The best UK festivals to book for 2023

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 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: Reuben James, Nu Civilisation Orchestera, Steam Down, Lex Amor. 

Required apparel: Salomon trainers, Brick Lane Bookshop tote.

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

Truman Brewery and nearby venues, London. April 14-16.

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 Echo and the Bunnymen and Self Esteem top the bill). 

Big names: Squid, Billy Nomates, Adwaith.

Required apparel: Bucket hats.

Don’t say:  ‘Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch.’

Various venues, Wrexham, North Wales. May 4-6.

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: Arlo Parks, Maisie Peters, Melin Melyn. 

Required apparel: Sandals and sunnies. 

Don’t say: ‘Which way to the beach?’

Various venues, Brighton. May 10-13. 

Once a weekly club night in Edinburgh’s Cabaret Voltaire, Fly has grown into a major festival franchise, priding itself on showcasing international DJs alongside Scotland’s finest – in some seriously stunning locations. Usually a twice-yearly festival, the spring edition takes place against the backdrop of a seventeenth-century country house, while the autumn event draws heaps of bucket hat-wearing ravers to a site in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle.

Big names: Interplanetary Criminal, Chaos in the CBD, Hannah Laing.

Required apparel: ‘BOTA’ T-shirt and a bottle of Buckfast.  

Don’t say: ‘Not sure that hat is offering much sun protection, pal.’

Hopetoun House, just outside of Edinburgh. May 20-21. 

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. Plus, in 2023, it’s celebrating its 25th birthday – so expect a bigger party than ever. 

Big names: Mungo’s Hi Fi, Zentone, more TBC.

Required apparel: Baggy trousers and lots of layers. 

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

Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland. May 25-28.

A relative newcomer to Brockwell Park’s busy festival schedule, Wide Awake bills itself as a ‘musical melting pot’ – expect leftfield indie, post-punk, electronica, techno and more. Cult pop icon Caroline Polachek is headlining the 2023 event, with other artists on the line-up including Shygirl, Jockstrap and VTSS. Produced by live-music heavyweights Bad Vibrations, LNZRT and MOTH Club, Wide Awake 2023 will no doubt leave crowds surprised as it celebrates artists that defy traditional genre boundaries.

Big names: Caroline Polachek, Alex G, Shygirl. 

Required apparel: Goodhood top and Dr Martens.

Don’t say: ‘The album is dead.’

Brockwell Park, London. May 27. 

The guys behind NTS Radio are here with their first ever day festival, taking over Burgess Park in London on May 27. There’ll be two stages, with the live stage headlined by LA rapper JPEGMAFIA and Theo Parrish topping the DJ stage with a four-hour set. There are plenty more acts still to be announced – and you can bet the programming will be stunning. 

Big names: JPEGMAFIA, Theo Parrish. 

Required apparel: Aphex Twin T-shirt and stick-and-poke tats. 

Don’t say: ‘Track ID?’

Burgess Park, London. May 27. 

Returning in 2023 with its fourth 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: Alfa Mist, Children of Zeus, NxWorries, Kelis.

Required apparel: Floaty vintage dress and Adidas sambas. 

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

Brockwell Park, London. May 28. 

After a knock-out event last year, with performances from noughties heavyweights Sugababes and Steps, pop festival Mighty Hoopla has just announced its 2023 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: Kelly Rowland, Years & Years, Kelis, Vengaboys.

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

Don’t say: ‘Sashay away.’

Brockwell Park, London. June 3-4.

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. June 2-3.

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: Bring Me The Horizon, Slipknot, Metallica.

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

Don’t say: ‘Any female acts?’

Donington Park, Leicestershire. Jun 7-11. 

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: Channel One, Move D, DJ Tennis.

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

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

Carreglwyd Estate, Anglesey, Wales. Jun 8-11. 

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 a huge UK festival exclusive from 50 Cent, plus sets from artists as varied as Megan Thee Stallion, Lewis Capaldi and Eric Prydz. 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 10-11.

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. 2023’s event is no exception, with everyone from George Ezra to Pulp taking the ferry across the Solent. 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: Pulp, The Chemical Brothers, Sugababes, Anne-Marie, Blondie, Robbie Williams.

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 15-18. 

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: Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Allison Russell, Bonnie Raitt.

Required apparel: Floppy hats and dungarees.

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

Eridge Park, Kent. June 16-18.

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: Elton John, more TBC. 

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 21-25.

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: Thundercat, Candi Staton, Mulatu Astatke.

Required apparel: Hoop earrings and red lippy. 

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

Glynde Place, East Sussex. June 30-July 2.

EXODUS is the first-ever festival from the guys behind legendary London nightclub Fabric – and it’s looking like it will be a party well worth the wait. Taking place in a secret outdoors location just outside the capital on July 8 and 9, it looks to celebrate the most brilliant dance music artists from throughout Fabric’s 23-year history. 

Big names: Ricardo Villalobos, Seth Troxler, Djrum, Peach.

Required apparel: Ski sunglasses for sun-soaked raving.

Don’t say: ‘But where are the bands?’

Secret location near London. July 8-9.

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 6-9. 

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 Cardi B, A$AP Rocky, Nicki Minaj, Dave, J Cole and SZA take to the stage.

Big names: 50 Cent, Playboi Carti, Headie One.

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 7-9. 

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. Last summer, it even offered a kids’ model-making class from ‘Wallace & Gromit’ creators Aardman and a talk from Dame Sheila Hancock.

Big names: Pulp, Paolo Nutini, George Ezra, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Black Midi.

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 20-23. 

You’d struggle to find a more unique festival setting than Bluedot, with the mighty Lovell Space Telescope looming over the site. It makes a suitable location for the weekend-long party of music, science, art and comedy, which last year saw acts like Björk and Mogwai take to the stage. The line-up is typically pretty varied, and the vibe is friendly but sophisticated. One for the curious.

Big names: Max Richter, more TBC.

Required apparel: VEJA trainers and big sunglasses.

Don’t say: ‘Science sucks.’

Jodrell Bank Observatory, Cheshire. July 20-23. 

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 Peggy Gou to David Morales 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 3-6.

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 9-13.

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: TBC.

Required apparel: Hawaiian shirt and salt-tousled locks.

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

Newquay, Cornwall. Aug 9-13.

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: Megadeth, Anthrax, Devil Driver, Sepultura.

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 10-13. 

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. Of course there is. 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: Black Midi, Nubya Garcia, Cymande, Goldie. 

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 10-14. 

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 a lot of 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 10-13.

Held in the grounds of the historic Scone Palace, this Scottish newcomer is a boutique affair. Last year saw a wellness area, artworks by local creators and gourmet street food, as well as something called an ‘amazing multi-sensory dining experience’. Still, with six stages of very well-curated electronic music, the tunes are no afterthought.

Big names: TBC.

Required apparel: Honey Dijon ‘Honey Says Relax’ tee.

Don’t say: ‘Two hotdogs, please, mate.’

Scone Palace, Perth, Scotland. Aug 11-13. 

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. Last year the festival organisers had to launch a ‘Save FM’ Crowdfunder to keep it on its feet and successfully raised more than £43,000 to keep the party going for another year.

Big names: TBC.

Required apparel: Smiley face T-shirt.

Don’t say: ‘I’ve lost my friends.’

Secret Location TBC. Aug 18-20. 

After a beautiful return to its home in Victoria Park last year, dance-music oriented Field Day festival is back in 2023. It’s just announced the first wave of acts for this year’s shindig, and it’s looks like it’ll be a stonker. Aphex Twin will headline – his first London show in four years – but we’re also particularly excited about Sudan Archives, LSDXOXO and Arca. 

Big names: Aphex Twin, Bonobo, Jayda G, Jon Hopkins. 

Required apparel: ‘I heart IDM’ T-shirt.

Don’t say: ‘This line-up is a bit too cool for my liking.’

Victoria Park, London. August 19. 

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 24-28. 

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 24-28.

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 Kraftwerk and Kae Tempest 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 17-20. 

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: TBC.

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 25-27. 

From post-punk to contemporary jazz and folk, Dorset’s End of the Road recieved glittering reviews all round for its 2022 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 31-Sep 3.

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: TBC.

Required apparel: Your tote bag of choice.

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

Various venues, Manchester. Sep 2.

There’s some great stuff coming out of Sheffield’s underground at the moment, and this is summed up by the annual boutique affair that is No Bounds. Fusing music with art, technology, audiovisual entertainment and dance, performances take place in a variety of interesting spaces, linking the city’s industrial past with its creative present.

Big names: TBC. 

Required apparel: All black everything. 

Don’t say: ‘Algorave is for nerds.’

Sheffield, various venues. October 14-16. 

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: TBC.

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

Don’t say: ‘Dance off?’

Muncaster Castle, Cumbria. Dates TBC. 

New for 2022, this two-day queer camping festival celebrates some of the best UK queer club nights and electronic music DJs around – and it’s only a 25-minute journey from London’s King’s Cross. Last year’s line-up featured established artists like Jaguar, LSDXOXO, Ellen Allien, and object blue and Juliana Huxtable, as well as collectives including Adonis, Inferno and Pxssy Palace. There was even be a play tent for those wishing to experience the festival ‘in a more intimate way’.

Big names: TBC.

Required apparel: Anything you want.

Don’t say: ‘Which way to All Bar One?’

Springfield Farm, St Albans. Dates TBC. 

This relative newcomer to the summer live-music season describes itself as ‘the UK’s tastiest festival for music and youth culture’, and it’s hard to disagree. Spread over three days in a pretty Cambridge park, its stacked line-up includes superstars from the worlds of hip hop, grime, R&B, soul, reggae, house, drum ’n’ bass and dancehall. At a time when many festivals are still struggling to improve the gender balance of their acts, Strawberries & Creem has succeeded in assembling a bill that’s 60 percent female. Respect.

Big names: TBC.

Required apparel: Dancing shoes.

Don’t say: ‘Is the tennis going to start soon?’

Childerley Orchard, Cambridge. Dates TBC.