It’s fast approaching summer festival season and for some it’s the same old routine of going back to your favourite festival, but for others it’s maybe not such a concrete decision.
This article is for you.
It’s for those who are not too sure which festival to spend their well-earned pennies on.
As a festival season veteran, I’ll guide you through some of my personal choices from the UK festivals I’ve frequented over the years.
Why six? You’ll see why….
Eden Festival | Dumfries and Galloway | 7-10th June 2018
You really can’t beat the sense of freedom that camping in a field in Scotland brings.
Eden Festival celebrates its tenth birthday this year, showing that a festival focused on community and showcasing alternative music really does create something that is enduring.
Organisers and volunteers pull together every year to create a true ‘garden of Eden’ with passages and walkways with art installations, handmade signage and something wonderful hidden in all the nooks and crannies.
This year taking to the stage will be Groove Armada, Electric Swing Circus, Zion Train, Mr B the Gentleman Rhymer, Submotion Orchestra, Mungo’s Hi Fi and Britain’s ‘Best Part Time Band’ winners Bombskare.
At only 8000 strong, it doesn’t feel overcrowded and there are so many things to do including workshops, cabaret shows, drive-in cinema, games to get involved in there really is something for everyone.
Don’t forget to get motivated with Mr Motivator – the perfect cure for a hangover!!
Tickets are available here.
The Good Life Experience | Wales | 14th-16th September 2018
A small affair set on Hawarden Estate in North Wales, this is a festival set up by Cerys Matthews, Steve Abbott, Charlie & Caroline Gladstone.
Based around the idea of being in the ‘great outdoors’ and celebrating craft culture, this was really a hidden gem on last year’s festival route when I looked after a bar here.
All of the artists are chosen because they represent a cross-section of world music and because they want to be involved in the festival. You won’t find a VIP section at this festival!
It’s a dog-friendly event with camping and some fantastic music on offer, this festival also serves foodies with campfire cooking sessions and easy access to lots of local fare.
It may be one of the last festivals of the year, but it really is worth checking out!
Latitude | England | 12th-15th July 2018
Now, this isn’t the most underground of festivals but if you’re craving a Glastonbury fix then this is a pretty good alternative.-
Latitude really encompasses everything you could possibly want to entertain yourself with. Music, dance, comedy, beauty treatments and even swimming are all on the cards here.
With so much to explore the intricate work that goes into the design of this event will blow you away….You might even see some pink sheep!
Headliners this year include Alt-J, Solange Knowles, The Killers, with appearances by Mogwai, James, Harry Hill and my personal go to for a laugh-a-minute David O’Doherty.
After winning ‘Best Major Festival 2017’ it really is one to consider. Tickets are here.
Boardmasters | Cornwall | 8th-12th August 2018
For something totally different why not incorporate sun, sea and sand into your festival criteria?!
Set just outside Newquay, this is a festival with surfing competitions, music, fairground rides and the chance to go to town for the day with after-parties in local nightclubs.
A camping event, this is really a unique opportunity to go to a festival that sits on a clifftop with dramatic views of beaches and the sea while watching acts such as The Chemical Brothers, George Ezra, Catfish and the Bottlemen, Fat Freddy’s Drop, Kano and Annie Mac.
The festival is part of the World Surf League (WSL) qualifying series which guarantees an array of travelling international surfers as well as the best British surfers, all looking to qualify for the World Championship Tour.
I would also recommend getting out to explore Newquay if you have the time – it’s a beautiful place with some amazing seafood and good ol’ fish and chips to try!
For tickets and more info check here.
Kendal Calling | England | 26th – 29th July 2018
This has actually sold out BUT there is a resale of tickets at the end of June.
This might have been victim to crazy rainfall and swathes of mud last year, but it still had a lot to offer and probably one of the best line-ups of the season.
It’s a small site with a lot of camping space. There are stages in the woods, comedy sets, late night DJ sets from Basement Jaxx, Grandmaster Flash etc and usually a brass band or two to dance into the wee hours with.
This year’s line up is no exception with performances from The Libertines, Run DMC, Catfish and the Bottlemen, Hacienda Classical, Ocean Colour Scene, Peter Hook and the Light, Lady Leshurr and the list goes on.
Northern favourites The Lancashire Hotpots will also make their annual appearance!
See what the festival has to offer here.
Festival Number Six | Wales | 6th-9th September 2018
And finally, number six on the list is the appropriately named FN6 – the most unique festival on the list.
There couldn’t be a list without this festival.
Set in the magical Portmeirion village on the coast of Wales this event encompasses music, arts and culture like no other festival with music from an eclectic mix of artists, spoken word, talks, comedy, orchestral performances all in a surreal environment.
The village looks like it could be on the Italian Riviera, while revellers also have access to the estuary, woodland area and main arena.
It really is something you have to see to believe!
This year acts include The The, Franz Ferdinand, Friendly Fires, The Charlatans, Ride – for the full line up check out their website.
Working festival season and need tips to survive? Read Jenni’s Festival Survival Guide!