Top 20 Music Festivals in the UK

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The UK fest scene is so jammed with gems that even picking a top 20 isn’t easy. Here’s our hard-fought list for 2018.

  1. Boomtown: For the vibrancy, theatre, and escapist fantasy that is Boomtown, head to Winchester from 9-12 August 2018.
  2. Bestival: It’s one of the most awarded festivals with one of the richest line-ups and playful crowds. Get to Lulworth Castle from 2-5 August 2018.
  3. Creamfields: If dance music floats your boat, the pyrotechnic splendour of Creamfields should appeal. It’s on 23-26 August in Daresbury.
  4. Boardmasters: Mixes skaters, surfers, and BMXers with surf shack shows. Newquay hosts from 8-12 August 2018.
  5. Latitude Festival: Known as a family favourite and offering diverse entertainment, Latitude returns to Southwold from 12-15 July 2018.
  6. Camp Bestival: Retains the fancy dress and late-night silliness of Bestival, but with a family-friendly twist. Camp Bestival runs at Lulworth Castle from 26-29 July.
  7. Download Festival: Headlined by Ozzy Osbourne, Avenged Sevenfold, Guns N’ Roses, the most prestigious hard rock and heavy metal festival in the world heads to Donnington Park 8-10 June 2018.
  8. Glastonbury Festival: It’s one of the UK’s oldest, but Glasto has lost none of its charm. Head to Pilton from 26-30 June.
  9. The Great Escape: Mix the pleasures of the beach with a whole host of breaking bands by visiting Brighton from 17-19 May.
  10. South West Four: An open-air party palace set right in London, South West Four is all about house, techno, trance, and electronica. Catch it from 25-26 August.
  11. Green Man Festival: Backed by the Brecon Beacons’ Black Mountains in Wales, there’s something magical about Green Man. It’s running from 16-19 August.
  12. Isle of Wight Festival: Reincarnated for 2018, the iconic Isle of Wight Festival will be running from 21-24 June.
  13. Lovebox: Another fest set in the heart of London, Lovebox brings dance and rock gods for 2018.
  14. Reading & Leeds: Riotous and unapologetic, Reading and Leads will be taking over the calendar from 24-26 August.
  15. We Are FSTVL: Going from strength to strength as the years pass, FSTVL will combine luxury attractions with EDM masters from 25-27 May in London.
  16. Secret Garden Party: This is where you have paint fights, mud wrestles, and dance parties. Sound good? Pick up your 2018 ticket now.
  17. Shambala: Billing itself as ‘heartfelt and hedonistic’, the four-day indulgence of Shambala returns from 23-26 August 2018.
  18. TRNSMT Festival: What started as a replacement for T in the Park is now an event in its own right. Glasgow hosts from 29 June – 8 July 2018.
  19. Wilderness Festival: A posh boutique bash, Oxfordshire’s Wilderness Festival can deliver everything from a one-man Hamlet performance to hot tub soaks. It’s on from 2-5 August 2018.
  20. Wireless Festival: For the finest line-up of rap, grime, hip-hop, and R&B legends, make your way to London from 6-8 July.