The UK is home to an incredible variety of over 1,000 festivals each year. There’s something for everyone, whether you're a music enthusiast or a culture lover, and you can immerse yourself in the joy of live performances and unforgettable experiences. From the lively streets of London to the beautiful countryside, UK festivals truly is a paradise. In this blog, we have put together a list of the 20 biggest UK festivals just for you! Enjoy exploring.
Table of Contents
1. Glastonbury Festival
2. Reading & Leeds Festival
3. Download Festival
4. Isle of Wight Festival
5. Creamfields
6. Wireless Festival
7. Edinburgh Festival Fringe
8. Latitude Festival
9. Boomtown Fair
10. Kendal Calling
11. Green Man Festival
12. Y Not Festival
13. Lovebox Festival
14. Parklife Festival
15. All Points East
16. Gala
17. Black Deer
18. Notting Hill Carnival
19. Hay Festival
20. Love Supreme
These are the top 20 biggest UK music festivals and cultural fests. Look below to learn about them in detail:
Each summer, Glastonbury Festival lights up the countryside near Pilton, Somerset, with a fantastic five-day celebration of contemporary performing arts. From music and dance to comedy and circus acts, there's something for everyone to enjoy. With a mix of music genres, it’s always a lively topic around town and stands out as one of England’s biggest musical highlights!
Location: Pilton, Somerset, England
Duration: 5 days
Average Ticket Cost: £355 + £5 booking fee
Leeds and Reading Festivals are more than just concerts, they're unforgettable experiences. Each year, around 80,000 fans gather at Bramham Park in Leeds to groove to amazing acts like Lana Del Rey and Blink-182. It’s all about good vibes, great tunes, and that incredible festival energy. Reading keeps the excitement going for three full days with a fantastic lineup from indie talents to rock legends. Both festivals have their unique charm, and you don’t want to miss them.
Location: Bramham Park and Reading, UK
Duration: 4-6 days
Average Ticket Cost: £200 - £300
Are you a headbanger at heart? Download Festival celebrates everything from rock to techno, featuring acts from the late 70s and early 80s. Set in the iconic Donington Park in Leicestershire, it’s the perfect stage for all emo, hardcore, and nu-metal fans.
Location: Donington Park
Duration: 3 Days
Average Ticket Cost: £345
Experience the magic of the Isle of Wight Festival. Headliners include the legendary electronic act The Prodigy on Friday, followed by Pet Shop Boys’ “DREAMWORLD - The Greatest Hits Live” on Saturday, and the famous Green Day will bring the festival to a grand close on Sunday. This four-day event is set to be another fantastic celebration of music.
Location: Seaclose Park, Newport
Duration: 4 Days
Average Ticket Cost: £269.95
Calling all electronic music lovers. Creamfields is your ultimate destination for an electrifying weekend filled with non-stop tunes. Nestled between Liverpool and Manchester, these UK festivals gathers thousands of partygoers for a DJ paradise. Dance to house, techno, trance, and more in a high-energy atmosphere that’s all about the music—no frills, just fun.
Location: Creamfields, Daresbury Estate, Cheshire WA4 4AG
Duration: 4 Days
Average Ticket Cost: £100 - £200
Wireless Festival is an exhilarating yearly celebration of rap and hip-hop music held in London. With around 50,000 attendees each year, it’s a biggest UK festivals, but make sure to check the guidelines—no drinks, snacks, or large bags allowed, so you can pack light and enjoy the experience!
Location: Finsbury Park, London
Duration: 3 Days
Average Ticket Cost: £94.60 - £259.25
Get ready for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world’s largest arts festival. Every August, Scotland's capital transforms into a vibrant playground filled with thousands of performers across a multitude of stages. From theatre and comedy to dance and spoken word, there’s always something exciting happening, along with street performances and pop-up shows that make it a true haven for art lovers.
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
Duration: 3 Weeks
Average Ticket Cost: £10 or less
Latitude Festival is an amazing weekend getaway that beautifully combines a fantastic lineup of music with comedy, poetry, theatre, literature, and wellness activities for the whole family. In past UK festivals, they've included fun activities like a kids' model-making class from the talented creators of “Wallace & Gromit,” along with engaging talks from inspiring figures like Dame Sheila Hancock.
Location: Henham Park in Suffolk
Duration: 3 Days
Average Ticket Cost: £180
Boomtown Fair is a lively art and music one of the biggest festivals in UK that takes place every year. It’s known for its incredible theatrical experiences and showcases a diverse mix of music genres including hip-hop, indie, and rock. But it’s not just about the music, you will also find fantastic street performers that add to the excitement, bringing in a wonderfully diverse crowd. It’s a true celebration of self-expression and creativity.
Location: Matterley Estate, Alresford Road, near Winchester, Hampshire
Duration: 4 Days
Average Ticket Cost: £76.25
Kendal Calling is all about that perfect camping experience. The camping costs are included in your event tickets, so grab your tent and let the good times roll. They list general camping spots on the website, making it easy for you to join in on the biggest UK music festivals. Get ready for a memorable weekend with music and vibes that will get you pumped up—it's a true celebration of life.
Location: Lowther Deer Park
Duration: 3-4 Days
Average Ticket Cost: £208.95
Green Man has earned its nickname as the “mini Glastonbury” here in the UK. It's super eco-friendly, featuring compost toilets instead of single-use plastics, and all its energy comes from solar, hydrogen, or vegetable oil. It’s a one of the biggest UK festivals that’s not only fun but also conscious of our planet—a must-visit!
Location: Near Crickhowell, South Wales
Duration: 4 Days
Average Ticket Cost: £129.50 + Booking Fee
Y Not Festival is your go-to weekend event and is always packed with excitement. Expect an incredible lineup with big names like Snoop Dog and Noel Gallagher, among many others. Plus, there are loads of fun activities to enjoy, like paint fights and an in-house cinema. It's a stellar experience waiting for you!
Location: Pikehall, Derbyshire
Duration: 4 Days
Average Ticket Cost: £99.50
Welcome to Lovebox Festival, an incredible three-day musical extravaganza that can accommodate up to 50,000 people. Originally launched as a dance festival, it has now expanded to feature a diverse range of music genres, including grime, pop, indie, and rock. Throughout the event, you will also be entertained by a stunning lineup of cabaret and circus acts. It's truly one of the best and biggest festivals in the UK. In addition, if you forget to bring something with you, you can enjoy shopping at the biggest shopping center in UK.
Location: Gunnersbury Park, London, England
Duration: 3 Days
Average Ticket Cost: £345.00
Get ready for an amazing experience at the Parklife Festival, where around 85,000 music lovers gather each year in the vibrant city of Manchester. This two-day celebration, usually held in June, is all about dance and electronic music, featuring a fantastic mix of artists from various genres, including pop and rock. Last year was especially electric with performances from incredible acts like The Prodigy, Wu-Tang Clan, and Rudimental.
Location: Heaton Park
Duration: 2 Days
Average Ticket Cost: £129.50 +Booking Fee
City day UK festivals like All Points East are an absolute blast. With smaller venues, you can easily connect with friends and enjoy the lively vibe without worrying about your tent getting drenched. Spanning two weekends, this festival takes place in East London’s Victoria Park and is known for its fun-loving crowds. This year, you can catch headliners like the indie-disco favourites The Strokes, the talented Haim, and the ever-popular Stormzy, who’s quickly becoming a regular on the headline scene.
Location: Victoria Park, London
Duration: 10 days
Average Ticket Cost: £58.20
If you’re a music enthusiast, you won’t want to miss the Gala. This charming festival feels like a community celebration where everyone is welcome, and all music genres are celebrated. It is also one of the biggest UK film festivals Just as the name suggests, you’re guaranteed to have a fantastic time.
Location: Peckham Rye Park
Duration: 2 days
Average Ticket Cost: £60 - £70
Country music lovers will find their paradise at the Black Deer Festival. This event embraces independent musicians and promotes a relaxed atmosphere. It’s truly one of the biggest UK music festivals. With a variety of mouthwatering street food, family-friendly activities, cooking lessons from renowned smokehouse chefs, and even a motorbike exhibition, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Location: Eldridge Park, Kent
Duration: Between 2 weeks and up to 3 days
Average Ticket Cost: £90.95
If you love vibrant celebrations, you won't want to miss the Notting Hill Carnival the one of the biggest UK festivals. This amazing event happens every August Bank Holiday and is a joyful celebration of Caribbean culture and heritage. Picture a sea of colour, lively music, and energetic dance, featuring incredible steel bands and dazzling costumes. Plus, there's delicious Caribbean street food to enjoy, making it a fantastic day for everyone to come together and celebrate diversity.
Location: Ladbroke Grove, London, England
Calling all bookworms and literature enthusiasts. The Hay Festival in Hay-on-Wye is like a dream come true for those who love words and ideas. This internationally renowned event brings together an amazing lineup of writers, poets, and thinkers from all over the globe for engaging readings, thought-provoking discussions, and lively debates. Set in a charming location with a cosy atmosphere, it's the perfect place to indulge your curiosity and passion for literature.
Location: Hay-on-Wye, Powys, Wales
Duration: 11days
Get ready for an unforgettable experience at Love Supreme. This biggest festival in the UK is all about funk, soul, and jazz, and it’s been getting rave reviews for its fantastic mix of legendary jazz icons and fresh new talent. With an incredible lineup and plenty of genres blending, you’ll be amazed by the musical talent on display. Prepare to be swept away by the infectious jams and spontaneous vibes—it's a celebration you won't want to miss!
Location: Glynde, Lewes BN8 6SX, United Kingdom
Duration: 32 minutes and 47 seconds
Average Cost Price: £72
These were the list of biggest UK festivals, now in the next section you will get to know some tips to follow to attend these events.
Here are some tips for attending UK festivals, whether you are a first-timer or returning after years:
Follow these tips to ensure a fun and safe biggest UK festivals experience,
In summary, this blog has showcased the most popularand biggest festivals in the UK. These events bring people together to share stories, express emotions, and celebrate the beauty of diversity. Whether you enjoy dancing or listening to ancient folk tunes, there is something for everyone to enjoy. In addition, if you're searching for affordable student accommodation in UK, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experts for assistance.
Here are the top five biggest festivals in the UK, known for their diversity and popularity:
The largest country festival in the UK is C2C: Country to Country, a multi-day event that takes place in March across London, Glasgow, and Belfast, featuring top artists from the US, UK, and Europe.
The largest concert in UK history, in terms of audience size, was the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival, which attracted an estimated 600,000 attendees.
The UK festival scene is vibrant, with approximately 975 festivals occurring each year, ranging from small community events to large-scale music and cultural festivals.
The three biggest festivals in the UK are Glastonbury Festival, Reading & Leeds Festival, and Download Festival.
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