The Best UK Festivals

Inspired by a gorgeous seaside town in Sicily, Marzamemi Festival is giving you the chance to experience Italy without even leaving the country this summer. It's heading to Richmond in London, promising a weekend full of Italian-inspired live music, as well as classic films in their pop-up cinema.

There's plenty of delicious food up for grabs, from arancini to cannoli and gelato. Plus, you can get involved in outdoor games, face painting, arts and crafts and much more at this family-friendly festival.

The Wycombe Jazz Festival,  sponsored by Chiltern Railways and Focusrite, is back for its fourth year, bringing an exciting mix of emerging and established jazz talent to Wycombe Arts Centre. From local gems to international stars, this festival showcases the rich diversity of jazz, with an incredible lineup of performances that span genres and styles.

Attendees can enjoy interactive workshops designed for music lovers of all levels, alongside the chance to explore the vibrant sounds of Bucks and beyond, as well as one of the headliners, David Kofi. Whether you're a jazz enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, the Wycombe Jazz Festival promises an experience that's as educational as it is entertaining.

Prepare for a dram-tastic time at Seven Hills Whisky Festival Evening Session. Taste over 200 whiskies, join masterclasses, and groove to tunes from different decades, all for just £40 per person.

Returning for another year, Wing Fest is the ultimate food festival for lovers of chicken. Their events are taking place across the UK this summer, promising three whole days of wing-based fun. You can attend for as little as £25 per person, which includes a free trucker hat on arrival.

Try a range of delicious wings to determine whose is the very best, and you can even take part in eating competitions too. There's also axe-throwing, DJ sets and live music, alongside bourbon masterclasses and barbecue demonstrations.

This June, head to the iconic Brighton seafront for a brilliant three-day festival, brought to you by Vivid People. Their Brighton weekender promises non-stop 80s and 90s tunes from a wide range of DJs, featuring everyone from Jaguar Skills to Uncle Dugs and Master Magri. Plus, you can nab tickets from only £27 per person.

Freight Island in Manchester is pulling out the stops with its Spring Summer Festival Series, featuring some incredible headliners like Norman Jay, Sophie Lloyd and Alexis Taylor (Hot Chip) across the next few of months. The buzzing bar will be welcoming local collectives from across the city as well as hosting DJ sets, and what's more, admission is free. Not only is the haunt a great place for a bit of alfresco sipping (think experimental, nitro-infused cocktails like the Mola Twisted Melon and Lychee), but it's also home to some sensational grub with pizza from Voodoo Ray's and loaded patties thanks to Burgerism. 

Historically Manchester's first and only dedicated, official rum festival, this July event is one for you rum-lovers in the North West. Coming to top events space New Century Hall for one day only, the festival's ticket price includes all rums from the exhibitors - at a bargain £27.50 per person.

There's also a rum cocktail bar and food vendors available for further purchases, as well as the opportunity to book into seminars from top brands for an extra tenner.

Sheffield is jam-packed with fun festivals to attend this year. From the iconic Tramlines which see popular artists like Snow Patrol, Paolo Nutini and Bombay Bicycle Club take to the stage in Hillsborough Park to independent film festivals showcasing the best and the brightest from across the globe. There's even the opportunity to combine your love of movies with synth thanks to Sensoria this year. And if you're feeling thirsty? The Steel City Beer & Cider Festival is taking place this October.

When it comes to UK music festivals in 2025, London isn't one to shy away from hosting hedonistic weekends packed with multi-coloured face paint, glitter and scrumptious street food. It offers an event for everyone, from the celeb-frequented All Points East at Victoria Park to the drum and bass-dedicated Waterworks in Gunnersbury Park. If you're keen for a weekend merging the hottest pop acts and drag stars together, then the Mighty Hoopla is for you. This year, thanks to BST Hyde Park's incredible lineup, you'll even have the chance to witness the one and only Stevie Nicks perform to thousands.