UK summer isn’t just a season, it’s a soundtrack that you will never want to forget. From pop legends on the main stage to DJs dropping unforgettable sets and indie acts you’ll want to follow forever, music festivals are where the sounds of the season come alive.
2026 promises a lineup for every taste – from the eclectic charm of Wilderness Festival to the urban pulse of All Points East, the seaside buzz of Victorious to the rocking beats of Reading Festival.
This is the summer to get lost in music, chase new discoveries, and make memories at one of the UK’s music festivals that will last long after the last note fades.
The Great Escape
Brighton turns into a music playground as this one-of-a-kind festival takes over 30 venues. From indie heroes like The Kooks to pop powerhouse Melanie C, 450 acts fill streets, pubs, and intimate stages with indie, soul, metal, and more. Every corner pulses with surprises, discovery, and moments only The Great Escape can deliver.
Who is on the line-up?
The Kooks, Peaches, The Molotovs, Melanie C and Villanelle
When is it? 13th – 16th May
Where is it? Various, Brighton
Tickets: Day tickets from £65 and Weekend tickets – £135
https://greatescapefestival.com
LoveBox Festival
Founded by dance music legends Groove Armada, Lovebox has left London behind and brought its party to the Kent coast. The festival celebrates the best of British and international music, dance, and the arts.
Headliners include the Scissor Sisters, Rudimental, and Groove Armada in a DJ set, delivering flamboyant mayhem and unforgettable performances. Lovebox is a seaside celebration of beats, energy, and pure fun.
Who is on the line-up?
Rudimental, Groove Armada, Friendly Fires, Armand Van Helden and a DJ set from Mike Skinner
When is it? 29th – 30th May
Where is it? Margate Dreamland, Kent
Tickets: Day tickets from £60 and Weekend tickets from £222.50
Mighty Hoopla
Brockwell Park bursts into colour as Mighty Hoopla takes over for two days of pop, glitter, and pure joy. One of the most celebratory music festivals in the UK, this is definitely one to add to your music festivals calendar!
Lily Allen brings her comeback album West End Girl to a UK festival exclusive, while the Scissor Sisters, Tulisa, JLS, Louise, and Alexandra Burke deliver legendary live sets. Sequins, spandex, and disco beats collide with drag performances and dancing crowds in the ultimate celebration of LGBTQ+ pop culture.
Who is on the line-up?
Jessie J, Lily Allen, Perrie, Scissor Sisters, JLS, Alexandra Burke
When is it? 30th – 31st May
Where is it? Brockwell Park, London
Tickets: Day tickets from £65.45
Download Festival
Download Festival storms Donington Park from June 10th to 14th, the UK’s ultimate rock and heavy metal music festivals.
Headliners include Limp Bizkit, Guns N’ Roses, and Linkin Park, with Emily Armstrong making history as the first female top-biller at the one of the coolest music festivals in the UK. Over 90 acts appear, from BABYMETAL to Feeder, and only Saturday day tickets are left, featuring Guns N’ Roses, Architects, Bush, and All American Rejects.
Who is on the line-up?
Guns N’ Roses, Linkin Park, Bush, Architects and All American Rejects
When is it? 10th – 14th June
Where is it? Donington Park, Derbyshire
Tickets: Saturday day tickets from £145
https://downloadfestival.co.uk
TK Maxx presents Summer Sessions Festival
TK Maxx presents the Summer Sessions Festival, taking over cities across the UK with unforgettable live music. The Cure, Garbage, and Paul Weller bring indie, rock, and pop to iconic outdoor venues and urban spaces, delivering nights of legendary performances, electric atmosphere, and festival energy you won’t forget.
Who is on the line-up? Alanis Morissette, The Beach Boys, Paul Weller, The Cure and The Prodigy
When is it? Various dates between June and August
Where is it? Music festivals take place across four locations throughout the UK including Southampton, Bedford, Derby, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Tickets: Individual day tickets from £73.80 – check website for further details
Isle of Wight Festival
The Isle of Wight Festival, one of the UK’s most historic and loved music festivals returns to Seaclose Park with a weekend of iconic performances and unforgettable moments. The Cure, Two Door Cinema Club, Shed Seven, and Maxïmo Park will bring their biggest hits to the stage, while the festival’s stunning seaside setting provides the perfect backdrop for music lovers to soak up the atmosphere and celebrate together.
Who is on the line-up? The Cure, Shed Seven, Lewis Capaldi, Ash and Wet Leg
When is it? 18th – 21st June
Where is it? Seaclose Park, Newport, Isle of Wight
Tickets: Weekend tickets from £332 or Day Tickets – £125
Parklife
Parklife is Manchester’s ultimate music takeover, transforming the city into a non-stop celebration of sound, style, and energy. Sixteen stages showcase the world’s biggest bands and DJs, each curated by leading club brands to deliver its own distinct vibe.
From pounding beats to unexpected surprises, Parklife is a weekend where every corner pulses with music, colour, and pure festival adrenaline.
Who is on the line-up? Calvin Harris, Zara Larsson, Skepta, Shy FX and Bushbaby
When is it? 20th-21st June
Where is it? Heaton Park, Manchester
Tickets: Weekend tickets from £163 and Day tickets from £101.50
www.parklifeuk.com
TRNSMT
One of Scotland’s biggest live music festivals returns with a weekend of headline-grabbing performances. Richard Ashcroft, Wolf Alice, Nile Rodgers & Chic, Luvcat, CMAT, and Kasabian will take to the stages, delivering a thrilling mix of rock, pop, and funk that cements the festival as a must-see on the summer calendar.
Who is on the line-up?
CMAT, Richard Ashcroft, Wolf Alice, Kasabian, English Teacher, The Last Dinner Party
When is it? 19th – 21st June
Where is it? Glasgow Green, Glasgow
Tickets: Day tickets from £82.50 and Weekend tickets from £104
Bristol Sounds
Bristol Sounds lights up the city’s waterfront with nights of unmissable live music with two days of glorious music festivals.
From indie and pop to electronic and classic hits, headline acts share the stage with rising stars.
With harbour views, golden-hour vibes, and expertly curated lineups, it’s where city gig intimacy meets full-on festival energy.
Who is on the line-up?
The Kooks, The Streets, Super Furry Animals, Gwenno
When is it? 23rd – 25th June
Where is it? Canons Marsh Amphitheatre, Bristol
Tickets: Day tickets from £55.81
https://www.bristolsounds.co.uk
BST Hyde Park
BST Hyde Park is London’s sun-soaked festival alternative, where cocktails beat muddy wellies and stadium energy fills the air.
Across a series of one-day music festivals, Garth Brooks, Maroon 5, Mumford & Sons, Duran Duran, and Lewis Capaldi will deliver legendary performances, world-class production, and a summer soundtrack that spans generations in the city’s most iconic park.
Who is on the line-up?
Maroon 5, Mumford & Sons, Duran Duran, Garth Brooks and Lewis Capaldi
When is it? 27 June – 12th July
Where is it? Hyde Park
Tickets: Day tickets from £79.95;
Love Supreme
Set in the rolling hills of the South Downs at the stunning Glynde Place, Love Supreme is one of Europe’s exciting outdoor jazz music festivals, and it knows exactly how to set the scene.
Over three sun-soaked days on the first weekend of July, this East Sussex gem fuses classic jazz with soul, funk, and R&B.
With icons like Ezra Collective, Gabrielle, and Sister Sledge on stage, expect effortless grooves, good vibes, and a festival experience that hits every note.
Who is on the line-up?
Loyle Carner, De La Soul, Ezra Collective, Gabrielle, Sister Sledge and Lemar
When is it? 3rd – 5th July
Where is it? Lewes, East Sussex
Tickets: Day tickets from £79.20 and Weekend tickets from £218.90
www.lovesupremefestival.com
American Express Presents Roundhay Festival
The inaugural Roundhay Festival is poised to become a landmark addition to the North of England’s cultural calendar. This summer, Leeds’ iconic Roundhay Park will transform into a major live music destination, welcoming some of the world’s biggest artists alongside a midweek programme of free arts, cultural events, and wellbeing-focused activities.
With headline performances from Pitbull on 3 July and Lewis Capaldi on 4 July, and further acts still to be announced, the festival is already shaping up to deliver a standout debut.
Who is on the line-up?
Lewis Capaldi, Pitbull, Conan Gray, Tinie Tempah and Ber
When is it? 3rd – 4th July
Where is it? Roundhay Park, Leeds
Tickets: Day tickets from £74.95
https://www.roundhayfestival.com
Alanis Morissette at Crystal Palace / State Fayre
If you are looking for an incredible day festival, look no further than the incredible seven-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette who is bringing her iconic sound to Crystal Palace Park on Saturday 4 July.
She will be joined by the hard-hitting rock powerhouse Skunk Anansie, with Pale Waves and The Big Moon completing a line-up packed with raw, unforgettable energy. She will also be performing at the newest festival on the music festivals calendar – State Fayre, a new Rock, Country, Folk and Americana-inspired festival in Chelmsford, Essex. 26th – 28th June where she will join an impressive line up that includes Kings of Leon, Counting Crows and The Coral.
When is it? 4th July
Where is it? Crystal Palace, London
https://www.festivalrepublic.com
Guildfest
GuildFest returns with non-stop pop hits across seven stages, turning the weekend into a celebration of music for every taste. Saturday features Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Rudimental DJ Set and the Lottery Winners, while Sunday showcases The Proclaimers, Kula Shaker, Kid Creole and The Coconuts and more!
Who is on the line-up?
Sophie Ellis-Bextor, The Proclaimers, Rudimental, Kula Shaker, Lottery Winners and Kid Creole & the Coconuts
When is it? 4th – 5th July
Where is it? Stoke Park, Guildford
Tickets: Day tickets from £71 and Weekend tickets from £109
Latitude
Experience the magic of Latitude at Henham Park, Suffolk’s ultimate festival for music, culture and creativity. More than just a music festival, Latitude is where poetry, theatre, dance and comedy meet world class music in a truly fairytale setting.
By day, soak up the buzzing creative atmosphere. By night, lose yourself in the woodland DJ sets that turn the forest into a magical dancefloor.
With one of the UK’s most exciting line ups and celebrating its 20th year, Latitude 2026 is set to be one of the most spectacular music festivals of the summer.
Who is on the line-up?
Teddy Swims, Self Esteem, Dry Cleaning, Billy Ocean, David Gray and Tom Odell
When is it? 23rd – 26th July
Where is it? Henham Park, Suffolk
Tickets: Weekend camping tickets from £320
https://www.latitudefestival.com
Tramlines
From headline-grabbing acts to up-and-coming talent hiding in corners of the site, the Tramlines festival has always been about more than music, it’s a celebration of the city’s creativity and spirit. Street food stalls, poetry, comedy and DJs keep the energy flowing, ensuring there’s always something unexpected around every corner.
Twenty years on from its city-wide beginnings in 2009, Tramlines still feels alive and untamed, a festival that wears Sheffield on its sleeve.
This July, 40,000 music festival lovers will converge to see the city shine in all its chaotic, joyous glory and, if previous years are anything to go by, there will be plenty of surprises along the way.
Who is on the line-up?
Fatboy Slim, The Vaccines, Blossoms, Rick Astley and Reverend and the Makers
When is it? 24th – 26th July
Where is it? Hillsborough Park, Sheffield
Tickets: Weekend tickets from £190
https://tickets.tramlines.org.uk
Wilderness
Wilderness Festival stands apart on the UK music festivals calendar, a spellbinding mix of music, creativity and culture set against the stunning backdrop of the Cotswolds countryside.
2026 promises a weekend of total escapism, daring discoveries and pure joy. Beyond the headline-grabbing music from Scissor Sisters, Carl Cox, Baxter Dury, The Last Dinner Party and more.
Wilderness is a playground for the artistically curious = from immersive theatre and thought-provoking talks to mouth-watering food and calming yoga sessions.
Whether you’re dancing beneath the stars, wandering between hidden woodland stages, or simply soaking in the music festivals one-of-a-kind atmosphere, Wilderness offers an unforgettable experience that feeds both the senses and the soul.
Who is on the line-up?
Scissor Sisters, Carl Cox, Baxter Dury, The Last Dinner Party and Soul Wax
When is it? 30th July – 2rd August
Where is it? Oxfordshire
Tickets: Day tickets from £105 and Weekend tickets from £190
https://www.wildernessfestival.com
Camp Bestival
Camp Bestival returns to the beautiful Dorset countryside for 2026, bringing top-tier music and family fun in equal measure. Fatboy Slim and Friends, Bastille, Black Grape and more headline a weekend that’s as much about adventure as it is about the tunes.
From circus workshops and wild swimming to endless activities for all ages, it’s one of the best music festivals for families as is designed to delight every member. For a weekend of magic, music and mischief that everyone can enjoy, Camp Bestival remains impossible to beat.
Who is on the line-up?
Bastille, De La Soul, Fatboy Slim, Brooke Coombe and Toploader
When is it? 30th July – 2rd August
Where is it? Dorset
Tickets: Day tickets from £92 and Weekend tickets from £260
https://dorset.campbestival.net/
Boardmasters
Boardmasters makes a welcome return to Cornwall’s wild Newquay beaches for the ultimate summer beach party.
Expect epic surf vibes and skate action by day and killer live sets by night with Tinie Tempah, Example, The Kooks and Lambrini Girls lighting up the stages. Sun, sand, music and good vibes, Boardmasters is always a highlight on the music festivals calendar as its a holiday and a music even all in one!
Who is on the line-up?
Lily Allen, Nia Archives, Kasabian, Pendulum, Joy Crookes and Tinie Tempah
When is it? 5th-9th August
Where is it? Newquay, Cornwall
Tickets: Weekend tickets from £254
https://boardmasters.com/
All Points East
All Points East in London’s vibrant Victoria Park is one of the ultimate city music festivals, bringing together huge names like Pink Pantheress, Jorja Smith and Tems, Lorde, Tyler, The Creator, Deftones and Twenty One Pilots for an unforgettable live music experience.
With a lineup that spans pop, hip-hop and indie, alongside community events and a strong focus on sustainability, it delivers the perfect mix of energy, culture and good vibes right in the heart of East London.
Who is on the line-up?
Lorde, Pink Pantheress, Dijon, Idles, Interpol and Wunderhorse
When is it? 21st – 22nd August
Where is it? Victoria Park, London
Tickets: Day tickets from £96.75 (check individual dates for availability)
https://www.allpointseastfestival.com
Reading and Leeds
The Reading and Leeds Festival is the UK’s ultimate twin-city rock and rap showdown. With Florence + The Machine, Raye, Kneecap and breakout stars Geese lighting up the stages, expect non-stop live music, electric energy and unforgettable music festival vibes.
Who is on the line-up?
Raye, Kneecap, Geese, Charli XCX, Florence + The Machine and Hybrid Minds
When is it? 27th – 30th August
Where is it? Reading / Leeds
Tickets: Weekend tickets from £325
https://www.readingfestival.com
Creamfields
Creamfields is of the ultimate music festivals for dance music lovers. 80,000 ravers a day, mind-blowing stages, and a 2026 lineup featuring Faithless, Becky Hill and Calvin Harris. Big beats, wild drops, and non-stop energy – this is electronic music at full throttle!
Who is on the line-up?
Calvin Harris, Becky Hill, Faithless, Martin Garrix, Carl Cox and Armand van Helden.
When is it? 27th – 30th August
Where is it? Daresbury, Cheshire
Tickets: 2 day weekend tickets from £270
Victorious
Victorious Festival 2026 is shaping up to be an absolute banger! With Hard-Fi, The Black Keys, Doves, Jessie J and more hitting the stages, expect epic performances that will blow your mind.
Sun, music and non-stop energy, Victorious always delivers the ultimate festival experience!
Who is on the line-up?
Richard Ashcroft, Faithless, The Vaccines, Jessie J, Basement Jaxx and The Coral.
When is it? 28th – 30th August
Where is it? Southsea, Hampshire
Tickets: Day tickets from £94 and Weekend tickets from £239
https://www.victoriousfestival.co.uk/
End of the Road
One of the last music festivals of the UK summer, End of the Road in the Dorset countryside is the perfect way to close out the season.
Intimate, magical and unmissable, 2026’s lineup features CMAT, Pulp, Mac DeMarco and more, promising one of the best EOTR festivals yet.
Set in the stunning Larmer Tree Gardens, it blends indie, electronic, punk and jazz in a relaxed, unforgettable setting – ideal for discovering new music and soaking up incredible vibes..
Who is on the line-up?
Mac DeMarco, Pulp, CMAT, Working Men’s Club, Adult DVD and Super Furry Animals
When is it? 3rd – 6th September
Where is it? Dorset
Tickets: Weekend tickets from £275
https://endoftheroadfestival.com/
Whether you are a music lover ready to discover the next big thing, looking to dance all night long to some pop classics or wanting to rock out, if you are looking to head to one of the best UK music festivals this year, you will not be disappointed!
