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The countdown to the summer festival season has already begun with headline acts announced and tickets starting to go on sale.
So in date order, here’s your live music festival line-up for 2016.
March festivals
Lost & Found, Malta
1. Annie Mac’s Lost & Found Festival
When: Thursday, March 31 to Sunday, April 3
Where: Malta
Type of music: Clubbing, Dance
Camping?: No – find hotels in Malta
Essential information
While it’s technically not the summer here in March, the temperatures in Malta are definitely warm enough to hit the beach.
Rave the weekend away in front of an ancient Maltese Castle as Radio 1 DJ Annie Mac returns to party on the island.
Headliners: Annie Mac’s All Stars, Disclosure, The Martinez Brothers & B. Traits
Annie Mac’s Lost & Found Festival
May festivals
2. The Great Escape
When: Thursday, May 19 to Saturday, May 21
Where: Brighton
Type of music: New music
Camping?: No – find Brighton hotels
Essential information:
See more than 450 new an up-and-coming bands at different venues across the city over a long-weekend.
3. The Masked Ball
When: Friday, May 20 to Sunday, May 22
Where: Porthleven, Cornwall
The Masked Ball
Type of music: Dance
Camping?: Yes
Essential information:
This themed British festival, with a sea view from the cliff-side location, is now in its tenth year.
Headliners: Basement Jaxx, Groove Armada
4. We are FESTVL
When: Saturday, May 28 to Sunday, May 29
Where: Damyn’s Hall, Upminster, London
Type of music: Dance
Camping?: No – browse Upminster hotels
Essential information:
Dance to more than 200 acts across multiple stages at this new-ish festival held at a working aerodrome.
They’re flying high after a sellout 2015.
Headliners: Fatboy Slim
5. Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2016
When: Saturday, May 28 to Sunday, May 29
Where: Powderham Castle near Exeter
Type of music: Various
Camping?: TBC
Essential information:
The venue might change every year, but they always have a big name headlining the event.
Ticket information will be announced on Monday, March 21.
Headliners: Coldplay, Ellie Goulding
6. Love Saves The Day
Love Saves The Day
When: Saturday, May 28 to Sunday, May 29
Where: Eastville Park, Bristol
Type of music: Underground, urban, dance
Camping?: No, here’s some Bristol hotels to try
Essential information
Having stared out as a one-dayer, this weekend festival may have grown but it retains its underground roots.
There are eight stages of music tpo enjoy, and its bagged Arcadia’s metal Afterburner arena for its only UK appearance.
Headliners: Hot Chip, Dizzee Rascal, Chase & Status
June festivals
Distortion (c) Martin Dan Olsen – 2013
7. Distortion
When: Wednesday, June 1 to Sunday, June 5
Where: Copenhagen, Denmark
Type of music: Dance, Rave, hip hop
Camping?: No – find hotels in Copenhagen
Essential information:
This firmly established two-day rave up in Copenhagen Harbour has plenty of fun going on throughout the day (“organised chaos”), before the party really ramps up at nightfall.
Distortion Festival (c) Thorbjrn Fessel – 2013
8. Primavera Sound 2016
When: Wednesday, June 1 to Sunday, June 5
Where: Barcelona, Spain
Type of music: Various – mainly indie
Camping?: No – the latest Barcelona hotel deals
Essential information:
The Catalan capital is a stunning backdrop to this major international festival that always delivers a stellar line-up.
Headliners: Radiohead, Brian Wilson, LCD Soundsystem
Rock Um Ring
9. Rock am Ring
When: Friday, June 3 to Sunday, June 5
Where: Mendig, Germany
Type of music: Rock
Camping?: Yes
Essential information:
Held simultaneously with Rock am Park (Nuremberg), like V festival and Reading & Leeds in the UK, the line-ups interchange over the weekend.
This is the biggest music festival in Germany.
Headliners: Black Sabbath
10. Lunar Festival
Lunar Festival
When: Friday, June 3 to Sunday, June 5
Where: Umberslade Estate, Tanworth In Arden, Warwickshire
Type of music: Indie, Alternative, Dance
Camping?: Yes – for weekend ticket holders
Essential information
Now in its third year in its distinctive rural setting of Tanworth in Arden, they like to do things a little bit differently, with special late night beats sessions alongside the bands during the day.
Along with all the music there are plenty of other events to keep you occupied, from pottery to making your own smoothie via pedal power.
Headliners: Super Furry Animals, Mercury Rev, Television and Badly Drawn Boy
11. World Club Dome 2016
World Club Dome 2016
When: Friday, June 3 to Sunday, June 5
Where: Frankfurt, Germany
Type of music: Dance, Rave
Camping?: Yes
Essential information
BigCityBeats will transform the Commerzbank-Arena into the biggest club in the world.
There will be 15 stages and 200 DJs performing over three dance-filled days.
Headliners: David Guetta, Martin Garrix, Steve Aoki and Armin van Buuren
More info: Website and Twitter
12. Junction 2
When: Saturday, June 4
Where: Boston Manor Park, London
Type of music: Techno
Camping?: No
Essential information:
This is LWE’s debut festival, with stages hosted by Drumcode and The Hydra, and they’ve found an unusual outdoor industrial space to host it.
13. Camden Rocks
When: Saturday, June 4
Where: Camden, London
Type of music: Rock
Camping?: No – latest Camden hotel deals
Essential information:
See more than 200 established acts and raw newcomers across 20 different venues in Camden.
14. Born & Bred festival
When: Saturday, June 4 to Sunday, June 5
Where: Shoreditch, London
Type of music: All about the Bass-led sounds
Camping?: No – Shoreditch hotel options
Essential information
London radio station, Rinse FM, launched the festival last year and now its back for another go.
Head to Haggerston Park to hear some top underground acts performing live.
Headliners: ILOVEMAKONNEN, Azealia Banks
15. Hampton Court Palace Festival
When: Wednesday, June 8 to Saturday, June 18
Where: Hampton Court Palace
Type of music: Various
Camping?: No – find hotels nearby
Essential information:
This festival has probably the most historically important backdrop of all, the Tudor Courtyard at Hampton Court Palace.
Rather than spending time in muddy fields you can have a pre-concert picnic in the East Front Gardens.
Headliners: Tom Jones, Paloma Faith, Van Morrison
16. Isle of Wight Festival
When: Thursday, June 9 to Sunday, June 12
Where: Isle of Wight
Type of music: Various
Camping?: Yes
Essential information:
One of the most famous festivals in the world, thanks to the 1970 “Woodstock-level” line-up (Jimi Hendrix, The Doors etc), the event took a 32-year-break before returning in 2002.
Now it’s part family-friendly music festival, part funfair.
Headliners: Queen, Stereophonics
17. Primavera Sound 2016
When: Thursday, June 9 to Saturday, June 11
Where: Porto, Portugal
Type of music: Various
Camping?: Yes
Essential information:
This spin-off from its sister festival in Barcelona (see no.7) is now in its fifth year.
You can party in the largest park in Portugal.
18. Download
When: Friday, June 10 to Sunday, June 12
Where: Donington Park, Derby
Type of music: Rock, Metal
Camping?: Yes
Essential information:
Held in the centre of England (where the ley-lines of rock meet – according to organisers), this is the biggest rock festival in Britain, having started as a two-day event back in 2003.
Headliners: Rammstein, Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden
More info: Website and Twitter
19. Wildlife
When: Saturday, June 11 to Sunday, June 12
Where: Brighton City Airport, Brighton
Type of music: Dance, Urban, Indie
Camping?: No – browse Brighton hotels
Essential information:
After making an award-winning debut in 2015, this festival on the south coast returns for a second weekend with a more varied line-up.
Headliners: Disclosure, Rudimental, Ice Cube
20. Parklife
When: Saturday, June 11 to Sunday, June 12
Where: Heaton Park, Manchester
Parklife 2014 (c) Shane Webber & Maya Jane Coles
Type of music: Various
Camping?: No – Find hotels near Parklife
Essential information:
This is one of Manchester’s biggest festivals, and it’s curated by some of the city’s major music promoters – expect a varied and diverse line-up for the weekender.
Headliners: The Chemical Brothers, Major Lazer, Jess Glynne
21. Field Day
Field Day
When: Saturday, June 11 to Sunday, June 12
Where: Victoria Park, London
Type of music: Indie
Camping?: No – hotels near Victoria Park
Essential information:
While you can’t camp here, this event has a festival feel, with plenty of stages, tents and entertainment to keep you busy over the weekend.
Headliners: James Blake, PJ Harvey
22. Sónar
When: Thursday, June 16 to Saturday, June 18
Where: Barcelona
Type of music: Electronic
Camping?: No – find hotels in Barcelona
Essential information:
They’ve been producing festivals, with a strong focus on balancing established electronic acts with newcomers, for more than two decades.
By day you’re at Fira Monjuic before heading to Fira Gran Via L’Hospitalet for the evening shows.
Headliners: New Order
23. Africa Oyé
When: Saturday, June 18 to Sunday, June 19
Where: Sefton Park, Liverpool
Type of music: African music
Camping?: No – hotels near Sefton Park
Essential information:
This is the UK’s largest free celebration of African music and culture.
24. Glastonbury Festival 2016
When: Wednesday, June 22 to Sunday, June 26
Where: Glastonbury, Somerset
Type of music: Various
Camping?: Yes
Essential information:
If you haven’t got a ticket to the UK’s biggest festival, you’ll have to console yourself by watching the BBC’s live coverage. While tickets for 2016 have sold out, but a reminder in your diary for October when 2017 go on sale.
Headliners: Coldplay
25. Awakenings Festival 2016
When: Saturday, June 25 to Sunday, June 26
Where: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Type of music: Techno, Electronic, Dance
Camping? No – here are some hotels in nearby Amsterdam
Essential information:
One of the biggest electronic music festivals in Europe is held in the pretty Spaarnwoude park.
26. Roskilde Festival
Concert at Orange Stage at Roskilde Festival 2015 – SH Luftfoto & Stiig Hougesen
When: Saturday, June 25 to Saturday, July 2
Where: Near Copenhagen, Denmark
Type of music: Various
Camping? Yes
Essential information:
A fixture on the European scene since 1971, this is one of the biggest festivals going and its profits go to humanitarian initiatives.
Headliners: Red Hot Chili Peppers, New Order and Foals
More info: Website
27. Hideout 2016
When: Sunday, June 26 to Thursday, June 30
Where: Island of Pag, Croatia
Type of music: Electronic, Dance, House, Techno
Camping? Yes
Essential information:
This beautiful island location is the perfect place to spend a whole week dancing to some of the best electronic artists in the world.
Headliners: Jamie XX
Love International
Love International. Credit www.timertl
When: Wednesday, June 29 to Wednesday, July 6
Where: Tisno, Croatia
Type of music: Dance, Rave
Camping?: No – here’s our pick of Crotia hotels
Essential information
Seven days and seven nights of clubs, boat parties and sunbathing in the pretty coastal town of Tisno.
You can dance till dawn on their private beach to some of the best underground DJs and producers.
Headliners: Horse Meat Disco, Bicep & Eats Everything
Festivals in July
28. British Summer Time
When: July
Where: Hyde Park, London
Type of music: Various
Camping?: No – hotels near Hyde Park
Essential information:
These open-air mega gigs take over Hyde Park every July.
Headliners: Florence + The Machine, Mumford & Sons, Take That
Balatan Festival. Image by Furesz Zsolt
29. Balaton Sound
When: Wednesday, July 6 to Sunday, July 10
Where: Zamárdi, Hungary
Type of music: Dance
Camping?: Yes
Essential information:
Balaton Lake is the biggest in central Europe, and each year the small town of Zamárdi to its south is transformed into a five-day dance party hub.
Headliners: Armin Van Buuren
30. EXIT Festival
When: Thursday, July 7 to Sunday, July 10
Where: Novi Sad,Serbia
Type of music: Various
Camping?: Yes
Essential information:
The Petrovaradin Fortress presents an impressive backdrop to this popular European music festival, which is run by a not-for-profit organisation.
See also its sister Sea Dance Festival (no. 33).
Headliners: Ellie Goulding / Bastille
31. Summer Series at Somerset House with American Express®
When: Thursday, July 7 to Sunday, July 17
Where: Somerset House, London
Summer Series at Somerset House
Camping?: No – hotels nearby
Type of music: Various
Essential information:
These atmospheric nights in London are a popular part of summer in the city. The line-up in 2015 included George Ezra and Jessie J.
Headliners: TBA
32. T in the Park
When: Friday, July 8 to Sunday, July 10
Where: Strathallan Castle, Scotland
Type of music: Various
Camping?: Yes
Essential information:
Scotland’s biggest music weekend moved to Strathallan Castle in 2015 after 21 years in Strathclyde Park and this year promises to be even bigger.
Headliners: The Stone Roses, Calvin Harris and Red Hot Chili Peppers
33. Wireless
When: Friday, July 8 to Sunday, July 10
Where: Finsbury Park, London
Type of music: Various, Dance, Hip hop
Camping?: No – find hotels near Wireless festival
Essential information:
They sometimes like to spring a surprise headliner at this paean to urban music in London, which has firmly established itself on the busy capital summer scene.
Headliners: TBA
34. Cruïlla Barcelona 2016
When: Friday, July 8 to Sunday, July 10
Where: Barcelona
Type of music: Various
Camping?: No – Barcelona hotels
Essential information:
One of the biggest music festivals in Barcelona, you’ll be able to see a diverse range of musicians, along with some interesting collaborations.
You can even head there without money, you can get a smart wristband and pay for food and drinks by Pay Pal.
Headliners: Alabama Shakes, Damien Rice
35. Kappa Futur Festival
When: Saturday, July 9 to Sunday, July 10
Where: Turin, Italy
Type of music:Techno, dance
Camping?: No – find hotels near Turin
Essential information
This Italian festival has only been going since 2012, however with music running from midday through midnight, on both Saturday and Sunday, and some cool hangars and industrial spaces to enjoy it in, it’s quickly become established.
The best of Torino’s food and drink scene will also be on offer to refuel you after all that raving.
Headliners: Sven Vath, Chris Liebing, David Morales, Kerri Chandler, Danny Tenaglia.
36. Extrema Outdoor
Extrema Outdoor
When: Saturday, July 9
Where: Eindhoven, Amsterdam
Type of music: Dance, Techno
Camping?: No
Essential information
Five stages with some big name DJs will ensure this outdoor, countryside rave goes off.
Headliners: Carl Cox, Danny Tenaglia, Mr. Oizo and Busy P
37. Festival Internacional de Benicàssim (FIB)
When: Thursday, July 14 to Sunday, July 17
Where: Benicàssim, Spain
Type of music: Various
Camping?: Yes
Essential information:
Spain’s biggest festival is a big hit among the Brits, thanks to its lovely coastal location, hot weather and headline acts.
Headliners: Muse, The Chemical Brothers, Kendrick Lamar
38. Super Bock Super Rock
When: Thursday, July 14 to Saturday July 16
Where: Lisbon, Portugal
Type of music: Rock, Pop, Indie
Camping?: No – find hotels in Lisbon
Essential information:
Firmly established as one of the biggest rock and pop festivals in Europe over the last 20 years, the warm Lisbon nights make it a popular place to see some big names play.
Headliners: Disclosure, Bloc Party Kendrick Lamar
39. Sea Dance Festival
When: Thursday, July 14 to Saturday, July 16
Where: Budva, Montenegro
Type of music: Dance
Camping: Yes
Essential information:
The acclaimed Jaz Beach, is the dandy home to one of the newest international music festivals – and the sister of EXIT Festival in neighbouring Serbia (see No. 26)
40. Latitude
When: Thursday, July 14 to Sunday, July 17
Where: Henham Park, Suffolk
Type of music: Various
Camping?: Yes
Essential information:
This family-friendly festival has a laidback country vibe and expect a decent headliner, with the likes of Damon Albarn and Noel Gallagher leading the line ups in recent years.
Headliners: TBA
41. Lovebox
When: Friday, July 15 to Saturday, July 16
Where: Victoria Park, London
Fair at Lovebox. Image by Annie Mole via Flicker Creative Commons
Type of music: Urban
Camping? No – hotels near Victoria Park
Essential information:
It’s come a long way since its humble beginnings in an old strip joint in Soho in 2002
Now it’s a two-day East London summer festival in the heart of Hackney.
Headliners: Major Lazer, LCD Soundsystem
42. Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival
When: Friday, July 15 to Sunday, July 24
Where: Edinburgh
Bandakadabra via The Edinburgh Jazz Festival
Type of music: Jazz & Blues
Camping?: No – Edinburgh hotel deals
Essential information:
Their free Mardi Gras party in Grassmarket is one of the most popular events in the Edinburgh events calendar.
Headliners: Jools Holland, The Average White Band
43. Ultra Europe
When: Friday, July 15 to Sunday, July 17
Where: Split, Brac & Hvar in Croatia
Type of music: Electronic Dance, House
Camping?: Yes – find out more about Split and Brac
Essential information:
Last year The Chemical Brothers headlined the festival, and while they haven’t announced their line-up yet, it should contain some major names.
This Adriatic party has multiple venues, including the unique Zlatni Rat Beach, and you can also leave the shore and take a trip on one of their boat parties.
44. BBC Proms
When: Friday, July 15 to Saturday, September 10
Where: London – Various locations including The Royal Albert Hall
Electric Proms (c) RounElectric-Proms-(c)-Roundhousedhouse
Type of music: Classical
Camping?: No – hotels near the Royal Albert Hall
Essential information:
Rightly able to claim the title of world’s greatest classical music festival, this is a month of performances from global names.
Proms in the Park is the popular outdoor party to compliment the renowned Last Night.
45. Citadel
When: Sunday, July 17
Where: Victoria Park, London
Type of music: Various
Camping?: No
Essential information:
This new-ish one day festival takes over from Lovebox in Hackney and offers a chilled-out musical vibe to finish the weekend.
Headliners: Sigur Rós
SunceBeat 7
46. SuncéBeat 7
When: Wednesday, July 20 to Wednesday, July 27
Where: The Garden Tisno, Croatia
Type of music: Dance, Urban
Camping: Yes
Essential information:
Dance til dawn under the stars at this week-long rave party which appeals to the older crowd.
Headliners: DJ Jazzy Jeff, Louie Vega
47. Liverpool International Music Festival (LIMF)
When: Thursday, July 21 to Sunday, July 24
Where: Liverpool
Type of music: Various (World)
Camping?: No – Find hotels in Liverpool
Essential information:
Don’t miss the free LIMF Summer Jam in historic Sefton Park, held across three days.
Headliners: Sigma
48. Secret Garden Party
When: Thursday, July 21 to Sunday, July 24
Where: Mill Hill Field, Cambridgshire
Type of music: Indie, Dance
Camping?: Yes
Essential information:
This year’s theme is “The Gardeners Guide to The Galaxy”, and you can expect a varied line-up at this alternative festival in landscaped grounds near Huntingdon.
Headliners: Caribou, Air, Primal Scream
49. Tomorrowland
When: Friday, July 22 to Sunday, July 24
Where: Boom, Belgium
Type of music: Electronic
Essential information:
This iconic European event has sold out, so its one for the diary – they have a similar pre-registration as Glastonbury. There are tickets available for their sister festival in Brasil in April however.
More info: Website
50. Nozstock The Hidden Valley
Nozstock – credit Mike Hale
When: Friday, July 22 to Sunday, July 24
Where: Bromyard, Herefordshire
Type of music: Various
Camping?: Yes, Free
Essential information
This family-run festival has evolved over the years, and now it comes of age with its 18th birthday.
Think a miniature version of Glastonbury, set on a working farm in the rolling hills of the Herefordshire countryside.
You’ll hear pop, ska, folk, funk, soul, indie, drum and bass, psytrance, house and a whole lot more to get you into the festival spirit.
Headliners: Already announced include Jurassic 5, Gentleman’s Dub Club, Foreign Beggars
51. Camp Bestival
When: Thursday, July 28 to Sunday, July 31
Where: Lulworth Castle, Dorset
Type of music: Various
Camping?: Yes
Essential information:
The theme for 2016 is outer space and organisers will be hoping you’re ready for blast off at this family-friendly even in July.
Headliners: Fatboy Slim, Tears for Fears and Jess Glynne
More info: Website and
52. Port Eliot
When: Thursday, July 28 to, Sunday, July 28
Where: St Germans, Cornwall
Type of music: Various
Camping?: Yes
Essential information
This is a real arts festival with literature, fashion, film, flowers and food given as much time as the music – and its a real celebrity hotspot.
When you’re not enjoying the music visit the oldest inhabited home on the country as well as Cornwall’s oldest church among the historic highlights of the venue.
Headliners: Noel Fielding, Ryley Walker Michael Chapman
53. Movement Croatia
When: Thursday, July 28 to Monday, August 1
Where: Tisno, Croatia
Type of music: Techno, Dance
Camping?: Onsite accomodation options
Essential information
Sometimes you’ll even be dancing with the water round your feet at this beachside festival in Croatia.
The famous Garden Resort and Barbarella’s Discotheque – beloved of other festivals, are fine festivals for Movement to replicate their Detroit and Turin editions.
Headliners: Ben Klock, Marcel Dettmann & Nina Kraviz
More info: Website
Music festivals in August
54. BBC Radio 1 Weekend Ibiza 2016
When: TBA
Where: Ibiza
Type of music: Various
Essential information:
Traditionally held on the first weekend in August, while details are still under wraps it will be the events 21st birthday.
More info: Website
55. 51st State Festival
51st State 2015 (c) Marc Sethi
When: Saturday, August 6
Where: Trent Park, London
Type of music: House, Garage, Soul
Camping?: No
Essential information
Six stages of banging tunes made last years debut festival a sell out.
Set in leafy grounds at the end of the Piccadilly Line near Cockfosters, also watch out for the after party which keeps things going well into the early hours.
Headliners: Kings of House, Soul II Soul, Artful Dodger
56. Wilderness
When: Thursday, August 4 to Sunday, August 7
Where: Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire
Type of music: Various
Camping: Yes
Essential information:
Organisers like you to strike a balance between relaxing and revelry at this perfect parkland in Oxfordshire (only an hour from London).
Headliners: Robert Plant, The Flaming Lips
57. Soundwave
When: Thursday, August 4 to Monday, August 8
Where: Tisno, Croatia
Type of music: Dance, Club Classics, Drum & Bass
Camping?: No – but they have onsite apartments
Essential information
Garden Tisno on the Dalmatian coastline will be the backdrop for the summer soundtrack at this chilled out and intimate festival.
Croatian artists will transform the festival site into a work of art and there’ll also be donkey races as well as boat parties and open-air raving.
Headliners: Pharoahe Monch, Mala and Craig Charles
58. Boardmasters
When: Wednesday, August 10 to Sunday, August 14
Where: Newquay, Cornwall
Type of music: Various
Camping: Yes
Essential information:
Music and surfing combine at this coastal festival, which takes place at the picturesque Watergate Bay and Fistral Beach.
Headliners: Chase & Status, Deadmau5 and James Bay
Sziget Festival
59. Sziget Festival
When: Wednesday, August 10 to Wednesday, August 17
Where: Budapest, Hungary
Type of music: Various
Camping: Yes – or stay in a Budapest hotel
Essential information:
This festival has one of the prettiest spots, it’s on an island on the River Danube in the heart of Budapest.
Along with big-name acts, they also have some incredible art installations and projects running alongside the music.
Headliners: Muse, David Guetta
Sziget Festival
60. Green Man Festival
When: Thursday, August 18 to Sunday, August 21
Where: Brecon Beacons, Wales
Type of music: Indie
Camping: Yes
Essential information:
The hills are alive with the sound of music from sun up to sun down.
Headliners: Belle & Sebastian & James Blake
61. V Festival
When: Saturday, August 20 to Sunday, August 21
Where: Weston Park, Staffordshire and Hylands Park, Chelmsford
Type of music: Various
Camping: Yes
Essential information:
Come celebrate V Festival’s coming of age.
For its 21st birthday they’ve got a star-studded line-up across the dual locations.
Headliners: Justin Bieber & Rihanna
Victorious 2015 (c) Matt Ankers
62. Rock En Seine
When: Friday, August 26 to Sunday, August 28
Where: Paris
Type of music: Rock, Pop-Rock, Alternative
Camping?: Yes – if you don’t fancy camping, here are some Paris hotels
Essential information
Set in the historic setting of the Domaine National de Saint-Cloud, the amps are set to full pelt (you can pick up ear plugs) as the sounds of rock blast through the ornamental gardens.
One of France’s biggest music festivals, some of the biggest names in rock have played here since the first festival in 2003.
Headliners: The Last Shadow Puppets, Massive Attack, Foals & Iggy Pop
63. Victorious Festival
Victorious 2015 (c) Matt Ankers
When: August Bank Holiday Weekend,Saturday, August 27 to Sunday, August 28
Where: Portsmouth
Type of music: Indie, Pop
Camping?: No – find Portsmouth hotels
Essential information:
The pretty Southsea seafront is the location for this increasingly popular festival which promises its best line-up ever to help your bank holiday go with a bang.
Headliners: Manic Street Preachers, Noe Gallagher’s High Flying Birds
64. South West Four
When: August Bank Holiday Weekend: Saturday, August 27 to Sunday, August 28
Where: Clapham Common, London
South West Four at Clapham
Type of music: Drum & Bass, House, Garage
Camping?: No – try these hotels near Clapham
Essential information:
This bank holiday dance music festival on Clapham Common just gets bigger and better and expect further line-up announcements throughout the spring.
Headliners: Rudimental, Dizzee Rascal
65. Reading Festival
When: August Bank Holiday Weekend: Friday, August 26 to Sunday, August 28
Where: Reading
Royal Blood. Photographer Jen O’Neill
Type of music: Rock, Indie, Metal
Camping? Yes – or stay in a hotel in Reading
Essential information:
The older sibling to Leeds Festival (No. 54) have been a staple of the festival circuit for decades.
The line-up alternates between the two venues over the weekend.
Headliners: Red Hot Chili Peppers and Foals
66. Leeds Festival
When: August Bank Holiday Weekend: Friday, August 26 to Sunday, August 28
Where: Leeds
Leeds Festival. The Foals. Image by Marc Sethi
Type of music: Various
Camping? Yes – or stay in a Leeds hotel.
Essential information:
The first Leeds Festival took place in 1999 alongside its big brother, Reading (see no. 53), and they alternate the acts over the two days.
Headliners: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Disclosure and Foals
Night falls at Leeds Festival. Photographer Marc Sethi
67. Creamfields
When: August Bank Holiday Weekend: Thursday, August 25 to Sunday, August 28
Where: Daresbury near Warrington
Type of music: Dance, Electronic
Camping?: Yes – here’s some more options: hotels near Creamfields
Essential information:
The UK’s most iconic dance festival is now bigger than before, with a 4th day added for 2016.
Headliners: Alesso, Knife Party, Calvin Harris, Armin Van Buuren, Martin Garrix
Music festivals in September
68. Festival No. 6
When: Thursday, September 1 to Sunday, September 4
Where: Portmeirion, Wales
Type of music: Various
Camping?: Yes
Essential information:
One of the smaller festivals, its unique coastal location at Portmeirion (famous as the location for cult-classic, The Prisoner) and ability to attract big names, has made it a big hit on the festival circuit.
Headliners: Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Hot Chip, Bastille
69. Bestival
When: Thursday, September 8 to Sunday, September 11
Where: Robin Hill Country Park, Isle of Wight
Type of music: Various
Camping?: Yes
Essential information:
This self-proclaimed boutique festival strives to bring progressive and new music to its audience in the leafy surroundings of Robin Hill on the Isle of Wight.
Festival co-Founder Rob Da Bank will be playing a special set.
Headliners: The Cure, Hot Chip, Major Lazer
70. OnBlackheath Festival
OnBlackheath
When: Saturday, September 10 to Sunday, September 11
Where: Blackheath, London
Type of music: Various
Camping?: No – find hotels near Blackheath
Essential information
This family-friendly festival on one of London’s finest open spaces now draws crowds of c30,000 over its two days.
Along with a stellar line-up, with a very strong 90s theme, across the different stages, there will also be some cracking food and drink options to keep you fed and watered while you dance.
Headliners: Belle & Sebastian, Primal Scream, James, Saint Etienne and Neneh Cherry
Find somewhere to stay
We’ve got plenty of London hotels to choose from if your’re heading to the capital for one of the scores of festivals this summer.
If you out in the countryside but don’t feel like camping – remember to check our latest hotel deals near the festival sites for a less muddy option.
Maybe one of the international festivals has caught your eye – if so our European flights could get you there.
Tell us where you’re heading this summer
We’d love to know what festivals are on your summer hit list – let us know by leaving a comment below.
Source: lastminute.com