Ah, music festivals! They’re like the edible confetti of the summer, floating through the air, bringing people together for a massive celebration of sounds, vibes, and occasionally questionable tent choices. If you’re anything like me, your heart races at the thought of jumping around in a field, surrounded by the sweet sounds of your favourite artists, or discovering new bands while someone inevitably spills their drink on your shoes.
So, before you start planning your ‘glamping’ experience for 2024, let’s take a cheeky peek at some of the upcoming UK music festivals. These events are ready to take over your summer, and if you don’t already have your friends on a group chat, what are you even doing?
Let me start with the big kahuna of UK festivals: Glastonbury. If you haven’t been, picture this: five days on a muddy patch of land with thousands of fellow music lovers, a delightful assortment of food stalls, and, of course, the joy of watching a headline act while trying to remember where you pitched your tent. Spoiler alert: you won’t.
In 2024, expect the usual chaos mixed with a line-up that can only be described as legendary. But let’s be honest here; it’s not just about the music. You’ve got the quirky shops, the weird performance art, and, if you’re lucky, you might catch some random guy in a chicken suit playing bagpipes.
Tip: Don’t forget your wellies! Every year, without fail, I see someone in flip-flops, grinning, only to vanish into the mud like a cartoon character. Trust me, it’s not a good look.
Next up is the classic duo—Reading and Leeds Festival. These twin festivals have been around since… well, before some of you were born! They differ slightly, with Reading attracting more of a rock and indie crowd and Leeds being a bit more flexible in genres. Honestly, they’re the perfect excuse for a weekend road trip.
Grab your mates, and make sure you show up early. I once try to navigate the festival grounds after losing my friends in the sea of humanity. Pro tip: set a meeting point and don’t forget to grab a £5 burger (acceptable fare, trust me!).
Fun Fact: The main stage has seen everyone from The Cure to Billie Eilish in recent years. Can you imagine losing your voice from belting out “Bad Guy” with tens of thousands of others?
Now, speaking of festivals with a bit of character, let’s chat about the Isle of Wight Festival. Yes, a trip to a festival is an excuse to jump on a ferry, embrace the island life, and sip on a Pimm’s while trying to avoid being swallowed by seagulls. It’s a lovely mix of nostalgia and modern vibes.
This year’s line-up is still under wraps, but let’s just say that it’s already got the potential to be electrifying. Just make sure to bring a good book, because between acts, I’ve spent more time on the beach than I probably should have, working on my tan—or lack of it.
Insider Scoop: If you’re staying on the island longer, venture out to the Needle, a stunning chalk formation that’s basically an Instagram magnet. You’ll thank me later!
Latitude is the festival for you if you fancy a more relaxed vibe. It’s like a picnic with live music—add a twist of poetry readings and theatre performances. Honestly, nothing beats lying on the grass, soaking in some rays while listening to some soulful acoustic tunes from an artist whose name you might actually not know.
What’s special? The Suffolk countryside is heart-stoppingly beautiful, and I distinctly remember the sunset over the lake. It was almost enough to drown out that bad cup of tea I had, which tasted like liquid disappointment. Get yourself a proper cuppa at the local café instead, it’ll be worth it!
If you’re vibing with the urban sounds of hip-hop and R&B, then Wireless Festival is calling your name. Held in Finsbury Park, London, it attracts some of the biggest names from across the pond and homegrown talents alike.
The festival feels like a massive block party—lots of good energy, bright trainers, and a few cheeky selfies with strangers. Just remember—sometimes less is more when it comes to your outfit. I once wore a fabulous but utterly impractical pair of platform shoes. Let’s say the dance-offs did not end well…
Bestival is a festival that focuses on creativity. Every year, its themes bring out the best in festival-goers—last year was all about “psychedelic,” and I have to say, some outfits were so mind-blowingly colourful that they’d make a rainbow look beige!
Though Bestival’s dates for 2024 haven’t been confirmed yet, when they do drop, jump on those tickets! The live sets, dancing like nobody’s watching, and the festival’s art installations will make you wish you could time-travel back to your childhood and wear wings while sipping lemonade.
So, there you have it! 2024 is shaping up to be a magical, music-infused summer, full of adventures, mishaps, and questionable food choices. You’ll get muddy, you’ll have fun, and hey, you might even nab a new band to fall in love with.
Plan your trip around these festivals, and remember to pack wisely, decide on your transport to avoid any regrets (we’ve all had that last-minute dash), and keep your phone charged for all those Instagrammable moments!
Now, which festival are you most excited for? Or do you have a funny festival story? Drop your thoughts below—I’d love to hear all about it!
