{"id":16426,"date":"2026-04-18T05:26:19","date_gmt":"2026-04-18T05:26:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/16426\/"},"modified":"2026-04-18T05:26:19","modified_gmt":"2026-04-18T05:26:19","slug":"the-11-best-uk-music-festivals-for-summer-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/16426\/","title":{"rendered":"The 11 best UK music festivals for summer 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

Your support helps us to tell the story<\/p>\n

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.<\/p>\n

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.<\/p>\n

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.<\/p>\n

Your support makes all the difference.Read more<\/p>\n

While the lingering chill in the air might lead you to believe otherwise, British festival season is fast approaching. We\u2019ve whittled things down into a handy guide to the events you won\u2019t want to miss out on this summer.<\/p>\n

For the music obsessives looking to spruce up their rotation with some fresh talent, look no further than the UK\u2019s biggest new music festival, The Great Escape<\/a>, which will be celebrating its 20th birthday in May. It\u2019s set to be one hell of a party. <\/p>\n

Speaking of newcomers, State Fayre, the latest event from industry titans Festival Republic, will be hoping to shake things up in August, bringing an impressive mix of rock, country, folk and Americana to the sprawling grounds of Hylands Park in Chelmsford, Essex. <\/p>\n

Then there are some killer line-ups from Reading<\/a> and Leeds, All Points East, Green Man<\/a> and Isle of Wight<\/a>, which should be enough to keep you busy while Glastonbury<\/a> takes its traditional fallow year.<\/p>\n

So, dust off your sunhat \u2013 and, let\u2019s be realistic, your wellies and anorak, too \u2013 because it looks like this summer is set to be a corker\u2026 <\/p>\n

The Great Escape<\/p>\n

\"PeachesPeaches is performing a spotlight shot at Brighton Dome, hosted by The Independent (Press)<\/p>\n

Where \u2013 Brighton<\/p>\n

When \u2013 13-16 May 2026<\/p>\n

Twenty years since it first erupted onto the UK festival scene, the Great Escape will be returning to Brighton with a veritable smorgasbord of up-and-coming talent, sourced from every corner of the globe. Discover the hottest newcomers to indie, soul, metal, and everything in between, scattered over 30 intimate venues (all within walking distance) in the seaside town. <\/p>\n

Confirmed names range from Canadian powerhouse Peaches to The Kooks, who caught their big break at the festival back in 2006, as well as Irish act Kingfishr, who first played The Great Escape on The Independent\u2019s stage two years ago, now performing a spotlight show at the Brighton Dome. Then there are over 450 other acts to enjoy across the four days, plus keynote conversations with Peaches, Melanie C, Ian Murray MP, and plenty of industry insiders and experts discussing everything from representation to mental health. Evie Wynne<\/p>\n

Mighty Hoopla<\/p>\n

\"CrowdsCrowds soaking up the sun during a performance at Mighty Hoopla festival, 2023 (Sarah Louise Bennett)<\/p>\n

Where \u2013 Brockwell Park, London<\/p>\n

When \u2013 30 and 31 May 2026<\/p>\n

In May, London\u2019s Brockwell Park will once again be playing host to the two-day bonanza that is Mighty Hoopla, the most colourful, joyful, camp celebration of everything we love about pop music. Witness sets from Tulisa, Scissor Sisters, JLS, Louise and Alexandra Burke all in one place, along with this year\u2019s it-girl, Lily Allen, delivering a UK festival exclusive performance of her critically adored comeback album, West End Girl. Grab something sequinned, sparkling or spandex and we\u2019ll see you there. EW<\/p>\n

Isle of Wight<\/p>\n

\"TheThe Isle of Wight Festival has branched out in recent years (PA Archive)<\/p>\n

Where \u2013 Seaclose Park, Newport, Isle of Wight<\/p>\n

When \u2013 18 \u2013 21 June 2026<\/p>\n

While the festival\u2019s early line-ups earnt it a reputation as the \u201cEuropean equivalent of Woodstock\u201d, it\u2019s fair to say that Isle of Wight has diversified its offering in recent years. Whether you\u2019re singing along to Lewis Capaldi or reminiscing on summers of yore with Calvin Harris and Rita Ora, there really is something for everyone. And with The Cure, Sex Pistols, and Shed Seven all set to make an appearance, there\u2019s plenty to keep the rock fans happy, too. EW<\/p>\n

State Fayre<\/p>\n

\"ElvisElvis Costello is headlining the inaugural State Fayre festival this summer (Getty)<\/p>\n

Where \u2013 Hylands Park, Chelmsford, Essex<\/p>\n

When \u2013 26 \u2013 28 June 2026<\/p>\n

From the organisers of Reading, Leeds and Latitude, we give you State Fayre, a new event tapping into the UK\u2019s ongoing obsession with country music. Packed with the very best that the country, Americana, rock and folk scenes have to offer, its lineup includes major acts like Elvis Costello and the Imposters, Alanis Morissette, Skunk Anansie, The Coral and Kings of Leon, plus brilliant newcomers such as Stephen Wilson Jr, Muireann Bradley and Kezia Gill. And when you need to re-charge, there\u2019ll be plenty of delicious options thanks to foodie influencer Eating with Tod, who\u2019ll be bringing his BBQ festival Fume to the park, as well. EW<\/p>\n

Latitude<\/p>\n

\"LarkingLarking around at Latitude (Katie Wiilloughby\/Festival Republic\/PA) (Local Library)<\/p>\n

Where \u2013 Henham Park, Suffolk<\/p>\n

When \u2013 23 26 July 2026<\/p>\n

Latitude\u2019s family-friendly festival returns with a typically excellent mix of music, art, literature and entertainment. Whether you\u2019re in the mood for some chart-topping tunes from Teddy Swims and Tom Grennan, the sweet soul of Billy Ocean or the fiery rock of The Undertones. Want to give those weary feet a rest? Stroll over to the Listening Post, where Salford\u2019s own Dr John Cooper Clarke will be imparting his wisdom with the crowd. Or, for some light relief, join Sarah Pasco, Lenny Henry, and Sue Perkins in the Comedy Arena for an afternoon of guaranteed laughs. EW<\/p>\n

Camp Bestival<\/p>\n

\"FamilyFamily fun at Camp Bestival (Press)<\/p>\n

Where \u2013 Lulworth Castle, Dorset<\/p>\n

When \u2013 30th July \u2013 2 August 2026<\/p>\n

In just a matter of months, the staid grandeur of Lulworth Castle will once more be transformed into a kooky wonderland of circus, craft, disco, and plenty besides. In this, its 18th year, Camp Bestival will be taking parents on a trip down memory lane with performances from hip-hop greats Fatboy Slim and De La Soul, while, a few tents over, the kids settle down for a bedtime story with CBeebies. Best. Weekend. Ever. EW<\/p>\n

ArcTanGent<\/p>\n

Where \u2013 Fernhill Farm, Bristol<\/p>\n

When \u2013 19 \u2013 22 August 2026<\/p>\n

ArcTanGent represents a glimmering alternative to the more mainstream festivals out there. This year they\u2019re offering performances from industry disruptors Chelsea Wolfe, Primus, and Perturbator, to name a few. ATG opens the door to an underground world of electronic, synth wave, and industrial, bringing them firmly into the fore. Join them in Bristol this August for an experience you won\u2019t forget in a hurry. EW<\/p>\n

Green Man<\/p>\n

\"WolfWolf Alice are headlining Green Man this summer (Scott Garfitt\/Invision\/AP)<\/p>\n

Where – Bannau Brecheiniog National Park, Wales<\/p>\n

When – 20 \u2013 23 August 2026<\/p>\n

Nestled amidst the gently rolling hills of Bannau Brecheiniog National Park in Wales, Green Man is back with another mesmerising programme of music, comedy, science, and arts designed to tantalise the senses. Part of a typically eclectic line-up, this year\u2019s headliners include indie aficionados Wilco and modern-day rock band Wolf Alice, whose recent album, In Bloom, saw them nominated for a second Mercury Prize in 2025. Arguably the best part about Green Man, though, is the plethora of other activities on offer, which will see you filling your mornings with yoga and your evenings with toasted marshmallows, high on the magic of the Welsh mountain air. EW<\/p>\n

All Points East <\/p>\n

\"Tyler,Tyler, the Creator will headline All Points East in a UK festival exclusive (Getty)<\/p>\n

Where \u2013 Victoria Park, London<\/p>\n

When \u2013 21 \u2013 30 August 2026<\/p>\n

Its cool crowd and impressive line-ups have earned All Points East comparisons to California\u2019s Coachella music festival \u2013 albeit smaller and with far fewer influencers. It\u2019s a bit of a stretch given the California event is one of the biggest festivals in the world, but at least here you\u2019re not shelling out $70 for tacos (it\u2019s more like \u00a318). Anyway, by now All Points East is a staple of any festival-lover\u2019s culture calendar. <\/p>\n

Descending on Victoria Park this year are soul stars Jorja Smith and Tems, as well as two sets from Tyler, the Creator in what will be the American rapper\u2019s UK exclusive. Headlining with support from PinkPantheress, fresh off her own headliner-in-the-making Coachella set of her own, is none other than Lorde. For the moody alt-rockers out there, both old and new thanks to a recent revival of early Noughties metal, Deftones are back in the UK \u2013 it\u2019s been 31 years since their debut album, but hits like \u201cNosebleed\u201d feel as fresh and immediate as ever. Likewise, nostalgia runs deep for Twenty One Pilots who will be making their APE debut on 30 August. Annabel Nugent<\/p>\n

Reading \/ Leeds<\/p>\n

\"TheThe UK\u2019s answer to Coachella? Sombr will be playing All Points East in August (Getty)<\/p>\n

Where – Rivermead Park, Reading \/ Bramham Park, Leeds<\/p>\n

When – 27 30 August 2026<\/p>\n

Shrugging off any preconceived stereotypes of a festival overrun by excitable teenagers, Reading and Leeds have announced a line-up that is certainly not to be sniffed at. So, if Gen-Z artists Sombr, Role Model, and Raye aren\u2019t your thing, the subversive sounds of Kneecap, Geese, and Men I Trust just might be. Meanwhile, for those whose tastes lie closer to the club, check out Mall Grab and Hybrid Minds on the brand new Warehouse stage for a party that won\u2019t disappoint. EW<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":16427,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[6855,6856,5,6],"class_list":{"0":"post-16426","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-uk","8":"tag-bestof","9":"tag-topix","10":"tag-uk","11":"tag-united-kingdom"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@UnitedKingdom\/116424054066485840","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16426","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16426"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16426\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16427"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16426"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16426"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16426"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}