Top UK Music Festivals to Book in 2024: Your Ultimate Guide
Introduction:Looking to immerse yourself in the vibrant beats and electrifying atmosphere of the UK's music scene? Look no further! With the summer months fast approaching, it's time to plan your festival adventures for 2024. From iconic names to hidden gems, the UK boasts a plethora of music festivals that cater to every taste and preference. Whether you're into rock, pop, electronic, or indie, there's something for everyone. Join us as we unveil the best UK music festivals to add to your calendar this year, ensuring an unforgettable experience filled with sensational performances, unforgettable memories, and endless fun.
Terminal V Festival 2024
Celebrating its 10th edition, Terminal V Festival is returning to Edinburgh in April 2024, poised to be its biggest event yet. Over two days, the festival will host 80+ international artists across five stages, attracting 20,000 music fans daily. Recognized as Scotland’s largest electronic music festival and voted number one by DJ Mag in 2022/2023, Terminal V offers an immersive experience with a mix of indoor and outdoor stages, showcasing the vibrant techno scene and much more.
Brick Lane Jazz Festival 2024
Set in the heart of London's iconic Brick Lane, this festival celebrates the fusion of jazz with hip hop, Latin, neo-soul, R&B, reggae, broken beat, and electronic music over three days. Featuring 10 music venues, it showcases emerging talents and established artists in the UK jazz scene. The festival not only promises a rich musical experience but also partners with Tomorrow’s Warriors, supporting the growth of UK jazz talent.
We Out Here Festival 2024
This four-day award-winning festival, curated by BBC Radio 6’s Gilles Peterson, takes place in the scenic grounds of Wimborne St Giles, Dorset, from August 15th to 18th, 2024. Celebrating a diverse array of music genres including soul, hip hop, house, afro, electronica, jazz, and more, We Out Here also incorporates wellness, family, and cultural activities, fostering a community vibe. The festival prides itself on featuring both pioneering artists and emerging talent.
Kendal Calling 2024
Kendal Calling invites music lovers back to the fields from August 1-4, 2024, for another unforgettable experience. Celebrated for creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with music, art, and entertainment, the festival takes place in the picturesque setting of Lowther Deer Park. It's known for its diverse lineup, encompassing various genres, and for fostering a strong sense of community among festival-goers.
FOCUS Wales 2024
Taking place over May 9-11, 2024, FOCUS Wales is a prominent international showcase in Wrexham, featuring over 300 live performances across 20 stages. The festival highlights the best new and established talent from Wales, alongside exciting international acts. It's a key event for discovering a wide range of musical genres and networking within the industry.
The Great Escape 2024
Known as the festival for new music, The Great Escape takes place in Brighton, UK, showcasing over 500 emerging artists from all over the world across 30+ venues. This event is a key date for music lovers and industry professionals looking to discover the next big thing. In addition to live performances, it features a conference with talks and panel discussions aimed at new music business professionals.
Knockengorroch Festival 2024
Taking place from May 23-26 in Galloway, Southwest Scotland, Knockengorroch is a vibrant celebration of music and culture, nestled beside the glittering Water of Deugh beneath great mountain peaks. It offers a diverse lineup, blending international artists and homegrown talent across genres like Celtic, world, and electronic music. The festival is known for its beautiful, natural setting and aims to provide a unique, intimate festival experience that celebrates the Celtic diaspora and beyond.
Wilderness Festival 2024
Scheduled for August 1-4, 2024, at Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire, Wilderness Festival offers a unique blend of music, arts, talks, culinary delights, and wellness activities. It's celebrated for its immersive experiences, including workshops, foraging, crafting, and debates, catering to a wide range of interests. Wilderness encourages festival-goers to explore and indulge their wild side in a setting that combines natural beauty with creative expression.
Houghton Festival 2024
Houghton Festival, set in the stunning grounds of Houghton Hall, Norfolk, offers a unique blend of electronic and live music. Curated by Craig Richards, the festival is known for its extended DJ sets, bespoke sound systems, and a commitment to quality across music, art installations, and natural settings. It emphasizes a hedonistic experience amidst sycamore trees, a lake, and a renowned sculpture park, creating an immersive atmosphere for festival-goers.
Bloodstock Open Air 2024
Bloodstock Open Air, the UK's largest independent heavy metal festival, returns to Catton Park, Derbyshire, from August 8-11, 2024. Celebrating heavy metal culture, it features over 120 international acts across four stages, alongside a metal market, late-night entertainment, fairground rides, and real ale bars. Known for its passionate community and inclusive atmosphere, Bloodstock is a must-visit for metal enthusiasts seeking a blend of iconic bands and fresh talent.
Boomtown Fair 2024
Boomtown Fair is a pioneering festival known for its immersive storytelling and elaborate set designs, creating a unique world within its grounds. Scheduled for August 7-11, 2024, it's more than just a music festival; it's an experience that transports attendees into a living, breathing city of wonder. With a diverse lineup that spans across multiple genres, the festival emphasizes creativity and community, offering a vast array of entertainment, arts, and performances that encourage exploration and discovery.
Green Man Festival 2024
Green Man Festival, nestled in the stunning Brecon Beacons, Wales, is set for August 15-18, 2024. This festival is known for its eclectic mix of music, literature, film, comedy, and science, offering something for everyone against a backdrop of natural beauty. With a strong focus on supporting emerging artists alongside established acts, Green Man provides a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere for all ages.
GALA Festival 2024
GALA Festival, an independent London event, will grace Peckham Rye Park from May 24-26, 2024. Celebrated for its vibrant music scene, GALA promises a weekend filled with diverse sounds, from bass-heavy beats to soul-nourishing rhythms. This festival is a testament to the flourishing talent in the city, offering a unique blend of genres and experiences.
Love Supreme Festival 2024
Set in the picturesque Glynde Place, East Sussex, from July 5-7, 2024, Love Supreme Festival is the UK's premier jazz festival. It uniquely blends classic and contemporary jazz, soul, blues, and R&B, featuring legendary artists alongside emerging talent. The festival offers a diverse and rich musical experience in a beautiful outdoor setting, appealing to a wide range of music fans.
Wide Awake Festival 2024
Taking place in Brockwell Park, London, on May 25, 2024, Wide Awake is an independent festival designed for music fans seeking new and diverse sounds. It showcases a mix of up-and-coming talent alongside favorite established bands, curated by Bad Vibrations, LNZRT, original Field Day founders, and the teams behind MOTH Club and The Shacklewell Arms. The festival aims to provide a platform for innovative music across various genres.
City Splash Festival 2024
Celebrating the rich influence of Caribbean and African culture on the UK and beyond, City Splash Festival returns to Brockwell Park, Brixton, on May 27, 2024. The festival honors the heritage of Roots, Dub, Dancehall, Jungle, and Garage, showcasing a blend of legendary sounds and emerging talent. It's a vibrant tribute to Black music, food, dance, and style, creating a communal space for unity, connection, and history-making.
Boardmasters 2024
Boardmasters blends the world of music and surfing in a five-day festival set against the scenic backdrop of the Cornish coast. Offering a unique experience, attendees can enjoy a wide range of musical performances alongside surfing competitions and beach lifestyle activities. The festival, which celebrates the connection between music, surf, and the outdoors, creates a vibrant community atmosphere.
Cross The Tracks 2024:
Scheduled for May 26, 2024, Cross The Tracks is a celebrated day festival in London focusing on jazz, funk, soul, and hip-hop. With a lineup that includes heritage legends, current icons, and emerging talents, it's a key event for enthusiasts of these genres. Beyond music, the festival offers a selection of London's finest street food, craft beer, handmade jewelry, artwork, and engaging workshops and talks by charities and partners.
Mighty Hoopla 2024
Mighty Hoopla, the UK's leading pop music festival, is set to light up Brockwell Park, London, on June 1st and 2nd, 2024. Known for celebrating the best of pop, alternative, and queer culture, the festival offers an inclusive environment filled with lively performances. It's a weekend of nostalgia, cutting-edge music, and glitter, making it a must-attend event for fans of all things pop.
ALSO Festival 2024
Set in the heart of Warwickshire, ALSO Festival offers a rich blend of ideas, music, comedy, and food set against a stunning natural backdrop. From July 12-14, 2024, attendees can dive into a curated program that spans thought-provoking talks, music across genres, wellness activities, and immersive culinary experiences. Celebrating its 11th year, ALSO is designed to spark creativity and connection in a breathtaking Capability Brown-designed landscape.
AVA Festival 2024
AVA Festival is a cornerstone event for electronic music and digital visual arts, returning to Belfast on May 31 and June 1, 2024. Celebrated for its vibrant showcase of local and international talent, the festival combines live performances with an insightful conference featuring industry leaders. It's a must-attend for enthusiasts of cutting-edge electronic music and the creative arts.
Download Festival 2024
The UK's premier rock festival, Download, is set to take place from June 14-16, 2024, at Donington Park, known as the spiritual home of rock. This iconic festival is renowned for presenting a lineup of the biggest names in rock, metal, and alternative music, drawing fans from all over the globe for a weekend of electrifying performances and unforgettable memories
Gottwood Festival 2024
Scheduled for June 13-16 in the mystical woods of Anglesey, Wales, Gottwood is an independent, boutique, and intimate underground electronic music festival. It's celebrated for its critical acclaim and unique environment, offering a blend of electronic music across various genres. The festival is known for its beautiful setting, great atmosphere, and a lineup that balances big names with talented up-and-comers.
Parklife 2024
Parklife returns to Heaton Park, Manchester, on June 8-9, 2024, offering a weekend filled with a diverse music lineup, encompassing genres from hip-hop and grime to pop and electronic. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and dynamic stages, Parklife is a highlight of the UK festival scene, attracting top-tier artists and thousands of music fans. The festival also features unique VIP experiences, including express entry and exclusive areas.
Parklife.
Isle of Wight Festival 2024
Celebrated for its legendary status in the UK festival scene, the Isle of Wight Festival returns to Seaclose Park, Newport, from June 20-23, 2024. This iconic event offers a diverse lineup that spans rock, pop, indie, and more, appealing to music fans of all ages. Beyond music, the festival provides a range of activities and entertainment options, making it a comprehensive cultural experience
Black Deer Festival 2024
Black Deer Festival, celebrated in the beautiful Eridge Park, Kent, from June 14-16, 2024, focuses on Americana and country music. This festival is a heartfelt homage to the American way of life, offering attendees not just music but a cultural experience with food, storytelling, and craftsmanship. It's a key event for enthusiasts of Americana, providing a mix of legendary artists and emerging talent.
El Dorado Festival 2024
El Dorado Festival offers a unique experience, blending music, art, and adventure in a picturesque location. The event celebrates a variety of musical genres and artistic expressions, creating an immersive cultural environment. Attendees can expect a vibrant atmosphere, with activities and performances designed to engage and entertain.
FAQ
How many festivals are there in the UK?
New AIF data shows there were 600 UK music festivals in 2019, but now less than 500 in 2023. One in six UK festivals came to an end during and in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, new data from the Association of Independent Festivals suggests
What are the main UK festivals?
Top UK Music Festivals:
- Glastonbury Festival.
- Reading Festival.
- Leeds Festival.
- Isle of Wight Festival.
- Download Festival.
- Wireless Festival.
- Latitude Festival.
- Bestival.
What is the big English festival?
Glastonbury. The UK's biggest festival is Glastonbury Festival . With huge headliners and an enormous site - an 8.5-mile (14-km) perimeter and a capacity of around 200,000
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