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Photograph: Rob Jones

The best UK music festivals to book for 2024

From dance-heavy micro-festivals to contemporary jazz showdowns and huge pop parties, here are the best UK music festivals for 2024

Chiara Wilkinson
Written by
Chiara Wilkinson
Contributor
Devangi Sharma
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Festival season might seem like a long way away, but we can guarantee you it will spin around faster than you can clean out your bumbag. It’s never too early to start planning for 2024 (who wouldn’t want to be dreaming of sun-soaked stages when it’s stormy outside?) and copping those tickets while you still can. 

We’d argue Brits do festival season better than anywhere else. The vibes are top notch, the quality is great – and the amount of musical variety on offer in this one little island is absolutely mind-boggling. You can glamp at a boutique indie festival, get some guaranteed moshpit action at rock fest Download or rave until the early hours at a 24/7 dance marathon. You could discover the hottest Welsh-language music, boast about how you somehow got tickets to Glastonbury or even surf along to the set list in Cornwall.

Keen to join in the fun? We bet you are. Check out Time Out’s guide to the best UK music festivals for 2024. We’ll be updating this page with more as they are announced. 

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Best UK music festivals to book for 2024

For all those who like to move along to the bass of techno, this bumper electronic music festival is back for its tenth edition. Taking place in Scotland’s city capital, the two day event features more than 80 artists from around the globe and hosts about 40,000 techno heads on one huge dancefloor. Think: clubbing, but on a much, much grander scale. 

Big names: Hannah Laing, 999999999, Charlie Sparks, Sara Landry.

Required apparel: Your best club fits, preferably black and mesh.

Don’t say: This music is giving me a headache.’

Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh. April 13-14. 

Haven’t you heard? Jazz is no longer reserved for chin-stroking middle-aged white men. Jazz can be young, cool, underground and genre-blending. The Brick Lane Jazz festival may have been established only last year, but it sums up just how exciting the scene is today. The event is also teaming up with Tomorrow’s Warriors, the pioneering talent programme responsible for the success of the likes of Moses Boyd and Ezra Collective. 

Big names: Oscar Jermone, Ego Ella May, Tara Lily, Zeitgeist Freedom Energy Exchange.

Required apparel: Salomon trainers, Brick Lane Bookshop tote.

Don’t say: ‘This song isn’t very catchy.’

Truman Brewery and nearby venues, London. April 26-28. 

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FOCUS Wales is a showcase festival taking over different venues around the town of Wrexham – so if you’re looking for a weekend of drinking tinnies by your tent, this probably isn’t for you. But if you’re all about musical discovery, this three-day auditory feast spotlights all sorts of exciting emerging talent from Wales and beyond, alongside well-curated headliners (last year saw Squid and Billy Nomates top the bill). 

Big names: TBC. 

Required apparel: Bucket hats.

Don’t say:  ‘Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch.’

Various venues, Wrexham, North Wales. May 9-11.

It started as a seaside showcase but has grown to attract music lovers from far and wide, looking for a good time and new sounds across a range of genres. More than 500 artists will play in venues scattered around the city, as well as a purpose-built beachside area. It’s the sort of place where you will almost definitely return home with bragging rights after discovering the next Little Simz five years early. 

Big names: Sarah Crean, Enola, Big Special. 

Required apparel: Sandals and sunnies. 

Don’t say: ‘Which way to the beach?’

Various venues, Brighton. May 15-18.  

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This family-friendly roots festival might just be one of Scotland’s best-kept secrets. Celebrating music from the Celtic diaspora, as well as reggae, ska, jazz, drum and bass, and other kinds of so-called ‘world music’, it also hosts cabaret, spoken word, comedy and dance. In other words: it’s going to be hard to get bored. 

Big names: TBC. 

Required apparel: Baggy trousers and lots of layers. 

Don’t say: ‘How do you pronounce “Knockengorroch?”’

Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland. May 23-26.

Join London’s clubbing elite at this Peckham Rye three-dayer, which showcases the finest in electronic music, sprinkled with a little soul, jazz and afrobeat. Last year saw Jordan Rakei bringing funky vibes on the Friday, while Saturday and Sunday brought harder techno and house, with Overmono and Kerri Chandler headlining respectively.

Big names: TBC

Required apparel: Uniqlo crossbody bag and matching Elf Bar.   

Don’t say: ‘See you at TOAD Bakery tomorrow at 9?’

Peckham Rye, SE15 3UA. May 24-26.

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A relative newcomer to Brockwell Parks busy festival schedule, Wide Awake bills itself as a ‘musical melting pot’ – expect leftfield indie, post-punk, electronica, techno and more. Aussie rockers King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard are headlining the 2024 event along with Young Fathers, joined by the lieks of Ben UFO and Alice Glass. Produced by live-music heavyweights Bad Vibrations, LNZRT and MOTH Club, Wide Awake 2024 will no doubt leave crowds surprised as it celebrates artists that defy traditional genre boundaries.

Big names: King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Young Fathers, Alice Glass. 

Required apparel: Goodhood top and Dr Martens.

Don’t say: ‘The album is dead.’

Brockwell Park, London. May 25. 

If Bob Marley was one of the top artists in your Spotify wrapped for 2023, you’ll almost definitely have a good time at this festival. As one of the UK’s most beloved reggae, dancehall and Afrobeats events, this big ’ol city fest celebrates the impact of Caribbean and African culture in the UK and beyond – giving you a chance to dance, connect over music and have a bloody good time.

Big names: Capleton, Beenie Man, Shenseea, Busy Signal, Queen Omega. 

Required apparel: Oversized sunnies and a vintage print T-shirt.

Don’t say: ‘I’m skipping carnival this year.

Brockwell Park, London. May 27.

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Now in its fifth edition, Cross the Tracks is still a bit of a newcomer to the London festival scene. But with tasteful, groove-heavy curation across soul, funk and jazz, as well as loads of decent street food and craft beer, it’s already cemented itself as an anticipated name. The festival has a laid-back, open-arms appeal, meaning you’ll find people of all sorts of ages having a boogie. 

Big names: Eve, BADBADNOTGOOD, En Vogue.

Required apparel: Floaty vintage dress and Adidas sambas. 

Don’t say: ‘Which way to the campsite?’

Brockwell Park, London. May 26. 

After a knock-out event last year, pop festival Mighty Hoopla has just announced its 2024 line-up, and it’s just got even more raucous. Known for showcasing the best of pop and queer culture in the UK, the two-day weekender launched in 2016 with a mission to celebrate pop classics and give a platform to established and emerging LGBTQ+ performers.

Big names: Nelly Furtado, Jessie Ware, Eve, Char Lloyd. 

Required apparel: PVC, glitter, Paris Hilton ‘Stop Being Poor’ T-shirt. 

Don’t say: ‘Sashay away.’

Brockwell Park, London. June 1-2.

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This acclaimed celebration of electronic music and visual arts takes pride of place in Belfast’s docklands, and features up-and-coming local acts alongside international talent. The best part about it, though, is the fact you’re not limited to just one genre of electronic music – sure, there’s techno, but there’s also DnB, house, IDM and a hell of a lot more. Not to mention a feast of audiovisual entertainment to go with it.

Big names: TBC. 

Required apparel: Rave shades.

Don’t say: ‘Fuck, I’ve worn my work shoes.’

TBC, Belfast. Dates TBC. 

Take a walk on the dark side at this weekend of epic riffs and serious headbanging. The line-up is a living rock ’n’ roll hall of fame, with classic acts from the ’70s and ’80s rubbing shoulders with relative newcomers from the worlds of nu-metal, hardcore and emo. It’s hosted by Leicestershire motorsport circuit Donington Park, a venue whose biker heritage works perfectly. You won’t find fripperies like gourmet food options here: this fest is all about getting down and dirty.

Big names: Queens of the Stone Age, Fall Out Boy, Royal Blood. 

Required apparel: Vintage Slayer T-shirt, ideally sleeveless.

Don’t say: ‘I forgot my ear protection.’

Donington Park, Leicestershire. Jun 14-16.  

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This intimate dance music festival is nestled in the scenic northwestern hills of Anglesey, Wales, and is probably one of the most beautiful places you’ll get to party anywhere in the UK. Surprise stages are dotted around a woodland, blasting wobbling disco tracks and jagged, broken-beat DJ sets. It’s the sister festival of Houghton, so expect a similarly expertly curated line-up and excessively fun crowd.

Big names: TBC. 

Required apparel: Protective ear plugs for those phat sound systems.

Don’t say: ‘Creamfields was so much, like, vibier.’

Carreglwyd Estate, Anglesey, Wales. Jun 13-16. 

Since it launched in 2013, this Manchester festival has established itself as a major player by booking massive names from across the genre spectrum. Last year’s event featured performances from Fred Again, The 1975, Aitch and Skrillex. There’s no camping, so you’ll need to book accommodation nearby.

Big names: TBC. 

Required apparel: ‘I Heart MCR’ T-shirt.

Don’t say: ‘Why’s a Manchester fest named after a Blur song?’

Heaton Park, Manchester. Jun 8-9.

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It was revived back in 2002 and this legendary festival has since built itself a fresh reputation for properly crowd-pleasing line-ups packed with huge household names. With tickets for kids aged five-to-12 priced at just £7.50, and under-fours going free, it’s easy to see why it’s become a truly multi-generational affair.

Big names: The Progidy, Pet Shop Boys, Green Day. 

Required apparel: Hat. If it’s sunny on the Isle of Wight, it’s really sunny.

Don’t say: ‘When’s Jimi Hendrix coming on, anyway?’

Seaclose Park, Newport, Isle of Wight. Jun 20-23. 

One for all lovers of Americana and country music, Black Deer Festival champions laid-back vibes and independent artists. It offers an array of street food and children’s activities as well as cooking classes from big-name smokehouse chefs and even a motorcycle showcase. Talk about variety.

Big names: TBC. 

Required apparel: Floppy hats and dungarees.

Don’t say: ‘Taylor Swift is the GOAT.’

Eridge Park, Kent. June 14-16.

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Do you really need us to spell it out for you? Glastonbury is the biggest music festival in the UK (maybe even the world), and for good reason. It’s a hands-down legend. But despite all of the very real muddy fields and TV coverage, we’re not entirely sure if it exists – tickets are impossibly difficult to get your hands on. 

Big names: SZA, Coldplay, Dua Lipa, Shania Twain.

Required apparel: Wellies and raincoats, because history has a habit of repeating itself.

Don’t say: ‘Did you get a ticket?’

Worthy Farm, Somerset. June 26-30. 

Love Supreme
Photograph: Carolina Faruolo

18. Love Supreme

Funk, soul and jazz extravaganza Love Supreme has received consistently good reviews, with many praising its balance of heritage jazz legends and exciting up-and-comers. You’ll be blown away by the sheer musical talent on display here, with genre-bending improv and infectious jams aplenty. Groovy, baby!

Big names: Chaka Khan, Kool & The Gang, Mahalia.

Required apparel: Hoop earrings and red lippy. 

Don’t say: ‘John Coltrane is overrated.’

Glynde Place, East Sussex. July 5-7.

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A technicolour playground of music, circus and cabaret, El Dorado festival is run by the same guys that do Cirque du Soul – so expect a similar open-minded energy. The line-up is typically a mix of live and electronic acts, across the genres of disco, fun, soul and dance.

Big names: TBC. 

Required apparel: Keep an eye out for each day’s fancy dress theme, which is usually announced closer to the time.

Don’t say: ‘Glitter is for children.’

Eastnor Castle Deer Park, Herefordshire. July 11-14. 

Wireless
Photograph: Wireless

20. Wireless

This destination fest gets more epic by the year. The line-up typically leans heavily into hip hop, grime and R&B, and boasts more A-list talent than the Met Gala: last year saw names like 50 Cent, Playboi Carti and Headie One take to the stage.

Big names: TBC.

Required apparel: Anything that will help your mates find you in an absolutely massive crowd.

Don’t say: ‘Okurrr!’ (unless you really can roll your Rs like Cardi).

Finsbury Park, London. Jul 12-14. 

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ALSO
Photograph: ALSO

21. ALSO

Talk tents are pretty much a given at every festival, but ALSO is all about giving equal footing to both ideas and music. There will be around 300 inspiring events across 14 stages, ranging from comedy to immersive experiences and talks from respected speakers. Oh, and there will be a whole load of delicious food traders to choose from, too, so you can nourish your belly as well as your mind. 

Big names: TBC. 

Required apparel: Reading glasses and Docs.

Don’t say: ‘I’m not in the mood.’ 

Park Farm, Compton Verney Warwickshire. July 12-14. 

Latitude is a weekender that’s blazed a well-heeled trail by blending a classy line-up of music with comedy, poetry, theatre, literature, podcasts, engaging family activities and wellness. In previous years, it has offered a kids’ model-making class from ‘Wallace & Gromit’ creators Aardman and a talk from Dame Sheila Hancock.

Big names: Duran Duran. 

Required apparel: A tote from your local independent bookshop.

Don’t say: ‘Um, what the hell is an Independent Publishers’ Symposium and why’s it on a festival line-up?’

Henham Park, Suffolk. Jul 25-28. 

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Kendal Calling
Photograph: Alex Laurel

23. Kendal Calling

From its beginnings in 2006, Kendal Calling has been steadily growing and has brought many big alternative and rock names to the Cumbria stage. While a famously muddy festival, the Lake District setting is a pretty spectacular one, with the festival again returning to Lowther Deer Park this summer offering various entertainment for the whole family. 

Big names: TBC. 

Required apparel: Colourful wellies to make the inevitable mud more exciting. 

Don’t say: ‘Have you come with your family?’

Lowther Deer Park, Lake District. Aug 1-4. 

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When it comes to boutique festivals, Wilderness sets the bar high. Last year’s line-up was a paradise for the discerning dance fan, with everyone from the Sugababes to Confidence Man bringing the rave to a genteel Oxfordshire estate. But as ever, Wilderness isn’t just about great beats. You’ll also feast on delicious food, attend talks and debates, and take a dip in the famous lake. It’s a fest to nourish the soul.

Big names: TBC. 

Required apparel: Your chicest swimsuit.

Don’t say: ‘I could murder a Big Mac.’

Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire. Aug 1-4. 

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Ah, Boomtown. It’s colourful, it’s loud and it’s often very, very wild. The multi-genre dance and roots festival is home to arty  stages that will make you literally gawp and hundreds of surprise actors roaming around, hoping to ‘guide the citizens through the labyrinth of adventures waiting to be discovered’. Most of the line-up is kept a secret until just before the festival, but expect everything from techno and disco to jungle, gabber and dancehall. 

Big names: TBC. 

Required apparel: Dr. Martens and statement pieces. 

Don’t say: ‘CBA to get any festival ’fits this year.’

Matterley Basin, South Downs National Park. August 7-11.

Boardmasters
Photograph: Boardmasters / James North

26. Boardmasters

Cornwall’s most suntanned denizens flock to Boardmasters every year: it’s a festival of surfing and music set against Newquay’s gorgeous coastline. Alongside a laid-back line-up of indie you can catch surfing stars competing for titles down on Fistral Beach, while a beach bar hosts DJ sets and parties each day. Plus, there’s a strong focus on sustainability and wellbeing, with yoga classes, reiki and a pop-up ‘eco spa’ where you can chill out with sea views.

Big names: Stormzy, Chase & Status, Becky Hill. 

Required apparel: Hawaiian shirt and salt-tousled locks.

Don’t say: ‘“Gnarly” is a stupid word.’

Newquay, Cornwall. Aug 7-11. 

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After launching in 2001 as a one-day indoor event, this metal fest has grown into a mighty outdoor weekender. It retains the intimacy and character of an independent festival, though, and books bands from all metal sub-genres: death to drone, sludge to stoner. Basically, if you have a penchant for anything heavy, you’ll find plenty to rock out to at Bloodstock.

Big names: Architects, Clutch, Infected Rain. 

Required apparel: Hopefully it will be too hot for a leather jacket, so dig out your best studded belt instead.

Don’t say: ‘Michael Bublé rocks.’

Catton Park, Derbyshire. Aug 8-11.

Curated by Gilles Peterson in collaboration with Brownswood Recordings, We Out Here aims to showcase ‘some of the world’s best record collections and celebrate club culture’s far-reaching influences’, which, as we’re sure you’ll agree, is very laudable indeed. The line-up is traditionally a mouthwatering blend of artists and selectors specialising in soul, hip hop, house, afrobeats, electronica, jazz and more – and there’s even an independent record fair on site. It’s not just some kind of giant vinyl-junkie support group, though. The site is blessed with cute wooded bits and a dedicated kids’ area and wellness zone. Plus, its August dates mean that the British weather stands a reasonable chance of being okay for once.

Big names: TBC. 

Required apparel: Anything that has good sweat-wicking characteristics.

Don’t say: ‘I’ve got Spotify Premium. I consider it an investment.’

Wimborne St Giles, Dorset. Aug 15-18. 

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You can actually dance round the clock at this Norfolk weekender, which is unique among homegrown festivals for its 24-hour licence. It’s curated by Fabric leading light Craig Richards, who’s called on his enviable dance music connections to muster a top line-up of DJs from big names to more esoteric and emerging choices, who’ll play across a series of atmospheric stages set amongst ancient woodland or in a cavernous disused quarry. In some ways, Houghton harks back to an older era of festivals, with its lack of mobile phone signal, light-touch security and absence of big-name corporate sponsorship. Turn up and get properly lost in music.

Big names: TBC. 

Required apparel: Craig Richards-style leaf-patterned shirt. Large bottle of water.

Don’t say: ‘Where can I get a signal? I need to update my Insta Stories.’

Houghton Hall, Norfolk. Aug 8-11. 

Green Man has earned itself reputation for being the UK’s ‘mini Glastonbury’. The tickets for 2023 sold out in just four hours, without any of the line-up announced (last year saw acts like First Aid Kit and Amyl and the Sniffers take to the stage). As its name suggests, the festival has outstanding green credentials: compost loos, no single-use plastic and all power coming from hydrogen, solar or hydrotreated vegetable oil (!)

Big names: TBC.

Required apparel: Anything thrifted.

Don’t say: ‘I miss plastic straws.’

Brecon Beacons National Park, Wales. August 15-18.  

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Field Maneuvers
Photograph: Field Manouvers

31. Field Maneuvers

With a capacity of only 700 people, Field Maneuvers feels more like an illegal rave or a private party than a festival. But that’s what this so-called ‘micro-festival’ is all about: a good crowd, good sound systems and really good DJs. It’s got a real community feel, so you can expect to come away with new friends as well as sore feet from all that dancing. 

Big names: TBC.

Required apparel: Smiley face T-shirt.

Don’t say: ‘I’ve lost my friends.’

Secret Location TBC. Aug 16-18.

Since its inception in 2018, All Points East has earned a reputation for a varied blend of musical styles and genres. Back in Vicky Park for another instalment, it’s already confirmed big-hitting headliners. Previous years have included Björk, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Foals and The Chemical Brothers. Something for all tastes, really. 

Big names: Ezra Collective, LCD Soundsystem, Nas, Death Cab for Cutie, more TBA. 

Required apparel: Real Housewives of Clapton T-shirt. 

Don’t say: ‘I can see your house from here.’

Victoria Park, E3 5TB. August 17, 23, 25. 

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Lost Village
Photograph: Gobinder Jhitta

33. Lost Village

With its rainbow-lit woodlands, junkyard cars and glittering performers, Lost Village is truly like stepping into a fairy tale – one where four-to-the-floor techno plays for hours on end and you’re allowed to be as naughty as you like. The electronic-oriented music festival in Lincolnshire also hosts panel talks and workshops, as well as live music and a whole host of wellness experiences, allowing you to sweat out all of last night’s sins at open-air yoga or in the wood-fired hot tub. Lush.

Big names: TBC. 

Required apparel: Bikini top and floaty skirts. 

Don’t say: ‘Two Shell are just Bicep for the heads.’

Norton Disney, Lincolnshire. Aug 22-25. 

Shambala
Photograph: Ania Shrimpton

34. Shambala

Shambala is a michevious, magical-feeling festival that attracts a free-thinking crowd and an eclectic musical line-up. It’s less about the big names, more about the good vibes – there are plenty of interactive elements, too, including the traditional ‘Shambolympics’, a three-day challenge to scoop tickets for the following year.

Big names: TBC. 

Required apparel: Themed apparel.

Don’t say: ‘I left my fancy dress at home.’

Secret Country Estate, Northamptonshire. Aug 22-25. 

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Because they always take place on the long weekend after GCSE results day, these sister fests have become a rite of passage for British teenagers looking to finally let off steam. But even if your schooldays were quite literally in another century, there’s always lots to enjoy here, not least a varied line-up of proper big-hitters. Reading and Leeds may have been synonymous with rawk and indie back in the day, but they’re now gloriously multi-genre affairs.

Big names: Lana del Rey, Blink 182, Fred Again...

Required apparel: Oh, you know, whatever. Jeans, probably. Maybe a hoodie or something. It’s about the music, see?

Don’t say: ‘Yotam Ottolenghi is just a genius, isn’t he?’

Richfield Avenue, Reading and Bramham Park, Leeds. Aug 21-25. 

After bringing some seriously big names to Bristol Downs last September – including Aphex Twin and Erykah Badu – FORWARDS is back, and boy, are we excited. The idea is to showcase heritage acts alongside up-and-coming artists, with FORWARDS THINKING (a talk tent centred around social initiatives) underpinning all of the progressive-minded fun being had. 

Big names: TBC. 

Required apparel: Some kind of headwear emblazoned with your political/social beliefs.

Don’t say: ‘Everything’s a debate these days.’

The Downs, Bristol. August 31-September 1. 

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End of the Road
End of the Road festival. Photograph: End of the Road

37. End of the Road

From post-punk to contemporary jazz and folk, Dorset’s End of the Road recieved glittering reviews all round for its 2023 edition. Spotlighting legendary acts as well as emerging leftfield talent, this year promises another musical feast for your auditory canals, topped off with a relaxed, family-like vibe and (hopefully!) decent weather.

Big names: TBC. 

Required apparel: Wide-legged trousers and Shazam.

Don’t say: ‘I slept through the ticket sale.’

Larmer Tree Gardens, Dorset. Aug 29-September 1. 

Vowed never to go to another camping festival again after witnessing the horrors of Woodstock ’99? This city festival up north could be for you. A load of great venues across Manchester – from Gorilla to the Albert Hall to YES – will be playing host to the best psych rock and pop acts from around the world. Pick up your ticket early, bag some street food for lunch (a selection of vans will be parked up outside venues) then plan a full day of live music in a city that does it like no other.

Big names: Baxter Dury, The Horrors, Temples. 

Required apparel: Your tote bag of choice.

Don’t say: ‘Why is this song so... long?’

Various venues, Manchester. August 31. 

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39. Krankenhaus

Another micro-festival that has taken the UK scene by storm (with a capacity of around 750), Krankenhaus usually takes place amidst the dramatic landscapes of the West Lake District, with the performances themselves taking place in a ‘rustic barn’. Curated by Sea Power, the music focuses on alt-rock bands and the programme also offers film screenings, poetry recitals and book readings, with performances winding down relatively early to ensure a decent night’s sleep.

Big names: Gwenno, Sea Power, Sex Swing. 

Required apparel: Linen trousers and a London Review of Books bag.

Don’t say: ‘Dance off?’

Muncaster Castle, Cumbria. August 25-27.  

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