For music enthusiasts who might have missed out on tickets for high-demand events like Primavera Sound or the highly anticipated Glastonbury, fear not! The summer festival calendar is brimming with fantastic alternatives, offering diverse lineups and unique experiences across the UK and beyond, with tickets still up for grabs.
Isle of Wight Festival
Running from June 19th to 22nd at Seaclose Park on the Isle of Wight, this iconic event continues its legacy of attracting music royalty. This year’s lineup features heavyweights like Sting, Stereophonics, and Justin Timberlake. With a rich history dating back to 1968, having hosted legends such as Jimi Hendrix and David Bowie, attendees should remember that a ferry ride is essential to reach this storied site. Weekend passes are £289.95, and individual day tickets cost £125.00.
Slated for June 21st at The National Bowl in Milton Keynes, Bludfest promises an electrifying day with acts like Yungblud, Chase Atlantic, blackbear, and Denzel Curry. Curated by Yungblud himself, the festival aims to provide an accessible experience, continuing its tradition of hosting major artists at an affordable price point, with tickets starting from £73.25.
Reading & Leeds Festival
Taking place from August 21st to 24th across two distinct locations – Richfield Avenue in Reading and Bramham Park in Leeds – this dual-city festival boasts a compelling lineup including Chappell Roan, Hozier, Bring Me The Horizon, and Travis Scott. It costs £325 for a weekend ticket and £125 for a day ticket. Prospective attendees are advised to monitor weather forecasts, as previous editions have faced disruption due to adverse conditions.
Mad Cool
For those seeking an international festival experience combined with sunshine, Mad Cool in Madrid, Spain, is set for July 10th to 13th. The diverse roster includes Muse, Nine Inch Nails, Olivia Rodrigo, Gracie Abrams, and Benson Boone. A visit permits costs €237 (£200.91), and day tickets are €109 (£92.31). The festival blends pop, rock, and indie genres, featuring a strong contingent of UK bands.
TRNSMT
Glasgow Green in Scotland will host TRNSMT from July 11th to 13th, offering an eclectic mix of artists like 50 Cent, Wet Leg, Biffy Clyro, Fontaines D.C, Snow Patrol, and Gracie Abrams. Situated on the banks of the River Clyde, TRNSMT stands out for its varied programming. Weekend tickets are £254.90, and day tickets are £92.50. It’s important to note that camping is not available, so attendees will need to arrange separate accommodation.
Y Not Festival
Held from July 31st to August 3rd in Pikehall, Derbyshire, the Y Not Festival features headliners such as The Prodigy, Courteeners, Madness, and The Wombats. Weekend tickets are priced at £169.50. Originating from a backyard party, this festival is uniquely known for its annual paint fight held on Sunday.
Moo-La-La Festival
On August 2nd, Cowbridge, Wales, will host the Moo-La-La Festival, showcasing a variety of tribute artists covering chart-toppers like Abba, Taylor Swift, and Sabrina Carpenter. General admission tickets are an accessible £18.04. The event, formerly known as Cowchella, will be hosted by Ian “H” Watkins, Claire Sweeney, and Owain Wyn Evans.
Big Smoke Festival
London’s Crystal Palace Bowl will come blooming with the Big Smoke Festival from August 9th to 10th. Curated by Skepta, who headlines both days and will perform DJ sets from his Más Tiempo label, the lineup also includes Central Cee, JME, and Frisco. Part of the South Facing summer concert series, weekend tickets start from £100.80.
We Out Here
Set in the picturesque Wimborne St Giles, Dorset, We Out Here runs from August 14th to 17th. The festival, founded by Giles Peterson, aims to connect various musical genres, from soul and hip hop to electronica and jazz. Tickets are available for this event featuring Michael Kiwanuka, Rotary Connection 222, and Noname. Weekend admission is £294.50, and a day pass is £93.50. Beyond the 15 stages, the festival also offers a wellness retreat with amenities like hot tubs and paddle boarding.
Creamfields
The renowned dance music festival, Creamfields, will light up Daresbury, Cheshire, from August 21st to 24th. This year’s lineup features electronic music giants like David Guetta, Chase & Status, Martin Garrix, and ANYMA. Camping for four days will set you back £310, or you can opt for a day ticket at £137.50. Organizers have introduced new attractions, including a woodland stage, a “downtown” area for games, and wellness facilities like saunas and hot showers.
Radio 2 in the Park
Finally, Radio 2 in the Park takes over Hylands Park in Chelmsford from September 5th to 7th. While Saturday is sold out, tickets are still available for Sunday, featuring acts such as Def Leppard, Anastacia, Soul II Soul, and Sophie Ellis Bextor. Sunday tickets are a more affordable £35, and a Friday pre-party offers a chance to dance with Radio 2 presenters.
With such a diverse array of music, locations, and experiences, there’s still ample opportunity to immerse you in the summer festival spirit.
