Best UK Music Festivals of 2024: Line-ups, Tickets & News – Time Out UK

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From dance-heavy micro-festivals to contemporary jazz showdowns and huge pop parties, here are the best UK music festivals for 2024
Can you smell it? The lukewarm beer. The stale sweat of two days with no shower. The excitement? Festival season is well and truly here – and we could not be more ready. We’ve copped the tickets, agonised over the lineups, bombarded the group chats with links to tents and cleaned out our bumbags. It is time. 
At Time Out, we’d argue that 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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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.  
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: Willow, Enzo Siragusa, Ploy, 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 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: Doja Cat, Disclosure, J-Hus, Becky Hill.
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.
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: Joe Bonamassa, Sheryl Crow, Rufus Wainwright, Hermanos Gutierrez.
Required apparel: Floppy hats and dungarees.
Don’t say: ‘Taylor Swift is the GOAT.’
Eridge Park, Kent. June 14-16.
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. 
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.
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: Boney M, Casisdead, Honey Dijon, Shy FX.
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. 
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: Ice Spice, Nicki Minaj, 21 Savage, Doja Cat, Asake, Tyla.
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. 
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: Jessica Winter, The Fontanas, Smokin’ Jo, Oscar Browne.
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, Kasabian, Keane, London Grammar.
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. 
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: Sugababes, Katy B, Noel Gallaghar’s High Flying Birds, Paolo Nutini.
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. 
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: Micheal Kiwanuka, Faithless (live), Jessie Ware, Bill Bailey.
Required apparel: Your chicest swimsuit.

Don’t say: ‘I could murder a Big Mac.’
Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire. Aug 1-4. 
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.
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. 
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: André 3000, Sampha, Kae Tempest, Louie Vega, Loraine James, Mala.
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. 
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: Chris Sullivan, Adam Shelton, Colleen ‘Cosmo’ Murphy, Darryl Jones.
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: Big Thief, Jon Hopkins, Sleaford Meds, Wednesday.
Required apparel: Anything thrifted.
Don’t say: ‘I miss plastic straws.’
Brecon Beacons National Park, Wales. August 15-18.  
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: Ben Sims presents Machine, Dalston Superstore, Dialled In.

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, Mitski.
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. 
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: Maribou State, Ben UFO, Jyoty.
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 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: Leyla McCalla, Sampa The Great, The Congos.
Required apparel: Themed apparel.
Don’t say: ‘I left my fancy dress at home.’
Secret Country Estate, Northamptonshire. Aug 22-25. 
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 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: Loyle Carner, Four Tet, LCD Soundsystem, Jessie Ware.
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. 
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: Idles, Slowdive, Fever Ray, Bonnie Prince Billy.
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. 
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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