If there’s one thing the United Kingdom knows best – it’s how to throw a good party. No matter where you’re from in the world, you’ll love dancing to the beat of a rave party or listening to the classical climax of a concerto. Nature lovers and glampers are in for a treat for the UK also has the best retreats combining various acts and events from the performing arts, sustainability, and wellness programs. Whether you’re attending your first big party or doing the annual tradition of attending one, you’ll love what this guide has in store. Make your holidays even better with the wildest festivals and events in the UK!
The Complete List Of Stargazing Spots In The UK
If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience then you’ve come to the right place. The United Kingdom has an endless list of celebrations for every type of holidaymaker. Avid festival-goers won’t miss the chance to attend some of the UK’s most iconic shows including Glastonbury and BST Hyde Park. For a more laidback event that’s closer to nature, you can check out The Mount at Wasing or Latitude in Suffolk. From rock concerts to poetry readings, you’ll find everything and more within the party capital. Here are the top UK festivals and events that you should add to your bucket list:
1. Glastonbury Festival, Somerset
Glastonbury Festival is one the biggest and most famous festivals held in the United Kingdom. The festivities run for five days and take place on a 1,500-acre farmland also known as Worthy Farm in Somerset. Often referred to as Glasto, the international event is a combination of the performing arts which includes music, dance, theatre, and comedy.
Glastonbury is considered an important event in British culture and has been featured in television shows and films. With such a massive festival, it’s important to book your tickets months in advance as they usually sell out within days. When attending, don’t forget to pack your tent and basic amenities because you’re in for a wild ride!
2. The Mount at Wasing, Berkshire
The Mount is an open-air concert that takes place at the Wasing Estate in Berkshire. The event is held every year in June and is best for nature lovers and eco-friendly warriors. Guests gather around the amphitheatre to celebrate music, eat organic dishes, and bask in the picturesque countryside surrounding the venue.
If you can’t get enough of the Mount, you can book an additional ticket for their solstice event. You’ll be treated to exciting group workshops, campfire performances, and stargazing sessions. The Wasing Estate is incredibly beautiful, guaranteeing the best country scenery for its visitors!
3. Isle of Wight Festival, Newport
The Isle of Wight Festival is an annual event which takes place in Newport on the Isle of Wight. It was first held in 1970 as a counterculture event and was made popular thanks to iconic performances by Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, and Joni Mitchell among others. Located off the coast of the English Channel, the festival is undoubtedly the jewel of the social season with its ultimate getaway atmosphere.
The festival is a family-friendly affair with amazing headliners, theatrical performances, and film screenings. It’s also a haven for the avid foodie with its rows of pop-up shops and local delicacies. If you’re planning on stopping by the Isle of Wight this year, make sure to carve out extra time on your schedule to explore the rest of the island’s attractions!
4. Also Festival, Warwickshire
Also Festival is a yearly event set in the heart of Warwickshire boasting the theme: “where ideas run wild.” It has all the special features required of a fantastic event – an eclectic lineup of musicians, comedy acts, and late-night dancing. But what makes the festival unique is its focus on innovative ideas and unique events.
Also Festival has plenty of talks that you can attend featuring academics, therapists, and writers. It also has lots of holiday activities that you’ll love such as swimming, nature yoga, and lakeside saunas. And to get the brain juices really flowing, you’ll be treated to masterclasses in dining and crafting throughout the weekend!
5. Timber, Leicestershire
Timber Festival is a family-friendly event that focuses on the performing arts, wellness, and sustainability. Located within the National Forest in Leicestershire, it’s the perfect getaway for glampers and nature lovers. The festival takes over four acres of woodlands with a special emphasis on trees and nature and the positive impacts they have on people’s lives.
Although not as grand as the other events on this list, there are lots to love about Timber Festival. From spoken word performances to fun musical concerts, the program is packed with various attractions for holidaymakers. You’ll also get to try out different creative workshops and fun retreats including yoga, meditation, and nature walks!
6. BST Hyde Park, London
BST Hyde Park is arguably London’s biggest festival of the year located at the heart of the city itself. Every year, the event dominates the grounds of Hyde Park with thousands of festival-goers coming in from around the world to see its famous headliners. While you have to pay to gain access to the main event, the festival also has a free program called “Open House” where guests can enjoy free live shows.
Hyde Park can get extremely crowded during the festivities, so make sure to secure a prime spot as soon as possible. If you have room in your budget, you can also book VIP seats where you’ll be treated to more hospitable features. Thanks to the festival’s close proximity to the city, you’ll have no trouble looking for your after-party spots!
7. Camp Bestival, Dorset
Camp Bestival is one of the best camping festivals for families, glampers, and holidaymakers. The three-day celebration takes place in Lulworth Castle in the county of Dorset. There’s a diverse line-up of activities such as arts and crafts workshops, quirky competitions, and talent shows.
Aside from its wide array of attractions, Camp Bestival is also popular due to its geographical location. The castle is located within the famous landscapes of the Jurassic Coast with access to sandy beaches, rugged cliffsides, and fossil trails. When you visit Camp Bestival, don’t forget to drop by Lulworth’s iconic landmark – the stunning arch of Durdle Door!
8. Latitude, Suffolk
Latitude is a laidback event held every year at Henham Park in Suffolk. Compared to the other festivals on this list, this annual event celebrates visual arts and literature. That being said, you can expect an artistic yet relaxed atmosphere with features such as poetry readings, art installations, or comedic acts.
With its woodland scenery and fun activities, Latitude is extremely popular among families and friendly outings. The festival is also known for its delicious selection of food showcasing different cuisines from around the world. If you’re attending for the first time, locals recommend exploring the rest of what Henham Park has to offer including a paddle-boarding adventure across its lake!
9. Wilderness, Oxfordshire
Wilderness is a unique festival celebrating the best of music and cuisine with enthusiasts and professionals. Held every year in the month of August, this relatively small yet grand affair takes place within the forest of Cornbury Park in Oxfordshire. If you’re looking for a quintessential boutique vibe for your upcoming holiday, then this is the place to be.
The festival is best known for showcasing indie artists or up-and-coming names with fun and engaging attractions. You’ll also take part in tasting parties with eclectic menus and new delicious creations. If you’re lucky, you may get the chance to meet one of your favourite chefs or artists while attending!
10. Pub in The Park, London
Pub In The Park is the ultimate wine and dine event in the city of London. While the celebrations don’t have a set date, it’s one of the biggest events in the city’s social season. World-famous chefs make up the roster every year, cooking up feasts and sharing mouth-watering dishes.
The event is also known for its firepit theatre which becomes its own spectacle every year. There’s also live entertainment and endless booze, so you’re guaranteed an amazing night. It’s important to note though that the event jumps from one location to the other, so you can pick a date and venue or attend all three together!
11. Creamfields, Cheshire
Creamfields is a music festival held annually within the Daresbury Estate in Cheshire. Unlike other festivals, this one is purely for music lovers and avid dancers who want nothing more than to have a few drinks and get lost in the beats. Conveniently located between Liverpool and Manchester, Creamfields becomes the ultimate party capital every year and draws in thousands of visitors from around the world.
The festival is purely for rocking out to the music, so you won’t see any relaxing workshops or inspirational talks. However, you’ll be promised night after night of DJ shows and a club-like atmosphere. Dubbed as the biggest dance festival in the UK, you can’t miss out on the showstopping tunes at Creamfields!
12. Boardmasters, Cornwall
Boardmasters is an annual surfing competition that takes place along the coastline of Newquay in Cornwall. Although best known for creating surfing champions, the event has also transformed into a full-on festival with musical acts, food stalls, and other watersport activities. Guests are free to try out their luck on the waves with kayaks, surf lessons, or paddle-boarding sessions.
The best part is that there’s enough room for adventure along Fistral Beach, so if you get tired from the festival, you can simply hang out on the quiet end. There are lots to love about Boardmasters including its vibrant atmosphere, amazing ocean views, and thrilling competition. For first-time visitors, it’s recommended to stop by Boardies Cinema where you can watch film screenings as the sun sets!
13. Houghton Festival, Norfolk
The Houghton Festival is set at Houghton Hall in Kings Lynn within the county of Norfolk. Tucked within the idyllic woodland of the estate, the festival is a beautiful contrast to its surroundings with its electronic music and DJ line-up. Visitors love the funky atmosphere as they dance away hidden in Norfolk paradise.
Aside from the amazing music, you’ll also get the chance to roam the estate and check out the electric art installations. They also have their own sculpture park where art lovers can spend their time to admire the beautiful artworks. The Houghton Festival is more relaxed compared to the other events on this list, so you can expect fewer crowds!
14. Reading and Leeds Festivals
The Reading Festival, also known as the National Jazz Festival, is one of the oldest musical festivals in the world. Located on Richfield Avenue in Reading, it’s the go-to event for jazz lovers, aspiring musicians, and casual music lovers. Its sister festival takes place in Leeds, although it’s a smaller affair that attracts a younger crowd.
Seasoned festival-goers make it a point to attend both parties every year. In fact, it’s considered a tradition for first-time attendees to stop by Leeds Festival before partying all out at Reading. No matter which festival you’re attending, you’ll be treated to dazzling musical acts and exciting performances. With fantastic headliners every year, it’s no surprise that these festivals regularly draw out thousands of guests from the UK!
Final Thoughts
Holidays in the United Kingdom are never boring thanks to its endless list of festivals and events. If you’re attending for the first time, it’s recommended to start slow with relaxing affairs such as the Reading and Leeds Festivals, the Latitude in Suffolk, or grab a bite to eat at the Pub In The Park in London. On the other hand, experienced festival-goers can head straight to the most iconic shows in Glastonbury, BST Hyde Park, and Creamfields. And if you’re looking for a unique event with an idyllic atmosphere, you’ll probably love hanging out with the community at The Mount in Wasing or Camp Bestival in Dorset. From family-friendly affairs to full-on rock parties, there’s plenty for everyone in the UK’s party capital!
Featured Image: “BST Hyde Park”, by Lackerj, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0