The Best UK Festivals

Get ready to groove at the Soul & Dance Music Weekender. Kicking off the party on Friday, the 1st of August, Central Line will be playing live, followed by Heatwave taking the stage on Saturday the 2nd of August.

Over the course of the weekend, enjoy the sounds of more than 20 of the UK's finest soul and dance DJs, including legends like Chris Box, Colin Curtis, Roger Moore, John Osbourne, Mick Farrar, Tony Monson, Paul Phillips, and many more to be announced.

If you're looking for a wholesome, food-fuelled countryside escape, Farm Fest at Umberslade Farm - just outside Birmingham - is one of the UK's standout boutique summer festivals.

On the 13th of July, this one-day event blends incredible street food, small-batch drinks, artisan stalls, and live music into a chilled and cheerful atmosphere. From circus skills and crafts for the kids to frozen cocktails for the grown-ups, it's got all the charm of a rural festival without losing the flavour and fun of a big city event.

CALA VIP at Henley Regatta is your invitation to a day of riverside revelry, complete with DJs, cocktails, and a fashionable crowd. General Admission (£20+) includes entry to the lively party space, while VIP (£198+) offers a premium experience with a private table, Champagne, and elevated views.

Just steps from the iconic Stewards' enclosure, it's the place to see and be seen.

Inspired by a gorgeous seaside town in Sicily, Marzamemi Festival is giving you the chance to experience Italy without even leaving the country this summer. It's heading to Richmond in London, promising a weekend full of Italian-inspired live music, as well as classic films in their pop-up cinema.

There's plenty of delicious food up for grabs, from arancini to cannoli and gelato. Plus, you can get involved in outdoor games, face painting, arts and crafts and much more at this family-friendly festival.

Freight Island in Manchester is pulling out the stops with its Spring Summer Festival Series, featuring some incredible headliners like Norman Jay, Sophie Lloyd and Alexis Taylor (Hot Chip) across the next few of months. The buzzing bar will be welcoming local collectives from across the city as well as hosting DJ sets, and what's more, admission is free. Not only is the haunt a great place for a bit of alfresco sipping (think experimental, nitro-infused cocktails like the Mola Twisted Melon and Lychee), but it's also home to some sensational grub with pizza from Voodoo Ray's and loaded patties thanks to Burgerism. 

Historically Manchester's first and only dedicated, official rum festival, this July event is one for you rum-lovers in the North West. Coming to top events space New Century Hall for one day only, the festival's ticket price includes all rums from the exhibitors - at a bargain £27.50 per person.

There's also a rum cocktail bar and food vendors available for further purchases, as well as the opportunity to book into seminars from top brands for an extra tenner.

Ranked among the UK's best food and drink festivals, the Birmingham Rum Festival celebrates the art of rum with style and substance.

Since its inception in 2015, it has drawn crowds eager to sample a diverse range of premium rums, enjoy live music, and indulge in delicious street food. Set in the vibrant Cuban Embassy, it's a festival that showcases the UK's growing love for this iconic spirit.

Prepare for a dram-tastic time at Seven Hills Whisky Festival Evening Session. Taste over 200 whiskies, join masterclasses, and groove to tunes from different decades, all for just £45 per person.

Returning for another year, Wing Fest is the ultimate food festival for lovers of chicken. Their events are taking place across the UK this summer, promising three whole days of wing-based fun. You can attend for as little as £25 per person, which includes a free trucker hat on arrival.

Try a range of delicious wings to determine whose is the very best, and you can even take part in eating competitions too. There's also axe-throwing, DJ sets and live music, alongside bourbon masterclasses and barbecue demonstrations.

When it comes to UK music festivals in 2025, London isn't one to shy away from hosting hedonistic weekends packed with multi-coloured face paint, glitter and scrumptious street food. It offers an event for everyone, from the celeb-frequented All Points East at Victoria Park to the drum and bass-dedicated Waterworks in Gunnersbury Park. If you're keen for a weekend merging the hottest pop acts and drag stars together, then the Mighty Hoopla is for you. This year, thanks to BST Hyde Park's incredible lineup, you'll even have the chance to witness the one and only Stevie Nicks perform to thousands. 

Sheffield is jam-packed with fun festivals to attend this year. From the iconic Tramlines which see popular artists like Snow Patrol, Paolo Nutini and Bombay Bicycle Club take to the stage in Hillsborough Park to independent film festivals showcasing the best and the brightest from across the globe. There's even the opportunity to combine your love of movies with synth thanks to Sensoria this year. And if you're feeling thirsty? The Steel City Beer & Cider Festival is taking place this October.