Top 22 UK Music Festivals for an Unforgettable Experience
The United Kingdom exudes a captivating charm, renowned for its exceptional cuisine, fashion, music, and iconic accents. It stands as a destination where revelry and enjoyment are part of the culture. If the UK is on your travel list for 2024, attending at least one music festival should be at the top of your agenda. Music is woven into the fabric of British life, and witnessing the groundbreaking artists reshaping the industry will undoubtedly leave you awe-struck. The atmosphere is nothing short of electric. As we embark on the 2024 adventure, this guide will help you prepare for the unmissable events that await.
Excited for the UK’s most iconic music festivals? If you’re unsure where to begin, fret not. We’ve got you covered with a curated list of the upcoming events. Browse through and select from the country’s top music festivals.
1: Leeds Festival
Duration: 6 days
Location: Bramham Park
Booking Information: Leeds Festival
Average Ticket Price: £327.25
Average Attendance Last Year: 210,000
Festival Capacity: 75,000
Notable Past Performers: Liam Gallagher, Blink 182, Gerry Cinnamon, Lana Del Rey, Catfish and the Bottlemen, Fred Again
Leeds Festival stands as one of the premier music festivals in the UK, held annually at the scenic Bramham Park. Spanning three days, this iconic event attracts over 80,000 music enthusiasts who converge to enjoy an eclectic mix of performances from some of the biggest names in the music industry. For 2024, headliners like Lana Del Rey, Fred Again, and Blink-182 have already been confirmed. The festival is renowned not only for its musical diversity but also for the rich blend of cultures it fosters.
Fun Fact: At Leeds Festival, fans once set a world record for the most people dressed in fancy attire at one time!
2: The Great Escape
Duration: 3 days
Location: Brighton, UK
Booking Details: The Great Escape
Average Ticket Price: £73.50
Avg Number of Attendees: 15,000
Capacity of Festival: 20,000
Who Has Performed: Lewis Capaldi, Sam Fender
The Great Escape in Brighton is a celebrated festival known for uncovering the freshest talent in music. Every year, it becomes a hub for new artists and emerging talent, offering an unparalleled experience for those eager to discover the next big thing in the industry. With over 500 performances, attendees are treated to a vast array of sounds and genres, all while being in one of the most dynamic cities in the UK.
Fun Fact: The Great Escape is renowned for helping launch the careers of emerging stars, showcasing over 500 new artists annually!
3: Focus Wales
Duration: 3 days
Location: Wrexham, UK
Booking Details: Focus Wales
Average Ticket Price: £68.75
Avg Number of Attendees: 20,000
Capacity of Festival: 22,000
Who Has Performed: Charlotte Church, Gaz Coombes, Gruff Rhys
Focus Wales offers an electrifying three-day experience for those looking to immerse themselves in a world of music and creativity. With a lineup that boasts over 250 artists and industry experts, this festival draws thousands of music enthusiasts annually. Attendees can expect a jam-packed schedule, featuring everything from indie rock to electronic beats. The vibrant atmosphere and welcoming crowd make it a standout in the UK’s music festival scene.
Fun Fact: With 250+ bands from across the globe, Focus Wales is a melting pot of musical talent and diverse genres.
4: We Out Here
Duration: 4 days
Location: Wimborne, UK
Booking Details: We Out Here
Average Ticket Price: ££
Avg Number of Attendees: 14,000
Capacity of Festival: 14,000
Who Has Performed: Gilles Peterson, Sampha, Kae Tempest
We Out Here is a burgeoning festival that celebrates the fusion of jazz, hip-hop, and electronic music. Founded by renowned DJ Gilles Peterson, this event offers a diverse array of performances and activities, drawing music enthusiasts and families alike. As a festival that embraces the UK’s vibrant club culture, We Out Here is quickly becoming a go-to event for fans of experimental sounds and inclusive experiences.
Fun Fact: Created by DJ Gilles Peterson, We Out Here blends jazz, hip-hop, and electronic music for an immersive cultural experience.
5: Gala
Duration: 2 days
Location: Peckham Rye Park, UK
Booking Details: Gala
Average Ticket Price: £60 – £70
Avg Number of Attendees: 17,000
Capacity of Festival: 8,000
Who Has Performed: Midland, Onai, OMOLOKO, Peach
Gala stands as a vibrant celebration of music, from jazz to electronic, all nestled within the iconic Peckham Rye Park. A festival built on community spirit, Gala welcomes music lovers from all walks of life to experience its eclectic range of genres. Whether you’re a fan of house beats, disco grooves, or indie tunes, Gala provides a space where all musical tastes are celebrated.
Fun Fact: Known for its lively fusion of street food, disco beats, and house music, Gala brings a unique, festive vibe to the UK festival scene!
6: Black Deer
Duration: 3 days
Location: Eldridge Park, Kent
Booking Details: Black Deer Festival
Average Ticket Price: £90.95
Avg Number of Attendees: 15,000
Capacity of Festival: 20,000
Who Has Performed: Bonnie Raitt, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Lucinda Williams
Black Deer Festival offers an immersive experience for fans of Americana and country music. Beyond the music, the festival celebrates a laid-back lifestyle, with street food vendors, motorbike exhibitions, and even cooking classes from smokehouse experts. The relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere and the festival’s focus on supporting independent musicians make it a must-attend for fans of country and Americana.
Fun Fact: Black Deer is the ultimate Americana and country music event, with unique offerings like a smokehouse serving up delicious BBQ.
7: Kendal Calling
Duration: 3-4 days
Location: Lowther Deer Park, UK
Booking Details: Kendal Calling
Average Ticket Price: £208.95
Avg Number of Attendees: 40,000
Capacity of Festival: 40,000
Who Has Performed: James, Mumford & Sons, Calvin Harris
Set in the stunning Lowther Deer Park, Kendal Calling is one of the most well-loved festivals in the UK. Known for its immersive camping experience, this event offers a weekend filled with great music, community vibes, and a picturesque setting. Whether you’re attending for the live performances or the shared camping experience, Kendal Calling promises memories that will last long after the festival ends.
Fun Fact: With its secret woodland venues, Kendal Calling adds an element of surprise and adventure to the festival experience.
8: Glastonbury Festival
Duration: 5 days
Location: Pilton, Somerset, UK
Booking Details: Glastonbury Festival
Average Ticket Price: £355 + £5 booking fee
Avg Number of Attendees: 200,000
Capacity of Festival: 40,000
Who Has Performed: David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, Adele, Beyoncé
Glastonbury Festival is not just a music festival; it’s a celebration of art, culture, and community. Held annually in Pilton, Somerset, this five-day event features a diverse range of performances, from music to theatre and circus acts. It’s the ultimate destination for festival-goers seeking a life-changing experience, and it consistently attracts over 200,000 people.
Fun Fact: Glastonbury’s on-site dairy farm produces fresh milk each year, which is served to festival-goers throughout the event.
9: Reading Festival
Duration: 3 days
Location: Reading, UK
Booking Details: Reading Festival
Average Ticket Price: £200-£300 for a weekend ticket
Avg Number of Attendees: 100,000
Capacity of Festival: 50,000
Who Has Performed: Nirvana, The Arctic Monkeys, Eminem, Billie Eilish
Reading Festival stands as one of the most iconic music events in the UK. With its history of featuring legendary bands and offering an atmosphere of pure musical ecstasy, this festival is a staple for music lovers of all genres. Spanning three days, the event provides an opportunity to camp, party, and enjoy world-class performances, all in the heart of Reading.
Fun Fact: Often called the “Glastonbury of rock,” Reading Festival has earned its place as one of the UK’s most legendary music events.
10: Download Festival
Duration: 3 days
Location: Donington Park
Average Ticket Price: £345
Average Number of Attendees (Last Year): 111,000
Festival Capacity: 60,000
Past Performers: Iron Maiden, Metallica, Black Sabbath
A true haven for rock aficionados, Download Festival delivers an exceptional blend of heavy metal and rock classics. It celebrates the rich musical heritage, from the iconic 70s to the early 80s, capturing the essence of hardcore, emo, and nu-metal. Held annually at Donington Park, a venue steeped in biker culture, the festival draws a passionate crowd each year. With its thunderous performances, it’s a standout event in the UK music festival scene.
Fun Fact: The quirky Download Dog mascot has become a symbol of the festival, appearing on merchandise and even hosting its own stage!
11: Isle of Wight Festival
Duration: 4 days
Location: Seaclose Park, Newport
Booking Details: Isle of Wight Festival
Average Ticket Price: £269.95
Avg Number of Attendees: 55,000
Capacity of Festival: 10,000
Who Has Performed: Jimi Hendrix, The Who, David Bowie
The Isle of Wight Festival is a historic event that draws a large crowd every year. Known for its legendary past performances and stunning island location, this festival offers a perfect blend of iconic music and stunning views. With major acts gracing the stage and a rich legacy, it remains a key event in the UK’s music festival calendar.
Fun Fact: The Isle of Wight Festival was once the largest music festival in the world, attracting over 600,000 people in 1970!
12: Parklife Festival
Duration: 2 days
Location: Heaton Park, Manchester
Average Ticket Price: £129.50 + Booking Fee
Average Number of Attendees (Last Year): 80,000
Festival Capacity: 40,000
Past Performers: Tyler, the Creator, Megan Thee Stallion, 50 Cent
Parklife Festival has earned its place as one of the most vibrant music festivals in the UK. Taking place in Manchester, it’s a haven for dance and electronic music lovers, with a line-up that spans genres from pop to rock. The festival is known for its buzzing atmosphere and memorable performances.
Fun Fact: Launched in 2010, Parklife Festival quickly became a major fixture in Manchester’s cultural calendar, bringing diverse sounds to the masses.
13: Lovebox Festival
Duration: 3 days
Location: Gunnersbury Park, London
Average Ticket Price: £345
Average Number of Attendees (Last Year): 100,000
Festival Capacity: 50,000
Past Performers: Snoop Dogg, Rudimental, Nas
Originally born from the electronic music scene, Lovebox Festival now embraces a rich variety of genres. With a mix of grime, pop, indie, and rock, Lovebox transforms into a cultural extravaganza, featuring everything from cabaret acts to circus performances. Situated in London’s Gunnersbury Park, it’s a must-visit for music lovers looking for an eclectic experience.
Fun Fact: Founded by Groove Armada in 2002, Lovebox started as a club night and blossomed into one of the UK’s top festivals.
14: Wireless Festival
Duration: 3 days
Location: Finsbury Park, London
Average Ticket Price: £94.60 – £259.25
Average Number of Attendees (Last Year): 135,000
Festival Capacity: 50,000
Past Performers: Drake, Kanye West, Cardi B, Kendrick Lamar
Focused on rap and hip-hop, Wireless Festival is a prime destination for fans of urban music. Held in London’s Finsbury Park, this event attracts some of the biggest names in hip-hop and R&B, drawing massive crowds eager for unforgettable performances.
Fun Fact: Wireless Festival is renowned not only for its world-class music but also for its commitment to hiring staff from the local community.
15: Green Man Festival
Duration: 4 days
Location: Near Crickhowell, South Wales
Average Ticket Price: £129.50 + Booking Fee
Average Number of Attendees (Last Year): 90,000
Festival Capacity: 25,000
Past Performers: Kraftwerk, Bicep, Laura Marling, Van Morrison
Dubbed the “mini Glastonbury,” Green Man Festival has cultivated a reputation for its stellar lineup and environmental consciousness. Located in the picturesque Brecon Beacons, this festival is known for its eco-friendly practices, including compost toilets and energy sourced from renewable resources. With a mix of folk, indie, and electronic music, it’s a festival for the environmentally-conscious music fan.
Fun Fact: Green Man Festival has sold out in mere hours in previous years, a testament to its cult following.
16: Y Not Festival
Duration: 4 days
Location: Pikehall, Derbyshire
Average Ticket Price: £99.50
Average Number of Attendees (Last Year): 40,000
Festival Capacity: 40,000
Past Performers: Royal Blood, Kasabian
Starting as a small gathering of 120 people, Y Not Festival has since transformed into one of the UK’s most beloved music festivals. Set in the scenic Derbyshire countryside, it brings together a diverse mix of music genres alongside quirky activities such as paint fights and an in-house cinema.
Fun Fact: Originally a tiny party in a disused quarry, Y Not has grown into a massive four-day celebration.
17: All Points East
Duration: 10 days
Location: Victoria Park, London
Average Ticket Price: £58.20
Average Number of Attendees (Last Year): 40,000
Festival Capacity: 40,000
Past Performers: The Strokes, Mumford & Sons, Bon Iver
Held in East London, All Points East offers a dynamic festival experience with a focus on indie, rock, and electronic music. Known for its lively crowds, it spans across two weekends and brings an exciting mix of established and emerging artists to Victoria Park.
Fun Fact: The festival features a hidden city farm where attendees can learn about urban agriculture amid the festival fun.
18: El Dorado Festival
Duration: 4 days
Location: Eastnor Castle Deer Park, Herefordshire
Average Ticket Price: £255
Average Number of Attendees (Last Year): 12,000
Festival Capacity: 12,000
Past Performers: Earth, Wind & Fire, Groove Armada
With a focus on boutique vibes and creative themes, El Dorado Festival provides an eclectic mix of music and immersive experiences. Known for its open-minded atmosphere, it’s a celebration of new talent, with a lineup that spans a diverse range of genres.
Fun Fact: The festival is famous for its “secret society” theme, adding a sense of mystery and adventure to the experience.
19: Boomtown Festival
Duration: 4 days
Location: Matterley Estate, Alresford Road, near Winchester
Average Ticket Price: £76.25
Average Number of Attendees (Last Year): 77,000
Festival Capacity: 66,000
Past Performers: Chase & Status, Pendulum
Known for its theatrical and immersive experiences, Boomtown Festival combines music, art, and storytelling to create an unforgettable experience. The festival features multiple stages and vibrant street performers, making it a celebration of creativity and self-expression.
Fun Fact: Boomtown is not just about music—it’s like stepping into a giant performance with actors, storylines, and themed areas to explore.
20: Latitude Festival
Duration: 3 days
Location: Henham Park, Suffolk
Average Ticket Price: £180
Average Number of Attendees (Last Year): 40,000
Festival Capacity: 45,000
Past Performers: The 1975, Mumford & Sons, George Ezra
Blending music with literature, theatre, and wellness, Latitude Festival offers a unique, family-friendly experience. From performances by world-class musicians to family activities like kids’ workshops and model-making, it’s a festival that truly caters to all.
Fun Fact: Latitude isn’t just about music—it includes a whole area dedicated to kids, offering games, crafts, and even a mini-festival for them!
21: Love Supreme Jazz Festival
Duration: 3 days
Location: Glynde Place, East Sussex
Average Ticket Price: £189.20
Average Number of Attendees (Last Year): 60,000
Festival Capacity: 20,000 – 25,000
Past Performers: Herbie Hancock, Quincy Jones
Love Supreme Jazz Festival is the UK’s premier jazz event, held every July. With a mix of jazz, funk, soul, and blues, it offers a relaxed yet vibrant festival experience. Attendees can enjoy live performances while camping under the stars in the beautiful English countryside.
Fun Fact: Love Supreme is the only UK jazz festival where festival-goers can camp directly under the stars!
22: ALSO Music Festival
Duration: 3 days
Location: Compton Verney, Warwickshire
Average Attendance Last Year: 1,500
Festival Capacity: 2,000
Booking Information: Purchase tickets here
Average Ticket Price: £150
Past Performers: Jessica Winter, Stornoway, Edie Bens
Held annually amidst the scenic landscapes of Compton Verney, Warwickshire, the ALSO Music Festival is a distinguished gathering that celebrates a fusion of music, art, and innovative ideas. This immersive event brings together an eclectic mix of live performances, thought-provoking talks, interactive workshops, and diverse food offerings, creating an unforgettable experience for attendees. With its vibrant atmosphere, it serves as an ideal retreat for those eager to explore the intersection of creativity and nature.
Fun Fact: A highlight of the festival is its iconic “Floating Stage,” positioned on a serene lake, which creates an enchanting backdrop for live performances.
Now, you have your guide ready for the biggest music festivals in the UK. It is your chance to book the events and not miss the hot topic of the year; passes are available now! Visit the websites to book your tickets with your friends! Are you worried about travelling to the music festival venue? Cheap train tickets for the journey can ease your concerns. This public transportation guide in the UK will surely help you out!
