Perfect pitch: the 2024 UK music festivals you can still book now

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14 to 16 June, Leicestershire

Reworded: The performers headlining the 21st installment of the popular metal event include Queens of the Stone Age, Fall Out Boy, and Avenged Sevenfold. While they may have flashy and masculine personas, their music is not necessarily on the heavier side. Fortunately, there are other acts on the lineup that should satisfy those seeking a more intense experience, such as Scowl, Speed, Ithaca, and Zulu, who are all set to perform on Friday in quick succession. Huw Baines.

Isle of Wight

From the 20th to the 23rd of June, on the Isle of Wight.

The Isle of Wight Festival appeals to all tastes, with a diverse lineup featuring popular acts such as the Prodigy, Pet Shop Boys, and Green Day. Other noteworthy performers include 90s indie favorites Suede, pop sensation Zara Larsson, and garage artist Mike Skinner, also known as the Streets. Michael Cragg.

TRNSMT
12 to 14 July, Glasgow
The return of TRNSMT promises as many beery shoutalongs as it does moments of nostalgic reverie, with Liam Gallagher, Gerry Cinnamon and Calvin Harris topping a bill that also features Natasha Bedingfield, Sugababes and Rick Astley. Fans of pyrotechnic rock and post-punk, meanwhile, should make a beeline for Nova Twins and Dublin’s Sprints. HB

Doja CatView image in fullscreen

Wireless
12 to 14 July, London

Wireless, located in Finsbury Park, is a highly regarded day festival in London that regularly showcases popular rap and R&B artists from the United States. This year’s roster includes big names like Nicki Minaj, Ice Spice, Doja Cat, and even local artist J Hus. Ammar Kalia is the organizer of this event.

Reading and Leeds
Festival

From August 23rd to 25th, the festival known as Reading and Leeds will take place.

The Reading and Leeds festival has evolved beyond being a celebration of post-exam results and is now showcasing a diverse lineup. You can jam out to Blink-182, bust a move to Fred Again, and then dive into the more moody vibes of Lana Del Rey, along with other notable performers. Prepare yourself for an unpredictable and wild experience.

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Knockengorroch
23 to 26 May, Galloway
nockengorroch festival in Scotland is a small and intimate event with a maximum capacity of 3,000 people. The festival features a diverse lineup of global music, including performances by Guinean balafon player N’famady Kouyaté and popular soundsystem group Mungo’s Hi Fi. One of the unique aspects of the festival is the opportunity to experience live music in the cozy setting of a traditional Celtic longhouse with a turf roof.

Timber
5 to 7 July, Leicestershire
Situated in the national forest at Feanedock, Timber is billed as a celebration of the landscape. Think workshops on sustainable food, live nature podcasts and a flower show featuring attendees flaunting homemade costumes, alongside music curated by Kiiōtō (comprising Lamb’s Lou Rhodes and songwriter Rohan Heath) and composer Jason Singh. HB

El Dorado
11 to 14 July, Herefordshire
The small but perfectly formed El Dorado festival is one of the UK festival scene’s best-kept secrets. Hedonism rules in the Malvern Hills with a lineup that ricochets from Boney M to SBTRKT and back. There are 18 gorgeously designed stages to bop between over the course of a July weekend, with the Vice City area bringing the art deco Miami beachfront to middle England. KS

Krankenhaus
23 to 25 August, Cumbria

Krankenhaus, located in the Lake District, is known for its innovative approach to music. Through a combination of live performances and cultural discussions, the festival celebrates the impact of grassroots creativity. Whether you’re hoping to connect with potential bandmates or seeking inspiration for a new zine, the campfire may bring unexpected encounters with like-minded individuals.

Lost Village
22 to 25 August, Lincolnshire

Lost Village is an interactive festival that guarantees to transport attendees to a unique experience on the outskirts of the real world. Located near the village of Norton Disney, the event features live performances from artists such as Yaeji, Floating Points, and Crazy P, as well as interactive exhibits, forest dining, comedy shows, yoga sessions, and craft activities like candle painting and T-shirt designing.

Do you want to enjoy some fun with your family?

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Camp Bestival

From July 25 to July 28, we will be in Dorset. Then, from August 15 to August 18, we will be in Shropshire.
Iko

As a parent who loves to hit the dance floor, Camp Bestival is the perfect weekend getaway. It takes place in two different locations – Dorset and Shropshire – and offers entertainment for children, such as shows from the talented Horrible Histories team and Mr. Tumble. Meanwhile, both locations feature pop performances by top artists like McFly and Paloma Faith. In Dorset, renowned Ibiza DJ Pete Tong will be headlining. AKIko

Latitude
25 to 28 July, Suffolk
The land of pink sheep and wild swimming, Latitude is a family-friendly valhalla. Sure, you have the middle-aged musical stylings of Duran Duran, London Grammar, Nile Rodgers, the Zombies and Keane to look forward to in the evening, but you can fill your days with a pristine comedy lineup headed by Jo Brand, Sara Pascoe and Judi Love, a dedicated kids’ arena and a foodie’s paradise of trucks and popups. KS

Stowaway
16 to 18 August, Buckinghamshire

The Stowaway festival, in its third year, has gained recognition for successfully incorporating both “electronic dance music” and “kid-friendly” aspects. As adults enjoy performances by artists like Groove Armada, Greentea Peng, Maribou State, Leftfield, Joe Goddard, and Laura Misch, children can participate in activities such as roller skating, canoeing, and creative projects at “Tinkertown” using actual tools and materials. It’s a dream for parents to have messy play without the worry of cleanup.

The Big Feastival
23 to 25 August, Oxfordshire
Full-time cheesemonger and occasional Blur bassist Alex James opens up his idyllic Cotswolds farm again for this celebration of food and music. While adults can switch between Raymond Blanc and Becky Hill, kids have a dedicated rave stage, a circus school, and a performance from children’s TV superstar Justin Fletcher. MC

CarFest
23 to 25 August, Hampshire

The annual charity event organized by Chris Evans will take place at Laverstoke Park Farm, which is known for its 450 friendly and inquisitive water buffalo. Apart from musical performances by popular artists such as Olly Murs, Beverley Knight, Sam Ryder, Deacon Blue, and Reef, there will also be a designated children’s section with appearances from well-known CBBC personalities, as well as art and sports activities.

Seeking epic scenery?

Boomtown festival

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Gottwood festival
13 to 16 June, Anglesey

Some of the most thrilling electronic music of the season can be heard at Gottwood festival, held at the beautiful Carreglwyd Estate in Anglesey. DJs will perform among the trees and over a sparkling lake, with the nearby beach offering a refreshing option for those nursing a hangover.

HowtheLightGetsIn
24 to 27 May, Hay-on-Wye

Located alongside the Black Mountains, along the River Wye, this renowned music and philosophy festival presents a variety of breathtaking views for contemplation of existence. Notable speakers include philosopher Slavoj Žižek and John “Orderrr!” Bercow, with musical performances by Sea Power, Mad Professor, and the psychedelic collective Mandrake Handshake, also known as “Flowerkraut.” MC

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is a popular music festival in Scotland.

The Belladrum Tartan Heart festival is a well-liked music festival held in Scotland.
25 to 27 July, Inverness

Reworded: Kiltarlity, a serene countryside town in Inverness, may not initially appear to be the top choice for a large gathering. However, the atmosphere of the Belladrum Tartan Heart festival is relaxed (featuring headliners Deacon Blue, James Arthur, and Sugababes in 2024), making it the perfect opportunity to discover diverse talent such as the well-regarded west African performer N’famady Kouyaté and the renowned Scottish indie band, the Vaselines.

Boardmasters
7 to 11 August, Newquay

Boardmasters is a popular event for both high school graduates and experienced surfers. It offers a chance to relax and experience the welcoming atmosphere of Cornwall. During the day, guests can hit the waves, and at night, they can enjoy a diverse lineup of musical acts including indie and dance artists like NewDad, English Teacher, Eliza Rose, as well as popular names like Sam Fender, Chase & Status, and Stormzy. JW.

Boomtown
7 to 11 August, Winchester

Known for its strong dedication to the idea of “escape”, Boomtown features 12 main stages and 50 secret locations, providing countless chances to immerse yourself in art displays, spontaneous character tasks, and other unexpected experiences. The music lineup for 2024 has yet to be announced, but with the theme centering around “Revolution of Imagination”, anticipate innovative techno, jungle, and drum’n’bass performances. JW

Do you want to forgo bringing a tent?

Stray Kids

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The Great Escape
15 to 18 May, Brighton

To experience a memorable moment and potentially witness emerging talent in the music industry, visit Brighton and explore the city with music executives and trendsetting young people. The festival offers concerts in various locations and has featured performances by popular artists like Lizzo, Little Simz, and Wolf Alice. This year, we can anticipate exciting shows from Belgian synthpop musician Bolis Pupul and the highly talked about band Picture Parlour. Since the festival spans across the entire city, accommodations in Airbnb rentals are recommended, or you can leave on the final train.

AVA Belfast
31 May & 1 June, Belfast
Celebrating its 10th year, AVA Belfast, which takes place on the thankfully mud-free slipways where the Titanic was built and launched, showcases a plethora of dance music renegades. My Barn My Rules hitmaker Horsegiirl rubs shoulders with jungle exponent Nia Archives and homecoming production and DJ duo Bicep. MC

Parklife
8 & 9 June, Manchester
s are just as impressive

The festival at Heaton Park spans two days and does not require camping. For those who are not using the tram, coach transfers are available. The lineup boasts a variety of popular music artists, including Doja Cat, J Hus, Peggy Gou, Disclosure, Becky Hill, and Four Tet. The MCs are also highly impressive.

BST Hyde Park

From June 30th to July 14th, in London.

If being a parent or having limited vacation time has limited your ability to go on a three-day extravagant trip, BST Hyde Park offers a convenient opportunity for a trip down memory lane. You can choose to see performances by Robbie Williams, Kings of Leon, Shania Twain, and Kylie Minogue (or Andrea Bocelli, for a more sophisticated option). And for the younger generation, South Korean sensation Stray Kids will close out this year’s lineup with their first UK headline show.

All Points East
17 to 25 August, London
This annual takeover of east London’s Victoria Park is a slice of corporate-sponsored festival fun that doesn’t outstay its welcome. This year’s day events are dedicated to early-00s emo heroes (the Postal Service), ageing club kids (LCD Soundsystem), introspective 6 Music darlings (Loyle Carner) and eclectic DJ producers (Kaytranada). APE has also subsumed Field Day, with a thrilling mix of the old (Justice) and the new (Pink Pantheress). KS

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Terminal VView image in fullscreen

Terminal V
13 & 14 April, Edinburgh
Taking over the Royal Highland Centre for a post-Easter blowout, the bumper 10th edition of Terminal V promises five stages from which to dive into the outer reaches of techno, with the acid-dosed shapeshifting of New York’s Volvox situated alongside trance-inflected homegrown DJ talent such as Hannah Laing and Aisha. HB

Cheltenham jazz festival
1 to 6 May, Cheltenham

Do not be deceived by popular names like Sophie Ellis-Bextor; despite this, the Cheltenham Jazz Festival continues to showcase some of the most talented improvisers from both the UK and America in its extensive lineup. Notable performances for this year include renowned British artist Courtney Pine, multiple Grammy winner Dionne Warwick, a dynamic blend of jazz, hip-hop, and Afrobeat with Orchestra Baobab and Nubiyan Twist, emerging trombonist corto.alto from Glasgow, and powerhouse saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin from the United States. AK

Womad
25 to 28 July, Wiltshire
Peter Gabriel’s Womad festival has spent the past four decades championing some of the world’s most diverse musical traditions. Previously hosting renowned performances from the likes of Sufi singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Brazilian star Gilberto Gil, the Wiltshire weekend promises an array of established legends and hidden gems. AK

Reggae Land
3 & 4 August, Milton Keynes
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Reggae Land showcases all types of music created by the Jamaican diaspora, including dub, dancehall, lovers rock, and drum and bass. The 2024 edition will have a diverse lineup, with performances from popular Jamaican artists Koffee and Popcaan, as well as energizing sets from David Rodigan and Aba Shanti-I. AKeeb.

ArcTanGent
14 to 17 August, Bristol
Without the foundational music of Explosions in the Sky, Meshuggah and Mogwai, ArcTanGent likely wouldn’t exist. It’s fitting, then, that they have been tapped to headline its 10th anniversary, which will span four exploratory days filled with post-rock, polyrhythmic metal, abrasive electronics, virtuosic prog and a genuine sense of community. HB

Source: theguardian.com

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