Life might feel deep in winter blues right now, but there's no better way to put a pep in your step than with confirming future summer plans. Let us set the scene for you: You're stood in prime position in the crowd, with a crispy lager in hand. You're waiting for your favourite band to come on stage, as the sun warms your back and not one single person accidentally elbows you as they move past. Sounds like the perfect festival experience, right?
While it might feel like the cold weather is dragging on (and on, and on...) keep the faith in future plans by look forward to the best time of all: festival season. Whether you're up for five days in a tent, wading through knee high mud, or love a glitter-soaked day out, these are the best UK festivals to add to your 2025 bucket list.
Best UK festivals 2025
April and May
Terminal V
When: 19th and 20th April
Where: Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh
Line up: 999999999, AK Sports, AZYR, Bad Boombox, Blawan, Brutalismus 3000
Kick off festival season on the Easter bank holiday weekend with one of the biggest techno events in Europe. With 100 acts, six specially designed stages and 20,000 people per day... two step at the ready!
Sound City
When: 3rd and 4th May
Where: Liverpool
Line up: Nieve Ella, The Cheap Thrills, The Royston Club and more
The UK's leading independent music festival is guaranteed to open your ears to a whole host of new artists, making it the perfect place for discovering your favourite acts before everybody else.
In It Together
When: 23rd - 25th May
Where: Margam, Wales
Line up: Kaiser Chiefs, Becky Hill, Ronan Keating, James Morrison
Following In It Together's debut in 2021, the family-friendly festival welcomes a stellar line-up of acts to the Welsh Valleys, while also boasting 80 free activities over the weekend. We're talking the world's biggest bouncy castle, an outdoor cinema and a fairground, all in the aptly named Tic Tac Toe area.
AVA Belfast
When: 30th and 31st May
Where: Titanic Slipways, Belfast
Line up: Underworld, Overmono, Ewan McVicar, Job Jobse, KI/KI and more
The festival is back for its 11th iteration, with the iconic duo behind 'Born Slippy’ topping the line up this year - which incidentally also marks 30 years of the rave classic. The festival promises a weekend of "transcendent music, unforgettable moments, and global talent."
The Great Estate
When: 30th May to the 1st June
Where: Scorrier, Redruth Cornwall
Line up: So far, Supergrass and The Happy Mondays have been announced
Pushing the boundaries of what you'd expect from a 'traditional' festival, this is about so much more than just the music. Except a new surprise everywhere you, with a three day weekend packed full of immersive and exciting experiences.
City Splash Festival
When: 26th May
Where: Brockwell Park, London
Line up: So far, 2025's line up hasn't been announced, but 2024 saw Capleton, Busy Signal, Beenie Man and Shenseea take to the stage.
If you're into Reggae, Dancehall and Afrobeats, head to Brockwell Park for the ultimate day out, taking place across seven stages with a wealth of black-owned food, drinks and creative markets.
GALA
When: 23rd to 25th May
Where: Peckham Rye, South London
Line up: 2025's line up hasn't been announced yet, but 2024 saw DJ EZ, Joy Orbison, Bradley Zero, Moxie, Job Jobse, Folamour, CC: Disco, Hannah Holland
Can you believe it's been 10 whole years of GALA? The festival is celebrating a whole decade of being the jewel in South London's summer crown this year, and continues to champions new music and artists to get you dancing all night day long.
Love Saves the Day
When: 24th and 25th May
Where: Ashton Court Estate, Bristol
Line up: Wilkinson, Andy C, Ghetts, Overmono and Nia Archives
Taking place over May's bank holiday, Love Saves The Day returns to Ashton Court for two days of techno, drum and bass and, basically, just a lot of dancing. Nice.
Field Day
When: 24th May
Where: Brockwell Park, London
Line up: Peggy Gou, Midland, Folamour, Jungle (DJ Set), Jayda G and more
Field Day is making a valiant return to Brixton, and what a line up to celebrate! Everyone from Mall Grab to Peggy Gou will be in Brockwell Park for one big Saturday, and we can't wait.
We Are Fstvl
When: To be announced, but likely 24th and 25th May
Where: Central Park Dagenham, London
Line up: To be announced, but 2024's line up included Jamie Jones, Marco Carola, LF System, Low Steppa, Dennis Ferrer, Groove Armada (DJ Set) and Hannah Wants
While details are mainly under wraps for now, We Are Fstvl promises to be back for its twelfth year in 2025, over bank holiday weekend.
Live At Leeds In The Park
When: 24th May
Where: Temple Newsam, Leeds
Line up: Bloc Party, Sigrid, Natasha Bedingfield and more
Live at Leeds in the Park is one day festival which launched in 2022, held at Temple Newsam, Leeds. Organised by the same team who have created and brought you Live at Leeds in the City for the last 15 years.
Cross The Tracks
When: 25th May
Where: Brockwell Park, London
Line up: Michael Kiwanuka, Jordan Rakei, Gilles Peterson and more
With over 40 food traders, a creatives market, craft beer *and* a stellar line up, there's nothing better to be doing with your Sunday.
Wychwood Festival
When: 30th May - 1st June
Where: Cheltenham Racecourse
Line up: So far, 2025's line up hasn't been announced, but last year Texas, Ocean Colour Scene, Sister Sledge, Lightning Seeds and The Coral all performed
Set in the racecourse in Gloucestershire, this family friendly festival is set across three days, and offers both camping and day ticket options. Alongside music, there's comedy, literature and workshops, plus kids under 10 go for free.
June
Forbidden Forest
When: 29th May - 1st June
Where: Belvoir Castle, Leicestershire
Line up: Andy C, Chris Stussy, Camelphat, Gorgon City, FISHER, Patrick Topping, Wilkinson and more
Described as "a forest rave like no other", Forbidden Forest promises the "most outstanding global acts in electronic music today" and a whole weekend of fun, laughter and dancing. Sign us up!
The Mighty Hoopla
When: 31st May and 1st June
Where: Brockwell Park, London
Line up: Ciara, Jojo, Ke$ha, G Flip, Jayda G and more
If you've ever found yourself at a Sink The Pink, Guilty Pleasures or Ultimate Power club night, you'll know that, despite all different and unique in their own ways, they all share one thing: they all possess the power to cover you in glitter, spin you around, and send you off into the abyss of one helluva party. This line up is immense, and we just KNOW the good vibes are going to be flying.
Gottwood
When: 12th - 15th June
Where: Carreglwyd Estate, Anglesey, Wales
Line up: Hunee, Crazy P (DJ set), Phone Traxxx (live) and more
Gottwood festival has spent over a decade creating an intimate and independent vibe, and their lineup combines some of the biggest techno and house DJs with some up and coming new names, who are definitely worth trecking to Anglesey for.
Download
When: 13th - 15th June
Where: Donington Park, Donington
Line up: Green Day, Weezer, The Darkness, McFly, Korn and more
For those of you who get your kicks from headbanging and donning KISS make-up, Download is the festival for you. There are plenty of different levels of rock and metal to enjoy – so whether you're into old-school bands or emo's finest, there'll be a patch of grass with your name on it.
LIDO
When: 7th, 13th and 14th June
Where: Victoria Park, London
Line up: Jamie XX, Charli XCX, Romy, The Japanese House, The Dare
A new festival is heading to the London circuit, and it's called LIDO. Set across three separate days - with one line up curated by Charli XCX herself. This is one you certainly don't want to miss.
Meltdown
When: 12th - 22nd June
Where: South Bank Centre, London
Line up: TBC, curated by Little Simz
Little Simz will curate a line-up for the 11 day festival as well as performing herself, alongside two weekends stuffed full of free activities and activations.
Parklife
When: 14th and 15th June
Where: Heaton Park, Manchester
Line up: Charli XCX, Jodie Harsh, Confidence Man and more
BRAT summer goes again! 2025's looking greener already. Daaaaamn Parklife, back at it again with the awesome festival. Since these guys never quit with the extensive and impressive line up, you're in for an absolute treat.
Hampton Court Palace Festival
When: Various dates in June 2025
Where: Hampton Court Palace, London
Line up: Rag 'n' Bone Man, Bananarama, Chaka Khan, Elbow and more
In the intimate Tudor courtyard against Hampton Court Palace's iconic backdrop sees a series of gigs, spread across two weeks. The only question is: how do you choose who to see?!
Glastonbury
When: 25th to the 29th June
Where: Worthy Farm, Somerset
Line up: Most of the line-up is TBC, but Rod Stewart has confirmed he'll be playing on the
What do you think of when you hear the word 'festival'? I mean, it's obviously Glastonbury, isn't it, so what would a festival round up be without them? Get your wellies on and get stuck in!
July
Wireless
When: 11th - 13th July
Where: Finsbury Park, London
Line up: Drake (across all three nights), Burna Boy, PartyNextDoor and more
Drake is officially taking over Wireless festival to celebrate its 20th anniversary, performing across all three nights, with three different set lists (making history in the process.) Having first headlined in 2012, Drake has made several special guest appearances in the years since - but this one is surely going to top them all.
BST Hyde Park
When: Various dates between 27th June - 13th July
Where: Hyde Park, London
Line up: Olivia Rodrigo, Sabrina Carpenter, Noah Khan, Zach Bryan
Sorry, can we talk about that incredible line up? If you're not in the mood for spending a whole weekend in a tent (and who can blame you with the type of weather us Brits experience in the summer), maybe one-off gigs are a better option? Try BST in Hyde Park for a whole host of brilliant shows, with a *second* Sabrina Carpenter date added on the 6th July (with support from Olivia Dean and Clairo.)
Latitude
When: 24th to the 27th July
Where: Henham Park, Southwold, Suffolk
Line up: Fatboy Slim, Basement Jaxx, Snow Patrol, Elbow
Latitude gets the balance between relaxed and masses of fun just right. There's loads to do in the day, huge names to dance to at night - plus all the sheep are dyed funky colours, and what festival goer wouldn't be interested in that?
Truck Festival
When: 24th to the 27th July
Where: Hill Farm, Oxford, UK
Line up: Kasabian, Courteeners, The Last Dinner Party, Nothing But Thieves, Bloc Party and more
Can you believe Truck Festival has been going on since 1998? Celebrate their 25th anniversary with a stellar indie line up while also retaining the intimate festival atmosphere.
Junction 2
When: 25th to the 27th July
Where: Boston Manor Park, London`
Line up: Job Jobse, Palm Trax, Mount Kimbie Live and more
After a couple of years of cancellations, Junction 2 festival returned in 2022 in a new location, and delivered on its promise of going "above and beyond anything that has come before." With this line-up, this year also promises to be entirely unmissable.
Cambridge Folk Festival
When: 31st July - 3rd August
Where: Cherry Hinton Hall, Cambridge
Line up: Robert Plant, Oysterband, Transatlantic Sessions and more
Cambridge Folk Festival is one of the longest running folk festivals in the world. So, basically, these guys know what they're doing as far as nailing that whole folk thing goes. It's renowned for its unique atmosphere and its eclectic mix of music, the best traditional folk artists from the UK and Ireland, cutting edge contemporary acts, the finest American country, blues and roots artists, acclaimed singer songwriters, famous names and world music stars.
Camp Bestival
When: 31st July - 3rd August
Where: The Lulworth Estate, Dorset
Line up: So far, Basement Jaxx have been announced
If Camp Bestival’s historically fun atmosphere and fancy dress theme isn’t enough to sway you to get a ticket, then maybe the reliably stellar line up will be. This family friendly festival isn't just for kids, though - there are DJs and dancing to boot.
After three years running dual festivals across Dorset and Shropshire, Camp Bestival will be running in Dorset only next year - so grab your tickets asap!
August
Y Not
When: 31st July - 3rd August
Where: Pikehall, Derbyshire
Line up: Madness, The Wombats, Courteeners, The Prodigy
Despite having a continually great line up every year, Y Not Festival is not just about the music. From comedy, paint fights and carnivals to an in-house cinema plus a top secret venue thrown in for good measure, there's so much to do. And all with the beautiful Peak District as a backdrop.
Festival Republic Gunnersbury Park concert series
When: Various dates in August 2025
Where: Gunnersbury Park, London
Line up: The Libertines, Khruangbin, Martin Garrix, PAWSA
West London’s Gunnersbury Park has become one of the capital’s fave outdoor venues and will host a series of day shows from a wide mix of music this August, including PAWSA In The Park, Martin Garrix, The Smashing Pumpkins, Khruangbin and The Libertines Festival. In 2024 the park hosted stellar, 5-star appearances from FISHER, Peggy Gou, KoRn, Tom Grennan and PJ Harvey.
We Out Here
When: 14 - 17th August
Where: Wimborne, Bournemouth
Line up: Michael Kiwanuka, Noname, Ben UFO
Curated by Gilles Peterson, We Out Here is dedicated to world-class music, alongside wellness, family and cultural activities,
All Points East
When: 22nd - 24th August
Where: Victoria Park, London
Line up: Raye, Barry Can't Swim, The Maccabees
You don't want to miss this. From Barry Can't Swim's only London festival next summer to actual Raye curating her own line up, this is going to be incredible.
Wilderness
When: 31st July to the 3rd August
Where: Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire
Line up: Confidence Man, Annie Mac, Basement Jaxx, Supergrass, Wet Leg, Annie Mac
If it’s an idyllic woodland with a lake that takes your fancy, look no further than Wilderness and its day-through-to-night schedule of cocktails, dancing and arts ‘n’ crafts. There's wild swimming, an incredible line up of dining opportunities, and also family-friendly activities in the day, so why wouldn't you?
Boardmasters
When: 6th to the 10th August
Where: Newquay, Cornwall
Line up: Raye, The Prodigy, Nelly Furtado, London Grammar, Maribou State, Wet Leg
Everybody knows that taking a dip in the British sea is the best way to get over a hangover, which is what makes Boardmasters and its location so unique.
Houghton
When: 7th to the 10th August
Where: King's Lynn, Norfolk
Line up: So far, 2025's line up is under wraps, but last year's featured Aba Shanti-I, Ben UFO, Hannah Holland, Moxie, Shanti Celeste
Houghton is an arts and music festival curated by Craig Richards and produced by Gottwood. It's got a 24 hour license so promises non-stop fun, energy and music with a truly impressive lineup. We're expecting big things for 2024.
Green Man
When: 14th to 17th August
Where: Brecon Beacons, Wales
Line up: Kneecap, Wet Leg, Underworld, TV On The Radio & Beth Gibbons
Green Man is set in just about the most beautiful surroundings we've ever experienced at a festival. The Black Mountains aren't usually open to the public, but for one weekend only, they become an amazing backdrop for a bunch of great bands and merrymakers.
Shambala
When: 21st to the 24th August
Where: Secret Country Estate, Northamptonshire
Line up: Unconfirmed! But in the past, they've had Claptone, BTSM and Bob Moses
Shambala is not only a glitter-covered party for colourful people who like to have a great time, it's also all about giving something back. The festival sees itself as the perfect vehicle to test large-scale innovation and experiments in how we could and should be doing things differently, and it produces seriously powerful results.
The Big Feastival
When: 22nd to the 24th August`
Where: Alex James' farm, The Cotswolds
Line up: Currently unconfirmed, but 2024's line up included Becky Hill, Snow Patrol, Cat Burns, Joel Corry, Jax Jones, Scouting For Girls
You know that guy from Blur who now lives on a farm making cheese? Well, lucky for you, he's opening his home up for you to go along and stuff your face with delicious treats. As well as getting a right good feed from a whole host of celebrity chefs, you can also listen to some great bands. Thanks Alex James.
The Long Road
When: 22nd to the 24th August
Where: Stanford Hall, Leicestershire
Line up: TBC but last year's line up included Russell Dickerson, Don McLean and more
Country fans, this one is for you. Get a slide of stateside culture with some of the biggest acts all in one place (with street food and craft beer to boot).
RALLY
When: 23rd August
Where: Southwark Park, London
Line up: TBC, but last year's featured Mount Kimbie and more
A festival with an ethos around connection, collaboration, and pushing the boundaries for new and emerging artists, RALLY is all about supportive London's up and coming sounds.
Victorious
When: 22nd to the 24th August
Where: Southsea Seafront, Portsmouth
Line up: Madness, Queens of the Stone Age, Michael Kuwanuka, Everything Everything and more
Tickets to Victorious are always great value for money, thanks to the great line up and family-friendly vibe. Plus it's by the sea. Lovely stuff.
Lost Village
When: 21st to the 24th August
Where: Lincolnshire
Line up: ANOTR, Barry Can’t Swim (Live), Bubble Love (Ross From Friends), Caribou (Live), Jyoty and more
If you're in desperate need of escaping to a forest with nothing more than some sequins, a tent and a pair of wellies to keep you company, then you're in luck because Lost Village is all about that. So get ready to pull your best shapes, get lots amongst the trees and shimmy your way through the night. They offer great camping options (glamping, anyone?) and even better food experiences.
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CarFest
When: 22nd to the 24th August
Where: Laverstoke Park, Hampshire
Line up: TBC, but 2024's included Sam Ryder, Olly Murs and Scouting For Girls
An event like no other, CarFest offers the opportunity to bop along to music, admire fast cars, and raise money for worthy causes and charities in the process. What's not to love?
Reading and Leeds
When: 21st to the 24th August
Where: Richfield Avenue, Reading and Bramham Park, Leeds
Line up: Chappell Roan(!), Hozier, Travis Scott, AJ Tracey, The Kooks, Bloc Party and more.
Reading and Leeds always nails it with the line-up, and 2025's is no exception. Excuse me, Chappell Roan headlining? We mean, come on, would you look at this line up? Get us there, please.
FORWARDS
When: 23rd - 24th August 2024
Where: Clifton Downs, Bristol
Line up: Doechii, Barry Can’t Swim, Jorja Smith and Ezra Collective
Heading into its third year, FORWARDS festival aims to kickstart a new breed of city festivals, committing to positive change through social initiatives and forward-thinking discussions. The line up is AMAZING, and the park is close enough to walk into town for a drink before or after. Big yes from us.
Creamfields
When: 21st - 24th August 2024
Where: Daresbury, Cheshire
Line up: Swedish House Mafia, Eats Everything, Andy C, Duke Dumont, Martin Garrix and so many more
Creamfields is ringing in a new era with its 2025 festival, unveiling two new stages, an entertainment village and Freshfields Retreat - guaranteed to take your experience to the next level. The line up is as good as ever, with the Swedish House Mafia headlining the Saturday night in a UK festival exclusive. What are you waiting for?
Lindisfarne festival
When: 28th August to the 30th August
Where: Beal Farm, Northumberland
Line up: 2025's line up is yet to be announced, but 2024's featured The Vaccines, Tom Walker, Orbital, Everything Everything, Kula Shaker
Said to be held in the UK's best-kept-secret festival location, overlooking Holy Island (and easily reached from Edinburgh or Newcastle) with eight stages containing a mish-mash of acts, it's a magical, escapist weekend to round-off your festival season in true hedonistic style.
Appetite on the Farm
When: 29th August to the 30th August
Where: Kelvedon Hall, Brentwood
Line up: Dr Banana, Shanti Celeste, Crazy P, Omar+, Skream, p-rallel, Obskur, Scarlet O'Malley, and more
With an expanded capacity of 20,000, there's never been a better chance to secure yourself some tickets to this summer's hidden gem of a festival. The curated lineup spans house, garage, minimal, and techno across six expertly programmed stages. This isn't one to miss...
September
Chelsea Arts Festival
When: 19- 21st September
Where: Across iconic Chelsea venues, South West London
Line up: Elizabeth Day, William Boyd, Matt Haig, Dame Zandra Rhodes, Jack Edwards
Featuring an extensive programme of talks, debates, workshops and live performances, the Chelsea Arts Festival unfolds across a weekend at a series of different venues, including Cadogan Hall. Elizabeth Day will be there, launching her new novel with an exclusive one-off event. Exciting!
Bring on festival season!
