The Best UK Music Festivals for Summer 2024
I love a festival. Nothing beats dancing your heart to your favourite band while the sun sets. And as the sun finally starts to paint the British Isles with its golden hues and the scent of wildflowers fills the air, the UK's summer festival season kicks off with a bang. From the rolling hills of the OG that is Glastonbury to the electric vibes of London’s park festivals, the summer of 2024 promises an experience like no other, where every note will make memories that will resonate long after the last tunes fade. So, grab your wellies – let’s hope for the best but expect the worst okay? – pack your glitter (obvs), and get ready to dive into my ultimate guide to the best UK music festivals of this summer. Ps: I’ve asked Theo to name his acts to watch from each festival because that guy knows more about music than anyone else I know.
Dates: 26th - 30th June
Ticket Prices: From £355
Headliner(s): Dua Lipa, Coldplay, SZA, Shania Twain.
Hail the OG of all festivals, Glastonbury. The one where no-one knows the line up until a few weeks before, but fights for a ticket anyway because-Glasto! Transforming Somerset into a music utopia, this year it features icons like Lil Simz and Coldplay although those of us who have been lucky enough to attend this icon know that it’s not about the headliners but about the magic of Glasto and the hundreds of acts that adorn its stages over the weekend. With its legendary pyramid stage and vibrant mix of music, art, and culture, Glastonbury offers an experience like no other. I, for one, will be heading there again this year!
Theo’s ones to watch
Can’t look past Lil Simz here and excited to see her live for the first time. Lyrics, energy, style, beats. Got it all to vibe to.
Olivia Dean for the jazz vibes on a Pyramid Friday and Jordan Rakei with the gospel drums and new album The Loop worth a listen for sure.
Dates: 12th - 14th July 2024
Ticket Prices: From £94.60
Headliner(s): Nicki Minaj, Future, 21 Savage, J Hus, Doja Cat
We may not have Lovers & Friends fest in the UK yet. Although I’m 100% tempted to head to Vegas for that next year. But if R n b, Hip hop and Grime are your jam, then Wireless Festival is pretty epic. This year you can get your freak on with headliners like Nicki Minaj, Future, and Doja Cat. It’s the ultimate urban music experience against London's skyline.
Theo’s ones to watch
Sean Paul on Friday – reminisce with old-school dancehall tunes of the noughties. Decent recent Tiny Desk appearance recently showing he has still got it.
J Hus on Saturday – one of our best exports currently.
Dates: 22nd - 25th August
Ticket Prices: From £240
Headliner(s): Calvin Harris, Chase & Status, Fatboy Slim, Example
Dance the night away at Creamfields, where the Cheshire countryside transforms into an electronic music wonderland. With top-tier DJs, jaw-dropping stage designs, and immersive light shows, Creamfields is the premier destination for dance music aficionados. From house to techno, trance to drum 'n' bass, this festival’s unbeatable lineup ensures the party never stops.
Theo’s ones to watch
Not really my music however I would definitely be going to see Chase and Status, Fatboy Slim and Pete Tong to remember some classic tunes of my youth and Peggy Gou for the right now.
Dates: 5th - 7th July
Ticket Prices: From £135
Headliner(s): Chaka Khan, Olivia Dean, Dionne Warwick, Jordan Rakei, Mahalia
Love Supreme Festival returns to the picturesque Glynde Place in East Sussex for a weekend of smooth jazz, funk, and soul. Featuring legends like Chaka Khan (do you know that I once applied 3 pairs of lashes to this icon?!) and Dionne Warwick alongside fresh talents, this festival offers a soulful escape in a beautiful setting, promising pure musical bliss.
Theo’s ones to watch
My kind of festival with jazz and soul galore, pretty much my weekly weekend listening.
I would be right at the front for NoName. Love her last album Sundial, which is in my rotation currently. And what an opportunity to see some absolute legends in Chaka Kahn, Dionne Warwick and Kool and the Gang. Wow.
Dates: 16th - 25th August 2024
Ticket: Prices: From £63
Headliner(s): DJ Kaytranada, Loyle Carner,NAS
I’m sorry but All Points East potentially has the best lineup of the summer. I mean Andre 3000 is there, people! Yes, he may play his flute for 60 minutes, but it’s ANDRE!! Luckily there are only two stages so you can run back and forth making sure you don’t miss your favourites, I know I’ll be getting my steps in with this lineup.
Theo’s ones to watch
Thundercat on the Friday is my standout. Endless talent, pretty sure he plays every instrument, and love that he is on the Tiny Desk with Mac Miller which is a classic. (his own also on point!)
Saturday Nas as one of my top 5 rappers of all time. Sunday Arlo Parks.
Dates: 21st - 25th August
Ticket Prices: £115
Headliner(s): Liam Gallagher, Blink 182, Gerry Cinnamon, Lana Del Rey, Catfish and the Bottlemen, Fred Again
Twice the fun with simultaneous events in Reading and Leeds? Yes please. This legendary festival features a diverse lineup from Lana Del Rey to Blink 182. Iconic main stages, lively campsites, and an electric atmosphere make it a must for UK music fans. And has anyone heard the rumor that Oasis might reunite next year? Well maybe Liam will be giving us some hints during his set. IMAGINE!!
Theo’s ones to watch
Not really my type of festival but standouts for me are definitely jungle/ drum and bass vibes with Nia Archives and Denzel Curry for chilled hip hop. Melt My Eyez See Your Future is a great album of his.
Dates: 14th: 16th June
Ticket Prices: From £104
Headliner(s): Queens of the Stone Age, Avenged Sevenfold, Fall Out Boy
Let out your inner emo kid at Download Festival, the UK’s top rock and metal event at Donington Park. Featuring giants like Queens of the Stone Age and Fall Out Boy, this festival is a haven for headbangers. Grab your leather jacket and join the ultimate celebration of heavy music.
Theo’s ones to watch
Rock. I wouldn’t know where to start!
Dates: 20th - 23rd June
Ticket Prices: From £120
Headliner(s): The Prodigy, Pet Shop Boys, Green Day
Enjoy a seaside music adventure at the Isle of Wight Festival. With acts like Green Day and Pet Shop Boys, this festival offers rock, pop, and indie in a laid-back beach setting. Soak up the stunning views and chill vibes for an unforgettable weekend, leaving with a golden tan. Remember that SPF…
Theo’s ones to watch
I mean The Prodigy followed by The Pet Shop Boys and Green Day from Friday to Sunday is pretty epic – the tunes between them all and might as well soak that all in. The Streets always so good live too.
Dates: 31st May - 1nd June 2025
Ticket Prices: From £55
Headliner(s): TBC
So this has been and gone BUT the pre-sale tickets for next year are already up for grabs. This is genuinely the most joyous, colourful festival you’ll ever attend. This years line up included the likes of Jessie Ware, Nelly Furtardo and Kim Petras. How fabulous. Who knows who will be on the main stage next year, but who cares when you’re having the time of your life. Pre-book now. Because this glitter-filled festival promises a weekend of pure, joyous nostalgia and fun.
Dates: 25th - 28th July
Ticket Prices: From £110
Headliner(s): Duran Duran, Kasabian, Keane, London Grammar
Go on a cultural journey at Latitude Festival in Suffolk. Blending music, arts, and ideas, this festival offers headliners like Duran Duran and London Grammar. Enjoy family-friendly vibes and diverse performances that inspire and entertain.
Theo’s ones to watch
I’d be grooving to Nile Rodgers and Chic and partying the night away to Alison Goldfrapp.
Dates: 12th - 14th July 2024
Ticket Prices: From £105
Headliner(s): Liam Gallagher, Gerry Cinnamon, Calvin Harris
TRNSMT brings a stellar lineup to Glasgow with acts like Liam Gallagher and Calvin Harris. Set against the city’s iconic skyline, this festival showcases the best of rock, indie, and electronic music. Enjoy a vibrant weekend of epic music in Glasgow Green.
Theo’s ones to watch
Calvin Harris in his homeland will always be big and the crowd up for it, so all about seeing this on the main stage.
Dates: 10th – TBC (Usually end of May)
Ticket Prices: From £65
Headliner(s): TBC
The second “mark your 2025 calendar” for Cross the Tracks in Brockwell Park. This is one of my favourite festivals in London. It celebrates jazz, soul, funk, and hip-hop with legends like En Vogue and BadBadNotGood. It is such a vibe. On top of that you can enjoy delish food, artisanal markets, and inspiring talks, making it a cultural must-visit.
If this hasn’t ignited a spark of excitement for summer 2024, I don’t know what will!
Here’s to dancing like nobody’s watching.
Love,
Lisa xx