UK festivals 2023: Music events and line-ups confirmed for the summer, from Glastonbury to Parklife
With the nights getting lighter and the clocks going forward, its safe to say spring is finally upon us, and the best music festivals have already locked in their dates.
Not all artists have been announced for line-ups so far, but more are sure to follow in the coming weeks and months. We’ll keep this guide updated as they arrive.
For now though, take a look at the festivals confirmed for 2023, many of which already have their tickets on sale. A good number of festivals are also offering early bird tickets at a discount, so buy early if you can.
Mighty Hoopla Big Weekender
For those who can’t wait until June, Mighty Hoopla is running a big weekender in January - and tickets are already nearly sold out.
Where? Butlin’s Bognor Regis
When? January 27-30
Who’s playing? Melanie C, Belinda Carlisle, House Gospel Choir, Horse Meat Disco, Corona, Liberty X, Booty Luv, Five, The Honeyz, The 411, 90’s Rave Up, Alex Party, Rozalla, N-Trance, Sink The Pink, Charity Shop Sue, Big Gay Songbook, Michelle McManus, Bongo’s Bingo, Cheddar Gorgeous, End Of The World Party, Guilty Pleasures, Haus of Dons and more.
Tickets: Weekend tickets from £179 including rooms, mightyhoopla.com/bigweekender/
Country to Country
Europe’s biggest celebration of country music returns to the O2 with some of the biggest names in the genre from both sides of the Atlantic, spread across three venues in the UK and Ireland.
Where? The O2, London / 3Arena, Dublin / The OVO Hydro, Glasgow
When? March 10-12
Who’s on the line-up? Thomas Rhett, Jordan Davis, Lady A, Midland, Zac Brown Band, Old Crow Medicine Show
Tickets: £TBC, c2c-countrytocountry.com
Terminal V
One of the most popular techno festivals in the country, revellers descend from far and wide to Edinburgh for a line up of the biggest names in dance music, for two days of dancing and stunning light displays.
When? April 8-9
Where? Royal Highland Centre + Showground, Edinburgh
Who’s playing? Alan Fitzpatrick, Amelie Lens, Boys Noize, Charlotte De Witte, Dan Shake, Eli Brown, Enrico Sangiuliano, Folamour, I Hate Models, Kettama, Rebuke and many more artists to be announced.
Tickets: Day tickets from £78. weekend tickets from £146.19, terminalv.co.uk
The Great Escape
The place to go to catch a glimpse of the most exciting up-and-comers, spread across various venues on the south coast.
The Great Escape Festival 2023’s Spotlight Show will also take place over the same weekend at Brighton Done Concert Hall, with acts including Arlo Parks and Maisie Peters.
Where? Brighton, East Sussex
When? May 10-13
Who’s on the line-up? Girls Of The Internet, Venbee, Mae Stephens, Witch Fever, The Big Moon, English Teacher and many more artists have been announced.
Tickets: from £85, greatescapefestival.com
Bearded Theory
A family-orientated festival, but with a multi-genre line-up certain to keep the adults enthralled.
Where? Catton Hall, Derbyshire
When? May 25-28
Who’s on the line-up? Interpol, Primal Scream, Gogol Bordello, Flogging Molly, Echo and The Bunnymen, Viagra Boys and many more acts to be announced.
Tickets: from £187.25, beardedtheory.co.uk
Project 6
Aimed at lovers of all things drum & bass, this new festival, headed by Outlook Festival and Undivided, showcases the movers and shakers in D&B and jungle as well as wider genres.
Where? Brockwell Park, London
When? May 26
Who’s on the line-up? Ama, Calibre, D Double E, Darwin, Dexta, Dillinja, Diverge, DJ Flight, DJ Hype, DJ Perception, Fabio & Grooverider And The Outlook Orchestra, Flowdan, Ghetts, Goldie, Kessler, Oneman, P Money, Phase, Pip Millett, SHY FX: SPECIALS, Sicaria, Sir Spyro, and many more acts announced.
Tickets: from £40, project6festival.com
BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend
BBC’s flagship festival moves to a different location every year, showcasing some of the biggest names in music every year. The festival heads to Dundee this year with huge acts already announced.
Where? Camperdown Park, Dundee
When? May 26-28
Who’s on the line-up? The 1975, Jonas Brothers, Rudimental, Lewis Capaldi, Niall Horan, ArrDee, Jess Glynne, Headie One, Arlo Parks, Joel Corry, Mimi Webb, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Tom Grennan, Self Esteem.
Tickets: Friday tickets will cost £18.00 (+£2.50 booking fee per ticket) and will go on sale Friday 31st March at 18:30, Saturday and Sunday tickets will cost £29.00 (+£4.50 booking fee per ticket) and will go on sale Friday 24th March at 08:30. You can only purhase a maximum of two tickets a person.
Creamfields South
A new, 50,000-capacity sister event to the big-hitting dance music festival up north, Creamfields South returns for its second edition.
Where? Hylands Park, Chelmsford
When? May 26-28
Who’s playing? Andy C Annie Mac, Becky Hill, Calvin Harris, Camelphat, Carl Cox, Chase and Status, Eric Prydz, Fatboy Slim, Jamie Jones, Kölsch, LF System, MK, Nina Kraviz, Patrick Topping, Sonny Fodera, Swedish House Mafia, Tiësto and many more artists to be announced.
Tickets: from £220, creamfieldschelmsford.com
Wide Awake
A relatively new festival that made its debut on the London festival scene in 2021, this festival returns with a line-up blend of cutting-edge sounds from psych-rock to classical minimalism.
Where? Brockwell Park, London
When? May 27
Who’s playing? Arooj Aftab, Osees, Gilla Band, Sunset Rollercoasters, Ty Segall and more.
Tickets: from £39.50, wideawakelondon.co.uk
Love Saves The Day
Bristol’s two-day festival is a perfect event to spice up the May bank holiday weekend. With world-famous acts including Bicep, Kurupt FM and Chase and Status having graced the stage previously, fans can expect a stellar line up to ring in the start of summer.
Where? Ashton Court Estate, Bristol
When? May 27-28
Whos playing? Headliners: Fatboy Slim, Years and Years and Andy C
Plus big names including Nia Archives, Kelis, Four Tet, Sub Focus b2b Dimension, Shy Fx w/ Dynamite, LF System, Eats Everything, Folamour, Kettama, SG Lewis, Hybrid Minds + Tempza, Koven, Eliza Rose and more names announced.
Tickets: Day tickets from £54.94, weekend tickets from £88.24, lovesavestheday.org
Cross The Tracks
Taking us on a journey through jazz, soul, funk and beyond, the line-up here usually consists of legacy favourites and newer acts.
Where? Brockwell Park, London
When? May 28
Who’s playing? NX Worries (Anderson.Paak & Knxwlegde), Masego, Kelis, Alfa Mist, Giles Peterson, Roy Ayers farewell tour, Ravyn Lenae and many more acts TBA.
Tickets: from £34.50, xthetracks.com
City Splash
Dedicated to reggae, afrobeats and dancehall, this Brixton festival returns for its third edition.
Where? Brockwell Park, London
When? May 29
Who’s playing? Headliners:Chronixx, Koffee, Shenseea, Skillibeng
Plus acts including Ayra Starr, Big Zeeks, Channel One Max Romeo, Donae’o, Lutan Fyah, Jah Youth and many more acts TBA.
Tickets: from £29.50, city-splash.com
The Great Estate
A fun loving family affair with secret gin gardens, silent disco, victorian games, circus, burlesque, cabaret and plenty for kids to enjoy too!
Where? Scorrier House, Cornwall
When? June 2-4
Whos playing? Headliners: Primal Scream, The Selecter, Symphonic Ibiza with DJ Andy Joyce.
Plus Bez’s Acid House Party, Cuban Brothers, Henge, Hip Hop Kareoke, Junior Jungle, Beatles Dub Club, Haunt The Woods, Jason Bradbury (The Gadget Show) and more!
Tickets: Day tickets from £45, weekend tickets from £95, greatestatefestival.co.uk
Mighty Hoopla
The LGBTQ-friendly festival always has one of the best vibes in London with a line-up that never takes itself too seriously.
Where? Brockwell Park, London
When? June 3-4
Who’s playing? TBA
Saturday: Kelly Rowland, Aqua, Kelis, Natasha Beddingfield, Rachel Stevens, Beverley Knight, 911, Jamelia, Jayde Adams, Samatha Mumba, Soul II Soul, plus more TBC.
Sunday: Years & Years, Confidence Man, Dagny, Jake Shears, Rachel Stevens, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Shola Ama, Snap!, Vengaboys, plus more TBC.
Tickets: from £69.50, mightyhoopla.com
Download
The UK’s biggest festival for all things head-banging will return to the fields of Donington Park for its 20th anniversary.
Where? Donington Park, Derby
When? June 8-11
Who’s on the line-up?
Headliners: Thursday: Metallica, Friday: Bring Me The Horizon, Saturday: Metallica and Sunday: Slipknot.
Plus as many as 60 artists have now been announced, though which day they will play is still to be confirmed. These artists include: Evanescence, Parkway Drive, Disturbed, Pendulum, Asking Alexandria, Beauty School Dropout, Behemoth, Nova Twins and Set It Off.
Tickets: from £310, general tickets will go on sale online at 10am on November 10, downloadfestival.co.uk
Cambridge Club
Make sure you bring along your dancing shoes to this festival, which gathers big names from across disco, soul, pop, funk and beyond.
Where? Childerley Orchard, Cambridge
When? June 9-11
Who’s on the line-up? Grace Jones, Lionel Richie, Kool & The Gang headlining, plus Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Billie Ocean, Lemar, Ed Byrne and many more
Tickets: Adult day tickets from £56.25, teens (13-17 year olds) from £30.95, junior (5-12 year olds) from £14.10, thecambridgeclub.co
Kite
A new festival that made its inaugural appearance in 2022, it aims to be a blend of “music and ideas”, with musicians, comedians, artists, writers, activists and thinkers.
Where? Kirtlington Park, Oxfordshire
When? June 9-11
Who’s on the line-up? Hot Chip, Suede, Pretenders, Candi Staton, Ezra Collective, Django Django, Sofia Kourtesis, Prima Queen and many more acts to be announced.
Tickets: from £154, kitefestival.co.uk
Parklife
Manchester’s biggest festival is firmly one of the UK’s most prominent music events, too, with a starry line-up largely geared towards rap and pop, but with a fair bit of variation.
Where? Heaton Park, Manchester
When? June 10-11
Who’s on the line-up? Headliners: The 1975, Aitch, The Prodigy, Little Simz, Fred again.., Wu-Tang Clan and Nas: NY State Of Mind
Plus huge acts including NxWorries (Anderson Paak. & Knxwledge), Skrillex, Becky Hill, Raye, Peggy Gou, Michael Bibi b2b Jamie Jones, Rudimental (Live), Self Esteem, Chase & Status (DJ), Confidence Man, FLO, Carl Cox,, Jon Hopkins, Nia Archives, Andy C, Annie Mac, Eliza Rose, LF System, Honey Dijon, Knucks, Shygirl, Mall Grab, DJ EZ, The Blessed Madonna, Charlotte De Witte, Mimi Webb, Meekz, Hybrid Minds, and many more acts announced on the line-up.
Tickets: Weekendfrom £145.50, parklife.uk.com
Isle of Wight
Always among the first major festivals of the season, with a line-up of chart-toppers and legacy favourites.
Where? Newport, Isle of Wight
When? June 15-18
Who’s playing? Friday Main Stage: Pulp, The Courteeners, OneRepublic, Sugababes, Sophie Ellis-Bextor
Saturday Main Stage: George Ezra, The Chemical Brothers, N-Dubz, Anne-Marie, Sam Ryder, Gabrielle, Scouting for Girls
Sunday Main Stage: Robbie Williams, Blondie, Niall Horan, James Bay, Mika, Ella Henderson
Tickets: Barclaycard day tickets from £99. weekend tickets from £225, isleofwightfestival.com
Glastonbury
Glastonbury tickets went on sale on November 6, and as always they were snapped up with lightning speed. Those lucky enough to secure their spots can look forward to the best festival on the planet.
Where? Worthy Farm, Somerset
When? June 21-25
Who’s on the line-up? Headliners: Arctic Monkeys, Guns N Roses, Elton John
Plus huge names including Lizzo, Aitch, Alt-J, Becky Hill, Blondie, Central Cee, Carly Rae Jepsen, Fred again..,, Fatboy Slim, Lana Del Rey, Kelis, Loyle Carner, Maggie Rodgers, Maneskin, Nova Twins, Rina Sawayama, slowthai and many more artists announced.
Tickets: £335 + £5 booking fee (including a £50 deposit), pre-registration required, glastonburyfestivals.co.uk
Back 2 Festival
The UK’s favourite nostalgic festival is back again for its seventh year running, and as ever you can expect to be taken on a throwback journey to see some of the biggest artists of the past few years, with a fan-favourite line up curated for the lovers of all things Noughties.
Where? Catton Hall & Park, Walton-on-Trent
When? June 29 – July 1
Who’s on the line-up? Headliners: Example, Boyzlife, Basshunter, Blue
Plus acts including Cascada, The Hoosiers, Dodgy, Martin Kemp, 80s DJ Set, Showhawk Duo, Phats & Small, DJ Sammy, Ultrabeat, Goldie Lookin’ Chain, Gareth Gates, Livin’ Joy and many more acts announced.
Tickets: from £129.99 ontick.co.uk
Love Supreme
An ode to jazz, with a healthy lot of soul, funk and more. Expect a mix of genre icons and new innovators on the line-up.
Where? Glynde Place, East Sussex
When? June 30-July 2
Who’s playing? Little Simz and Grace Jones are both headlining the festival, with Thundercat, Emeli Sandé, Gabriels and Candi Station also topping the ticket.
But that’s only the beginning, with a line-up that includes Danny Krivit, Adi Oasis, The Cavemen, Shai Maestro, Immanuel Wilkins, Yaya Bey, Marcus Miller, Yussef Dayes, Shalamar, Mulatu Astatke, Tower of Power, Greentea Peng and Courtney Pine.
Tickets: Adult standard weekend camping tickets (third tier) cost £179.30, where adult weekend no camping tickets cost £165. Standard day tickets from £69.30. lovesupremefestival.com
BST Hyde Park
Always nailed on for the big names, this concert series runs more like a series of mini day festivals, with a headline act and a whole host of support acts.
Where? Hyde Park, London
When? June 24 – July 9
Who’s playing? Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band, Guns N’ Roses, BLACKPINK, Billy Joel, P!nk with special guest Gwen Stefani, Take That and Lana Del Ray, who will close the festival on Sunday July 9.
Tickets: Various prices, bst-hydepark.com
AVA
AVA has quickly become one of the standouts of the festival season, returning for its eighth edition at Belfast’s iconic Titanic Slipways. The festival showcases leading artists in the music scene as well as emerging Irish talent.
Where? Titanic Slipways, Belfast
When? July 2-3
Who’s on the line-up? Central Cee, Slowthai, Kettama, Overmono, Eliza Rose, Hector Oaks, SPFDJ, Job Jobse, KI/KI, Kojaque, Sally C and many more artists to be announced.
Tickets: Weekend tickets from £95, avafestival.com
El Dorado
The music policy is broad here - everything from rap to funk to drum‘n’bass. The dates have shifted one week later than usual.
Where? TBC
When? July 6-9
Who’s on the line-up? KC and The Sunshine Band, Sampa The Great, Folamour, Shy FX, Maverick Sabre, Vengaboys, Crazy P, Ellie Ingham, Denis Sulta, HAAI, Mall Grab, Conducta, Bondax, Dan Shake, Goldie and many more acts to be announced.
Tickets: from £245, eldoradofestival.com
Soho House Festival
World famous members club Soho House hosts its annual festival in London, with a trendy line-up packed with world renowned names over a two-day period.
Where? Gunnersbury Park, London
When? July 6-8
Who’s on the line-up? Kelis, Annie Mac, Confidence Man, Tom Grennan, Sugababes, Honey Dijon, Kojey Radical and many more.
Tickets: from £275 (for members), £325 (for Soho Friends), sohohouse.com
NASS
Originally a skate festival at heart, this four-day festival has expanded from BMX bikes to main stage lights, showcasing the biggest names in hip-hop, dance, rock and more.
Where? Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet
When? July 6-9
Who’s on the line-up? Chase & Status, Wu Tang Clan and Little Simz
Plus Debbie, Easy Life, Finn Foxell, Pip Millett, Shy FX and more acts to be announced.
Tickets: Full price tickets from £160, nassfestival.com
Rochester Castle Concerts
A stellar line up of concerts across 4 nights on the banks of the River Medway at Rochester Castle in Kent, just 30 mins from Central London.
Where? Rochester Castle, Kent
When? July 6th – 9th
Who’s playing? Headliners: Nile Rodgers & Chic, Sugababes, Soft Celll, Fat Freddy’s Drop
Plus acts including Incognito, Peter Hook & The Light, Lee Fields, Gentleman’s Dub Club, Ibibio Sound System, New Hope Club.
Tickets: Day tickets from £50, https://www.rochestercastleconcerts.com/
Community Festival
Having started in 2017, the one-day indie-rock festival showcases some of the most recognisable names in the genre, as well as exciting new bands and acts.
Where? Crystal Palace Park, London
When? July 7
Who’s on the line-up? Two Door Cinema Club, The Wombats, The Vaccines, Sea Girls and Baby Queen.
Tickets: from £54.45, community festival.london
Wireless
Wireless expanded to three weekends in 2022, with two events in London and one in Birmingham, but in 2023 it’ll go back to the traditional Finsbury Park weekender.
Where? Finsbury Park, London
When? July 7-9
Who’s on the line-up? Headliners: Playboy Carti, Travis Scott, D-Block Europe, 50 Cent
Plus huge acts including Lil Uzi Vert, Metro Boomin, Headie One, Bryson Tiller, JoeyBada$$, FLO, Lil Durk, Popcaan, Lil Tjay, GloRilla, Kenny Allstar and more to be announced.
Tickets: Day tickets from £80, full weekend tickets from £230, wirelessfestival.co.uk
EXODUS
London’s iconic nightclub Fabric joins the festival circuit, launching its first two-day outdoor event with a line-up packed full of familiar underground names, as well as a host of Fabric regulars.
Where? Kelvedon Hall, Brentwood
When? July 8-9
Who’s on the line-up? Craig Richards B2B Ricardo Villalobos, Seth Troxler, Artwork, Fatima Yamaha, Ross From Friends, DVS1, Chaos In The CBD, KiNK (Live), Jaden Thompson and many more.
Tickets: sold out, fabriclondon.com
TRNSMT
This Glasgow festival is always one of the liveliest music events north of the border, with a guitar-heavy line-up.
Where? Glasgow, Scotland
When? July 7-9
Who’s on the line-up? Friday: Pulp, George Ezra, Niall Horan, Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott
Saturday: Sam Fender, Kasabian, Aitch, Maisie Peters, Brooke Combe,
Sunday: The 1975, Royal Blood, Becky Hill, The Kooks, Ashnikko, Jamie Webster
Plus many more acts to be announced.
Tickets: Weekend tickets from £182, trnsmtfest.com
Hampton Court Palace Festival
The stunning Hampton Court Palace will play host to a series of concerts over a two-week period, showcasing legendary names in music.
Where? Hampton Court Palace, London
When? June 7-17
Who’s on the line-up? Tom Jones, Soft Cell, Grace Jones, Kool & The Gang, Kaiser Cheifs, Rick Astley, Bjorn Again
Tickets: Various prices, hamptoncourtpalacefestival.com
Kaleidoscope Festival
A relatively new festival, over the last four years Kaleidoscope Festival has built a reputation for being one of London’s best one-day events. With a capacity of 11,000 people, and with dozens of major acts, “London’s highest festival” completely sold out last year, so move fast to get your tickets.
Where? Alexandra Palace Park
When? July 15
Who’s playing? Hot Chip, George Fitzgerald, Gaz Coombes, Elvana, Girls of the Internet, Antony Szmierek, Erol Alkan, Raw Silk, Fabio & Grooverider, Heidi, Wookie, Nina Conti, Shaun Keavney & Joe Lycett, Maisie Adam, Rebel Bingo, Tej Dhutia, Das Brass, Knats and many more.
Tickets: Adult general release, £59.15, children (5-15 years) £33.85, under fives, £10.75, family tickets (2 adults, 2 children) £175; alexandrapalace.com
Bluedot
Not many festivals can claim to be held upon a UNESCO World Heritage site, but that’s the case at this festival, which mixes music, science and wider culture.
Where? Jodrell Bank Observatory, Cheshire
When? July 20-23
Who’s on the line-up? Grace Jones, Roisin Murphy, Leftfield, Max Ritcher, Annie Mac, Black Country New Road, Max Cooper and many more artists to be announced.
Tickets: from £204.75, discoverthebluedot.com
Standon Calling
After returning for its sixteenth edition in 2022, this crowd-pleasing festival is back for all the family, with what will surely be a wide-ranging line-up and plenty to keep the kids entertained too.
Where? Standon, Hertfordshire
When? July 20-23
Who’s playing? Headliners: Years & Years, Self Esteem, Bloc Party, The Human League
Plus acts including Anastacia, Confidence Man, Dylan, Squid, Katy B, Faithless, LF System, Groove Armada, KT Tunstall, Melanie C and many more acts to be announced.
Tickets: from £195, standon-calling.com
Latitude
This idyllic countryside retreat prides itself on being more than just a music festival — previous editions have brought in everything from comedy to stand-up paddleboarding.
Where? Henham Park, Suffolk
When? July 20-23
Who’s on the line-up? Pulp, Paolo Nutini, George Ezra, The Kooks, Metronomy, The Proclaimers, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and many more acts to be announced.
Tickets: from £286.45 latitudefestival.com
Junction 2
The popular London festival is back for the first time in four years, following the pandemic and strikes that meant last year’s instalment had to be cancelled. The two-day extravaganza, run by dance promoters LWE, returns to its spiritual home of Boston Manor Park, and with an array of big name DJs, dancers are ready to get back under the bridge again.
Where? Boston Manor Park, London
When? July 21-22
Who’s playing? Underworld, Jeff Mills, Nina Kraviz, Cirez D (Eric Prdyz), Adam Beyer, Ben UFO, Mall Grab, Charlotte de Witte, Daphni, Helena Hauff, Hunee, Or:la, Enzo Siragusa, Hessle Audio Trio, Midland plus many more
Tickets: Day tickets from £65, weekend tickets from £143, junction2.london
Secret Garden Party
Perhaps the festival season’s worst kept secret, Secret Garden Party returns for another instalment following its successful return last year after a five-year hiatus. The festival has become a staple in the summer calendar, with a stellar line-up combined with out-of-this-world stage productions. Shh, though, it’s a secret…
Where? Abbotts Ripton, Cambridgeshire
When? July 20 – 23
Who’s on the line-up? Underworld, The Libertines, Fat Freddy’s Drop, Roisin Murphy, 2MANYDJS (Live), Leftfield, Faithless (DJ Set), De La Soul, Mella Dee, David Roddigan, Gerd Jansen, Heidi, Horse Meat Disco, SHERELLE, The Menendez Brothers, and many more.
Tickets: from £250, secretgardenparty.com
Tramlines
Sheffield’s biggest city-based music festival is always a popular one, thanks both to its stacked line-ups and decent value tickets.
Where? Hillsborough Park, Sheffield
When? July 21-23
Who’s playing? Sam Fender, Kasabian, Madness, Bad Boy Chiller Crew, Sigrid, Becky Hill, The Vaccines, The Wombats, Self Esteem, Kelis, Scouting For Girls, Sam Ryder, Orla Gartland and many more acts to be announced.
Line up also benefits from some big name comedy acts, when you’re up for a laugh, including Seann Walsh, Russell Kane, Jason Manford and more.
Tickets: from £140, tramlines.org.uk
Kendal Calling
This Lake District favourite returns with what’s expected to be its typical mix of crowd-pleasing headliners.
Where? Lowther Deer Park, Lake District
When? July 27-30
Who’s playing? Headliners: Kasabian, Royal Blood, Blossoms, Nile Rogers & CHIC
Plus huge acts including Kaiser Chiefs, Rick Astley, The Lathums, Example, Frank Turner, Confidence Man, Circa Waves, Happy Mondays, Mel C, KT Tunstall, Scouting for Girls, We Are Scientists and many more artists to be announced.
Tickets: from £165, kendalcalling.co.uk
WOMAD
A festival that prides itself on an international line-up, and all the vibrancy that such a thing brings with it.
Where? Charlton Park, Wiltshire
When? July 27-30
Who’s on the line-up? Femi Kuti, Bombay Bicycle Club, Mariza, Kate Rubsy, Horace Andy, Mokoomba, Souad Massi, Susana Baca, The Comet Is Coming and more
Tickets: from £260, womad.co.uk
Camp Bestival
One for the family-sized festival-goers, this one caters to all ages with a programme of events to keep the kids occupied, as well as the adults. A new sister event launched in 2022 to run in Shropshire, in addition to the existing Dorset festival, with the same arrangement in 2023.
Where? Lulworth Castle, Dorset/Weston Park, Shropshire
When? July 27-30 (Dorset), August 17-20 (Shropshire)
Who’s on the line-up? Grace Jones, Craig David, The Kooks, Mel C, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Confidence Man, Ella Henderson, Scouting For Girls and many more acts have been announced.
Tickets: from £205 (Dorset), from £183 (Shropshire), campbestival.net
Y Not
Returning to the bucolic surroundings of the Peak District for its 16th edition, this festival is one of the fans of bands with guitars.
Where? Pikehall, Derbyshire
When? July 28-30, 2022
Who’s on the line-up? TBC
Tickets: from £119.50, ynotfestival.com
51st Festival
A one day festival celebrating the best in dance music, from from classic acts and emerging artists
Where? Copthall Playing Fields, London
When? August 5
Who’s on the line up? Kings of House NYC, Body & Soul, Dimitri from Paris, Roger Sanchez, Todd Terry, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Roy Ayers, Norman Jay, Todd Edwards, Grant Nelson, Heartless Crew, Majestic and many more.
Tickets: from £39.98, 51stfestival.com
Boardmasters
Beginning its days as a UK surfers competition, this Newquay-based five-day beach bash has become one of the hottest tickets of the festival season.
Where? Newquay, Cornwall
When? August 9-13
Who’s playing? Saturday headliner: Liam Gallagher, Sunday: Florence & the Machine
The first wave has already included some huge names to be excited about including Little Simz, Example, Four Tet, Paul Woolford, Danny Howard and Dimension. Fans can expect to hear more artists announced in the next weeks and months.
Tickets: from £179,boardmasters.com
Boomtown
Tickets are already running low for this five-day extravanganza, which is always one of the more surreal festivals in the calendar, so be sure to snap them up soon.
Where? Winchester, Hampshire
When? August 9-13
Who’s playing? TBC
Tickets: from £270, boomtownfair.co.uk
Houghton Festival
Curated by Fabric resident DJ Craig Richards, Houghton is a festival like no other, with its stunning stage designs and light displays becoming a draw for dance music fans, along with a line-up packed with the most exciting DJs on the scene.
Where? Houghton Hall, Norfolk
When? August 10-13
Who’s on the line-up? Ben UFO, Call Super, Erol Alkan, Felix Dickinson, Gerd Janson, Horse Meat Disco, Move D, Moxie, PEACH, Ricardo Villalobos, Roy Ayers (live) and many more.
Tickets: from £250, houghtonfestival.co.uk
We Out Here
We Out Here is broadcaster Gilles Peterson’s award-winning weekender, which is perhaps why the festival’s music is always so good. With a packed roster of live music acts as well as club DJs, plus a programme of family friendly and wellness activities, the 2023 edition of this festival, in its new Dorset location, is set to be a real bobby dazzler.
Where? Wimborne St. Giles, Dorset
When? August 10-14
Who’s playing? Ezra Collective, Knucks, Nia Archives, Róisín Murphy, Black Star, Sun Ra Arkestra, Cymande, Galliano and Meshell Ndegeocello are topping the bill, alongside DJ acts including Marcellus Pittman, Mr Scruff, Omar-S and Horse Meat Disco.
Tickets: The website is currently under construction, but tickets are available to buy from £210, weoutherefestival.com
Green Man
A real gem of a festival, whose line-up spans multiple genres and whose programme covers everything from comedy to science. And, as a testament to its quality, 2023 tickets have already sold out.
Where? Brecon Beacons, Wales
When? August 17-20
Who’s on the line-up? First Aid Kit, Devo, Spiritualized, Amyl and the Sniffers, Slowdive, The Walkmen, Young Fathers, Confidence Man, Goat, The Comet Is Coming, Snail Mail, Sudan Archives and many more acts to be announced.
Tickets: sold out, greenman.net
Field Day
This one day event has fast become a favourite of dance music fans, with some of the world’s biggest DJs playing at the East London spot.
Where? Victoria Park, London
When? August 19
Who’s on the line-up? Aphex Twin, Bonobo, Desire, Fever Ray, Jayda G, Jon Hopkins, Kelela, Moderat, SBTRKT and many more artists on the line-up.
Tickets: from £75, fielddayfestivals.com
Hospitality In The Woods
The world renowned drum & bass events brand comes to London for one day, following its Croatian venture in July.
Where? Beckenham Place Park, London
When? August 19
Who’s on the line-up? Netsky, High Contrast, A.M.C Calibre, Roni Size, DJ Marky, Camo & Krooked, Goddard, LTJ Bukem, Metrik and many more acts announced.
Tickets: from £44.25, hospitalityinthewoods.com
All Points East
Spreading across two weekends, All Points East takes over Victoria Park in east London, with some of the biggest names in music across multiple genres.
Where? Victoria Park, London
When? August 19-28
Who’s playing? Headliners: Stormzy, The Strokes, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Aphex Twin, Bonobo
Stormzy will be headlining the festival. He announced on Twitter, “This is my only UK show next year. We’re taking over Victoria Park for a special day full of incredible artists and music and vibes.”
New York indie rockers The Strokes and Yeah Yeah Yeahs will also be headlining the second weekend of the festival, with stellar support from Girl In Red, Amyl and The Sniffers, Angel Olsen and Black Midi, with more acts to be announced.
Tickets: TBC, allpointseastfestival.com/
Lost Village
This deep woodland expedition is one of the weird and wonderful gems of the festival season, combining breathtaking stage designs and unmissable acts to take its villagers on a four-day journey into the unknown.
Where? Norton Disney, Lincolnshire
When? August 24-27
Who’s playing? Ben Böhmer, Ben UFO, The Blessed Madonna, BONOBO, Dixon, DJ Seinfeld, Four Ten, Gerd Janson, Giles Peterson, HE.SHE.THEY, Honey Dijon, Jayda G, Joy Orbison, JYOTY, Nia Archives, Peggy Gou and many more acts to be announced.
Tickets: £TBC lostvillagefestival.com
Creamfields North
Always one of the biggest dance music festivals on the calendar, Creamfields is a sure-fire gathering of some of the best-known DJs on the world circuit. It turned 25 in 2022.
Where? Daresbury, Cheshire
When? August 24-27
Who’s on the line-up? Adam Beyer, Aly & Fila, Amelie Lens, Armin van Buuren, Calvin Harris, Camelphat, Carl Cox Hybrid Live, Chase & Status (DJ Set), Cristoph, David Guetta, Diplo, DJ Snake, Don Diablo, Eric Prydz, Fatboy Slim, Ferry Corsten, Four Tet, Kölsch, Martin Garrix, Nina Kraviz, Oliver Heldens, Tiësto and many more artists have been announced.
Tickets: from £250, creamfields.com
We Are FSTVL
One of London’s biggest dance music festivals, always with a reliably huge line-up of global DJs, makes plans for its 10th birthday.
Where? Damyns Hall Aerodrome, Upminster
When? August 25-27
Who’s on the line-up? Amelie Lens, Andy C, Annie Mac, Apollina, DJ Seinfeld, Eats Everything, Enzo Siragusa, Example, Honey Dijon, I Hate Models, LF System, Loco Dice, Marco Carola, Michael Bibi, Seth Troxler, Skream and many more acts announced.
Tickets: from £150, wearefstvl.com
Reading and Leeds
A rite of passage for British festival-goers, these dual-running events are always among the biggest on the UK calendar.
Where? Reading, Berkshire / Leeds, West Yorkshire
When? August 25-27
Who’s playing? Headliners: Billie Eilish, The Killers, Sam Fender, Foals, Imagine Dragons, Lewis Capaldi
Plus acts including Steve Lacy, Decklan McKenna, Wet Leg, Central Cee, Becky Hill, Lil Tjay, Loyle Carner, BICEP Live, Chase Atlantic, Trippie Redd, Slowthai, Mimi Webb, Bakar, Rina Sawayama, Arlo Parks and many more to be announced.
Tickets: from £259, readingfestival.com / leedsfestival.com
Manchester Pride Festival
Winner of 2022’s Best Large Festival at the UK Festival Awards, and one of the longest running pride events in the UK, Manchester Pride Festival brings their “party as protest” ethos to the centrefold, with some of the biggest names in music flocking to the city for the weekend. Even with the star power they attract (yes, Ariana Grande headlined!), the core message of equality is never lost.
Where? Manchester, Greater Manchester
When? August 25-28
Who’s playing? Pablo Vittar, Jake Shears, Natasha Bedingfield, Jodie Harsh, Bimini, Danny Beard, Gok Wan, Monki and many more artists have been announced.
Tickets: £TBC manchesterpride.com
Victorious
Down on the south coast, this Portsmouth festival always draws in some big names, covering rock, Britpop, indie rock, and more.
When? August 25-27
Where? Southsea, Portsmouth
Who’s on the line-up? Headliners: Kasabian, Jamiroquai
Plus huge names including Ben Howard, Alt-J, Pete Tong Ibiza Classics, Ellie Goulding, Friendly Fires, Blossoms, Sigrid, The Vaccines, The Coral, Dylan, Katy B, Inspiral Carpet Crawlers and many more acts to be announced.
Tickets: from £165, victoriousfestival.co.uk
Eastern Electrics
This dance music festival moved up to Lee Valley Showground for its 2022 edition, bringing some floor-filling DJs with it.
When? August 26
Where? Lea Valley Showground, London
Who’s on the line-up? ARTBAT, Ben Klock, Chris Stussy, Crazy P (DJ Set), DJ Minx, Denis Sulta, Elli Acula, Heléna Star, Joris Voorn, Marcel Dettmann, Move D, Rossi, The Martinez Brothers and very special guest to be announced.
Tickets: from £35, easternelectrics.com
Maiden Voyage
A relatively new arrival on the London scene, this one is run by the same people who helm the Jazz Cafe in Camden. The venue’s focused eclecticism is matched on the festival’s line-up.
When? August 27
Where? TBC
Who’s playing? DJ Boring, DJ EZ, Moxie, Nicola Cruz, Richie Hawtin, Sainté, DJ Sprinkles and many more acts to be announced.
Tickets: £35, maiden-voyage.co.uk
End of the Road
Another multi-disciplinary delight spanning the spectrum of music, comedy, literature, film and beyond, expect an exciting, discerning line-up.
When? September 1-4
Where? Larmer Tree Gardens, Wiltshire
Who’s playing? King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Future Islands, Wilco, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Angel Olsen, Exra Furman, Arooj Aftab, Greentea Peng, Overmono and many more artists to be announced.
Tickets: from £235, endoftheroadfestival.com