The UK plays host to some of the most diverse and exciting festivals in the world, from the mud-soaked fields of Glastonbury to the hidden coves of the Scottish Highlands. Here are the best festivals to attend in the UK.
- Glastonbury Festival – Somerset, England Glastonbury Festival is the largest greenfield music and performing arts festival in the world, and has been held annually since 1970 (with the exception of 2018 and 2020). It’s a five-day extravaganza of music, dance, comedy, and theatre, set in the stunning surroundings of Worthy Farm, Somerset.
- Edinburgh Fringe Festival – Edinburgh, Scotland The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is the world’s largest arts festival, with over 50,000 performances of more than 3,000 shows in 300 venues across the city. The festival showcases a wide range of art forms, including theatre, comedy, dance, physical theatre, circus, cabaret, children’s shows, musicals, opera, and more.
- Notting Hill Carnival – London, England Notting Hill Carnival is Europe’s largest street festival and celebrates the Caribbean community in London. It’s a two-day celebration of music, dance, food, and drink, with over 1 million people attending each year.
- Hay Festival – Hay-on-Wye, Wales The Hay Festival is a literary festival held annually in the small town of Hay-on-Wye on the Welsh border. It’s a 10-day celebration of literature and the arts, with talks, discussions, and readings from some of the world’s best writers and thinkers.
- Latitude Festival – Suffolk, England Latitude Festival is a multi-arts festival held in the beautiful surroundings of Henham Park in Suffolk. The festival features music, comedy, theatre, poetry, film, and more, and is known for its relaxed atmosphere and family-friendly vibe.
- Isle of Wight Festival – Isle of Wight, England The Isle of Wight Festival is one of the UK’s oldest and most iconic music festivals, and has been held annually since 1968. The festival has seen performances from some of the biggest names in music, including Jimi Hendrix, The Who, David Bowie, and Fleetwood Mac.
- Green Man Festival – Brecon Beacons, Wales The Green Man Festival is a four-day celebration of music, literature, and art held in the stunning Brecon Beacons. The festival features a mix of established and emerging artists, as well as a range of family-friendly activities and workshops.
- Bestival – Dorset, England Bestival is an award-winning four-day music festival held on the Lulworth Estate in Dorset. The festival is known for its eclectic line-up, fancy dress themes, and stunning visual displays.
- Shambala Festival – Northamptonshire, England Shambala Festival is a four-day celebration of music, art, and dance held on a beautiful country estate in Northamptonshire. The festival has a strong environmental and ethical ethos, and features a wide range of workshops, talks, and activities.
- T in the Park – Perthshire, Scotland T in the Park is Scotland’s largest music festival, and has been held annually since 1994. The festival features a mix of established and emerging artists, and has seen performances from some of the biggest names in music, including The Stone Roses, Radiohead, and Beyoncé.
These are just a few of the amazing festivals on offer in the UK, so why not get out there and discover your own favourite?