Best Music Festivals in the UK

Looking for the best music festivals in the UK to attend in 2025? Whether you’re into rock, pop, electronic, or something more niche, the UK offers a festival for every music lover. In this article, we’ve rounded up the top 10 music festivals that promise unforgettable experiences with diverse lineups and unique atmospheres. Read on to discover the must-attend events of the UK festival season.

• Glastonbury Festival stands out for its diverse lineups and community spirit, making it a transformative experience for attendees.
• Safety with drink spiking within these festivals and how SpikeStixx prevents it
• Reading and Leeds Festivals attract huge crowds with their electric atmosphere and lineup that spans multiple genres, catering to a wide audience.
• Sustainable festivals like Green Man focus on eco-friendly practices, illustrating a growing trend towards environmental consciousness in the UK festival scene.

Glastonbury Festival holds an iconic status in the UK festival scene, drawing massive crowds each year and offering something for everyone. This legendary festival is known for its diverse range of lineups, showcasing various music genres and artists, making it a unique experience for attendees. Whether you’re into rock, pop, electronic, or folk, Glastonbury has it all, and its sheer scale and variety ensure that every festival-goer finds something to love.

The cultural impact of Glastonbury Festival on the UK music scene is significant, influencing trends and inspiring festivals across the country. The festival also features art installations, theatre performances, and film screenings, creating a holistic arts festival experience. The festival site itself becomes a temporary city, bustling with activities and creating a vibrant atmosphere that keeps festival-goers coming back year after year.

Beyond the stages and performances, Glastonbury is known for its sense of community and spirit of unity. Attendees often describe it as a transformative experience, where they can immerse themselves in the arts and connect with like-minded individuals. It’s no wonder that Glastonbury remains one of the favourite festivals for many, continuing to set the benchmark for what a music festival can be. 

For advice on how to stay safe during festivals, check out our blog: Top festival safety tips

The Reading and Leeds Festivals are staples of the UK festival scene, held annually over the August bank holiday weekend. Originating from the Beaulieu Jazz Festival in 1956, these twin festivals have evolved to feature a wide array of musical genres, from rock and punk to indie and electronic. In 1999, a separate Leeds location was introduced, allowing both festivals to run concurrently with the same lineup, ensuring that fans in different parts of the country could enjoy the same stellar performances.

Over the years, the festivals have hosted some of the biggest names in music, including Green Day, Travis Scott, and Rage Against the Machine. The line-ups are consistently diverse, ensuring that there is something for everyone, whether you’re a fan of headbanging rock or more mellow indie tunes. This variety makes Reading and Leeds popular music festivals among a wide audience, attracting tens of thousands of festival-goers each year.

The atmosphere at Reading and Leeds is electric, with fans eagerly anticipating the performances of their favourite artists over various stages. The festival site transforms into a vibrant hub of live music, food stalls, and various activities, providing an unforgettable experience for attendees.

Whether you’re camping out for the long weekend or just attending for a day, these biggest festivals are a must-visit for any music enthusiast.

At music festivals, drink spiking is a common threat. To ensure your safety, try out our product, Spikestixx, to help with drink spiking prevention

The Isle of Wight Festival is another jewel in the crown of UK music festivals. Its appeal lies not only in its impressive lineup but also in its scenic location, which adds a unique charm to the festival experience. Nestled on the idyllic Isle of Wight, the festival site offers picturesque views and a relaxed atmosphere that sets it apart from other events.

Festival-goers can enjoy a diverse range of music genres, from rock and pop to electronic and folk, making it a versatile event that caters to varied tastes. The live music performances are complemented by art installations, food stalls, and various activities, ensuring that there’s never a dull moment at the Isle of Wight Festival.

This unique blend of music and nature makes it a staple in the UK’s festival season.

For more detail on UK festivals, have a look at our other blog, Ultimate guide to uk festivals 2025

Boomtown Fair is a festival like no other, known for its uniquely themed districts that create a vibrant and immersive atmosphere. Since its inception in 2011, Boomtown has grown to become the second most popular UK music festival globally, attracting thousands of festival-goers each year. The festival features 12 main stages and over 50 hidden venues, providing a diverse and eclectic mix of music and arts that keeps attendees entertained throughout the event.

What sets Boomtown apart is:

• It focuses on storytelling and immersive experiences.
• The introduction of new themes and narratives each year transforms the festival site into a living, breathing storybook.
• The participation of thousands of performers and artists.

This combination creates a truly unique and unforgettable experience for festival-goers. It’s about being part of a larger narrative and exploring the various themed districts.

Boomtown Fair also emphasises social causes and charity fundraising, making it a festival with a conscience. Attendees can engage in various activities that promote sustainability and social awareness, adding another layer of depth to the festival experience.

Whether you’re dancing to your favourite tunes or exploring the hidden corners of the festival site, Boomtown Fair offers an adventure like no other.

Creamfields has established itself as the premier electronic music festival in the UK, attracting around 70,000 attendees each day. Known for its impressive stage productions and visual experiences, Creamfields offers a sensory overload that electronic music fans can’t get enough of. The festival features a lineup of renowned DJs and electronic music acts, including major names like Swedish House Mafia and David Guetta performing on the main stage.

What makes Creamfields stand out is its dedication to providing a top-tier festival experience. From the cutting-edge sound systems to the mesmerising light shows, every detail is designed to enhance the music and create an unforgettable atmosphere.

Creamfields continues to be a favourite among electronic music enthusiasts, making it a must-attend event in the festival season.

For those looking to enjoy a music festival with the whole family, the UK offers some fantastic family-friendly options. These festivals provide a mix of music, arts, and various activities tailored to ensure that both adults and children have a great time. Among the best family-friendly music festivals are Camp Bestival and Latitude Festival, each offering unique experiences that cater to families.

Camp Bestival is renowned for its family-oriented atmosphere, playing host to a range of activities including arts and crafts, interactive games, and diverse food options tailored for children.

On the other hand, Latitude Festival offers a special Kids’ Area with activities like fire shows and pizza-making, ensuring a fun environment for younger attendees. Both festivals are set in picturesque locations, adding to the overall charm and making them perfect for a family weekend getaway.

Camp Bestival is designed specifically with families in mind, offering a whimsical theme each year that provides an immersive experience combining music with artistic performances and family-oriented activities. Set in the picturesque grounds of Lulworth Castle, Camp Bestival features a variety of performances, including music and family-oriented arts, ensuring that there is something for everyone.

From arts and crafts workshops to interactive games and diverse food options tailored for children, Camp Bestival ensures that the little ones are entertained throughout the festival. This blend of music, arts, and family-friendly fun makes it a favourite among families looking to enjoy a festival experience together.

Latitude Festival offers a mix of diverse entertainment options beyond music, including comedy, theatre, and wellness workshops, catering to families with varied interests. Set in the picturesque Henham Park, the festival’s atmosphere is enhanced by its stunning natural surroundings, making it a perfect family-friendly destination.

The festival features performances by notable artists across various genres, ensuring that there is something for everyone. Additionally, Latitude Festival offers a special Kids’ Area with activities like fire shows and pizza-making, ensuring a fun environment for younger attendees.

This festival offers a holistic entertainment experience for the entire family.

The UK festival scene is witnessing a rise of new music festivals that showcase a diverse array of up-and-coming artists. These up-and-coming music festivals are pivotal in attracting new audiences and offering fresh experiences that differ from the established big festivals. Among these rising stars are Lost Village and End of the Road, each providing unique experiences that cater to music lovers looking for something new.

These developments indicate a shift in the festival landscape, where rising stars are pivotal in attracting new audiences. Up-and-coming festivals like Lost Village and End of the Road are gaining popularity for their curated line-up and immersive experiences, making them must-attend events for those looking to discover new music and artists.

Lost Village festival offers an immersive experience with a unique blend of music, art installations, and theatrical performances. Set in a woodland environment, Lost Village incorporates elements of discovery with its hidden locations and eclectic lineup, creating a sense of adventure for festival-goers.

The festival is celebrated for its immersive atmosphere, featuring a mix of music, exceptional food, and unique theatrical performances. It’s about the overall experience of being in a unique setting and discovering hidden gems throughout the festival site.

Set in the beautiful Larmer Tree Gardens, End of the Road festival is celebrated for its intimate atmosphere and carefully selected indie acts. This festival emphasises a sense of community and aims to create a welcoming environment for music lovers.

End of the Road is known for its focus on indie music, offering a curated selection of artists in a picturesque garden setting. This festival is perfect for discovering new music, making new friends, and enjoying a relaxed and intimate atmosphere, ideal for indie music enthusiasts.

The waste produced by UK music festivals is estimated to reach around 23,500 tonnes annually, prompting a push for sustainability. As festival-goers become more environmentally conscious, sustainable and eco-friendly festivals are gaining popularity. Among these, Green Man Festival stands out for its commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices.

Green Man Festival collaborates with local charities to redistribute food waste, donating hundreds of kilograms to community food banks each year. The festival also encourages sustainable travel by partnering with National Express and offering bicycle storage to attendees. These initiatives make Green Man Festival a leader in the movement towards more sustainable festivals.

Green Man Festival showcases its commitment to sustainability through various eco-friendly initiatives. The festival uses compost toilets and compostable food packaging, significantly reducing water usage and waste. It also powers its stages using renewable energy sources such as hydrogen and solar, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

In addition to its environmental efforts, Green Man features workshops on topics like foraging and herbal medicine, engaging attendees in eco-friendly practices. These sustainability efforts and diverse arts offerings create a unique experience for festival-goers looking for an environmentally conscious event.

Urban music festivals in the UK provide an exciting experience for music lovers within the city. These festivals often attract large crowds, offering easy access for city residents and reflecting the vibrant cultural landscape of UK cities. Among the top urban music festivals are BST Hyde Park and All Points East, each providing unique experiences that cater to city dwellers.

The popularity of urban music festivals is growing, and they are becoming a significant part of the UK festival scene. With their central locations and diverse lineups, these festivals offer an accessible and vibrant festival experience for city residents and visitors alike.

BST Hyde Park is located in the heart of London, making it easily accessible for city residents. The festival regularly attracts top-tier headliners, enhancing its reputation among urban music events.

The central location of BST Hyde Park means that attendees can enjoy the festival without the need for extensive travel or accommodations. This is a prime example of how urban music festivals, including Central Cee, can offer a top-tier experience within the city.

All Points East is known for its eclectic lineup that includes both local and international artists. The festival is a vibrant addition to London’s festival scene, attracting a wide demographic with its variety of musical styles.

From pop to electronic, All Points East offers a mix of musical genres that appeal to a diverse audience, including Iggy Pop. It’s an arts festival set in the heart of the city, providing a dynamic and inclusive experience for all attendees.

Niche festivals often focus on specific genres, enhancing the experience for fans of particular music styles. These festivals provide dedicated environments where passionate fans can connect deeply with the music they love, offering tailored experiences that are unique and intimate. In the UK, niche festivals like the Love Supreme Jazz Festival and the Cambridge Folk Festival stand out for their dedication to specific genres.

These festivals attract audiences by focusing on particular music genres, allowing for a more intimate and targeted festival environment. Whether you’re a jazz aficionado or a folk music enthusiast, these niche festivals provide a perfect setting to enjoy the music you love and connect with fellow fans.

Love Supreme Jazz Festival is recognised for its dedication to jazz music, featuring a mix of established artists and emerging talent. Held annually in Glynde Place, East Sussex, the festival celebrates a diverse lineup of jazz artists, attracting both seasoned and new jazz enthusiasts.

As of August 2025, the festival is expected to feature notable artists like Jacob Collier and Nile Rodgers. The picturesque location and the range of iconic jazz performances make Love Supreme Jazz Festival a must-visit event for any jazz lover, providing a serene and enriching experience.

The Cambridge Folk Festival is one of the longest-running folk festivals in the world, showcasing both traditional and contemporary folk music. Its rich history and blend of diverse lineups draw in a dedicated audience, making it a landmark event in the folk genre.

This festival features performances by both emerging and established folk artists, celebrating the genre’s rich heritage. The intimate and welcoming atmosphere of the Cambridge Folk Festival creates a perfect environment for music lovers to immerse themselves in the folk tradition and discover new sounds.

The UK’s festival scene in 2025 offers an exciting array of events that cater to every music lover’s tastes. From the iconic Glastonbury Festival to the family-friendly Camp Bestival and the immersive Boomtown Fair, there’s a festival for everyone. The rise of up-and-coming music festivals like Lost Village and End of the Road, alongside sustainable events like Green Man Festival, highlights the dynamic and evolving nature of the UK festival landscape.

Whether you’re seeking the vibrant energy of urban festivals like BST Hyde Park and All Points East or looking to delve into niche genres at Love Supreme Jazz Festival and Cambridge Folk Festival, the UK has it all. The diversity and vibrancy of these festivals provide unforgettable experiences, making them essential destinations for any music enthusiast. So, pack your bags, gather your friends, and get ready to create lasting memories at the best music festivals in the UK this year.

Glastonbury Festival stands out because of its iconic status, diverse lineups, and huge crowds, making it a cultural powerhouse in the UK music scene. It's not just a festival; it's an experience that leaves a lasting impression.

Absolutely! Camp Bestival and Latitude Festival are great picks for family-friendly fun, with awesome music and activities designed for everyone in the family.

If you're on the hunt for fresh sounds, check out Lost Village and End of the Road festivals. They’re all about immersive vibes and showcasing the next generation of artists!

Green Man Festival really stands out for its sustainability efforts, featuring compost toilets, renewable energy, and food waste redistribution. If you're looking to enjoy music while being eco-friendly, it’s definitely the place to be!

If you're into jazz or folk, definitely check out the Love Supreme Jazz Festival and the Cambridge Folk Festival—both offer a focused vibe for their respective genres. You’ll love the atmosphere and the music!