublvck and more.
Tickets: £72.80; buy tickets here
The Recipe
This brand new, 15,000-capacity festival has sent social media into a frenzy. Not only does it have R&B star Jazmine Sullivan headlining, but it’s all-inclusive, meaning attendees can literally eat and drink and much as they want for the day. Sounds wild, and unlikely, but we’ve read and re-read the website and it really does say “unlimited access to all general admission food and drink options” while “responsible redemption terms will apply”. With amusement rides, a relax and pamper station, and food offerings from Breddos Tacos, Dirty Burger, Sweet Dee’s Jerk, and Cecconi’s announced so far, we expect tickets to go fast.
When? July 6
Where? Gunnersbury Park, London
Who’s on the line-up? Jazmine Sullivan, SiR, Alex Isley,
Tickets: Tickets go on sale on April 3; therecipefest.co.uk
Kew The Music
The annual week-long summer concert, held at the UNESCO World Heritage site in the picturesque grounds of Kew Gardens, is back, featuring live music from much-loved artists with open-air bars and street food stalls.
When: July 8-14
Where: Kew Gardens, Richmond
Who’s on the line-up: Mika, Ronan Keating, Passenger, JLS, Beverley Knight, Monty Don and Richard Ashcroft.
Tickets: From £70; kewthemusic.org
In The Park
In The Park returns to Liverpool for a three-day extravaganza, taking over the city's picturesque Sefton Park. Hometown hero Jamie Webster is topping the bill for what will be a memorable Merseyside weekender.
When? July 12-14
Where? Sefton Park, Liverpool
Who’s on the line-up? Jamie Webster, Cream Classical and more.
Tickets: From £49.50; visitliverpool.com
Wireless
OFFICIAL 2023 AFTERMOVIE OUT NOW 🎥🔥
— Wireless Festival (@WirelessFest) September 27, 2023
Watch the full movie in our bio 👀👆🏽 pic.twitter.com/dlgek8sDct
Undoubtedly the hip-hop link-up of the summer, Wireless festival brings the best and biggest names in the scene, encompassing Rap, R&B, Afrobeats and much more during its three-day tenure in Finsbury Park.
When? July 12-14
Where? Finsbury Park, London
Who’s on the line-up? Nicki Minaj, Ice Spice, Sean Paul, Future, 21 Savage, J Hus, Asake, Gunna, Doja Cat, Rema, Tyla, Digga D, Uncle Waffles, Vanessa Bling and more.
Tickets: From £95.60; wirelessfestival.co.uk
Also Festival
This celebration of music, comedy, and more returns for its 11th edition with a host of new speakers, performers and experiences. This year’s theme is Heavenly Bodies, an immersive experience promising to bring celestial magic.
When: July 12-14
Where: Park Farm, Compton Verney, Warwickshire
Who’s on the line-up: Adam Kay, Philippa Perry, Robin Ince, The Fontanas, Stornoway, Edie Bens, Jessic Winter and more.
Tickets: Weekend tickets from £137.50; also-festival.com
Beat-Herder
Since 2006 Beat-Herder has been hosting a diverse range of musical acts across breakbeat, dub, reggae, dubstep, techno, house, drum and bass. Celebrating its 17th year, the iconic festival promises an eclectic line-up of internationally acclaimed bands and world-renowned DJs.
When: July 18-21
Where: Lancashire
Who’s on the line-up: Leftfield, Orbital, Mungo’s Hi-Fi, Dub Pistols, Erol Alkan, Venbee, Crazy P, Sosa, Denis Sulta, High Contrast, LF System, Mella Dee, Porij and more.
Tickets: Three-day weekend tickets from £182.32; beatherder.co.uk
Secret Garden Party: Roots
Perhaps the festival season’s worst-kept secret, Secret Garden Party has kept revellers entranced with its left-field line-ups, combined with out-of-this-world stage productions, and of course, copious amounts of glitter. Now a festival circuit highlight, its loyal base is ready to go again in 2024, though this year they are, mysteriously, returning to their roots promising "fresh frivolity and new collectives".
When? July 25-28
Where? Abbots Ripon, Cambridgeshire
Who’s on the line-up? Crystal Fighters, Chinchilla, Unkle (Rönin Live), Alchemist, Beans on Toast, Do Nothing, Dutch Criminal Records, Hyphen, Le Boom and more.
Tickets: £230; secretgardenparty.com
Tramlines
Sheffield’s biggest city-based music festival is always a popular one, thanks both to its stacked line-ups and decent value tickets.
When? July 26-28
Where? Hillsborough Park, Sheffield
Who’s on the line-up? Paolo Nutini, Jamie T, Snow Patrol, Bombay Bicycle Club, Soft Play, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Tom Grennan, Holly Humberstone, The Snuts, Annie Mac, The Human League, Example, Yard Act, Maximo Park and more.
Tickets: Weekend tickets from £130; tramlines.org.uk
Truck Festival
🎉 YOUR 1ST WAVE OF ARTISTS! 🎉
— Truck Festival (@TruckFestival) January 22, 2024
⚡️ LIKE & TAG 4 PALS FOR THE CHANCE TO WIN 6 x ZODIAC WEEKEND TICKETS AND A £200 BAR TAB ⚡️
We've had an insane amount of sign ups already, with 20k of you ready and waiting to buy tickets!!
Pre-Sale registration here: https://t.co/IVTD4n1qhM 🎫 pic.twitter.com/vnpUHLO6K6
Oxfordshire’s Truck Festival was set up in 1998 by disgruntled festival goers the Bennett family (some of whom were members of Oxford rock band Goldrush) who wanted to make an independent, noncommercial alternative to the rest of the pack. Now, over 25 years later, they are still going strong with 50+ acts playing across four hopefully sun-soaked days.
When: July 26-28
Where: Hill Farm, Oxfordshire
Who’s on the line-up: Jamie T, Wet leg, The Streets, The Kooks, The Idles, Sea Girls, The Snuts, Katy B, Bob Vylan, Peace, Black Honey and Sundara Karma and many more.
Tickets: From £140; truckfestival.com
WOMAD
This festival prides itself on an international line-up, with previous editions featuring the likes of Abel Selacoe, Bombay Bicycle Club, Femi Kuti and the Positive Force and Mariza.
When? July 25-28
Where? Charlton Park, Wiltshire
Who’s on the line-up? Young Fathers, Sampa The Great, Alison Goldfrapp, Deerhoof, Bala Desejo, O., Sangjaru., Def MaMa Def, Moonchild Sanelly and many more.
Tickets: Adult 4-day ticket from £260.00; womad.co.uk
Junction 2
This two-day extravaganza, run by dance promoters LWE, finally returned to its spiritual home of Boston Manor Park in 2023, following issues with strikes and COVID, which led to the cancellation of earlier editions. After a successful comeback year, dance music fans can get ready for a boogie under the viaduct once more.
When? July 26-28
Where? Boston Manor Park, London
Who’s on the line-up? Paul Kalkbrenner, Jeff Mills, Daniel Avery, VTSS, Honey Dijon, The Blessed Madonna, Richie Hawtin, LSDXOXO, KI/KI, Juliet Fox, DVS1 b2b DJ Nobu, Adam Beyer b2b Amelie Lens, Kessie, Salute, The Martinez Brothers and many more.
Tickets: From £71.25 + £7.00; junction2.london/
Kendal Calling
This Lake District favourite returns with what’s expected to be its typical mix of crowd-pleasing headliners.
When? August 1-4
Where? Lowther Deer Park, Lake District
Who’s on the line-up? Young Fathers, Gogol, Bordello, Sampa The Great, Amadou & Mariam, Alison Goldfrapp, Baaba Maal, The Allergies, The Breath, Cerys Hafana, Deerhoof, Hirahi Afonso, London Afrobeat Collective, Moonchild Sanelly, Tarta Relena, Two Canoes, Witch and more.
Tickets: Weekend tickets from £179 (weekend camping); kendalcalling.co.uk
Valley Festival
Bristol’s Valley Fest brings together the two passions of its founder, Luke: organic farming and music. So running alongside its impressive music line-up, expect feasts and food-focused masterclasses, as well as workshops on everything from bikes to knitting.
When: August 1-4
Where: Chew Valley Lake, near Bristol
Who’s on the line-up: The Feeling, Skids, Tinie Tempah, Nubiyan Twist, Sister Sledge, Sophie Ellis Bextor, Doreen Doreen, Supalung, Emily Breeze, Phil Hartnoll (Orbital) DJ set, Mungo’s Hi Fi and many more.
Tickets: Day ticket from £69, weekend ticket £154.99, both without booking fee; valleyfest.co.uk
Wilderness
Escape into the wilderness at this four-day Oxfordshire extravaganza, providing a party like no other. It’s likely there will be plenty of big names littered across a packed line-up, with the likes of The Chemical Brothers and Honey Dijon featuring on last summer’s bill.
When? August 1-4
Where? Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire
Who’s on the line-up? Michael Kiwanuka, Faithless (live) Bicep presents Chroma, Jessie Ware, Barry Can’t Swim, Alison Goldfrapp, De La Soul, The Kelsey Brothers, Bjorn Again, Craig Charles, Ibibio Sound Machine, and many more.
Tickets: Weekend tickets from £220; wildernessfestival.com
51st Festival
A one-day festival celebrating the best in dance music, from classic acts and emerging artists.
When? August 3
Where? Copthall Playing Fields, Barnet, London
Who’s on the line-up? Louie Vega, David Morales, DJ Spen, Sol Brown, Billy Cocks, OMAR (live), General Levy (live), Terri Walker (live), Rampage, The Heatwave, Catz ‘N’ Dogz, Todd Terry, Shiloh, KRM, Angie B, Majestic, Kallaghan (live), Elisabeth Troy (live) and many more.
Tickets: From £45; 51stfestival.com
Boardmasters
We’re LOVING the love on your First Wave of acts! Tickets are flying and we can’t guarantee there will be any left after the presale today. If you registered, check your email for the link and go, go, go!#Boardmasters2024 #SeeYouAtTheBeach #LeaveOnlyFootPrints pic.twitter.com/SjCf1j5C1z
— Boardmasters (@boardmasters) November 30, 2023
Beginning its days as a UK surfers competition, this Newquay-based five-day beach bash has become one of the hottest tickets of the festival season.
When? August 7-11
Where? Newquay, Cornwall
Who’s on the line-up? Stormzy, Chase & Status, Becky Hill, Bicep, Chroma, Tom Odell, Nia Archives, Kenya Grace, Sam Fender, Katy B, Songer, Andy C, Katy B, Overmono, Kate Nash, Los Bitchos, Royel Otis, Bakar, Issey Cross, A.M.C & Phantom and more.
Tickets: From £259; boardmasters.com
Boomtown
With mega stage productions accompanying the thumping sounds of drum and bass and techno pumped out at this five-day extravaganza, this has to be one of the most surreal festivals in the calendar. Be sure to snap tickets up soon.
When? August 7-11
Where? Winchester, Hampshire
Who’s on the line-up? TBC
Tickets: Weekend tickets from £315, boomtownfair.co.uk
Houghton Festival
Crafted by London-based DJ Craig Richards, Houghton is a festival like no other, with its stunning stage designs and light displays offering a big draw for dance music fans. Past line-ups have been packed with the most exciting DJs on the scene.
When? August 8-11
Where? Houghton Hall, Norfolk
Who’s on the line-up? Adam Shelton, Surgeaon (live), Felix Dickinson, Steffi, Dr Banana, Sherelle, Alex Downey, Partok, James Massiah (live), Gigi FM, Horsemeat Disco, Move D, Mr Scruff, Anna Wall, OR:LA, Pangaea, Awkward Moments (live), Actress (live) and more.
Tickets: From £297.50; houghtonfestival.co.uk
Live from the Yard
Live from the Yard is a new festival that is set to host up to 16,000 people and feature a range of live music concerts across one August weekend.
When: Aug 8-11
Where: Zebedee’s Yard, Hull
Who’s on the line-up: Calum Scott, Ocean Colour Scene, Ministry of Sound Classical and Razorlight
Tickets: From £16.80; livefromtheyard.co.uk
We Out Here
We Out Here is broadcaster Gilles Peterson’s award-winning weekender, which is perhaps why the festival’s music is always on point. With a packed roster of live music acts as well as club DJs, plus a programme of family-friendly and wellness activities, the 2024 edition is set to continue its winning ways, following its recent move to Dorset.
When? August 15-18
Where? Wimborne St Giles, Dorset
Who’s on the line-up? Floating Points, André 3000, Mount Kimbie, Sampha, Mala, Mansur Brown, Yaya Bey, Mansur Brown, aja monet, Nana Benz du Togo, Moses Yoofee Trio, Lonnie Holley, aja monet, CASISDEAD, Thandii, Joy Orbison, Asha Puthli (all live) and more.
Tickets: From £199, weoutherefestival.com
Green Man
Green Man has now sold out! A massive thanks to all who bagged GM24 tickets - your support & trust means the world to us. We had an enormous number of people trying to get tickets this year, so thank you so very much for your patience... pic.twitter.com/VOMAb6NTkA
— Green Man (@GreenManFest) September 30, 2023
Green Man is one of the festival season’s top picks, spanning multiple genres, with a programme that covers everything from comedy to science. 2024’s edition sold out in what appears to be record time even before the line-up is announced, but keep an eye on the official resale site Fanticks just in case.
When? August 15-18
Where? Crickhowell, South Wales
Who’s on the line-up? Sampha, Big Thief, Jon Hopkins, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Arlo Parks, Ezra Collective, Mount Kimbie, Devendra Banhart, Nadine Shah, Fat White Family, Julia Holter, Omar Souleyman, Joy Orbinson, Max Cooper (live AV), John Maus, Bar Italia, Royel Otis, Metz, Lambrini Girls, Sherelle, Lime Garden, Hannah Holland and more.
Tickets: Sold out, but keep an eye on resales, greenman.net
Beautiful Days
This superb family-friendly rock and folk festival, which was founded by Brighton folk-rock band the Levellers in 2003, has been heralded for rejecting corporate sponsoring and branding, and for its large and imaginative children’s areas.
When: August 16-18
Where: Escot park, Devon
Who’s on the line-up: The Saw Doctors, Richard Ashcroft,the Levellers, The Damned, New Model Army, Toyah & Robert, Fisherman’s Friends, This Is The Kit, System 7, Utah Saints, DJ Rap, King Kong Company and more.
Tickets: Adult weekend camping ticket from £190; beautifuldays.org
Hardwick Festival
You better not kill the groove!💃
— Hardwick Festival (@HardwickLiveUK) April 13, 2024
August 17th we welcome @SophieEB to Hardwick Festival for our 10th anniversary alongside Snow Patrol, The Charlatans, Heaven 17 and many more.
🎟️Get your tickets 👉 https://t.co/Rzg2PKd1qF pic.twitter.com/Fben7Bv0Qr
The three-day family music event is the largest greenfield festival in the Northeast of England with a capacity of 10,000. It promises to keep all entertained: there are various smaller stages for DJs, brass bands, comedy shows and children’s programmes running alongside the Main Stage and Discovery Stage.
When: Aug 17-19
Where: Hardwick Hall, Durham
Who’s on the line-up: Becky Hill, Snow Patrol, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Jack Savoretti, Richard Ashcroft, Crazy P Soundsystem, Eats Everything and many more.
Tickets: Weekend tickets from £194; hardwickfestival.co.uk
All Points East
All Points East takes over Victoria Park in east London for another year of day-festivals. Previous editions have showcased some of the biggest names in music across multiple genres.
When? Weekend August 16, 17, 18, August 23, 24
Where? Victoria Park, London
Who’s on the line-up?
August 16: Kaytranada, Victoria Monét, Thundercat, Lancey Foux, Channel Tres, Amaarae, Jyoty,
August 17: Loyle Carner, Nas, Ezra Collective, Sainté, Joe James, Enny, Navy Blue
August 18: Mitski, Beabadoobee, TV Girl, Ethel Cain, Arlo Parks, Sir Chloe, Wasia Project, Infinity Song
August 23: LCD Soundsystem, Jai Paul, Pixies, Floating Points, Jockstrap, Nation of Language, Sofia Kourtesis, Eyedress, Vagabon
August 25: The Postal Service & Death Cab for Cutie, The Decemberists, Phoenix, Gossip, Sleather-Kinney, Yo La Tengo, Teenage Fanclub,
Tickets: From £65, on sale now, allpointseastfestival.com
Shambala Festival
Spend four days over the Bank Holiday under the stars revelling in a wild experience of entertainment from cabaret and circus shows to over 200 music acts, interactive theatre, stand-up comedy and soul-stirring poetry.
When: August 22-25
Where: Secret Country Estate, Northamptonshire
Who’s on the line-up: Al The Beat Maker, Alaska, Bryan G, Randolph Matthews, Honeyfeet, Stacey Cohen, Hun Grrr and many more.
Tickets: Adult tickets from £289 + £8.45 (booking fee); shambalafestival.org
Field Day
East London staple all-dayer Field Day has been a fixture of the city since 2007, and excluding a couple of years at other venues, it’s mostly taken place in Hackney’s Victoria Park. This year’s 17th edition will be headlined by French dance duo Justice.
When? August 24
Where? Victoria Park, Hackney
Who’s on the line-up? Justice, PinkPantheress, 2manydjs, Yves Tumor, Yaeji, Mura Masa (live), Romy (live), Brutalismus 3000, Bambii, Shygirl presents Club Shy, Skin on Skin & KETTAMA and more.
Tickets: Early bird tickets start from £50; fielddayfestivals.com
Lost Village
Described last year by the Standard as “baby Glastonbury” this Lincolnshire party is one of the UK’s standout boutique forest fests thanks to its immersive attention to detail. “Overall, Lost Village is best summed up by its tagline: “those on the outside will never understand.” You have to admit, it feels akin to the way people talk about the antics over at Worthy Farm each year,” we wrote in our review of last year’s edition.
When? August 22 -25 August
Where? Norton Disney, Lincolnshire
Who’s on the line-up? Maribou State (live), Floating Points, The Blessed Madonna, Jyoty, Folamour, Ben UFO, Fatima Yamaha (live), Job Jobse, Solomun, SG Lewis, Flight Facilities, Yaeji (live), Neil Frances (live), SBTRKT (live), Midland, Âme b2b TRIKK, Hudson Mohawke, HAAi, System Olympia, Sofia Kourtesis (live), Pangaea, Ross From Friends and Shanti Celeste b2b Peach and more.
Tickets: From £83.75; lostvillage.com
Creamfields
Hey google, remind me to book off August Bank Holiday weekend for Creamfields 2024 🤝 pic.twitter.com/wDkEidrVdx
— Rockstar Energy presents Creamfields (@Creamfields) December 17, 2023
Always one of the biggest dance music festivals on the calendar, Creamfields is a sure-fire gathering of some of the best-known DJs on the world circuit - and this summer, they're unveiling a brand new 30,000 capacity indoor stage called APEX
When? August 22-25
Where? Daresbury, Cheshire
Who’s on the line-up? Calvin Harris, Jamie Jones, Sub Focus, Tiësto, Peggy Gou, Fatboy Slim, Dimension, Charlie Sparks, Barry Can’t Swim, Solomun, Pete Tong, Franky Wah, Eric Prydz, Charlotte de Witte and more.
Tickets: Sold out; creamfields.com
The Long Road
The Long Road transports you to the States with its BBQ food, Kentucky bourbon masterclasses, a Honky-tonk bar, and an exciting line-up of country music stars. Expect a “hot wing eating, hard liquor drinking and foot stomping community of music lovers,” says the festival.
When: August 23-25
Where: Stanford Hall, Leicestershire
Who’s on the line-up: Russell Dickerson, Flatland Cavalry, Wyatt Flores, American Aquarium, Chapel Hart, Red Clay Strays, Randall King, Colbie Caillat, Brittney Spencer, Andrew Combs, Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors, Kristian Bush, Sugarland, Pokey Lafarge and more.
Tickets: From £140, thelongroad.com
Big Feastival
📣 BIG NEWS 📣 Check out our new line-up additions 🔥
— Big Feastival (@thebigfeastival) February 15, 2024
👉 Ministry of Sound Classical, Johnny Marr, Jax Jones, Raymond Blanc, Andi & Miquita Oliver, George Egg, Justin Fletcher, Bluey & Bingo & lots more 🧡
Camping, Weekend & Day Tickets now available: https://t.co/P8khEZrK8e pic.twitter.com/d4FBJafYA6
Now in its 13th year, the Big Feastival returns on Bank Holiday, with a promise to deliver a blend of good music and good food from acclaimed chefs. The festival will be hosted by Blur bassist Alex James at his rustic Cotswolds farm, where you will find an array of taste bud-tingling street food to satisfy every craving while you listen to this year’s incredible line-up of performers.
When: August 23-25
Where: Kingham, The Cotswolds
Who’s on the line-up: So far, Ella Henderson, Becky Hill, Snow Patrol, Cat Burns, Natasha Bedingfield, Kate Nash, Scouting for Girls, The Florentinas, The Cuban brothers, Jalen Ngonda, Cian Ducrot, CMAT, Joel Corry and more.
Tickets: Adult weekend tickets with camping from £198.95 (without booking fee); thebigfeastival.com
Rally
After a soggy but successful inaugural year at Southwark park in 2023, RALLY is back again; and though details of the bill are still under wraps, once again the general focus is on booking left-field choices and acts with underground or DIY credentials.
When? August 24
Where? Southwark Park, London
Who’s on the line-up? Mount Kimbie (live), Actress (live), Nilüfer Yanya, bar italia, Sorry, DJ Marcelle, Call Super and many more.
Tickets: The festival presale is open now, with a limited number of £30 tickets. General sale to follow; rallyrallyrally.co.uk
Body Movements
Returning for its fourth edition, the LGBTQ+-focused dance festival is bringing over 50 artists to the stage this year to its new playground in Southwark Park. Among the exciting line-up of performers to look forward to is the festival’s co-founder, Dublin DJ and producer Saoirse.
When: August 25
Where: Southwark Park
Who’s on the line-up: COBRAH (Live), Confidence Man, Harry Gay, Or:la, Peach, Pxssy Palace, Saoirse, Shanti Celeste, TAAHLIAH, and many more.
Tickets: Currently from £51.10; Student tickets from £28.40; bodymovements.co.uk
Reading and Leeds
We can’t wait for #LanaDelRey to hit R&L stages next year 🥹
— Reading & Leeds Fest (@OfficialRandL) December 11, 2023
Day tickets going fast 👀 don’t say we didn’t warn you… pic.twitter.com/u59OFQDUU7
A rite of passage for British festival-goers, these two festivals - which take place over the same weekend, and share a line-up - often feel like a sort of Spring Break style event for hedonistic school-leavers, and are always among the biggest on the UK calendar.
When? August 21-25
Where? Bramham Park, Wetherby (Leeds Festival), Little John’s Farm, Reading (Reading Festival)
Who’s on the line-up?
Reading:
Friday: Blink-182, Gerry Cinnamon, Spiritbox
Saturday: Fred Again.., Lana Del Rey, Raye, Digga D
Sunday: Liam Gallagher, Catfish and the Bottlemen, Skrillex
Leeds:
Friday: Liam Gallagher, Catfish and the Bottlemen, Skrillex
Saturday: Blink-182, Gerry Cinnamon, Spiritbox
Sunday: Fred Again.., Lana Del Rey, Raye, Digga D
Tickets: from £292 (weekend camping), readingandleedsfestival.com
Manchester Pride Festival
Manchester Pride Festival brings a “party as protest” ethos, and in the past, huge names in music have flocked to the city for the weekend. Even with the star power they attract (yes, Ariana Grande headlined!), the core message of equality is never lost.
When? August 23-26
Where? Canal Street, Manchester
Who’s on the line-up? Angie Brown, Charlieeeee, DJ Paulette, Ghetto Fabulous, Queer Stage Revolution, JSKY, Lauren Lo Sung, Michelle McKenna (Platnum), Mix-Stress, Pecs: Black is King, Rozalla, Stephani B and The Enby Show.
Tickets: from £41, manchesterpride.com
Victorious
Down on the south coast, this Portsmouth festival consistently draws in some big names, covering rock, Britpop, indie rock, and more.
When? August 23-25
Where? Southsea, Portsmouth
Who’s on the line-up? Fatboy Slim, Snow Patrol, Biffy Clyro and Jamie T headline this year's festival. Wet Leg, Yard Act, Arlo Parks, Louis Tomlinson, and Holly Humberstone will also play.
Tickets: From £65 (day tickets), £180 (weekend camping); victoriousfestival.co.uk
Eastern Electrics
This dance music festival moved up to Lee Valley Showground for its 2022 edition, bringing some floor-filling DJs with it.
When? August 24
Where? Lee Valley Showground, London
Who’s on the line-up? Jamie Jones, Skream b2b Sosa, Barry Can’t Swim, The Martinez Brothers, Crazy P, Denis Sulta, Joseph Capriati, Seth Troxler, Kerri Chandler, Groove Armada (DJ set), Sven Väth, Âme (live), Bedouin and more.
Tickets: Fourth release from £54.95; easternelectrics.com
Forwards Festival
This inner-city music festival, which debuted last year, boasts three stages and some major international acts. As well as its music performances, Forwards hosts a discussion space, titled The Information, where creatives, writers and thinkers come together to speak about difficult issues such as food poverty and the black experience.
When? August 31 - September 1
Where? Clifton Downs, Bristol
Who’s on the line-up? Loyle Carner, Four Tet, Maribou State, Floating Points, Romy and Yussef Dayes are among the acts on Saturday’s bill, while Sunday features LCD Soundsystem, Jessie Ware, Yard Act, CMAT, Baxter Dury and more.
Tickets: From £55; forwardsbristol.co.uk
End of the Road
Another multi-disciplinary delight spanning the spectrum of music, comedy, literature, film and beyond, the festival is back for 2024 with a typically on-point line-up that sets it apart from the rest of the crowd.
When? August 29-September 1
Where? Larmer Tree Gardens, Salisbury
Who’s on the line-up? IDLES, Slowdive, Fever Ray, Bonnie Prince Billy, Yo La Tengo, Sleater-Kinney, Lankum, Baxter Dury, Jockstrap, CMAT, English Teacher, Sprints, NewDad, HotWax, Heaertworms, Gently Tender, and many more.
Tickets: Most tiers sold out, some Tier 4 tickets still on sale at £255; endoftheroadfestival.com
Mucky Weekender
This small but mighty festival, which is named after the Dub Pistols song, was set up by the band in 2019 as a way to connect with their fans. It’s been a blast ever since, with the Dub Pistols showcasing some of their favourite acts – headliners have included Mungo’s HiFi, The Selecter, Hollie Cook and The Hempolics. And with this year’s event titled The Mad Hatters Tea Party, it’s set to be more bonkers fun.
When? September 5-7
Where? Vicarage farm, Winchester
Who’s on the line-up? The Dualers, Dub Pistols, Dreadzone, Dutty Moonshine Big Band, Congo Natty, Marshall Jefferson, LTJ Bukem, Micky Finn, London Electricity, General Levy, Dynamite MC, Leeroy Thornhill, Dr Meaker, Beans On Toast and many more.
Tickets: Tier 2 tickets from £155; mucky-weekender.co.uk
Reminisce Festival
This feel-good nostalgia-fest, located near Liverpool, usually comes with a fun line-up of artists: last year, they hosted Vengaboys, Love Inc, and Boyzone and Westlife supergroup Boyzlife.
When? September 7
Where? Sherdley Park, St. Helens
Who’s on the line-up? DJ Sammy, Basshunter, Deedee, Jonny Crane, Tommy MC, Chesney Hawkes, Awesome 3, Rozalla and many more.
Tickets: from £90, reminiscefestival.com
Maiden Voyage
A relatively new arrival on the London scene, Maiden Voyage is run by the same people who helm the Jazz Cafe in Camden. The venue’s focused eclecticism is matched on the festival’s line-up.
When? September 14
Where? London
Who’s on the line-up? Arca (live), Adonis, Lady Shaka, Young Marco, Tai Lokum, Hunee, James Newmarch, DJ Gigola, Bitter Babe and more.
Tickets: Fourth release from £54.95, maiden-voyage.co.uk
