The Best Summer Festivals in the UK

“The UK boasts some of the most incredible festivals anywhere in the world.

As the British summer approaches, revellers come out in droves to party and celebrate, whilst as artists and musicians flock to perform in front of the crowds.

Here is our guide to the best summer festivals in the UK!

Parklife – Manchester
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Manchester’s largest festival, Parklife has become a staple of the city’s summer calendar, boasting nine main stages and a host of stars performing over the years, including George Ezra, Liam Gallagher and The 1975.

The 2-day festival takes place in Manchester’s Heaton Park in the north of the city and is a great addition to a holiday in Manchester. Whilst you’re there you can explore some of the other famous sights nearby including Media City, Old Trafford football ground, and the hip and trendy Northern Quarter.

Once night falls, head into the city to experience the incredible Manchester nightlife.

Africa Oyé – Liverpool
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One of the UK’s most culturally diverse festivals is the Africa Oyé festival that takes place in Liverpool’s Sefton Park every June.

Africa Oyé is the largest celebration of live African music in the UK, with acts travelling from all over the world to entertain the crowds. The festival attracts over 50,000 people over the 2-day event and the best part is, it’s completely free to attend and very family friendly.

There are plenty of great hotels in Liverpool, so make the most of your trip and stay in the city centre, which is just a short taxi ride away, and explore the Liverpool attractions.

British Summer Time – London
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Taking place in June each year, British Summer Time (BST) is one of the UK’s most popular inner-city festivals.

The event is held in Hyde Park, London, making it an easy commute for even the most reluctant festival-goers.

You can opt for 1 or 2-day tickets, allowing you to combine your festival with a sightseeing weekend in London.

The line-up usually includes a mix of current pop stars as well as legends such as Lionel Ritchie, Stevie Wonder and Celine Dion who have all taken the stage.

Victorius – Portsmouth
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Every August bank holiday, the pretty seaside town of Southsea near Portsmouth comes alive with the family-friendly Victorius Festival.

It’s unique location by the sea, means that you can enjoy a beach holiday and festival all in one and you could easily combine your trip to the Victorius Festival with a holiday to the beautiful Isle of Wight which is just a short ferry ride away.

There are plenty of wonderful places to stay in Southsea, as well as nearby Portsmouth.

Photo by jaydubyasee under CC BY 2.0 licence.

Boardmasters – Newquay
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Combining surfing and music, Boardmasters held in Newquay, Cornwall is one of the UK’s most unique and refreshing festivals.

As well as some of the biggest names in music, the event hosts surfing lessons, as well as surfing competitions which have attracted many pro surfers over the years, including eleven times world champion, Kelly Slater.

Once you’ve had enough of surfing and partying, you can head to Zennor Haven, an immersive on-site wellness area with yoga, gong baths and much more, aimed to calm and refresh your soul.

Extend your trip to explore more of this beautiful region and make the most of your holiday in Cornwall.

The Hay Festival, Hay-on-Wye
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Every May, the town of Hay-on-Wye in Powys, Wales transforms into what Bill Clinton once described as “Woodstock for the mind”.

Thousands of book lovers descend on the town to celebrate the Hay Festival of Literature and Arts, the UK’s premier literature festival.

During the family-friendly 10-day event, festival-goers can immerse themselves in a creative and thoughtful world and with talks and workshops from some of the world’s best authors, thinkers and artists.

There are lots of lovely places to stay in Hay-on-Wye and the stunning Brecon Beacons National park is only a stone’s throw away.

Photo by jaydubyasee under CC BY 2.0 licence.

The Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh
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This annual performing arts festival, taking place over three weeks in August is an incredible opportunity to see world class dance, theatre and music performances.

The Edinburgh International Festival also runs alongside the annual Edinburgh Fringe Festival, making it an incredible time to visit this historic and vibrant city as you can attend both festivals.

There are some incredible hotels in Edinburgh to suit all budgets and it is a fantastic jumping off point to many of Scotland’s other destinations.

TRNSMT, Glasgow
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In nearby Glasgow, there’s a new festival on the block.

Glasgow is a lively city and the TRNSMT Festival held on Glasgow Green, is quickly becoming one of the UK’s best music festivals hosting The Killers, Stormzy, Liam Gallagher and Queen since it’s conception in 2017.

TRNSMT IS a non-camping festival, however there are plenty of great accommodation options in Glasgow to choose from.

The Downs, Bristol
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Another relatively new festival is The Downs Festival in Bristol.

Bristol is known for being one of the most innovative and creative cities (as well as one of the prettiest) cities in the UK and this festival is no different.

At the end of August, revellers gather in the city to celebrate music and listen to talks by incredible thought leaders who debate and discuss important topics affecting UK society on The Information Stage.

Once the festival ends, you can enjoy some of the other great attractions in Bristol, or explore the historical city of Bath which lies nearby.

What are your favourite summer festivals in the UK?“