Major Acts
Download Festival
10 to 14 June, Donington, Leicestershire
As a testament to the enduring appeal of early 2000s music and fashion, nu-metal icons Limp Bizkit and Linkin Park will take the stage at the UK’s premier rock event, Download Festival. They will be joined by Guns N’ Roses, carrying on the legacy of Donington’s Monsters of Rock. The lineup also includes the intense sounds of Blood Incantation with their cosmic death metal, Drain’s vibrant hardcore, and Die Spitz with their unique doom-punk style. Huw Baines
Isle of Wight Festival
18 to 21 June, Newport
The Isle of Wight Festival is crafted to deliver a perfectly rounded festival experience. Kick off the weekend with an emotional singalong with Lewis Capaldi on Friday, dance to Calvin Harris’ dynamic hits on Saturday, and wind down with the gothic melodies of The Cure on Sunday. The lineup includes diverse acts from Wet Leg to Rick Astley and even Five. Michael Cragg
TRNSMT Festival
19 to 21 June, Glasgow
Filling the void left by T in the Park since 2017, TRNSMT continues to draw crowds of 50,000 daily with its accessible urban setting. This year’s festival will feature Richard Ashcroft, Wolf Alice, Nile Rodgers & Chic, CMAT, and a strong representation of Scottish talent including Lewis Capaldi and Amy Macdonald. Dave Simpson
State Fayre
26 to 28 June, Chelmsford
This new festival in Essex boasts a celebration of rock, Americana, and country music, promising excellent tunes, food, and vibes. Headliners include Kings of Leon and The Lumineers, with Alanis Morissette delivering a set rich with tracks from Jagged Little Pill. Culinary delights are provided by award-winning barbecue specialists, ensuring a fulfilling experience. MC
Creamfields
27 to 30 August, Daresbury, Cheshire
Creamfields is a must-visit for dance music aficionados over the August bank holiday. Celebrating 20 years at Daresbury, the festival features a stellar lineup including Sonny Fodera and Disclosure, along with a host of DJs from Radio 1. The Apex, a massive rave structure, will be a highlight, offering a stark contrast to the cramped confines of a festival tent. Kate Solomon
Reading/Leeds Festival
27 to 30 August
Evolving from its rock roots, Reading and Leeds now cater to a younger, pop-centric crowd. This year’s lineup is notably diverse, with performers like Charli xcx, Chase & Status, and Florence + the Machine attracting a youthful demographic alongside a few older festival-goers. DS
End of the Road Festival
3 to 6 September, Larmer Tree Gardens, Wiltshire
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, End of the Road continues to impress with top acts like Pulp and Super Furry Animals, along with CMAT. The festival also features artists like Ty Segall and Lucinda Williams, offering a rich tapestry of sounds. Naomi Larsson Piñeda
Family-Friendly Options
Bearded Theory
20 to 24 May, Catton Park, Derbyshire
Nestled in the National Forest, Bearded Theory not only offers a rich lineup including Pixies and Skunk Anansie but also features a school program to keep kids engaged without missing school. A variety of lessons from mindfulness to healthy eating are available, making it a perfect family getaway. Ammar Kalia
Knockengorroch
21 to 24 May, Dumfries and Galloway
Celebrating Celtic roots, this intimate festival in the Carsphairn Hills of Scotland is ideal for families, featuring a dedicated kids’ area and camping spots. This year, the lineup includes international acts like South African group BCUC, adding a global flavor to the traditionally Celtic festival. NLP
Womad Festival
3 to 4 July, Glasgow; 23 to 26 July, Neston Park, Wiltshire
Womad, founded by Peter Gabriel, continues to celebrate global music and culture, now in a new Wiltshire location and a debut event in Glasgow. The festival features a diverse lineup including Barrington Levy and Oumou Sangaré, along with a dedicated children’s area, ensuring a family-friendly atmosphere. AK
Latitude Festival
23 to 26 July, Henham Park, Suffolk
Known for its eclectic mix, Latitude’s 20th anniversary boasts a lineup that blends nostalgia with contemporary acts, from Billy Ocean to Alessi Rose. The festival also offers a variety of family-oriented activities and stunning natural scenery, complete with brightly colored sheep. KS
Truck Festival
23 to 26 July, Steventon, Oxfordshire
Truck Festival offers a balanced experience for both adults and children, featuring indie favorites like The Maccabees and Two Door Cinema Club, along with engaging activities for kids, from scavenger hunts to storytelling. HB
Camp Bestival
30 July to 2 August, East Lulworth, Dorset
Set against the picturesque Dorset coast, Camp Bestival is a family-focused festival offering a plethora of activities for children alongside a diverse musical lineup featuring Self Esteem and Bastille. DS
Big Feastival
28 to 30 August, Chipping Norton
This festival combines great music, food, and family activities. With performances from Basement Jaxx and Perrie, and family-friendly activities like Beatrix Potter adventures, Big Feastival caters to all ages. MC
Day Festivals
Gala Festival
22 to 24 May, London
Celebrating a decade, Peckham’s Gala Festival extends to three days this year, showcasing everything from rap and grime to disco and house. This independent festival promises a vibrant celebration in the park. KS
Love Saves the Day
23 to 24 May, Bristol
Positioned in the heart of Bristol, this day festival is a haven for dance music enthusiasts, featuring a lineup that includes Sammy Virji and Sub Focus. The festival is renowned for its powerful sound systems and dynamic atmosphere. AK
Slam Dunk Festival
23 May, Hatfield; 24 May, Leeds
Celebrating its 20th year, Slam Dunk Festival showcases the best in pop-punk and hardcore music, with acts like Good Charlotte and Knocked Loose leading the bill. The festival takes place across two locations, offering the same high-energy experience in both the south and north of England. HB
Mighty Hoopla
30 to 31 May, London
Located in Brockwell Park, South London, Mighty Hoopla is celebrated for its inclusive and vibrant atmosphere, featuring pop icons like the Scissor Sisters and Lily Allen. This festival is perfect for those looking to enjoy live music without the hassle of camping. MC
Parklife
20 to 21 June, Manchester
Known for its exuberant atmosphere, Parklife Festival in Manchester is a hotspot for young party-goers. This year’s lineup includes a mix of pop and rave acts, ensuring an unforgettable weekend of music and dance. KS
Reggae Land
31 July to 2 August, Milton Keynes
Hosted in Milton Keynes, Reggae Land has grown to become the UK’s largest reggae-focused day festival. This year’s event features a mix of Afrobeats and Jamaican music, with top acts like Burna Boy and Beenie Man. AK
All Points East
21-23 and 28-30 August, London
Spread over two weekends, All Points East in Victoria Park, London, boasts a diverse lineup including Lorde, Tyler, the Creator, and Deftones. This festival is known for its eclectic mix and vibrant atmosphere. MC
Scenic Festivals
Eden Festival
11 to 14 June, Dumfries and Galloway
Set in the picturesque Raehill’s Estate, Eden Festival offers a community-driven, nature-immersed music experience. This year’s lineup features Julian Marley and Vieux Farka Touré, blending musical styles in a beautiful setting. HB
Gottwood
11 to 14 June, Anglesey
Celebrating its 15th year, Gottwood stands out among rural dance music festivals for its intimate setting and high-quality electronic music, surrounded by the natural beauty of Carreglwyd Estate. DS
Deer Shed
24 to 26 July, North Yorkshire
Deer Shed offers a family-friendly festival experience with a blend of music, comedy, and arts in the serene setting of Baldersby Park. This year, enjoy sounds from Everything Everything and Sleaford Mods among lush landscapes. DS
Wilderness
30 July to 2 August, Charlbury, Oxfordshire
Wilderness Festival is known for its luxurious setting and diverse offerings, from high-profile music acts to wellness activities, all set in the picturesque Oxfordshire countryside. KS
Boardmasters
5 to 9 August, Watergate Bay & Fistral Beach, Newquay
At Boardmasters, the stunning Cornish coastline is as much a draw as the music itself. This festival combines surfing with performances from top artists, creating a unique beach festival experience. MC
Krankenhaus
28 to 30 August, Muncaster Castle, Cumbria
In the scenic Lake District, Krankenhaus Festival offers an indie music lineup in the historic setting of Muncaster Castle, complemented by outdoor activities like fell walking and steam train rides. NLP
Victorious
28 to 30 August, Southsea
Set on Southsea seafront, Victorious Festival combines a stunning location with a diverse musical lineup, appealing to a wide range of tastes and ages. DS
Eclectic Music Choices
Cheltenham Jazz Festival
29 April to 4 May, various venues
Cheltenham Jazz Festival celebrates its 30th year with a lineup that spans jazz and beyond, featuring artists like Jessie J and Joshua Redman, and introducing global sounds from Tinariwen. AK
AVA Festival
29 to 30 May, Belfast; 24 to 26 September, London
AVA Festival is at the forefront of contemporary electronic music, showcasing international talents like Honey Dijon and local stars such as Kneecap. MC
Love Supreme Jazz Festival
3 to 5 July, Glynde Place, East Sussex
As Europe’s largest outdoor jazz event, Love Supreme widens its musical horizons in 2026, featuring hip-hop influences from Loyle Carner and jazz innovations curated by Ezra Collective. AK
Cambridge Folk Festival
1 & 2 August, Cherry Hinton Hall
Cambridge Folk Festival continues to redefine folk music, presenting a lineup that includes Suzanne Vega and innovative global artists, ensuring a diverse musical exploration. NLP
ArcTanGent
19 to 22 August, Bristol
Dedicated to the heavier side of music, ArcTanGent excels in bringing together progressive and avant-garde acts, making it a highlight for fans of intense and innovative sounds. HB
The Long Road Festival
27 to 30 August, Stanford Hall, Leicestershire
Celebrating country and Americana, The Long Road secures top names like Emmylou Harris and introduces a blend of UK indie-folk, creating a unique festival atmosphere. NLP
Shambala
27 to 30 August, Northampton
Shambala Festival is a haven for discovering new music, featuring up-and-coming artists across genres, complemented by a rich program of poetry and performance art. AK
Indoor Music Events
Focus Wales
7 to 9 May, Wrexham
Focus Wales is an annual showcase in Wrexham, highlighting emerging Welsh talent in music and film in various urban venues, offering a dynamic arts experience. DS
The Great Escape
13 to 16 May, Brighton
The Great Escape in Brighton is a hub for discovering new music, sprawling across various venues and offering a chance to see future stars in intimate settings. KS
Highways
15 to 17 May, Royal Albert Hall, London
Highways Festival brings country music to London’s Royal Albert Hall, featuring performances by Nashville’s Jon Pardi and Emmylou Harris, among others, in a grand setting. NLP
Dot to Dot
23 May, Bristol; 24 May, Nottingham
Dot to Dot Festival spans two cities, offering a platform for emerging artists in vibrant urban settings, making it a prime spot for catching tomorrow’s music stars. KS
Manchester Psych Fest
5 September
Manchester Psych Fest explores the boundaries of music and art, featuring a diverse lineup and unique venues, blending mind-expanding music with the city’s dynamic culture. HB
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Fatima Clarke is a seasoned health reporter who bridges medical science with human stories. She writes with compassion, precision, and a drive to inform.
