The best UK music festivals to book for 2025

This acclaimed celebration of electronic music and visual arts takes place in two locations – in London at EartH and Outernet (March 20-22), and pride of place in Belfast’s docklands (May 30-31), 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 and the conference side of the event of the London leg to get stuck into. 

Big names: 
London: LSDXOXO, Erika de Casier, Ryoji Ikeda.
Belfast: Ewan McVicar, Sally C, Overmono.

Required apparel: Rave shades.

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

Outernet and EartH, London. March 20-22. Titanic Slipways, Belfast. May 30-31.

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: African Head Charge, Dub Pistols, Elephant Sessions, Kinnaris Quintet, Moxie, Rokia Koné.

Required apparel: Baggy trousers and lots of layers. 

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

Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland. May 22-25.

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 across three days. Last year Gala saw the likes of DJ EZ, Folamour, Job Jobse and many more take to the stage, and featured stage partners like NTS Radio, JUMBI and Adonis. 

Big names: Caribou, Floating Points, Avalon Emerson, Ben UFO, Floorplan.

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 23-25.

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. Aussie rockers King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard headlined the 2024 event along with Young Fathers, joined by the likes of Ben UFO and Alice Glass. 2025 looks just as exciting. 

Big names: Kneecap, CMAT, English Teacher, Daniel Avery, Mannequin Pussy, Psychedelic Porn Crumpets.

Required apparel: Goodhood top and Dr Martens.

Don’t say: ‘The album is dead.’

Brockwell Park, London. May 23. 

If Bob Marley was one of the top artists in your Spotify wrapped for 2024, 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: Tarrus Riley, Spice, Valiant, Teejay, The Compozers.

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

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

Brockwell Park, London. May 26.

Cross the Tracks boasts tasteful, groove-heavy curation across soul, funk and jazz, as well as loads of decent street food and craft beer – and despite being around for less than a decade, it’s already cemented itself as an anticipated name in London’s festival circuit. The event has a laid-back, open-arms appeal, meaning you’ll find people of all sorts of ages having a boogie. 

Big names: Michael Kiwanuka, Jordan Rakei, Nala Sinephro, Cymande, Sinéad Harnett, Bashy.

Required apparel: Floaty vintage dress and Adidas sambas. 

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

Brockwell Park, London. May 25. 

Thought Big Weekend was just for the trendy kids? Think again. The Radio 1 festy usually books a diverse selection of stars that caters for all tastes. The line-up for 2025 currently leans to the indie side of things, with guitar hero Sam Fender topping the bill. He’ll be joined by Stockport gang Blossoms, alt-pop viral queen Lola Young, the returning Isle Of Wight surrealist duo Wet Leg and BRITs Rising Star winner Myles Smith.

Big names: Sam Fender, Lola Young, Blossoms, Myles Smith, Wet Leg. 

Required apparel: Your fave band t-shirt and a battered pair of Docs. 

Don’t say: ‘He's the Geordie Bruce Springsteen!’

Sefton Park, Liverpool L17 1AP. May 23-25.

Field Day is moving to a new location in 2025, heading south to Brockwell Park after two years joining All Points East in Victoria Park. This well-loved dance-music oriented festival has previously hosted the likes of Aphex Twin, Sudan Archives, LSDXOXO and Arca – and you can bet 2025 will be just as fun. Oh, and it’s also going to be in May rather than August, as in previous years.

Big names: Peggy Gou, Dixon, Fatima Yamaha, Jungle. 

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

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

Brockwell Park, London. August, May 24. 

After another knock-out event last year, pop festival Mighty Hoopla has announced its 2025 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. Good vibes all round. 

Big names: Jade, Kesha, Ciara, Kate Nash, Pixie Lott, Venga Boys.

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

Don’t say: ‘Sashay away.’

Brockwell Park, London. May 31-June 1.

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: DJ Fart In The Club, Mella Dee, Sonja Moonear, DJ Tennis, Hunee, Voigtmann.

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

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

Carreglwyd Estate, Anglesey, Wales. Jun 12-15. 

It’s been a while since Vicky Park played host to any new live events, but the ever popular summertime venue is welcoming a brand new festival scheduled for two consecutive weekends in June. Different days are headlined by the likes of Massive Attack, Jamie XX and London Grammar – but we’re probably most excited for Saturday 14, AKA Brat summer round two. It will feature a headline set from Charli xcx as part of the pop icon’s Partygirl night, featuring appearances from 070 Shake, A.G. Cook, Kelly Lee Owens, The Dare, Magdalena Bay and more.

Big names: Charli XCX, Jamie XX, London Grammar, Massive Attack. 

Required apparel: ‘Brat’ green shirt and an attitude.

Don’t say: ‘I’m so not Julia’.

Victoria Park, London, Jun 6, 7, 14, 15.

After taking over a new home at Manchester's B.E.C. Arena last year, Outbreak – a roaring celebration of all things hip-hop, hardcore, punk and emo – is expanding to London this year, too. Across its three days in the two cities, the festival showcases a variety of underground acts and cult legends. It’s an absolute must for the skate kids that never quite grew up. 

Big names: Turnstile (London only), Alex G, Knocked Loose, Danny Brown, Slowdive (Manchester only).

Required apparel: A torn-up band tee from the early ’90s.

Don’t say: ‘Bit loud, isn't it?’

Victoria Park, London. Jun 13. Bowlers Exhibition Centre, Manchester. Jun 14-15.

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: Green Day, Korn, Weezer. 

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

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

Donington Park, Leicestershire. Jun 13-15.  

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 Doja Cat, Disclosure, J-Hus and Becky Hill. There’s no camping, so you’ll need to book accommodation nearby.

Big names: Charli xcx, 50 Cent, Jorja Smith, Peggy Gou, Confidence Man, Lola Young, Rudimental, Skream & Benga, Joy Orbison.

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

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

Heaton Park, Manchester. June 14-15.

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. Last year, tickets for kids aged five-to-12 were priced at just £7.50, and under-fours went free – so it’s easy to see why it’s become a truly multi-generational affair.

Big names: Sting, Faithless, The Script, Stereophonics, Justin Timberlake, Olly Murs, Clean Bandit, Example.

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 19-22.

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: Neil Young, Charli xcx, Doechii, Olivia Rodrigo, The 1975 and more. 

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 25-29. 

RECOMMENDED: Our guide to Glastonbury festival 2025

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: Jacob Collier, Maxwell, Nile Rodgers & Chic. 

Required apparel: Hoop earrings and red lippy. 

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

Glynde Place, East Sussex. July 4-6.

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 Ice Spice, Nicki Minaj, 21 Savage, Doja Cat, Asake and Tyla take to the stage. This year, Drake is headlining three nights in a row. 

Big names: Drake, Party Next Door, The Mandem, Burna Boy, Summer Walker, Vybz Cartel. 

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 11-13. 

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: REGALJASON, Madrake Handshake.

Required apparel: Reading glasses and Docs.

Don’t say: ‘I’m not in the mood.’ 

Park Farm, Compton Verney Warwickshire. July 11-13. 

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: Fatboy Slim, Snow Patrol, Sting, Kaiser Chiefs, Air, Elbow, Sigrid, Clean Bandit.

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 24-27. 

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 next summer offering various entertainment for the whole family. 

Big names: The Courteeners, The Prodigy, Fatboy Slim, The Wombats, The Last Dinner Party, Travis, Kaiser Chiefs.

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. July 31-August 3.

When it comes to boutique festivals, Wilderness sets the bar high. Last year’s line-up was a paradise for the discerning dance fan, 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: Basement Jaxx, Supergrass, Wet Leg, Aurora, Orbital, Air.

Required apparel: Your chicest swimsuit.

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

Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire. July 31-August 3.

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: Maribou State, Sex Pistols, Sean Paul, Overmono, Hybrid Minds, Nia Archives, Azealia Banks.

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 6-10.

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: RAYE, Central Cee, The Prodigy, Nelly Furtado, London Grammar, Maribou State, Wet Leg.

Required apparel: Hawaiian shirt and salt-tousled locks.

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

Newquay, Cornwall. Aug 6-10. 

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: Trivium, Creeper, Lacuna Coil, Machine Head, Neon Fly, Wall. 

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 7-10.

You can properly 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: Ben UFO, Sherelle, Helena Hauff, Reggie Watts, Shackleton, Ricardo Villalobos, Richie Hawtin. 

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 7-10.

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. Plus, its August dates mean that the British weather stands a reasonable chance of being okay for once.

Big names: Michael Kiwanuka, Pa Salieu, Kokoroko, Joe Bataan, Nala Sinephro, Everything is Recorded.

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 14-17.

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. 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: Kneecap, Wet Leg, Wunderhorse, Greentea Peng, Underworld, CMAT, Perfume Genius, English Teacher, TV on the Radio, Beth Gibbons.

Required apparel: Anything thrifted.

Don’t say: ‘I miss plastic straws.’

Brecon Beacons National Park, Wales. August 14-17.

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: Midland, Ahadadream, Eclair Fifi, Ikonika.

Required apparel: Smiley face T-shirt.

Don’t say: ‘I’ve lost my friends.’

Secret Location TBC. Aug 15-17.

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 for 2025. Previous years have included Björk, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Foals and The Chemical Brothers. Something for all tastes, really. 

Big names: The Maccabees, Bombay Bicycle Club, Barry Can’t Swim, RAYE, Chase And Status. 

Required apparel: Real Housewives of Clapton T-shirt. 

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

Victoria Park, E3 5TB. August 22, 23, 24.

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: Barry Can’t Swim, Caribou, Chaos in the CBD, Honey Dijon, Joy Orbison.

Required apparel: Bikini top and floaty skirts. 

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

Norton Disney, Lincolnshire. Aug 21-24. 

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: Digable Planets, Asian Dub Foundation, Hak Baker, Thumpasaurus, Mungo’s Hi Fi ft. Eva Lazarus & Aziza Jaye, Moonchild Sanelly.

Required apparel: Themed apparel.

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

Secret Country Estate, Northamptonshire. Aug 21-25. 

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 rock and indie back in the day, but they’re now gloriously multi-genre affairs.

Big names: Hozier, Chappell Roan, Bring Me The Horizon, Travis Scott.

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 22-24. 

After bringing some seriously big names to Bristol Downs last September – including Loyle Carner, Four Tet, LCD Soundsystem and Jessie Ware – FORWARDS is back, and boy, are we excited. The idea is to showcase heritage acts alongside up-and-coming artists, with FORWARDS INFORMATION (a talk tent centred around social initiatives) underpinning all of the progressive-minded fun being had. 

Big names: Barry Can’t Swim, Ezra Collective, Doechii, Jorja Smith, The Last Dinner Party, Olivia Dean, Confidence Man, Orbital.

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 23-24. 

From post-punk to contemporary jazz and folk, Dorset’s End of the Road recieved glittering reviews all round for its 2024 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: Caribou, Father John Misty, Self Esteem, Sharon Van Etten. 

Required apparel: Wide-legged trousers and Shazam.

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

Larmer Tree Gardens, Dorset. Aug 28-31. 

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 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: GOAT, Deadletter, Crocodiles, Anna Erhard.

Required apparel: Your tote bag of choice.

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

Various venues, Manchester. August 30. 

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: Sea Power, Arab Strap, The Lovely Eggs.

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

Don’t say: ‘Dance off?’

Muncaster Castle, Cumbria. August 23-25.  

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 10-12.