Unforgettable UK Festivals: Discover the Best Family and Music Events This Summer!

Life can be challenging at times, but imagine this scenario instead: After days of gloomy weather in England, the sun has finally emerged, casting a warm glow. You’re wearing light linen pants, sipping on a refreshing glass of cider, and the rhythm of your favorite tune is pulsating within you, so strong it seems to vibrate through your very being. That can only signify one thing: festival season has arrived!

In the UK, we’re blessed with a multitude of music festivals spanning across the sunny summer season. Ranging from colossal events attended by over 100,000 people such as Download, to smaller local festivals like Standon Calling right on your doorstep, our options are abundant and cater to every taste for this cherished summer pastime.

The dilemma, indeed, lies in deciding which festival to attend, as there’s a wide array of options based on music genres such as pop, rock, EDM, R&B, folk, musical theatre, and many others. If you’re focusing on the star-studded lineups, acts like Guns N’ Roses, Metallica, The 1975, and Tom Jones are gracing festival stages this year. Additionally, other aspects such as camping, water sports, cooking workshops, or comedy shows should also be factored in when making your choice.

To make your festival selection process easier amidst numerous options, we’ve curated a list of top-notch music festivals to attend in 2023. This compilation features events from various parts of the country and for each event, we’ve highlighted the headliners along with something distinctive about them, allowing you to swiftly determine if it suits your preferences.

Due to the fact that tickets have been snapped up (which means it’s sold out), unfortunately, we can’t list the most renowned event – Glastonbury – this time around. However, rest assured, the alternatives we’ve provided are just as impressive and typically more budget-friendly, so do check them out!

Contrary to our previous statement, summer dates don’t always promise great weather. Therefore, should you choose to attend any of these amazing festivals, remember to bring both rain boots (wellingtons) and a sweater, along with your sunscreen.

Without further ado, here are the best UK festivals to try in 2023.

Jump to:

Best UK festivals at a glance
Best family festivals
Best small festivals
Best music festivals
How much do festival tickets cost?
What type of festival tickets can I get?
How to get festival tickets

Best UK music festivals at a glance:

Kew the Music, from £36.88
Barclaycard presents Latitude Festival, from £90.75
Camp Bestival, Dorset, from £77
Camp Bestival, Shropshire, from £77
Deer Shed Festival, from £157
Wilderness Festival, from £199.80
CarFest, from £82
Margate Summer Series, from £49.50
Hampton Court Palace Festival, from £77
Community Presents, from £54.45
Truck Festival, from £160
Kendal Calling, from £198.50
Standon Calling, from £55
The Festival of Quilts, from £16.50
Trentham Live, from £50.40
Connect Festival, from £74.25
Isle of Wight Festival, from £99
BST Hyde Park, from £84.75
Lytham Festival, from £73.10
Wireless Festival, from £88
TRNSMT Festival, from £88.40
All Points East, from £85.30
Reading and Leeds Festival, from £101.20

Best UK festivals to try in 2023

For your convenience, we’ve categorized these festivals into three groups:

1. Family Festivals: These events offer a variety of activities suitable for children, including popular acts that are kid-friendly.
2. Small Festivals: These events typically focus on local happenings and usually have an attendance capacity below 15,000.
3. Music Festivals: These are the major, high-profile events that often make headlines due to their grand scale.

Go ahead and choose the kind of gathering that appeals to you most. If tranquility is your preference, or if you’re more of a crowd-surfing enthusiast, there’s an event here for every taste. Have fun!

Best family festivals in the UK for 2023

Kew the Music

13th – 16th July 2023 – Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Nestled within the breathtaking Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, the Music event offers a unique blend of scenic beauty and timeless tunes through a series of outdoor picnics. This year, you can enjoy performances by Bastille, The Vamps, and The Human League – isn’t that something you wouldn’t want to miss?

Barclaycard presents Latitude Festival

20th – 23rd July 2023 – Henham Park, Suffolk

As a follower, I’m excited to share that I’ll be attending the rebranded Barclaycard presents Latitude Festival, previously known as Latitude. This award-winning musical and artistic event takes place at the picturesque Henham Park in Suffolk. The highlight of this venue is undoubtedly its serene lake, where festival-goers can enjoy swimming, paddle boarding, or even participate in outdoor yoga sessions. Additionally, the festival offers specialized tents dedicated to poetry, theatre, literature, and dance. This year’s headliners include Pulp, Paolo Nutini, and George Ezra, making for an unforgettable experience!

For more information, you can find our guide to how to get tickets to Latitude.

Camp Bestival

27th – 30th July 2023 – Lulworth Castle, Dorset
17th – 20th August 2023 – Weston Park, Shropshire

Camp Bestival is often referred to as a “festival-holiday” due to its unique blend of music and a comprehensive family experience. With two locations now – one in Dorset and the other in Shropshire – highlights include the world’s largest bouncy castle, spectacular firework shows. This year, both locations will host performances by Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Sam Ryder; The Kooks will perform at Dorset, while Rudimental takes the stage in Shropshire.

Deer Shed Festival

28th – 31st July 2023 – Baldersby Park, Yorkshire

The Deer Shed Festival is designed and organized with families in mind, offering an enjoyable experience for all family members. Situated in Yorkshire, this festival boasts a variety of attractions such as rides, canoeing opportunities, pottery and craft workshops for kids, skateboarding lessons, and numerous other activities. It also features a comedy tent showcasing Phil Wang and Bridget Christie, along with music performances from groups like Public Service Broadcasting and The Delgados.

Wilderness Festival

3rd – 6th August 2023 – Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire

The Wilderness Festival spans four days, inviting you to tap into your wild spirit. It offers a plethora of outdoor activities designed to help you traverse the Oxfordshire countryside. Activities range from paddle board yoga sessions to workshops on various subjects, all immersing you in nature’s embrace. To top it off, performances by artists such as The Sugababes, Fatboy Slim, and Arlo Parks are included.

Cinch presents CarFest

25th – 27th August – Laverstoke Park Farm, Overton

Every year, CarFest takes place – a lively blend of music and automotive events, masterfully orchestrated by radio personality Chris Evans. This festival serves as a significant fundraiser for Children in Need and offers an extensive variety of amusement suitable for all age groups. Auto enthusiasts will be thrilled by the race track and car displays, while food aficionados can savor the appearances of renowned chefs on the Kitchen Stage. Additionally, there’s a massive kids’ area (with Pudsey, Basil Brush, and the Teletubbies featured this year), as well as tunes from artists such as McFly and Craig David.

If you’re looking for fun, family-oriented activities this summer, don’t miss out on Shrek’s Adventure! And, if you’d like to save some money, here’s a tip: Check out the deals on tickets for Chessington.

Best small festivals UK 2023

Margate Summer Series

2nd June – 30th September 2023 – Dreamland, Margate

Unlike many other festivals on the list, the Margate Summer Series doesn’t confine its events to a single weekend. Instead, it occurs almost every weekend from June to September, with fresh acts gracing the Margate seafront each time. It can accommodate up to 5,000 people, and with numerous weekends to pick from this year, you have plenty of opportunities to catch performances by artists like Tom Jones, Dizzee Rascal, and Olly Murs.

Hampton Court Palace Festival

6th June – 17th June 2023 – Hampton Court Palace, Surrey

Every year, Hampton Court Palace hosts a festival, seating just 3,000 guests. Spanning over two weeks, it offers a variety of performances that make it an ideal spot for picnicking or even indulging in afternoon teas. This season features acts such as Soft Cell, Gladys Knight, and Kaiser Chiefs.

Community Presents

7th July 2023 – Crystal Palace Park, London

Fans of Two Door Cinema Club and The Wombats can look forward to an extraordinary single-day music event at the picturesque Crystal Palace Park in London, where they will be joined by The Vaccines, Sea Girls, and Baby Queen as well. This festival promises a unique experience in one of London’s most stunning green spaces.

Truck Festival

21st July – 23rd July 2023 – Hill Farm, Steventon

Although it can accommodate up to 30,000 attendees, Truck Festival is famously recognized as “The Godfather of small festivals” or a “miniature Glastonbury”. Launched in 1998 as an alternative to larger, more commercial music events, it has managed to preserve its indie and small-scale music philosophy even as it gained popularity. This year’s lineup emphasizes independent music, with Two Door Cinema Club, Alt-J, and Royal Blood serving as headliners.

Kendal Calling

27th – 30th July 2023 – Lowther Deer Park, Cumbria

Kendal Calling is an annual festival that showcases music across various genres such as rock, indie, dance, folk, and electro, along with comedy. Originally starting as a two-day event in 2006 for 900 attendees, it has expanded into a four-day festival accommodating up to 25,000 people in Lowther Park. Despite its growth, the spacious venue and family-friendly options create a safer and more laid-back atmosphere compared to other festivals. This year, Kasabian and Blossoms were among the performers.

For more information, we have a guide to how to get tickets to Kendal Calling 2023.

Standon Calling

20th – 23rd July 2023 – Standon, Hertfordshire

This year, Standon Calling music festival, located in Hertfordshire, promises an exciting lineup including Years & Years, Self Esteem, Bloc Party, The Human League, and more. Renowned for its warm, inviting ambiance, the event offers a diverse range of activities like insightful discussions, hands-on workshops, and relaxing hot tubs! And yes, feel free to bring your furry friends who can even join in the annual dog show.

The Festival of Quilts

3rd – 6th August 2023 – The NEC, Birmingham

Why not dive into the realm of creativity this summer? The Festival of Quilts, Europe‘s premier patchwork and quilting event, is marking its 20th anniversary at the Birmingham NEC. Expect to see some big names from the textile world, along with contests, exhibits, and workshops that will immerse you in a kaleidoscope of texture and color!

Not only that, but you can save some money on your ticket by using the code RADIOTIMES23 at checkout. This will reduce your ticket price from £18.50 to £16.50, so off you go – enjoy those indulgent moments!

Trentham Live

16th – 20th August 2023 – The Trentham Estate, Stoke-on-Trent

At the breathtaking Trentham Estate in Stoke-on-Trent, you’ll encounter Trentham Live – a five-day music festival showcasing some of the most prominent figures in the music industry. Throughout the week, attendees can look forward to witnessing performances by McFly, The Hoosiers, Kaiser Chiefs, Natalie Imbruglia, and others. Trentham Live is now in its third year, and it’s brimming with top-tier acts and activities.

Connect Festival

25th – 27th August 2023 – Royal Highland Showgrounds, Edinburgh

At the end of our small festival lineup is Connect Festival, a unique event that takes pride in connecting people through diverse music genres, ranging from up-and-coming local bands to internationally recognized superstars. This year’s venue will be the Royal Highland Showgrounds in Edinburgh. You can expect performances by Scottish bands, celebrities, and food vendors in various tents. This year’s headliner is Primal Scream with their Screamadelica performance, alongside Franz Ferdinand, Future Islands, and other exciting acts.

Best music festivals UK 2023

Isle of Wight Festival

15th – 18th June 2023 – Seaclose Park, Isle of Wight

Originating in the late ’60s as a festival inspired by Woodstock’s counterculture movement, the Isle of Wight Festival has since evolved into an event that blends established icons with rising stars from the music industry. With a lineup that caters to various generations and a dedicated Kidzone for families, this summer promises performances by Pulp, George Ezra, The Chemical Brothers, and Robbie Williams at Seaclose Park.

BST Hyde Park

24th June – 8th July 2023 – Hyde Park, London

As a film enthusiast, I’m absolutely thrilled about the American Express’ BST (or British Summer Time) Hyde Park lineup this year! Spanning over three exhilarating weeks, each week boasts a unique headliner that caters to various music tastes. Kicking things off, we have P!nk, Guns N’ Roses, Take That, and the sensational BLACKPINK. Each performance is accompanied by a stellar supporting cast, ensuring a complete day of unforgettable entertainment. The choice is yours – however, be advised that tickets for P!nk and Bruce Springsteen’s performances are rapidly disappearing! Don’t miss out on this musical extravaganza!

Lytham Festival

28th June – 2nd July 2023 – Lytham St Anne’s, Lancashire

Over the past few years, the Lytham Festival has expanded significantly, transforming from a single-day concert into a five-day event held in Lancashire’s Ribble Estuary. The performers at this festival span a wide range of genres and decades, with this year’s roster featuring artists such as Jamiroquai, George Ezra, Sting, Lionel Richie, Def Leppard, and Mötley Crüe.

Wireless Festival

7th – 9th July 2023 – Finsbury Park, London

A fantastic choice for youngsters experimenting with their initial festival experience, Wireless is an urban music celebration that honors hip hop, rap, Afrobeats, and grime artists from across the globe. Additionally, it introduces fresh talents who have innovated their unique sound and offers a vibrant party ambiance, all located in London’s Finsbury Park. This upcoming year, Travis Scott and Playboi Carti will headline, with 50 Cent joining as a special guest.

For more, take a look at this guide to how to get Wireless tickets 2023.

TRNSMT Festival

7th – 9th July 2023 – Glasgow Green Park, Glasgow

Up in Glasgow lies the premier destination for an array of pop, rock, hip hop, and indie music performances at the TRNSMT festival. Since its debut in 2017, it’s rapidly grown into a significant Scottish event, attracting acts like The 1975, Pulp, and George Ezra this year. Additionally, it features multiple stages, food vendors, and bars for added enjoyment.

All Points East Festival

18th August – 28th August 2023 – Victoria Park, London

Every year, All Points East takes place over two successive weekends in Victoria Park, featuring big names like Stormzy, The Strokes, and Haim. Additionally, it offers a community-focused program called “In the Neighbourhood,” which includes free-to-enter zones with an outdoor cinema, theater performances, art exhibits, and sports events for local residents.

Reading and Leeds Festival

25th – 27th August 2023 – Richfield Ave, Reading
25th – 27th August 2023 – Bramham Park, Leeds

To wrap things up, but certainly not in a lesser manner, we have the Reading and Leeds Festival occurring concurrently at Bramham Park and Richfield Avenue. These sister events boast an impressive roster of music, ranging from rock to grime. This year’s performers include Billie Eilish, Sam Fender, and The Foals on their stages.

Get Reading and Leeds Festival tickets from £101.20

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How much do festival tickets cost?

There’s no denying that festival tickets often come with quite a hefty price tag. This year, Glastonbury tickets reached an all-time high of £335, while Download and Reading tickets cost £345 and £286 respectively. In essence, if you’re planning to attend a weekend festival featuring major artists and camping, you should budget at least £250.

If you’re looking to save a bit, we suggest considering events that don’t offer camping, such as Parklife, which costs £135 for the whole weekend. Alternatively, if you want to spend even less, you might opt for festivals where you can choose specific days to attend, like All Points East (starting from £101) or BST Hyde Park (from £84).

Instead, you’ll often find the most affordable prices at smaller festivals where you may not be familiar with all the performers. For example, Standon Calling and Margate Summer Series offer tickets starting from £50 when you select specific days or acts. If you’re looking for a bit of the festival experience without breaking the bank, these might be a good place to start.

What type of festival tickets can I get?

At many festivals, you’ll find different types of tickets available, with the most common being single-day passes and full weekend passes that might or might not cover camping. Additionally, you can often opt for VIP or hospitality packages, granting access to exclusive tents and sometimes backstage areas.

For some celebrations, you might find options to purchase campervan or tipi passes, eliminating the need for sleeping on the ground. However, for extended events such as British Summer Time (BST) or Margate Summer Series, it’s usually necessary to book individual acts instead of getting multiple dates.

Where to buy tickets for UK festivals

Instead of buying tickets from resale platforms, we advise against it due to their tendency to set high, excessive prices and lack of assurance that they will grant you access.

2025-05-27 12:39