10 Lesser-Known UK Festivals To Go To This Summer
Here are 10 lesser-known UK festivals you need to go to this summer!
1.Wilderness Festival
Wilderness is the perfect festival for those who are looking for a mixture of everything. It takes place in Oxfordshire from 2nd-5th August and has a mixture of camping options which includes family camping, quiet camping and boutique camping. It’s headliners this year include Nile Rodgers and Bastille, as well as having late night parties and DJ sets. There are also dance performances, theatre, talks and debates, as well as classes and workshops. The food is also to die for, including luxurious communal dinging in ‘long-table banquets’ and delicious street food stalls.
2.Forbidden Forest
Forbidden Forest is the perfect short festival for dance music-lovers. It’s a 1-day festival, taking place on 8th September in Derby, and includes a wide range of DJ sets from some of the biggest names in house, bass and techno. Its May line-up included Hannah Wants, Danny Howard and Solardo. With it’s September line-up yet to be announced, grab your tickets in advance to experience this crazy 24 hour forest rave.
3.Lost Village Festival
Lost Village describes itself as ‘an otherworldly experience’, taking place in a small forest in Lincolnshire from 23rd-26th August, structured as an interactive experience of being in a Lost Village. Its musical headliners this year include Friendly Fires and Everything Everything. It also has a wide range of alternative activities including sets from some of the UK’s most popular comedians, and creative workshops and activities including archery, vintage clothing shops and face painting. Don’t miss visiting the Lake of Tranquillity where you can escape the craziness of the festival and head for some relaxation, yoga and massage therapies.
4.Y Not Festival
Taking place from 26th-29th July in the Peak District, Y Not Festival is a mixture of all music genres from well-known artists and up-and coming ones. 2018 is its biggest line-up to date, with indie music from The Libertines and Catfish and the Bottlemen, dance music from Wilkinson and Kurupt FM, and rock from Moose Blood and Fat White Family; there really is something for everyone.
5.Festival Nº6
Festival Nº6 is a diverse mixture of music, arts, culture and activities taking place from 6th-9th September in the instagrammable seaside village of Portmeirion, Wales. With a large mix of musical genres from alternative to hip-hop, its 2018 headliners include Franz Ferdinand, Friendly Fires and Erol Alkal. You can also find world-class comedy, as well as activities including paddle-boarding, torch-lit processions and woodland runs. Don’t miss Carnival Nº6 on the Saturday, a large parade of costumes, marching bands and dancers that winds through the village.
6.The End of the Road Festival
End of the Road takes place on 20th August-9th September in Dorset, and is the perfect festival for those who really love music. Its eclectic mix of genres and artists include St. Vincent, Vampire Weekend and Feist. It also has a great comedy line-up, as well as workshops, healing gardens, talks, film screenings and a whole host of weird and wonderful activities.
7.Green Man Festival
Taking place from 16th-19th August in the Brecon Beacons, Green Man is a mixture of dance, alternative and indie music, including Fleet Foxes, John Grant and Grizzly Bear, as well as an eclectic mix of film, comedy and theatre.Don’t miss the all-night bonfires, local ales and food that make this ethically-minded festival really stand apart from the rest.
8.2000trees Festival
2000trees is an indie-rock festival taking place from 12th-14th July in the Cotswold Hills. Its line-up is full of well-established and up-and-coming bands, this years headliners including Enter Shikari, Twin Atlantic and At the Drive In. Its Forest Feast is a must, including a 3-course meal as well as mystical stories and art installations to make you feel immersed in the magical forest.
9.Shambala Festival
An ‘adventure in uptopia’, Shamabla takes place from 23rd-26th August in the Northamptonshire countryside with a diverse range of musical acts and performances. Its line-up includes DJs, alternative bands and even a gospel choir. You can also get stuck in with a range of activities including dance workshops, debates, and nipple-tassel making – there really is something for everyone! What really makes Shambala stand out is its theatrics and performances; don’t miss the jaw-dropping circus acts and acrobatics taking place throughout the festival.
10.Boardmasters
Taking place from 8th-12th August in Cornwall, Boardmasters is a seaside festival with a mix of indie music such as George Ezra and Catfish and the Bottlemen, and DJ sets from Annie Mac and Bicep, as well as surfing and skateboarding competitions. Even if you’re not a pro-surfer, there’s loads of opportunity to learn with outdoor activities and classes throughout the weekend. Visit the Fistral Surf Village for some local shopping or attend some holistic healing sessions. There’s so much to do, it’s the perfect festival for anyone looking for the perfect weekend at the beach.
