If you couldn’t get a ticket for Glastonbury (don’t worry – we didn’t either!) there are a whole host of other fests taking place across England and Wales during the warmer months, from boutique weekenders in the countryside to one-day affairs in the heart of the capital.
We round up 10 of the best: just grab your glammest summer outfits, tinnies for the train and (fingers crossed) suntan lotion and away you go!
> Isle of Wight Festival
When: June 14-16
Where: Newport, Isle of Wight
What: One of Britain’s oldest festivals, launched in 1968 and still going strong more than 50 years later.
Who: Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, George Ezra, Biffy Clyro, Courteeners, Fatboy Slim, Richard Ashcroft, Lily Allen, Jess Glynne
Web: www.isleofwightfestival.com
> Download
When: June 14-16
Where: Donington Park, Derby
What: For metal and hard rock fans, they don’t get more prestigious than this – basically the classic Monsters of Rock festival rebranded for the 21st century.
Who: Def Leppard, Slipknot, Tool, Whitesnake, Slayer, Trivium, Smashing Pumpkins, Enter Shikari
Web: www.downloadfestival.co.uk
> BST Hyde Park – British Summer Time
When: July 5-14
Where: Hyde Park, London
What: For those who’d rather not spend a whole weekend in a tent, this series of one-dayers gives you top-bill entertainment with the knowledge you can get the tube straight home afterwards.
Who: Stevie Wonder, Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Robbie Williams, Florence and the Machine
Web: www.bst-hydepark.com
> Latitude
When: July 16-21
Where: Henham Park, Suffolk
What: A frontrunner of the more cultural variety of festival, with theatre, comedy and performance poetry alongside the music, all going down in a beautiful country park estate.
Who: George Ezra, Snow Patrol, Neneh Cherry, Lana Del Ray, Underworld, Primal Scream, Slaves
> Camp Bestival
When: July 25-28
Where: Lulworth Castle, Dorset
What: Family-friendly extravaganza in the grounds of an English castle, featuring fancy dress, circuses and a music lineup at the popular end of the spectrum.
Who: Sister Sledge, Human League, Nile Rodgers & Chic, Ash, Jess Glynne, Grandmaster Flash
Web: www.bestival.net
> Kendal Calling
When: July 25-28
Where: Lowther Deer Park, The Lake District
What: This weekender has risen from humble beginnings to become a big-name destination fest in a picturesque Lake District setting, making it one of the best options in northern England.
Who: Doves, Manic Street Preachers, Orbital, Tom Jones, The Fratellis, The Courteneers
> Standon Calling
When: July 25-28
Where: Standon Lordship, Hertfordshire
What: Just a short hop north of London, and now in its 15th year, this quirky boutique festival has gone from strength to strength, and remains the only one in the country with its own swimming pool!
Who: Rag’N’Bone Man, Wolf Alice, Echo & The Bunnymen, Idles, Kate Nash, The Go! Team
> Green Man
When: August 15-18
Where: Brecon Beacons, Wales
What: Festival backdrops don’t come more stunning than Brecon Beacons’ Black Mountains in the heart of South Wales, and with a diverse lineup covering most genres Green Man ensures a treat for both the eyes and ears.
Who: Father John Misty, Idles, Eels, Yo La Tengo, Stereolab, Sharon Van Etten
Web: www.greenman.net (nb. sold out but resells available at Twickets)
> Camper Calling
When: August 23-25
Where: Ragley Hall, Warwickshire
What: One of the more recent additions to Britain’s festival roster, this fam-friendly weekender occupies a scenic stately spot in England’s midlands, now entering its fourth year there.
Who: Skunk Anansie, Ash, Sleeper, Tony Christie, The Feeling, The Fratellis, The Christians
> Leeds & Reading Festivals
When: August 23-25
Where: Bramham Park, Leeds / Richfield Avenue, Reading
What: After decades flying the flag for harder rock and indie, this twin-fest has broadened its horizons in recent years, now embracing pop, hip hop and electronica to offer a truly diverse experience.
Who: The 1975, Bastille, Royal Blood, Foo Fighters, Blossoms, Enter Shikari, Twenty One Pilots
Web: www.readingandleedsfestival.com
*All information correct at time of publication
