Ah, summer! The time when the sun graces us with its presence, and music floats through the air like confetti. If you’re anything like me, you have a serious passion for music. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of soaking up sounds, singing along, and basking in the vibe of a live gig. And the UK, folks, is chock-full of epic summer music festivals that’ll make your heart sing. So, let’s chat about some of the best ones to hit this summer!
First up is the big daddy of them all, the legendary Glastonbury Festival. It’s a rite of passage for any self-respecting music lover. You’ve got to prepare yourself for an experience that’s equal parts magic, chaos, mud, and, let’s be honest, questionable portaloos.
I still remember my first Glasto—a whirlwind of colourful tents, random encounters, and shamelessly singing “Wonderwall” at the top of my lungs at 3 AM. And who could forget the eclectic lineup? From the iconic headliners to hidden gems on the smaller stages, you really can’t go wrong. This year, legends like Elton John and Lizzo will take the Pyramid Stage, while the smaller venues are bursting with fresh talent waiting to be discovered. Just don’t ask me about that cup of tea I had—it was downright awful! Nothing beats a good cuppa, and I honestly still can’t make sense of how you can ruin that.
Oh, and a little tip—check out the Green Fields and the quirky installations in the area. You’ll find everything from art to yoga classes; trust me, your soul will thank you for it. Oh, and get ready for those infamous Glastonbury sunrises. They’ll make you forget all about last night’s shenanigans, at least until you remember them!
Next on the list is the Wireless Festival in London. A massive celebration of hip-hop and R&B, this festival is where you’ll catch some of the biggest names in the game. I remember dancing like no one was watching when Dave took to the stage. The energy was electric, and I’d lost my mates halfway through "Location," but honestly, who cares?
Set in Finsbury Park, this festival does a fantastic job of bringing together different cultures and communities while pumping out the hottest beats. Bring your best dance moves because a weekend here means you may just end up making friends with someone you’d never approach in real life! Oh, and listen to me when I say—don’t forget to sample some of the food trucks. You’ll discover a bevy of culinary delights, from Afro-Caribbean dishes to classic British fish and chips that might just knock your socks off (and yes, there are gluten-free options too)!
Now, if you’re looking for something a bit more chilled, Latitude Festival comes highly recommended. Picture this: stunning views of the countryside, multiple stages, and a variety of arts, from theatre to comedy acts. Latitude has a magical vibe like no other. I found solace there on a particularly sunny afternoon, swaying to Hozier while surrounded by the lush green landscape.
What sets Latitude apart is its unusual focus on arts as well as music. You can catch spoken word performances or a cheeky comedy set before indulging in some good old-fashioned festival food. And let’s not forget about the secret bars scattered about—just keep your eyes peeled! One particularly rustic bar had only three types of beer but felt like stepping into a hidden gem of a local pub, despite being in the middle of a mud pit. Ah, nostalgia hits!
If rock is your jam, you can’t miss the Reading and Leeds Festivals. These twin festivals run simultaneously and boast an impressive lineup filled with classic and new bands alike. You’ll find everything from heavy metal to indie and punk; it’s a rock lover’s dream.
I remember being squeezed between sweaty bodies at the Reading Festival, screaming lyrics to Arctic Monkeys and wondering how I wasn’t more dehydrated considering the heat. Always carry water, my friends; don’t make the same mistake as I did! It can get absolutely bonkers, especially when headlining acts like Green Day grace the stage. And how can I forget the iconic “Reading Sign”? You’ve got to snap a selfie there; it’s practically a rite of passage.
Don’t overlook the comedy tent either—a great spot for a breather and some giggles. You might stumble upon some rising stars who end up landing a TV career, and you can say, “I watched them when…”
Oh, and for those who prefer a sweep of salty air with their tunes, check out the Boardmasters Festival in Cornwall. A brilliant fusion of music, surf culture, and the seaside, Boardmasters is like a vacation wrapped in tunes. I still have flashbacks to my sunburn from two summers ago, but that doesn’t stop me from wanting to relive it!
Catch a wave, enjoy the beach, and then transition into evening glory with a cracking lineup of acts. From Foals to London Grammar, this festival ticks all the right boxes. Plus, you can munch on a Cornish pasty while lounging on the beach, and there’s a good chance you might even see someone who looks like a surfing god/goddess. Focus, focus on the music, you’re not here for romance, right?
As we close this jam-packed overview of summer festivals, let’s touch on one last thing: festival etiquette. I may have learned my lesson the hard way. If you’re at a festival and fancy heading to the front during a set, always say "excuse me!" No one likes a bargy. Plus, bring a portable charger; no one wants the embarrassment of a dead phone while trying to navigate back to your tent.
So, summer music lovers unite! There’s a feast of festivals to indulge in, and trust me—the experiences you’ll have are worth the muddy shoes and questionable burger choices. Whether you’re jamming to big-name acts at Glastonbury or soaking up the sun at Boardmasters, there’s something waiting for you. Remember, it’s not just about the music; it’s about the community, the memories, and the adventures (even the ones you’ll laugh about later).
Got a favourite festival or a wild anecdote to share? Let’s hear it! Comment below with your stories, and maybe we can swap some recommendations for the next festival season. Let’s keep the rhythm going!
