The best music festivals to try around the UK in 2026 – and how to get tickets

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Planning for festival season is a great way to boost your spirits when the weather is gloomy and you’re feeling down.

Although it feels early, many festivals have already announced their performers and started selling tickets.

The UK is fantastic for music lovers, with countless festivals happening all summer long. From massive events like Download, which draw over 100,000 people, to smaller, local festivals, there’s something for everyone.

With so many music festivals to choose from, and all the details about camping and tents to consider, we’ve created a list of the top festivals to check out in 2026.

Whether you prefer camping in the countryside or a day trip to a lively city, you’re sure to find a festival here that suits you.

Jump to:

  • Best 2026 music festivals at a glance
  • What are the top 5 music festivals in the UK?
  • What are the best festivals on in the UK in 2026?

Best 2026 music festivals at a glance

  • Reading Festival
  • Leeds Festival
  • Download Festival
  • TRNSMT Festival
  • BST Hyde Park
  • Isle of Wight Festival
  • Parklife
  • Latitude Festival
  • Creamfields
  • Camp Bestival

What are the top 5 music festivals in the UK?

Everyone has different musical tastes, so the ‘best’ festivals are subjective. However, based on attendance numbers, here are the five largest music festivals in the UK, as reported by Last Minute Musicians.

Glastonbury

I’m completely captivated by Glastonbury! It’s truly the biggest and most iconic festival in the UK, drawing around 210,000 people every year. It all began back in 1970, and since then it’s become a hugely important event on the global music scene, bringing together incredible artists from every genre imaginable.

Unfortunately, if you were hoping to attend Glastonbury Festival soon, you’ll have to wait until 2027. The festival takes a break every five years – known as a ‘fallow year’ – to give the farm land time to recover.

Reading and Leeds Festival

  • 27th – 30th August 2026
  • Richfield Avenue, Reading and Bramham Park, Wetherby
  • Line-up: Charli xcx, Chase & Status, Dave, Florence + the Machine, Fontaines DC, Raye, Kasabian

I’m amazed by how many people attend Reading and Leeds combined – it’s around 200,000! What I really love is that having the same artists play at both festivals means music fans across the country don’t have to travel too far to see their favorite bands. It makes live music so much more accessible.

Tickets for Reading and Leeds 2026 are now available, and you can find all the details in our guide to the festival.

Wireless Festival

  • 10th — 12th July 2026 (unconfirmed)
  • Finsbury Park, London
  • Line-up: TBA

As a huge music fan, I always get excited for Wireless Festival. It’s basically the biggest rap and hip-hop event of the summer, and it’s incredible to see around 135,000 people descend on Finsbury Park in London every year to be a part of it.

Although the exact dates and performers for 2026 haven’t been announced yet (there’s talk it will be July 10th–12th), you can expect a fantastic lineup of the industry’s top artists. We’ll keep this article updated with the latest details as soon as they’re available.

Drake was the main performer all three days of the festival last year, alongside popular artists like Summer Walker, BigXthaPlug, and Burna Boy. It’s important to note this is a one-day event, so overnight camping isn’t available.

Download Festival

  • 10th — 14th June 2026
  • Donington Park, Derby
  • Line-up: Limp Bizkit, Guns ‘n’ Roses, Linkin Park, Bad Omens, Cypress Hill, Trivium, Architects

If you prefer rock music, Download Festival is a great choice. It consistently features an impressive lineup, including both established rock icons and exciting up-and-coming bands.

The festival takes place at the legendary Donington Park, a famous rock venue located where Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, and Derbyshire meet. Conveniently, it’s also close to the East Midlands Airport.

With over 90 artists already confirmed for Download 2026, tickets are selling fast! Some are already limited, so don’t wait to get yours.

TRNSMT festival

  • 19th — 21st June 2026
  • Glasgow Green, Glasgow
  • Line-up: Richard Ashcroft, Kasabian, Lewis Capaldi, Wolf Alice, Sonny Fodera, Amy Macdonald

Let’s head to Scotland for its largest music festival! TRNSMT is held annually in Glasgow Green and features a diverse lineup of artists playing everything from pop and rock to hip hop and indie.

TRNSMT is a one-day music festival for ages 16 and up. Accessibility tickets are available, and those who qualify can bring a personal assistant or carer for free.

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What are the best festivals on in the UK in 2026?

Besides the major UK music festivals already mentioned, here are some other options for summer 2026.

BST Hyde Park

  • 27th June — 12th July 2026
  • Hyde Park, London
  • Line-up: Garth Brooks, Maroon 5, Mumford & Sons, Pitbull, Lewis Capaldi

BST Hyde Park is a famous summer festival held annually in London, marking the start of the warmer months.

The festival features a fantastic lineup of performers, and also offers a free midweek program called Open House with fun activities and entertainment.

BST Hyde Park offers a variety of VIP and hospitality packages to enhance your festival experience. You can find and buy these premium tickets through Seat Unique.

Isle of Wight Festival

  • 18th — 21st June 2026
  • Seaclose Park, Newport, Isle of Wight
  • Line-up: Lewis Capaldi, Calvin Harris, The Cure, Teddy Swims, The Kooks, Tom Grennan

Isle of Wight Festival is back for 2026 with a phenomenally varied line-up!

This festival aims to offer something for all ages and tastes, featuring a diverse lineup of musicians from various genres and generations, plus a dedicated Kidzone for families.

The Isle of Wight Festival consistently delivers a fantastic mix of up-and-coming musicians and beloved classics, attracting music lovers of all ages. It’s a truly essential event on the UK festival calendar.

Parklife

  • 20th — 21st June 2026
  • Heaton Park, Manchester
  • Line-up: TBA

Parklife, the UK’s biggest city festival, takes place in Manchester’s Heaton Park. It features a wide range of music, from hip hop and grime to pop, rock, and electronic dance music.

The lineup for 2026 hasn’t been announced yet, but previous years have featured amazing headliners like Mark Ronson, Wu-Tang Clan, Disclosure, The xx, and The 1975, so you can expect another great event.

This festival isn’t about camping! Instead, you can relax in chill-out areas, enjoy street food and drinks, and check out cool art installations.

Latitude Festival

  • 23rd — 26th July 2026
  • Henham Park, Suffolk
  • Line-up: David Byrne, Teddy Swims, Lewis Capaldi, Self Esteem, The Flaming Lips, The Last Dinner Party

For 18 years, Latitude Festival has been a beloved destination for live music lovers, offering unforgettable experiences at iconic locations like the grand Obelisk Arena and the cozy Alcove.

Latitude 2026 promises a fantastic experience with headliners like David Byrne, Self Esteem, and Lewis Capaldi. But it’s not just about the music – you’ll also find dance, comedy, poetry, theatre, talks, family fun, and wellness activities, making it a festival with something for everyone.

You can also enjoy swimming in the lake, outdoor yoga, and paddle boarding, plus check out art displays and grab something to eat and drink.

Creamfields

  • 27th — 30th August 2026
  • Daresbury Estate, Cheshire
  • Line-up: Disclosure, Calvin Harris, Swedish House Mafia, Chris Stussy, Underworld, Faithless

Creamfields festival is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, making it an event you definitely won’t want to miss!

Creamfields is set to host a massive electronic music festival over the August Bank Holiday in 2026, featuring top artists, incredible stage production, and a weekend full of memorable experiences.

Every year, approximately 80,000 people come together in the Cheshire countryside for this major dance music event.

Camp Bestival

  • 30th July — 2nd August 2026
  • Lulworth Castle, Dorset
  • Line-up: Fatboy Slim & Friends

Camp Bestival, created by Josie and Rob da Bank, has been a popular festival since it began in 2008 – and its name says it all: it aims to be the best!

This festival is especially good for families, with lots of fun activities for children like the enormous World’s Biggest Bouncy Castle and amazing fireworks.

Currently, Fatboy Slim & Friends are the only confirmed headliners. They will be taking over the Castle Stage all day on Sunday, August 2nd.

Authors

Joanna Magill

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2025-12-27 12:07