The best UK festivals summer 2023 | Music | Entertainment

Feeling the atmosphere

Which festival will you choose this year? (Image: Getty)

Best for… NOSTALGIA

MIGHTY HOOPLA

A celebration of all things pop, this throwback festival features some of the best-known acts from the 1990s and 2000s. A dusting of glitter is most definitely encouraged.

When: June 3-4

Where: Brockwell Park, South London

Line-up: Kelly Rowland, Kelis, Natasha Bedingfield, Aqua, Rachel Stevens, Beverley Knight, Years & Years, Roisin Murphy, Soul II Soul, Jake Shears

Tickets: Day, from £59.50; weekend, from £114.50

Mighty Hoopla Festival 2022

Revellers in London (Image: Getty)

Best for… PET LOVERS

DOGSTIVAL

You’d be barking mad to miss this pawfect event, which is a celebration of all things dogs. Will your pooch win best in show?

When: June 3-4

Where: Broadlands Park, Romsey, Hampshire

Line-up: K9 Splash Pool, Canine MOT Centre, Muddy Paws Tavern, live bands

Tickets: From £10 

Dogstival

Dogstival (Image: @rockythetraveller Harry Smith )

Best for… BIG NAMES

AMERICAN EXPRESS PRESENTS BST HYDE PARK

The central London day festival series is back serving up some of the biggest names in the business, including two dates from rock legend Bruce Springsteen.

When: June 24-July 7

Where: Hyde Park, London

Line-up: Blackpink, P!nk, Take That, Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Guns N’ Roses

Tickets: Day tickets from £90 

American Express Presents BST Hyde Park: Duran Duran

The iconic great oak stage (Image: Getty)

Best for… LITTLE ONES

CAMP BESTIVAL 

An extensive kids’ area makes this a brilliant first festival. From crafts and storytime, to kids’ yoga and a roller disco, you will be occupied from dawn to dusk.

When: July 27-30 and August 17-20

Where: Lulworth Castle, Dorset, and Weston Park, Shropshire

Line-up: Sam Ryder, Mr Tumble, Dick and Dom, Mr Motivator, Grace Jones, Craig David Presents TS5

Tickets: Kids, from free; adult weekend, from £220 

Camp Bestival 2014 - Day 4

Getting crafty at Camp Bestival (Image: Getty)

Best for… ZEN

WELLNERGY 

Brand new this year, Wellnergy aims to relax and recharge, combining mindfulness, fitness and food with music and laughter.

When: June 17 Where: Barn Elms, Barnes, South London

Line-up: Dr Alex George, Grace Beverley, Maude Hirst, Alice Liveing, and Dilly Carter, Gardens of Babylon featuring Parallelle (Hybrid), Patrice Baumel, Magit Cacoon

Tickets: Adults, from £65; kids, £22 

Wellnergy Festival

New for this year is Wellnergy (Image: Wellnergy)

Best for… FOODIES

THE BIG FEASTIVAL

Big Feastival Come hungry to this delectable festival, which sees live cooking demos from top chefs, along with plenty of the UK’s best food and drink to try.

When: August 25-27 Where: Alex James’ Farm, Kingham, the Cotswolds

Line-up: Sigrid, Tom Grennan, Blossoms, The Vaccines, Rick Astley, Melanie C, Asma Khan, Nathan Outlaw, Anna Haugh

Tickets: Day from £85 for adults; free for children under five, older kids from £12.50; weekend, from £195 for adults, free for children under five, from £45.50 for older kids

The Big Feastival - Day 2

Top chefs give demos at The Big Feastival (Image: Getty)

Best for… SMALL

IN IT TOGETHER

Set by the seaside in South Wales, this 30,000 capacity event has a stellar line-up and relaxed vibe. Grandparents go free, making it a family affair.

When: May 26-28 

Where: Port Talbot, Margam

Line-up: Anne Marie, The Kooks, James, James Bay, Jake Bugg, UB40, The Vamps, Kelis, Diversity, Melanie C, Vengaboys, Chase & Status, Groove Armada, Diversity, The Ks

Tickets: Family weekend camping and entry (two adults, two children), from £395.15

In It Together Festival

Party in Wales at In It Together (Image: In It Together)

Best for… ECLECTIC

PARKLIFE 

With an incredibly diverse line-up, you’ll be spoilt for choice at this Mancunian powerhouse.

When: June 10-11 Where: Heaton Park, Manchester Line-up: The 1975, Aitch, Fred Again, The Prodigy, Little Simz, Wu-Tang Clan, Nas: A NY State Of Mind, Skrillex, NxWorries (Anderson Paak & Knxwledge), Becky Hill, Raye

Tickets: Day from £84.50; weekend from £149.50

Parklife Festival 2018

Parklife festival brings big names to Manchester (Image: Getty)

Best for… FAMILIES 

THE GREAT ESTATE

There’s something for all the family at this award-winning event, from trails and circus workshops, to karaoke and Victorian-style sports day games.

When: June 2 – 4 June

Where: Scorrier House, Redruth, Cornwall

Line-up: Primal Scream, The Selecter, Ibiza Symphonic with DJ Andy Joyce, Bez (Happy Mondays) DJ Set, Cuban Brothers

Tickets: From £85

The Great Estate Festival

Let loose at The Great Estate (Image: Getty)

Best for… COMEDY

EDINBURGH FRINGE

With acts in pubs, clubs and theatres, you’ll find the finest comedy at the Fringe, as well as cabaret, spoken word, acapella and much more.

When: August 4-28

Where: Edinburgh Line-up: Adam Kay, Bad Play, Chloe Petts, Rhod Gilbert, Grace Campbell, The Tony Blair Rock Opera

Tickets: From free 

Street Entertainers On The Royal Mile At The Edinburgh International Festival

Edinburgh Fringe sees comedy, drama, spoken word and more (Image: Getty)

Best for… BOOK LOVERS

KITE

A festival of ideas, Kite is brand new for this year, with fascinating talks and workshops, smattered with some brilliant music.

When: June 9-11 Where: Kirtlington Park, Oxfordshire

Line-up: Joan Collins, John Major, Alastair Campbell, Toussaint Douglass, Candi Staton, David Baddiel, Suede

Tickets: From £59

Dame Joan Collins

Dame Joan Collins is set to speak at Kite Festival (Image: Getty)

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