Best summer festivals in the UK
There are so many great things about summer in the UK: BBQs on the patio, picnics with fresh strawberries and cream, sunbathing in the park with jugs of Pimms and, of course, festival season. Summer is a great time to let your hair down and dance all day (and night) to your favourite music. So, without further ado, here are some of the best summer festivals in the UK, guaranteed to fill the warmest season with fun.
Wilderness Festival
Location: Cotswolds
Dates: 30th July to 2nd August 2020
Barefoot, flower garland-toting bohemians and gorgeous woodland combine at the Cotswolds’ Wilderness Festival. A hippie’s hallucinogenic dream, this countryside fest brings in the best of British folk pop, the likes of Florence + the Machine to Calvin Harris. There are also massive long-table banquets where the celebrity-chef world meets the festival-going crowd. But it’s not all fine dining and party-hopping; there are thought-provoking talks and symposiums by professors and philanthropists if you wanna’ get deep.
Boardmasters
Location: Cornwall
Dates: 5th to 9th August 2020
Set in Newquay, the UK’s surf capital, Boardmasters is a five day sea-and-salt fuelled fiesta. Throughout the day, surf competitions provide an exciting seafront show, as well as the live music on the highly instagrammable Fistral Beach. As well as being packed with surfing and music, Boardmasters is also a great festival for keen foodies, with a focus on stalls which sell fresh and delicious street food made with local produce. If you want to treat yourself then you can even indulge in a fancy dinner at The Wild Oyster – the festival’s immersive dining experience.
International Balloon Fiesta
Location: Bristol
Dates: 6th to 9th August 2020
Looking for a festival which is great for the whole family and 100% free? Then look no further than Europe’s largest ballooning event, Bristol’s International Balloon Fiesta. During the four days of the festival, more than 150 balloons take off from Ashton Court Estate at dawn, creating gorgeous sky-scapes, perfect for photography lovers and adrenaline junkies alike. To top off the festivities, you can go on a ride on the fairground or simply sit back and relax whilst watching the fireworks.
Countryfile Live
Location: Windsor
Dates: 20th to 23rd August 2020
Calling all lovers of the countryside, Countryfile Live is a great opportunity for you to celebrate all aspects of rural life in Windsor. With live arena shows, hands-on activities, animal displays, debates, and of course, delicious food and drink, there’s plenty to see and do here. What’s more, all activities are included in the ticket price and you might even get the chance to meet a few Countryfile presenters along the way!
British Summer Time Hyde Park
Location: London
Dates: 3rd to 12th July 2020
One of London’s biggest festivals, British Summer Time Hyde Park has seen performances from some of the world’s biggest stars, from Annie Mac to A$AP Rocky. The lineup for 2020 is no exception to this rule, with Taylor Swift as the main headline. Nothing says ‘summer’ quite like dancing along to Tay Tay in the middle of Hyde Park.
Glastonbury
Location: Somerset
Dates: 24th to 28th June 2020
One of the world’s biggest festivals, Glastonbury dominates the British summer calendar and for good reason too. Although a trip to Glastonbury is pretty epic every year, 2020 will be especially great as it’s the festival’s 50th anniversary. Both Paul McCartney and Chris Martins have already been confirmed as headliners for this year’s Glasto, and the world is waiting with bated breath to find out which other stars will be present on the stage.
All Points East
Location: London
Dates: 22nd to 31st May 2020
If you simply can’t wait for festival season to arrive then don’t fear – All Points East will provide you with a little festival pick me up in May, right before the summer season begins. Set in Victoria Park in London, this is an eclectic, fun-filled music event featuring headliners such as The Chemical Brothers, Bon Iver and Christine, and the Queens. As well as music, there’s a weekday programme of free activities including art, perfect if you’re feeling a bit creative this May.
Green Man Festival
Location: Brecon Beacons
Dates: 20th to 23rd August 2020
Nestled amidst the picturesque Brecon Beacons, Green Man Festival is arguably one of the best festivals in the UK for indie and alternative music lovers. It’s not just music here either, there are miles and miles of beautiful mountains, waterfalls and forests to explore, meaning you’ll have the chance to get out and about in the Welsh countryside too. Perfect if you’re wanting to take it a bit easier this summer.
Wireless Festival
Location: London
Dates: 3rd to 5th July 2020
Every year, the area of Finsbury Park is flooded with festival-goers for Wireless Festival. Initially, a rock and pop festival, the three-day event now focuses more on hip-hop, grime, garage and other urban music. The ultimate soundtrack to summer in London.
Fforest Gather
Location: Pembrokeshire
Dates: 3rd to 9th August 2020
Making its debut in 2007, this wild woodland camp has been on quite the upward trajectory. This year at Fforest Gather, there’s the usual live music and DJs, but more than that, there’s the back-to-nature activities; from wild swimming, baking sourdough and even making a totem. Set in 200 acres of sprawling woodland just outside Cardigan, Wales, there are intimate domes to sleep in and a haunted granite pub in which to soak up the magic of this mystical event.
South West Four
Location: London
Dates: 29th to 30th August 2020
One of the best electronic music festivals around, South West Four is a must-visit for any lovers of dance music. Featuring some of the biggest names in EDM, house, techno, drum and bass, grime and more, as well as plenty of emerging artists, you’ll find yourself dancing along from dusk to dawn. Combine the awesome music and great vibes with a few drinks and a spot of sunshine (hopefully) and you’ll find yourself having one of the best August Bank Holidays of your life.
