Ah, the festival season! It’s that magical time of year when you can rely on the Great British weather to dampen your spirits and your socks (no, seriously—always check the forecast!). But festivals in the UK are not just about the headliners on the main stage; oh no, there are hidden gems waiting to be found. I’m talking about the kind of festivals that don’t make it onto the cover of a magazine, yet offer experiences you won’t forget—unless you have one too many at the cider tasting, in which case, good luck recalling any of it!
So, grab a cuppa (hopefully not that horrid stuff I had at one festival—more on that later) and settle in as I share some of my favourite lesser-known festivals.
Now, I know what you’re thinking—bees? Really? But hear me out! The Great British Bee Festival in Bristol is a buzzing affair (pun very much intended). You wouldn’t believe how much fun you can have all in the name of our fuzzy friends.
Picture this: street performers, local artisans, honey tasting, and expert talks about the importance of bees. Just last year, I stumbled upon a local lady who kept honeybees in her back garden. She had the most amazing stories about her bees’ shenanigans. Her special honey’s flavour was like candy for your taste buds—trust me, you haven’t lived until you’ve had elderflower-infused honey!
Highlights of the festival include:
This festival usually takes place in September. Best keep an eye on their website for next year’s dates!
Ah, the alluring art of worm charming—ever tried it? At the World Worm Charming Championships in Willaston, you can watch (or join in) as contestants coax worms above ground using only their charm (and sometimes overly enthusiastic tapping). The first time I went, I couldn’t help but giggle at a group of ‘professional’ charmers in the competition, who treated it like an Olympic sport. You wouldn’t believe the techniques they employed!
The event is more about fun than serious competition.
In case you’re wondering, this quirky event takes place every June, and you will definitely leave with some fascinating stories to tell.
If you’re keen on reconnecting with nature and enjoying a sustainable lifestyle, the Welsh Green Gathering is the place to be. I stumbled upon this festival by accident while wandering the beautiful Welsh countryside.
Think eco-friendly living, yoga, and a community vibe that will fill your heart. Here, you can take part in workshops on everything from bushcraft to herbalism.
And let’s not forget the food! Locally sourced, organic, and often served with a side of good humour from the vendors. I once had a falafel wrap that knocked my socks off—runner-up to the tea, though. Oh, that was a horror show!
Keep your eyes peeled for:
This festival generally finds its home around late summer. There’s always something going on here that’ll get your conscience tingling, so worth a visit!
Garlic lovers, rejoice! The Isle of Wight Garlic Festival is basically a love letter to garlic in all its forms. From garlic ice cream (yes, I said it!) to garlic bread contests, if you like the smell of garlic, you’ll be in heaven—well, your breath might disagree, but who cares?
When I went, I felt slightly overdressed. Everyone else seemed to have embraced the whole ‘laid-back island vibe’ while I was there in my best garb, fearing that I hadn’t packed my ‘festival attire’ properly (note to self: flip-flops for all festivals henceforth). The sun was shining, and the garlic aroma wafting through the air had me wondering about my relationship with this pungent bulb.
You’ll find:
This festival happens in August, and it’s perfect for a family day out. Just bring plenty of mints for the journey home!
Alright, this one’s a bit more mainstream but, if you’ve never heard of it, it’s a must-visit, especially for anyone who loves music against a backdrop of beautiful hills. Kendal Calling often flies under the radar compared to Glastonbury or Reading but packs a punch.
I mean, who can resist the scenery of the Lake District? Plus, every day is like a mini-adventure! You can hike to some stunning spots and feel mighty proud that you’ve “earned” that pint of cider you’ll have later. That is until you realise you’ve left your mate behind at the Silent Disco.
What to expect?
This festival typically occurs in late July. Grab a ticket and prepare to make some questionable choices!
So, there you have it! Five hidden gem festivals in the UK that’ll light up your summer and, yes, all year round if you play your cards right. If you’re tired of the same old festival scene and fancy trying something quirky, the options above are definitely worth a gander. Trust me; you’ll leave with strange memories and perhaps a lingering taste of garlic (or sobering reflections over bad tea).
Have you been to any of these festivals, or do you have your own hidden gem to share? Drop your stories and any cheeky festival tips in the comments below! Your fellow festival-goers will thank you!
