With summer comes a whole host of great gatherings, leaving you the difficult task of choosing one (or more!) to attend. With our help, the selection should be a cinch.
1–3 June, Cheltenham
Held at Cheltenham Racecourse, the Wychwood Festival plays host to over 100 artists and offers a plethora of family-friendly activities, including carnival parades, circus workshops and outdoor games. Among the musical acts appearing this year are The Gipsy Kings, indie stalwarts Shed Seven and singer Baxter Dury.
Tickets: Weekend adult ticket cost £137.50 (not including booking fee).
wychwoodfestival.com
5–20 June, London
Lionel Richie, Paloma Faith, Gary Barlow, The Beach Boys, Jools Holland and virtuoso blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa have all been announced for this year’s Hampton Court Palace Festival. This one’s really for the grown-ups, and includes tempting VIP dining packages that allow you to eat in the palace’s grand State Apartments.
Tickets: Prices vary but start at £49 (not including a booking fee).
hamptoncourtpalacefestival.com
13–15 July, Oxfordshire
This one-of-a-kind festival is adored by families who return year after year. With a real mix of music, a fun-filled fairground, a therapy and massage zone (go on, treat yourself), a disco shed, a vintage mobile cinema and so much more, kids and grown-ups can spend a magical weekend together in the countryside, far, far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Tickets: Weekend adult tickets are on sale for £180 (not including booking fee).
cornburyfestival.com
2–5 August Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire
Wilderness Festival definitely ticks the boxes if you’re looking to add some magic to your summer. You can take a swim in the lakes, do a yoga masterclass, forage for snacks in the woods. Oh, and of course, you can head to the main music stage at sunset to sing along with one of your musical heroes.
Tickets: General camping tickets cost £179.50 for adults (not including booking fee).
wildernessfestival.com
8–12 August, Newquay
Even if there’s not a single surfing bone in your body, Boardmasters is still the ultimate UK sun, sea and sand festival that’s bound to make your summer one to remember. Head down to Fistral Beach for five days of pro surf, skateboard and BMX competitions. The music festival itself is held at nearby Watergate Bay, and it’s buzzing with happy-go-lucky people and a line-up that includes The Chemical Brothers, George Ezra, Rag’n’Bone Man and more.
Tickets: Adult tickets including festival entry, camping and access to Fistral Beach start at £149 (plus booking fee).
boardmasters.com
16–19 August, Brecon Beacons
Set in the beautiful Welsh countryside, the ethically-minded Green Man Festival sees itself as being more of an intimate celebration than a big corporate party. With 10 areas to explore, those with interests outside of music will find plenty to revel in. Fleet Foxes, John Grant, Grizzly Bear and more are all set to perform.
Tickets: If you’re pitching up a tent from Thursday through to the Monday, an adult ticket costs £180.
greenman.net
25–26 August, London
If you’ve missed out on a summer holiday rave-up in Ibiza, then SW4 is the next best thing. No campsite, no tent, no problem; at the end of the night you can head back to wherever you’re staying and have a hot shower before hitting the hay. The full line-up is still to be announced but Chase & Status, Craig David and Dizzee Rascal are currently on the list.
Tickets: Standard weekend tickets cost £115. Last remaining tickets cost £125.
southwestfour.com