As the British festival season approaches, we have curated a list of the 11 best music festivals across the UK for summer 2026. From the coast to the countryside, there is something for every music lover.
The Great Escape
Where: Brighton | When: 13-16 May 2026
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, The Great Escape returns to Brighton with over 450 emerging artists from around the world. Highlights include Canadian powerhouse Peaches, The Kooks (who broke out at the festival in 2006), and Irish act Kingfishr. The event spans 30 intimate venues within walking distance, plus keynote talks on representation and mental health.
Mighty Hoopla
Where: Brockwell Park, London | When: 30-31 May 2026
This colourful pop celebration features Tulisa, Scissor Sisters, JLS, Louise, Alexandra Burke, and a UK festival exclusive from Lily Allen performing her album West End Girl. Dress in sequins and sparkles for a joyful weekend.
Isle of Wight
Where: Seaclose Park, Newport, Isle of Wight | When: 18-21 June 2026
Once known as the 'European Woodstock,' the Isle of Wight Festival now offers a diverse lineup including Lewis Capaldi, Calvin Harris, Rita Ora, The Cure, Sex Pistols, and Shed Seven, catering to all musical tastes.
State Fayre
Where: Hylands Park, Chelmsford, Essex | When: 26-28 June 2026
A new festival from the organisers of Reading and Leeds, State Fayre taps into the UK's love for country, Americana, rock, and folk. Headliners include Elvis Costello and the Imposters, Alanis Morissette, Skunk Anansie, The Coral, and Kings of Leon, alongside rising stars Stephen Wilson Jr, Muireann Bradley, and Kezia Gill. Foodie influencer Eating with Tod brings his BBQ festival Fume to the park.
Latitude
Where: Henham Park, Suffolk | When: 23-26 July 2026
Latitude offers a family-friendly mix of music, art, literature, and comedy. Performers include Teddy Swims, Tom Grennan, Billy Ocean, and The Undertones. The Listening Post features poet Dr John Cooper Clarke, while the Comedy Arena hosts Sarah Pascoe, Lenny Henry, and Sue Perkins.
Camp Bestival
Where: Lulworth Castle, Dorset | When: 30 July - 2 August 2026
Now in its 18th year, Camp Bestival transforms the castle grounds into a wonderland of circus, crafts, and disco. Headliners include Fatboy Slim and De La Soul, with CBeebies bedtime stories for children.
ArcTanGent
Where: Fernhill Farm, Bristol | When: 19-22 August 2026
ArcTanGent offers an alternative to mainstream festivals, focusing on electronic, synthwave, and industrial music. This year's lineup includes Chelsea Wolfe, Primus, and Perturbator.
Green Man
Where: Bannau Brecheiniog National Park, Wales | When: 20-23 August 2026
Set in the Welsh mountains, Green Man features indie rock from Wilco and Wolf Alice (nominated for a Mercury Prize in 2025). Activities include morning yoga and evening marshmallow toasting.
All Points East
Where: Victoria Park, London | When: 21-30 August 2026
Often compared to Coachella, All Points East offers a stellar lineup: Jorja Smith, Tems, Tyler the Creator (UK exclusive), Lorde, PinkPantheress, Deftones, and Twenty One Pilots. The festival spans multiple days with diverse genres.
Reading / Leeds
Where: Rivermead Park, Reading / Bramham Park, Leeds | When: 27-30 August 2026
Reading and Leeds shed their teenage stereotypes with a lineup featuring Gen-Z artists like Sombr, Role Model, and Raye, alongside Kneecap, Geese, Men I Trust, and electronic acts Mall Grab and Hybrid Minds on the new Warehouse stage.
