As the season of getting weird in a field draws ever closer, we thought we'd do you a solid by introducing our top picks for boutique festival experiences in Britain. Whether you're looking for relaxed weekenders offering as much in the way of wellness as they do in world-famous acts, or hoping to lose three days dancing to the best artists coming out of the country's electronic underground, we rounded up the best music festivals in the UK to help you scope out the one for you.
Camp Wildfire
Kent, 23rd to 26th of August & 30th of August to 2nd of September 2024
One for the adventurers among us, this quirky, congenial and downright crackers festival is the perfect long weekend for joiner-inners. Going over and above your habitual drink-camp-and-dance combination, Camp Wildfire promises activities galore, from aerial yoga and axe throwing, to Japanese sword fighting, raft building, cheerleading and even pole dancing.
When it comes to UK music festivals 2024, you're looking at Camp Wildfire.
Shambala
Northamptonshire, 22nd to 25th of August 2024
Dedicated to sustainability, Shambala is one of the best UK music festivals for eco-minded revellers, thanks to its use of renewable power and meat and fish-free food stands. On top of their planet-friendly initiatives however, there's a number of music stages hosting tons of acts across the weekend (think Bob Vylan, Leya Mccalla and more, as well as circus, cabaret, comedy, poetry and an artfully curated series of talks, debates and inspirational speakers.
Fun and planet-friendly in equal measure, Shambala is one for the eco-warriors and the weekend warriors.
We Out Here
Cambridgeshire, 15th to 18th of August 2024
DJ Gilles Peterson is the brains behind this Huntingdon edition of UK festivals 2024. Alongside lineups fronting some of the finest contemporary jazz talents on the planet, you'll find some very enticing foodie activities too, from collaborations between Brawn and Gilles Peterson’s very own Brownswood Recordings to bespoke natural wine bars and international street eats. And if that weren't enough, We Out Here also brings eclectic cinema nights, wellness sessions and a vinyl record fair.
Trailblazing jazz and wholesome supper clubs make up just some of the excitement on offer at We Out Here.
Gottwood
Holyhead, 13th to 16th of June 2024
Situated in one of the most bucolic parts of the Welsh countryside, Gottwood is a small festival with a big reputation. This cult weekender throws focus on electronic artists and underground party starters with 72 hours of cleverly curated acts across various stages, letting you catch some of dance music's most notable disruptors and innovators against a backdrop of serious pastoral eye candy.
Putting the electronic underground in stunning surroundings, Gottwood's cult status is well-earned.
Green Man
Brecon Beacons, 15th to 18th of August 2024
Flying the flag for a more alt scene, this charming event, held on a Welsh hillside, brings nothing if not the best programming, with edgy acts across a whole range of themed stages. If you're looking for between-set activities, there are eccentric art installations, literature and comedy to see at Green Man, alongside health and fitness sessions including sunrise yoga, massages and mindfulness sketching.
The Brecon Beacons come alive with art and sound every year in Wales thanks to Green Man.
Wilderness
Oxfordshire, 1st to 4th of August 2024
The thinking person's music festival, Wilderness blends big-name lineups and late-night party antics with stunning gastronomic experiences and unique activities. Whether it's the dance tent, the feasting table or doing some yoga in the wild that's your prerogative, Wilderness is taking the quirky festival thing to new heights.
For connoisseurs of the audible and the edible, Wilderness offers the best of both worlds.
MADE Birmingham
Birmingham, 3rd of August 2024
Bringing the party brigade to Birmingham, MADE is here to top our UK music festivals list. Found in Sandwell Valley Country Park, it isn't just a top DJ and urban music showcase, there are artists, designers, visual creativity, musicians and street food to boot. Not to mention that the lineups never fail to hit the spot - this year they're celebrating their 10th birthday with Dizzee Rascal, Jaguar Skills and Issey Cross.
MADE Birmingham has made its name in the Midlands thanks to classy sets and pyro work the weekend over.
Reading and Leeds
Reading and Leeds, 23rd August to the 25th of August 2024
One of the biggest UK festivals on our list has to be Reading and Leeds, spanning the entire last weekend of August and featuring some seriously sort-after artists. After beginning in 1999, it now sees food stalls, funfairs and dance areas set up, as well as a BBC Introducing stage where you can catch the talent of tomorrow. For 2024, expect your alternative musical fiesta to be headlined by Liam Gallagher, Blink 182 and Fred Again..
Feed your rock bones and mosh to Blink 182.
Jupiter Rising
Edinburgh, 17th of August 2024
Hosted at the iconic Jupiter Artland sculpture park just outside Edinburgh, this is still a relative newcomer to the Scotland festival scene. The three days of Jupiter Rising are a great chance to catch up-and-coming artists and cutting-edge performances, alongside performance art, films, DJ sets, wild dining and swimming sessions. This year they're partnering with Edinburgh Art Festival, and if you fancy camping in a meadow of wildflowers? That can be arranged.
Stay in fancy tents with mattresses, waterproof carpets and electric lighting when you camp with Jupiter Rising.
Glastonbury
Worthy Farm, Somerset, 26th to the 30th June 2024
We couldn't end this list without featuring probably one of the most famous festivals around. Glastonbury has been running since the day after Jimi Hendrix died in 1970 and is now run by Emily Eavis, whose taken over from her dad Michael. 2023 saw the site run entirely on palm-oil-free, sustainable HVO renewable fuel and 22 arenas spread across Worthy Farm. This year, look forward to catching the likes of Dua Lipa, SZA and Coldplay.
Glastonbury has to be one of the most well-known weekenders across the UK.
Want more festival news? Check out our picks from across the globe.
