22 Best UK Music Festivals To Book For Summer
Ah, the festival. Four days of stomping through thick mud in your brand new wellies, squelchingly dancing along to your favourite musician in torrential rain and, often, camping through it all. Yep, it’s the Brits rite of passage. If you fancy heading to one this summer, read on to find out our recommendations.
From family-friendly favourites to the country’s biggest dance weekender, these are the 22 best UK music festivals to book this summer.
Glastonbury
Let’s not beat around the bush here, Glastonbury is notoriously difficult to get tickets for. It’s one of the world’s biggest names in the festival industry so it’s no wonder tickets sell out instantly. And it’s a festival that seems to always include a flurry of rain clouds. That being said, the biggest names in music have all graced the main stage over the years.
Neil Young is set to headline the festival in 2025. Coldplay, Dua Lipa, SZA, and Shania Twain, are just a few of the major artists that have made their way onto the big stages in past years.
Even if you haven’t managed to get tickets for this year’s festival, you can always look forward to watching all of the highlights as they happen on the BBC’s various channels and iPlayer.
Neil Young is an artist who’s very close to our hearts at Glastonbury. He does things his own way and that’s why we love him.
25th – 29th June
www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk
The Great Escape
In a city abrim with independent music venues cropping up on every corner, it only seems fitting Brighton is home to a festival dedicated to showcasing emerging artists. Scattered over 30 venues with around 500 new artists and even its very own pop-up festival site on Brighton Beach itself, it’s a chance to discover fresh new talent and maybe even the next Idles. Their first announced spotlight artist this year is Peter Doherty of The Libertines who will take the stage on May 14th.
14th – 17th May
www.greatescapefestival.com
Creamfields
There’s still a chance to attend Creamfields during this summer’s bank holiday weekend. Tickets are available, but not for long. Known for being one of the world’s biggest dance festivals, it’s one that sells out every year.
In 2025 Creamfields North and South reunite in one, huge Creamfields festival in Daresbury, Cheshire. This year’s line-up has not yet been released, but the 2024 was packed packed with the likes of Calvin Harris, David Guetta, Becky Hill, Charlotte De Witte and Tiesto.
This year welcomes a host of exciting new stages plus the all-new Downtown Village, the luxurious Freshfields Spa, and, of course, the jaw-dropping lineup we have in store for you.
21st – 24th August
www.creamfields.com
Wide Awake
If only one day of the festival lifestyle is more your speed, then Wide Awake is the perfect day trip for you. Attendees are free to enjoy Brockwell Park as well as see artists such as CMAT, Kneecap, and English Teacher plus many more will be taking on the various stages. A three-day music festival can be a lot, this can even be a nice break for those used to more intense fests. This is the perfect day for an alternative fan who prefers a shorter festival.
23 May
www.wideawakelondon.com
TRNSMT
As well as the headliners expect an epic line-up with the likes of The Kooks, The Script, and [profile-link]Snow Patrol[/profile-link].
Scotland’s premier music festival returns this July with headline acts from 50 Cent, Gracie Abrams and Biffy Clyro. Taking place from the11th – 13th July at Glasgow’s iconic Glasgow Green, TRNSMT is a great option for those who don’t do tents – the festival is strictly non-camping so you can head home or to your hotel/Airbnb feeling refreshed for the next day. Plenty keeps music fans occupied over the three days, from the famous King Tut’s Stage to the Boogie Bar, over 50 food traders, 20 bars and various funfair rides.
11th – 13th JULY
WWW.trnsmtfest.com
Parklife
Up in Manchester, Parklife Festival has some of the best artists from such a wide variety of genres that is destined to please any music lover. From 50 Cent to Charli XCX to Jorja Smith and Pawsa, each day of this two-day extravaganza is stacked with talent. This isn’t a weekend to miss out on.
There are few tickets available, so if you are interested, time is of the essence.
14th-15th June
www.parklife.com
Isle Of Wight Festival
From Justin Timberlake and [profile-link]Sting[/profile-link] to Clean Bandit and Supergrass, the Isle Of Wight Festival is going all out with their star-studded line-up. But it’s not all just about the music, here you’ll find an array of areas dotted around Seaclose Park too, from fairground rides to relaxation zones.
For those not feeling numerous nights in a crowded tent, the festival is home to boutique and luxury camping options, or go all out and book a cottage or Airbnb.
19th – 22nd June
www.isleofwightfestival.com
Love Supreme
For jazz lovers wanting a boogie, then Love Supreme is the perfect option to fulfill your deepest jazz-inspired desires. With the rolling hills of the iconic South Downs of East Sussex surrounding you, Love Supreme is the first all-jazz festival in the UK, spread across four stages.
Expect to be dancing the weekend away to Jacob Collier, Maxwell, The Roots, and more.
5th – 7th July
www.lovesupremefestival.com
Wireless
The festival takes over Finsbury Park each summer, bringing with it a mega line-up of some of the biggest stars in music.
The 2025 lineup has not yet been announced, but past performers include Nicki Minaj, 21 Savage, Sean Paul, and Ice Spice.
11th -13th July
www.wirelessfestival.co.uk
Download
This premier rock and metal festival is presented by Liquid Death and is based at the spiritual home of rock Donington Park. Tickets are selling out fast, so be sure to get yours before they’re gone.
The Download XXI lineup includes Green Day, Sleep Token and Korn.
13th – 15th June
www.downloadfestival.co.uk
Latitude
A double whammy of music and performing arts, Latitude Festival shouts about all things from music, comedy and poetry to theatre, politics, film and workshops. If you’re up for a dose of the eclectic then this festival is where it’s at, with electronic, alternative, folk and a whole lot more on offer. What’s more, if you’re feeling a little fragile post-festivalling, there’s yoga and wellness on offer to get you back into the party spirit as soon as possible!
This year’s line-up includes Sting, Fatboy Slim, and Snow Patrol.
24th – 27th July
www.latitudefestival.com
Liverpool Sound City
This three-day festival features established names alongside a constant stream of local, national, and international emerging talent. Sound City has a mix of everything including grime, electronica, indie, psych, rock, pop, and much more. This is the perfect place to discover some top-notch new artists.
You can expect a killer line-up of musicians this year including The Royston Club, Dylan John Thomas, and Stone.
2nd – 4th May
www.soundcity.uk.com
Camp Bestival
From family-friendly activities to stellar musical morsels and cultural offerings, Camp Bestival is one of the best festivals in the UK for all ages. Taking place on the last weekend in July, this is one that’ll kick off the school summer holidays with a bang.
The festival itself is set within the majestic grounds of Lulworth Castle on the Jurassic coastline. The music line-up includes the likes of Sir Tom Jones, Sugababes, and Basement Jaxx.
Other activities include circus performances, cosmic kids yoga, a roller disco, and fancy dress parades.
Designed by families especially for families, Camp Bestival combines all the fun of a fantastic family camping holiday with everything you’d expect from an idyllic and action-packed festival adventure.
31st JULY – 3rd august
www.dorset.campbestival.net
FSTVL
We Are FSTVL takes over Central Park Dagenham, bringing with it a wealth of DJs, artists and big names in the dance music scene. Typically over the August bank holiday weekend, the stages has been taken over in past years by FISHER, Joel Corry, Dom Dolla, Annie Mac, and Eric Prydz.
Go for a VIP ticket and reap all of the benefits of the secluded areas, from private bars and food traders to VIP-only toilets, which if you’ve ever been to a festival before, it’s a huge bonus.
DAtes To Be Determined
www.wearefstvl.com
End of the Road
End Of The Road returns at the end of August, bringing with them an exciting line-up of all of the biggest indie music names. There are so many quirky corners of this festival, from giant animal sculptures to small tents and stages welcoming some of the best-rising stars in the industry.
The festival, located at Larmer Tree Gardens in Dorset, will be welcoming Caribou, Father John Misty, and Self Esteem.
28th – 31ST August
www.endoftheroadfestival.com
GALA
GALA is a community-driven festival that focuses on soulful sounds like electronic, soul, and jazz. This festival celebrates music that dance was built on. Head to Peckham Rye Park to hear artists Floating Points, Moodymann, and Theo Parrish kick off summer.
23rd – 25th may
www.thisisgala.co.uk
Wilderness
For those wanting a festival that’s a smidge tamer than the rest, look to Wilderness. This culturally diverse occasion in Oxfordshire sees revellers enjoying all things from music to wellbeing, talks and debates to feasting and dining.
This year’s headliners consist of Basement Jaxx, Supergrass, and Wet Leg.
Wilderness is your gateway to a weekend of boundless escapism, daring adventures, and pure joy. We celebrate individuality, creativity, and the thrill of the unexpected.
31st JULY – 3rd August
www.wildernessfestival.com
Boardmasters
It’s not often you’ll find a surf festival here in the UK, but Boardmasters is the Cornish exception. Expect a whole host of surf action, alongside some of the biggest and brightest names in the music industry.
Newquay is entirely taken over for the full five-days with surfers and festival goers. Acts this year include Raye, Central Cee, and The Prodigy.
6th – 10th August
www.boardmasters.com
Green Man
Whether you’re travelling to a festival for the music, the experience or the kiddie area, Green Man Festival combines the best of the bunch. Even if you’ve never had the pleasure of going, you’ll know of the instantly recognisable giant wooden men statues dotted around the site.
Their lineup for this year has not yet been announced, but last year’s featured artists such as Big Thief, Arlo Parks, Sampha, Black Country New Road, and Osees. With a festival that caters to every kind of festival goer and a lineup like that, it’s guaranteed to be an all-around good time for everyone.
14th – 17th August
www.greenman.net
All Points East
For those not cut out for camping, try London’s best festival All Points East. The festival is a combination of non consecutive days with different lineups for each day. Each year the festival takes over East London’s Victoria Park and plays host to an exciting mix of artists. This year there’ll be Barry Can’t Swim, Raye, and The Maccabees.
Various dates from 16th – 24th August
www.allpointseastfestival.com
Reading & Leeds
If Reading or Leeds wasn’t your first festival debut when you were a teenager, can you even call yourself a real Brit?
What was once the UK’s leading alternative festival has since blossomed into a world of its own showcasing emerging talent alongside serious music legends. The 2025 lineup includes the likes of Hozier, Chappell Roan, Bring Me the Horizon, and Travis Scott. It’s the only way we’ll be spending our August bank holiday.
21st – 24th August
www.readingfestival.com
Cross the Tracks
Cross the Tracks is all about jazz, funk, soul, and hip-hop. This single-day festival has a diverse lineup of heritage legends, current icons, and new artists. Not to mention they have 70+ of London’s hottest street food vendors and a craft beer fair.
This year’s lineup includes Michael Kiwanuka, Ezra Collective, and Jordan Rakei.
25th May
www.xthetracks.com
Somerset House Summer Series
Somerset House has partnered with American Express to host 11 nights of live music this July at the Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court. To celebrate Somerset House’s 25th birthday, a festival will be held with amazing artists including Rizzle Kicks, Freya Ridings, Jacob Banks, Parov Stelar and more.
This year’s festival promises to be one of the most exhilarating editions yet, with personal and powerful performances from some of the world’s most influential artists.
10th – 20th July
www.somersethouse.org.uk/
Don’t fancy a UK festival? Try one of these European festivals instead.
