Summer is finally here, and now that the sun is shining, that means one thing and one thing only - a pint in hand, getting lost in the crowd and having the time of your life with your mates at one of the best festivals in the UK and abroad.
From fun day festivals, to full on weekenders, even though Glastonbury isn't here this year, the rest of the festival scene is more than making up for it with stellar lineups. And if you haven't secured your tickets yet, these are our suggestions of the best festivals in the UK and abroad (because let's face it a festival is always better with guaranteed sun).
Didn't get tickets to your favourite in time? Well don't worry as this year as part of Club Cosmo (which is totally free to sign up to btw) we're giving away a whole host of festival tickets, including some very exciting VIP opportunities, so what are you waiting for? This is your summer!
Best festivals in the UK and abroad in 2026
May
In It Together
When: 22nd - 24th May
Where: Margam, Wales
Line up: Madness, Aitch, Snow Patrol, Ella Henderson
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.
GALA
When: 22nd to 24th May
Where: Peckham Rye, South London
Line up: 2
Can you believe it's been over a decade of GALA? The festival continues to be high on our list of must-dos, and continues to champions new music and artists to get you dancing all night day long.
Love Saves the Day
When: 23rd and 24th May
Where: Ashton Court Estate, Bristol
Line up: Sammy Virji, Eve, Sub Focus
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: 23rd May
Where: Brockwell Park, London
Line up: KILIMANJARO, Andy C, Eliza Rose
Field Day is making a valiant return to Brixton, and what a line up to celebrate!
Cross The Tracks
When: 24th May
Where: Brockwell Park, London
Line up: Little Simz, Joy Crookes, Fabio & Grooverider and The Outlook Orchestra
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.
City Splash Festival
When: 25th May
Where: Brockwell Park, London
Line up: Beres Hammond, Aidonia, Elephant Man, Gyptian
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.
Mighty Hoopla
When: 30th to 31st May
Where: Brockwell Park, London
Lineup: Lily Allen performing West End Girl, Scissor Sisters, Jessie J
If it wasn't obvious by now, we'll spending a lot of time in Brockwell Park this summer, with no summer complete without a trip to Mighty Hoopla. Make sure to swing by Grindr's Bussy for a professional photo shoot experience to get the ultimate thirst trap shot. Oh and there's a surprise guest set to appear on Saturday too.
The Great Estate
When: 29th to 31st May
Where: Scorrier, Redruth Cornwall
Line up: Kaiser Chiefs, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Skunk Anansie
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.
Wychwood Festival
When: 29th to 31st May
Where: Cheltenham Racecourse
Line up: Kaiser Chiefs, Craig David Presents T5, Levellers
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: 4th to 7th June
Where: Belvoir Castle, Leicestershire
Line up: Jake Fitz, Andy C, Hannah Laing
Described as "a forest rave like no other", Forbidden Forest is celebrating it's 10th anniversary this year and promises the "most outstanding global acts in electronic music today" and a whole weekend of fun, laughter and dancing. Sign us up!
Gottwood
When: 11th to 14th June
Where: Carreglwyd Estate, Anglesey, Wales
Line up: Hunee, Crazy P (DJ set), Phone Traxxx (live) and more
This year Gottwood is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a wave of artists heading its way, with the likes of Alien Communications, Jane Fitz, Eris Drew b2b Octa Octa, Mr Scruff with MC Kwasi and many more. And for the first time this year Gottwood has been granted a 24-hour license to enhance its festival experience - in a soft rollout at select stages, you'll be able to enjoy musical discovery without limits.
Don't want to miss out? This year Club Cosmo is giving away one pair of tickets to one lucky member, sign up to Club Cosmo to find out more!
Download
When: 10th - 14th June
Where: Donington Park, Donington
Line up: Limpbizkit, Guns N'Roses and Linkin Park
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.
Sky Presents The Isle of Wight
When: 18th to 21st June
Where: Seaclose Park, Newport
Lineup: Lewis Capaldi, The Cure, Calvin Harris, The Kooks, Teddy Swims, Chloe Qisha
For the ultimate weekend festival experience hop on the ferry to the Isle of Wight for a three full days of music. And this summer we're giving away two VIP tickets to experience the festival. The winner will experience an elevated festival weekend with access to the exclusive VIP area, the Crazy Diamond Bar & Garden, near the Main Stage including indoor and outdoor seating, food stalls, a pamper area, dedicated loos, and mobile phone charging.
Sónar
When: 18th to 20th June
Where: Barcelona, Spain
Lineup: Nia Archives, The Prodigy, Skepta, Sammy Virji
A festival where you're guaranteed sun is always a win, which is why we can't wait for Sónar. Since its first edition all the way back in 1994, Sónar has reflected the evolution and expansion of digital, electronic and experimental music and culture, and becomes the epicentre of cutting-edge music and the arts.
TRNSMT
When: 19th to 21st June
Where: Glasgow Green, Scotland
Lineup: Richard Ashcroft, Kasabian, Wolf Alice and Lewis Capaldi
TRNSMT is not one to miss, with three days full of 150,000 music fans descending onto Glasgow Green for a stellar line up, and this year, we're giving a pair of VIP tickets for one Club Cosmo member to win.
Parklife
When: 20th to 21st June
Where: Heaton Park, Manchester
Line up: Skepta, Zara Larsson, Calvin Harris, Sammy Virji
It's a huge one. The biggest metropolitan festival in Europe, Pepsi MAX presents Parklife returns in 2026 from 20-21 June. Taking over the legendary Heaton Park, in Manchester, it's a festival that has become known for huge summer moments all within one of the most exciting cities - not just in the UK, but in the world
State Fayre
When: 26th to 28th June
Where: Hylands Park, Chelmsford
Lineup: Kings of Leon, Alanis Morissette and The Lumineers
Calling all country music fans! New to the festival circuit for 2026, State Fayre is inspired by American state fairs, long summer nights and tailgate parties. It's a celebration of music, food and culture, blending contemporary and classic sounds with a distinctive American theme.
And to celebrate the festival's first year in the UK, we're giving one lucky Club Cosmo member to experience the festival for themselves. We're giving away one pair of weekend camping tickets. So grab your cowboy boots and let's party!
July
BST Hyde Park
When: Various dates between 27th June to 12 July
Where: Hyde Park, London
Line up: Garth Brooks, Ateez, Maroon 5, Mumford & Sons, Duran Duran,Pitbull, Lewis Capaldi
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.
Kelburn Garden Party
When: 2nd to 6th July
Where: Kelburn, Scotland
Lineup: DJ Jen Cardini, Krust, Leon Vynehall
Set within the enchanted grounds of a 13th-century castle on Scotland's west coast, Kelburn is not to be missed. The festival unfolds across a spectacular natural playground of waterfall plunge pools, winding forest paths and secret glens. Music takes place across 14 unique stages scattered throughout the estate, from the vast Landing Stage - Scotland's premier outdoor electronic area - to the breath-taking Beech Plateau, perched high on a wooded promontory at the top of the glen.
And if you want to experience the festival for yourself, then we are giving away one pair of weekend camping tickets for a Club Cosmo member so you can enjoy all four days of fun!
Roundhay Festival
When: 3rd to 4th July
Where: Roundhay, Leeds
Line up: Pitbull, Lewis Capaldi and more to come
New for 2026, American Express is replicating the success of BST Hyde Park by bringing a similar style festival to Leeds, with Pitbull and Lewis Capaldi headlining.
Phillgood
When: 17th to 19th July
Where: Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Line up: The Cure, Wolf Alice, Gorillaz, Moby, Kneecap
Why limit yourself to festivals in the UK? This summer we're combining a festival abroad with a longer holiday and Phillgood is top of our list. The new festival in Bulgaria brings together legendary acts and contemporary artists across three extraordinary stages. This year we're giving away one Club Cosmo member a pair of weekend tickets to experience it for themselves.
Latitude
When: 23rd to the 26th July
Where: Henham Park, Southwold, Suffolk
Line up: David Byrne, Teddy Swims, Lewis Capaldi, Self Esteem
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: 23rd to the 26th July
Where: Hill Farm, Oxford, UK
Line up: Maccabees, Two Door Cinema Club, The Wombats
Can you believe Truck Festival has been going on since 1998? Celebrate their 26th anniversary with a stellar indie line up while also retaining the intimate festival atmosphere.
Junction 2
When: 25th, 26th July and 2nd August
Where: Boston Manor Park, London`
Line up: Nina Kravis, Adam Beyer, I Hate Models
Junction 2 festival returns this year for three days set across two weekends and with this line-up, this year also promises to be entirely unmissable.
Wilderness
When: 30th July to 2nd August
Where: Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire
Line up: Scissor Sisters, The Last Dinner Party, Carl Cox, Sisters: Curated by Annie Lennox
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?
Camp Bestival
When: 30th July to 2nd August
Where: The Lulworth Estate, Dorset
Line up: Fatboy Slim & Friends, Self-Esteem, Bastille and Billy Ocean
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.
August
We Out Here
When: 20th to 23rd August
Where: Wimborne, Bournemouth
Line up: Joy Crookes, Thundercat, Peven Everett
Curated by Gilles Peterson, We Out Here is dedicated to world-class music, alongside wellness, family and cultural activities,
Boardmasters
When: 5th to the 9th August
Where: Newquay, Cornwall
Line up: Fat Boy Slim, Lily Allen performing West End Girl, Kasabian, Nia Archives, The Kooks, Loyle Carner
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.
All Points East
When: 21st to 30th August
Where: Victoria Park, London
Line up: Jorja Smith, Tems, Lorde, Outbreak Fest, Tyler, The Creator and Twenty One Pilots
Known for its mix of pop, hip-hop, indie, alternative and electronic music, All Points East has become one of London's standout summer festivals. As well as huge headline performances, fans can expect great food and drink, after-dark festival energy, and one of the best atmospheres in the city.
Rock en Seine
When: 26th to 30th August
Where: Paris, France
Lineup: Tyler, The Creator, Lorde, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Djo
For more than two decades, Rock en Seine has stood as one of France's leading summer events and a cornerstone of the European festival landscape. Welcoming up to 40,000 attendees each day, the festival brings together an exceptional blend of international pop and rock heavyweights, emerging talents, and genre-defying artists, all set within the stunning grounds of the Domaine national de Saint-Cloud, just outside Paris.
And this year we're giving away one pair of tickets to see Tyler, The Creator and the rest of the incredible line-up on the first day of the festival on Wednesday 26 August.
Lost Village
When: 27th to 30th August
Where: Lincolnshire
Line up: Ezra Collective (live), Ross From Friends (DJ), Common Saints (live) and many 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.
Shambala
When: 27th to 30th August
Where: Secret Country Estate, Northamptonshire
Line up: Bob Vylan, Goat, Orchestra Baobab
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.
Reading and Leeds
When: 27th to 30th August
Where: Richfield Avenue, Reading and Bramham Park, Leeds
Line up: Charli XCX, Chase and Status, Dave, Florence and The Machine, Raye, sombr, Skepta, Role Model
Reading and Leeds always nails it with the line-up, and 2026's is no exception. Excuse me, Charli XCX headlining? We mean, come on, would you look at this line up? Get us there, please.
FORWARDS
When: 29th to 20th August
Where: Clifton Downs, Bristol
Line up: Tems, Self Esteem, Wet Leg, Little Simz, Amyl and The Sniffers and Dijon
Heading into another 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.
Appetite on the Farm
When: 29th to the 30th August
Where: Kelvedon Hall, Brentwood
Line up: Jamie Jones, Kolter, Dr Banana, Saoirse, Shanti Celeste, Skream and more
Returning for its 5th year, Appetite on The Farm brings together 20,000 people across multiple stages over the bank holiday weekend. And this year we're giving one lucky Club Cosmo winner four VIP Weekend passes so you can have the bank holiday weekend of dreams.
The tickets offer VIP access into areas, including dedicated viewing areas, faster entry routes and more comfortable experiences throughout the weekend. They're designed to offer a smoother way to enjoy the festivities, whilst not missing out on any of the action. You'll also receive drinks tokens with your tickets, allowing you to get your drink on throughout the weekend.
Bring on festival season!
