The 13 Best Music Festivals in The UK

You can’t deny the UK’s reputation for hosting some of the world’s most iconic music festivals. From the legendary Glastonbury to the heavy-hitting Download, there’s something to suit every music lover’s taste. But which events truly stand out as the cream of the crop? Let’s explore the details and uncover the 13 best music festivals the UK has to offer.

Key Points

• Glastonbury Festival is a renowned music festival in the UK, spanning 1,500 acres and attracting over 200,000 attendees annually with diverse musical acts.
• Reading and Leeds Festivals are popular twin events held simultaneously, featuring headliners across diverse genres and contributing to the local economy.
• Download Festival is the UK’s premier rock music event, promoting sustainability and fostering a sense of community among rock and metal fans.
• Isle of Wight Festival is a longstanding festival with historical significance, drawing large crowds and contributing to cultural tourism in the region.
• BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend is a free, three-day festival held in different UK cities, attracting over 100,000 attendees and providing a tourism boost for the host cities.

Glastonbury Festival

Although the Glastonbury Festival has its roots in the 1970s, the iconic music event has evolved into one of the largest and most renowned festivals in the UK. Founded by Michael Eavis, the festival now spans 1,500 acres and attracts around 200,000 attendees annually. An annual fixture was established in the 1980s, with Michael Eavis taking sole control in 1981. With multiple stages hosting hundreds of artists, Glastonbury showcases a diverse range of musical acts, from headliners like Billie Eilish to upcoming performers like SZA. Requiring extensive infrastructure and a volunteer workforce, the festival has become an essential part of British popular culture, deeply connected to the hippie ethos and counterculture of the 1960s.

Reading and Leeds Festivals

The Reading and Leeds Festivals, presented by Rockstar Energy, are a pair of music festivals held simultaneously in Affluent Avenue, Reading, and Bramham Park, Leeds over four days from August 21st to 24th, 2025.

The headliners span diverse genres, including pop star Chappell Roan, blues-indie Hozier, metalcore Bring Me The Horizon, and rapper Travis Scott. Inclusion of diverse genres and popular acts.

A diverse lineup of pop, blues-indie, metalcore, and rap artists headlining the Reading and Leeds Festivals in 2025.

The lineups also feature indie-rockers The Kooks, post-punk Bloc Party, rap sensation Trippie Redd, and electronic act Becky Hill.

Tickets, including VIP and hotel packages, are available now with presales for select cardholders.

The festivals are known for their energetic atmosphere and quickly selling out popular stages. [Anticipation for headlining performances.

Download Festival

Established in 2003, the Download Festival has cemented its status as the UK’s premier rock music event. Initially a two-day affair, it expanded to three days in 2005, solidifying its position. Held annually at Donington Park in Leicestershire, the festival offers diverse genres from metalcore to punk, with multiple stages accommodating its growing popularity.

Despite a COVID-19 hiatus in 2020, Download roared back in 2021 and continues to draw massive crowds, peaking at 111,000 in 2019. [The Download Dog, the official mascot of the festival, has become a beloved icon, featured on tickets, stage banners, merchandise, and marketing materials.]

With a focus on sustainability, the festival encourages reusable bottles and recycling, ensuring an eco-friendly experience for attendees. Whether you’re a metalhead or a punk enthusiast, Download Festival is a must-visit destination for the UK’s rock music fans.

Isle of Wight Festival

Launched in 1968, the Isle of Wight Festival has long been hailed as “Europe’s Woodstock” for its pioneering role in the UK’s outdoor music festival landscape.

Relocated to Seaclose Park in Newport since 2002, the festival now hosts over 50,000 attendees annually. The 1970 festival featured a lineup over 5 days and attracted over 600,000 attendees in that year.

With a lineup spanning heritage acts like The Who and contemporary artists like Coldplay, the festival has maintained its cultural significance.

Selling out rapidly post-revival, the Isle of Wight Festival reflects sustained demand, attracting UK and international crowds across generations.

Its modern infrastructure, including permanent stages and amenities, complements the festival’s music legacy and economic impact on the local community.

BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend

Held annually in a different UK city, BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend is a beloved 3-day music festival that attracts over 100,000 attendees. All tickets sold out within 40 minutes. In 2025, it’ll take place in Sefton Park, Liverpool, featuring a diverse lineup of global superstars and emerging artists across pop, rock, electronic, and indie genres. With free entry allocated via BBC application, the competitive process guarantees access for fans. The park-based venue offers open-air stages, live-streamed coverage, family-friendly zones, and auxiliary activities. Delivering a full-day program from midday, this iconic event provides a significant tourism boost for the host city.

TRNSMT Festival

Situated within the iconic Glasgow Green, TRNSMT Festival has become a prominent fixture on Scotland’s music calendar since its inception in 2017. Organized by DF Concerts, the festival showcases a diverse range of pop, rock, and electronic acts, consistently drawing crowds of over 120,000 attendees. TRNSMT was named best new festival at the UK Festival Awards in December 2017. With a manageable daily capacity of 50,000, TRNSMT provides a vibrant atmosphere and a multi-day experience that appeals to a broad demographic. Despite being canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival has rebounded, typically held in late June or early July, offering a varied lineup and a lively celebration of music and culture in the heart of Glasgow.

Hebridean Celtic Festival

Stepping away from the vibrant TRNSMT Festival in Glasgow, the Hebridean Celtic Festival has carved out its own distinct place on Scotland’s cultural landscape. This multi-award-winning event has been a cornerstone of the Outer Hebrides for over two decades, celebrating Celtic music and culture. The festival aims to appeal to all ages through a diverse blend of traditional and contemporary music. What sets the festival apart?

• A focus on traditional and contemporary Gaelic music, with a lineup featuring both local and international artists.
• A welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere that encourages cultural exchange and community engagement.
• Diverse programming beyond music, including workshops, street arts, and local cuisine, ensuring a truly immersive experience.

Whether you’re seeking an in-depth exploration of Gaelic heritage or simply a uniquely Scottish festival experience, the Hebridean Celtic Festival delivers on all fronts.

Belsonic

Though often overshadowed by the vibrant TRNSMT Festival in Glasgow, the Belsonic music festival has carved out its own distinct place on Northern Ireland’s cultural landscape.

Held annually in Belfast’s Ormeau Park, Belsonic features a diverse lineup of electronic, rock, folk, hip-hop, and pop acts, drawing international headliners and appealing to a broad range of music tastes. Belsonic is recognized as one of the best open spaces in the UK, contributing markedly to the local economy and generating over £30.8 million in 2024, supporting nearly 6,000 jobs.

Strategically located in the heart of Belfast, the UNESCO City of Music, Belsonic enhances the city’s cultural and entertainment offerings, making it a must-attend event for both local residents and international visitors.

Open House Festival

The Open House Festival, previously known as Open House London, is an annual celebration that showcases the architectural wonders and diverse neighbourhoods across all 33 boroughs of the city.

Hosted by the charity organization Open City, the 2025 festival is scheduled for September 13-21.

Some highlights include:

• Hundreds of buildings open to the public, giving visitors a rare glimpse into the city’s hidden gems.
• Guided tours and workshops that shed light on London’s abundant cultural and historical landscapes.
• Community-focused events that foster engagement and appreciation for the local areas.
• The festival features guided tours of Britain’s first Migration Museum, offering a unique opportunity to discover the rich migration histories surrounding the site.

With free registration, the Open House Festival offers an unparalleled opportunity to discover the architectural marvels and vibrant communities that make London truly unique.

Green Man Festival

Nestled within the enchanting Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park in Wales, the Green Man Festival has carved a distinct niche on the UK’s music festival circuit.

Spanning four days each August, this independent event showcases a diverse lineup across five stages, including indie, psychedelia, Americana, and more. With over 100 acts, the festival caters to a range of musical tastes. The festival is known for its diverse lineup and family-friendly atmosphere.

Beyond the music, Green Man offers a robust lineup of activities, from film screenings to literary workshops. Accommodations nearby often sell out quickly, making settlement passes a wise investment for early access and perks.

At its current 25,000 capacity, the festival continues to grow in popularity and significance.

Camp Bestival

While the Green Man Festival has established a distinct presence in the Welsh hills, the equally enchanting Camp Bestival awaits visitors in the Dorset countryside.

Held at the picturesque Lulworth Castle, this family-focused four-day event combines entertainment, music, and cultural delights. Recognized as the “Best Family Festival” multiple times, Camp Bestival boasts a diverse lineup featuring legendary acts like Sir Tom Jones and Sugababes. The festival is also known for blending festival adventures with family camping holiday.

Visitors can enjoy:

• Wellness programs, including the Slomo Wellbeing Festival
• A wide range of interactive and creative activities for all ages
• Luxurious boutique camping options for a comfortable stay

With its focus on creating a unique family experience, Camp Bestival is a must-visit destination for music and culture enthusiasts.

Manchester’s Parklife Festival

Although Manchester’s Parklife Festival has become the city’s largest music event, its origins trace back to the humble beginnings of the Mad Ferret Festival in 2010. The festival moved to Heaton Park in 2013 to accommodate growth. Now a two-day celebration at the expansive Heaton Park, Parklife features a diverse lineup spanning dance, electronic, hip-hop, and more. With a daily capacity of 82,500, the non-camping festival is well-connected via public transport and offers amenities like a golf course and boating lake. Organized by The Warehouse Project and Live Nation, Parklife has grown exponentially since its inaugural 20,000-attendee edition, now drawing international crowds and providing an economic boost to Manchester.

Liverpool Sound City

Liverpool Sound City has grown to become a premier music event in the UK since its founding in 2008 by Dave Pichilingi.

Originally held in Liverpool’s city center, the festival has since expanded, moving to the Baltic Triangle and Bramley-Moore Dock. The festival relocated to Bramley-Moore Dock in Liverpool’s historic docklands in 2015.

Today, it showcases over 250 artists across multiple genres, attracting 15,000 attendees per day.

The event features:

• A 3-day music festival
• A 2-day industry conference focused on the digital sector
• Opportunities for emerging artists to perform and gain international exposure

Tickets are available through the official website, with a minimum age limit of 16 years.

Liverpool Sound City has established itself as a must-attend festival, setting the standard for music events throughout the UK.

Final Words

You simply can’t miss the UK’s epic music festivals! They’ll blow your mind with their mind-bending acts, utterly bonkers crowds, and out-of-this-world vibes. Expect to be swept up in a whirlwind of pure musical euphoria, where the beats will reverberate through your very soul. These festivals are the stuff of legends – trust us, you’ll be talking about them for years to come!