While the lingering chill in the air might lead you to believe otherwise, British festival season is fast approaching. We’ve whittled things down into a handy guide to the events you won’t want to miss out on this summer.
For the music obsessives looking to spruce up their rotation with some fresh talent, look no further than the UK’s biggest new music festival, The Great Escape, which will be celebrating its 20th birthday in May. It’s set to be one hell of a party.
Speaking of newcomers, State Fayre, the latest event from industry titans Festival Republic, will be hoping to shake things up in August, bringing an impressive mix of rock, country, folk and Americana to the sprawling grounds of Hylands Park in Chelmsford, Essex.
Then there are some killer line-ups from Reading and Leeds, All Points East, Green Man and Isle of Wight, which should be enough to keep you busy while Glastonbury takes its traditional fallow year.
So, dust off your sunhat – and, let’s be realistic, your wellies and anorak, too – because it looks like this summer is set to be a corker…
The Great Escape
Where – Brighton
When – 13-16 May 2026
Twenty years since it first erupted onto the UK festival scene, the Great Escape will be returning to Brighton with a veritable smorgasbord of up-and-coming talent, sourced from every corner of the globe. Discover the hottest newcomers to indie, soul, metal, and everything in between, scattered over 30 intimate venues (all within walking distance) in the seaside town.
Confirmed names range from Canadian powerhouse Peaches to The Kooks, who caught their big break at the festival back in 2006, as well as Irish act Kingfishr, who first played The Great Escape on The Independent’s stage two years ago, now performing a spotlight show at the Brighton Dome. Then there are over 450 other acts to enjoy across the four days, plus keynote conversations with Peaches, Melanie C, Ian Murray MP, and plenty of industry insiders and experts discussing everything from representation to mental health. Evie Wynne
Mighty Hoopla
Where – Brockwell Park, London
When – 30 and 31 May 2026
In May, London’s Brockwell Park will once again be playing host to the two-day bonanza that is Mighty Hoopla, the most colourful, joyful, camp celebration of everything we love about pop music. Witness sets from Tulisa, Scissor Sisters, JLS, Louise and Alexandra Burke all in one place, along with this year’s it-girl, Lily Allen, delivering a UK festival exclusive performance of her critically adored comeback album, West End Girl. Grab something sequinned, sparkling or spandex and we’ll see you there. EW
Isle of Wight
Where – Seaclose Park, Newport, Isle of Wight
When – 18 – 21 June 2026
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While the festival’s early line-ups earnt it a reputation as the “European equivalent of Woodstock”, it’s fair to say that Isle of Wight has diversified its offering in recent years. Whether you’re singing along to Lewis Capaldi or reminiscing on summers of yore with Calvin Harris and Rita Ora, there really is something for everyone. And with The Cure, Sex Pistols, and Shed Seven all set to make an appearance, there’s plenty to keep the rock fans happy, too. EW
State Fayre
Where – Hylands Park, Chelmsford, Essex
When – 26 – 28 June 2026
From the organisers of Reading, Leeds and Latitude, we give you State Fayre, a new event tapping into the UK’s ongoing obsession with country music. Packed with the very best that the country, Americana, rock and folk scenes have to offer, its lineup includes major acts like Elvis Costello and the Imposters, Alanis Morissette, Skunk Anansie, The Coral and Kings of Leon, plus brilliant newcomers such as Stephen Wilson Jr, Muireann Bradley and Kezia Gill. And when you need to re-charge, there’ll be plenty of delicious options thanks to foodie influencer Eating with Tod, who’ll be bringing his BBQ festival Fume to the park, as well. EW
Latitude
Where – Henham Park, Suffolk
When – 23 26 July 2026
Latitude’s family-friendly festival returns with a typically excellent mix of music, art, literature and entertainment. Whether you’re in the mood for some chart-topping tunes from Teddy Swims and Tom Grennan, the sweet soul of Billy Ocean or the fiery rock of The Undertones. Want to give those weary feet a rest? Stroll over to the Listening Post, where Salford’s own Dr John Cooper Clarke will be imparting his wisdom with the crowd. Or, for some light relief, join Sarah Pasco, Lenny Henry, and Sue Perkins in the Comedy Arena for an afternoon of guaranteed laughs. EW
Camp Bestival
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Where – Lulworth Castle, Dorset
When – 30th July – 2 August 2026
In just a matter of months, the staid grandeur of Lulworth Castle will once more be transformed into a kooky wonderland of circus, craft, disco, and plenty besides. In this, its 18th year, Camp Bestival will be taking parents on a trip down memory lane with performances from hip-hop greats Fatboy Slim and De La Soul, while, a few tents over, the kids settle down for a bedtime story with CBeebies. Best. Weekend. Ever. EW
ArcTanGent
Where – Fernhill Farm, Bristol
When – 19 – 22 August 2026
ArcTanGent represents a glimmering alternative to the more mainstream festivals out there. This year they’re offering performances from industry disruptors Chelsea Wolfe, Primus, and Perturbator, to name a few. ATG opens the door to an underground world of electronic, synth wave, and industrial, bringing them firmly into the fore. Join them in Bristol this August for an experience you won’t forget in a hurry. EW
Green Man
Where – Bannau Brecheiniog National Park, Wales
When – 20 – 23 August 2026
Nestled amidst the gently rolling hills of Bannau Brecheiniog National Park in Wales, Green Man is back with another mesmerising programme of music, comedy, science, and arts designed to tantalise the senses. Part of a typically eclectic line-up, this year’s headliners include indie aficionados Wilco and modern-day rock band Wolf Alice, whose recent album, In Bloom, saw them nominated for a second Mercury Prize in 2025. Arguably the best part about Green Man, though, is the plethora of other activities on offer, which will see you filling your mornings with yoga and your evenings with toasted marshmallows, high on the magic of the Welsh mountain air. EW
All Points East
Where – Victoria Park, London
When – 21 – 30 August 2026
Its cool crowd and impressive line-ups have earned All Points East comparisons to California’s Coachella music festival – albeit smaller and with far fewer influencers. It’s a bit of a stretch given the California event is one of the biggest festivals in the world, but at least here you’re not shelling out $70 for tacos (it’s more like £18). Anyway, by now All Points East is a staple of any festival-lover’s culture calendar.
Descending on Victoria Park this year are soul stars Jorja Smith and Tems, as well as two sets from Tyler, the Creator in what will be the American rapper’s UK exclusive. Headlining with support from PinkPantheress, fresh off her own headliner-in-the-making Coachella set of her own, is none other than Lorde. For the moody alt-rockers out there, both old and new thanks to a recent revival of early Noughties metal, Deftones are back in the UK – it’s been 31 years since their debut album, but hits like “Nosebleed” feel as fresh and immediate as ever. Likewise, nostalgia runs deep for Twenty One Pilots who will be making their APE debut on 30 August. Annabel Nugent
Reading / Leeds
Where – Rivermead Park, Reading / Bramham Park, Leeds
When – 27 30 August 2026
Shrugging off any preconceived stereotypes of a festival overrun by excitable teenagers, Reading and Leeds have announced a line-up that is certainly not to be sniffed at. So, if Gen-Z artists Sombr, Role Model, and Raye aren’t your thing, the subversive sounds of Kneecap, Geese, and Men I Trust just might be. Meanwhile, for those whose tastes lie closer to the club, check out Mall Grab and Hybrid Minds on the brand new Warehouse stage for a party that won’t disappoint. EW
