The Best UK Festivals

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By Lauren Cole Lead Editor, DesignMyNight Our Lead Editor, Lauren, has written about the UK's best restaurants, bars and experiences on DesignMyNight since 2021. Bylines in What's On Media Group. Last updated on 8th September 2026

There's no denying that UK festivals are some of the best in the world; from Glastonbury to Oktoberfest, our country has nailed the art of music celebrations, food pop-ups and beer bashes. We've rounded up the creme de la creme, so when you're not dancing in your wellies, try everything from dedicated chicken wing bonanzas to booze-testing all-dayers.




London, Bristol, Nottingham, Sheffield, Manchester: Wing Fest 2026

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.

Manchester: Freight Island Summer Festival Series

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. 

Truro, Cornwall: County Arms Beer Festival 2026

@ County Arms on Fri, 2nd Oct 2026 @ multiple start times (see ticket info)

County Arms Beer Festival is kicking off this October, for a weekend of great beer, great food and live entertainment under their pub garden marquee. Bringing together nine brews under one roof, you'll get to discover all-new varieties of your favourite beverage. 

Going on until 11pm, a DJ will step onto the scene come nightfall to end the celebration with a bang. £22 tickets will get you full-weekend entry, three complimentary pints and all the fun that comes with any beer-fuelled festival. 

Charlcombe: Hare & Hounds Beer Festival 2026

@ The Hare & Hounds on Fri, 18th Sep 2026 - Sat, 19th Sep 2026

Bath's annual celebration of great brews and pub culture is back: Hare & Hounds Beer Festival 2026. Book your £10 ticket in advance via DesignMyNight to claim three complimentary drinks tokens on arrival.

Expect a huge selection of beers and ciders, tasty food, and an electric atmosphere all weekend long. Round up your friends and grab your tickets early to lock in the token perk.

London: Best Music Festivals

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: Best Festivals

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.