20 Music Festivals You Can’t Miss In The UK


October 6, 2017


The UK’s music festivals are famous worldwide, known for capturing some of the biggest artists and the weather wreaking havoc on the fun. Everyone knows about the biggest festivals in the UK, but you may be stunned to find out just how many there actually are, which is why we’ve narrowed all of it down for you by presenting the Top 20 Music Festivals in the UK that you don’t want to miss at any cost.

Top 20 Festivals

1. Boomtown in Winchester

This festival is diverse and despite pulling in some big names has managed to shrug off the commercialisation of music. There are nine separate districts, so whether drum and bass is your thing or you’ve into folk, they’ve got you covered.

2. Bestival in Dorset

The 2017 dates are for early September and headliners include Pet Shop Boys and The xx. This award-winning festival includes around 1,000 performers and encourages party goers to indulge in fancy dress, theatre, and even a touch of comedy and poetry.

3. Creamfields in Daresbury

The ultimate in dance festivals, this globally renowned event all started because of the Cream nightclub in Liverpool. Every year tens of thousands of music lovers descend upon the festival to enjoy the biggest names in dance music, stunning pyrotechnics, epic lights, and more.

4. Boardmasters in Newquay

This year alt-J and Jamiroquai were among the headliners, but as well as the music this festival also enjoys the warmth and sunshine of the southwest of England. Skaters, surfers, BMXers and more ride through this festival.

5. Camp Bestival in Dorset

This is the type of festival that attracts Mark Ronson, Kaiser Chiefs, and Madness, and it is the younger sibling of the main Bestival festival. You still get the silliness of fancy dress and late-night madness, but Camp Bestival is family friendly! There’s face painting, poetry, comedy, and music.

Camp Bestival

6. Download Festival in Derby

2017’s event included the likes of Aerosmith, System of a Down, and Biffy Clyro so if rock and heavy metal are your things, then Download is aimed at you. It’s a 3-day affair jam-packed with the biggest names in rock, from the 70s till now.

7. Glastonbury in Somerset

It isn’t returning till 2019 which gives you plenty of times to keep your eyes peeled for voucher codes and discounts from Hotels.com for all your accommodation needs. In 2017 Ed Sheeran, Radiohead, and the Foo Fighters were among the headliners. It’s one of the oldest music festivals in the UK and attracts people from across the world. It’s veritable who’s who of the music industry.

8. The Great Escape in Sussex

This festival is different, while it boats hundreds of bands it has 35 different venues and the artists are all up and comers. It’s the perfect opportunity to see what the industry has in store. All you need is just one wristband to gain access to everything.

9. Green Man Festival in Wales

Fancy a trip to Wales? 2017 saw Ryan Adams and PJ Harvey take the stage and with the stunning backdrop of the mountains, it’s difficult to overlook the folksy line-up. Over a thousand performers hit the stage and it includes theatre, literature, and comedy too.

Green Man Festival

10. Isle of Wight Festival in Newport

This is a diverse festival that has seen the likes of Fleetwood Mac, Run DMC, Pharrell, Arcade Fire, The Black Keys, David Guetta, and even The Prodigy performing. If you have an eclectic taste in music then you can’t pass this one up.

11. Latitude Festival in Southwold

The Latitude Festival in Southwold is so much more than just a music festival, it’s family friendly and features clowns, local ales, opera, and even a cinema!

12. Lovebox in London

A hipster paradise featuring rock and dance artists and vintage markets, too.

13. Reading & Leeds in Bramham

You can expect established acts like Eminem and Muse as well as up and comers to look out for.

14. Secret Garden Party in Cambridgeshire

Set amongst a landscaped garden this is an eclectic mix of activities, from dance-offs to mud wrestling and even debates.

15. Shambala in Northamptonshire

Four days of pure indulgence with circus acts, comedy, theatre, music, and debates.

16. South West Four in south-west London

It may be a festival, but it’s a who’s who of the European Dance Music world and is basically an extra club!

17. T in the Park in Scotland

It didn’t crop up in 2017 but word is it will be returning for 2018. It’s the biggest festival in Scotland and it is unmissable.

18. Wilderness Festival in Oxfordshire

2017 featured Grace Jones, need we say more?

19. Wireless Festival in London

Everyone who is anyone in the R&B and hip-hop world turns up for the Wireless festival.

Wireless Festival

20. We Are FSTVL in Essex

EDM, hot tubs, champagne bars and gourmet food… what could be better?

Of course, you can’t forget all the gear you’ll need to make your festival experience as comfortable as possible, from new arrivals to wellies you can get everything you need with the added discounts from TK Maxx.