Like most major events around the world, the UK festival calendar took a beating when the world was plunged into a global shutdown thanks to the ongoing pandemic. Large crowds losing their inhibitions to big-name acts were no longer allowed, and the few events that could afford to postpone did so for a year or two.
These days, however, the world is open again, and 2023 is packed full of exciting festivals around the UK waiting to be enjoyed. While it is impossible to attend them all, many stand-out events are worth visiting. So grab your trusted Billabong items and a hat to beat the sun and kick your summer holidays off right.
Glastonbury, Somerset
Considered one of the biggest music festivals in the world, 2023 is likely to see an even bigger attendance to Glastonbury due to covid delays and shutdowns. With headlining acts from Elton John, Arctic Monkeys, and Guns ‘n’ Roses, while Lizzo and Lewis Capaldi are amongst the performances, this five-day event in June is a step above the rest.
The Glastonbury experience is more than music, with woodland yoga sessions, all-night parties and various food pop-ups around the site to indulge in. There will also be talks held, offering the ideal place to sit and relax between dancing.
Boardmasters, Cornwall
Although the weather can cause chaos for this seaside event, Boardmasters in picturesque Cornwall is a blissfully located festival for lovers of sunshine, sea air and outdoor activities. Held at the beginning of August, the only potential headache you could encounter is the wind.
Music is the main attraction, offering attendees a mix of indie, rock, hip hop and dance to lose themselves in. However, there are plenty of activities to enjoy, especially for the outdoorsy types, including coastal runs, kayaking and surf lessons. There are also well-being workshops and yoga classes held.
Latitude, Suffolk
Latitude, held in Suffolk towards the end of July, is an excellent choice for families and everybody else. It radiates a relaxed and inclusive energy, with the performing arts being one of the festival’s biggest attractions.
2023 will host an array of award-winning performers on various stages, meaning there is something for everyone, with the lush woodland setting being the perfect way to get back into nature. Finally, you will be satisfied with a vast selection of international dishes on offer.
Green Man, Wales
Held in the middle of August and located in the Welsh Brecon Beacons, Green Man is a serious contender for the most beautiful UK festival setting. Yet, despite its growing popularity over the years, it has managed to maintain the independent and arty ethos that put it on the map.
From sound-therapy sessions and lively debates to science workshops, there is plenty on offer to enjoy to the backdrop of indie, folk and alternative rock music. With kids in mind, the festival also offers plenty of family-friendly activities to entertain everyone.
Wilderness, Oxfordshire
Housed in the magical woodland of Cornbury Park Estate, Wilderness has built up a loyal following over the years, and it isn’t difficult to see why. A unique combination of acts, this festival, held at the beginning of August, sees big-named indie headliners mingle with hip alternative acts, authors, comedians and various start chefs.
Creamfields, Cheshire
It has been two decades since Creamfields started, and this massive electronic-music festival is still going strong. Advertised as the biggest dance festival in the UK, it attracts around 70,000 club-loving individuals.
Unsurprisingly, it is massively DJ-driven, with acts like Swedish House Mafia providing house, techno and trance music. However, as a dedication to dance-party purists, there are plenty of disco, drum ’n’ bass and underground sounds to indulge in.
Lost Village, Lincolnshire
If you are looking for something to do in the last week of August and enjoy a good rave, Lost Village is calling your name. Located in a serene forest filled with abandoned houses and vehicles, woodland trails and old airports, all open to explore and enjoy to the backdrop of top DJs and live acts.
If you prefer something more slow-paced, take advantage of the extensive wellness programmes on offer, as well as various comedy shows, talks, interviews and workshops. The festival aims to get people moving in whatever way suits them best.
Reading & Leeds Festivals
One of the oldest music festivals in the world, this two-day event was first launched in Reading in 1961 as a national Jazz Festival. Since then, it has evolved over the years to match new music and trends, attracting over 100,000 people in 2019. In 1999, a second date was added in Leeds, where the same acts perform for a second day in a row.
If you choose to attend this event, held in the last week of August, make sure to pack a sturdy raincoat, as wet weather is always hanging around. But make no mistake, the added rain won’t dampen your experience. 2023 will host several top artists, including Billie Eilish, Lewis Capaldi, The Killers and Imagine Dragons.
Bluedot Festival, Cheshire
The Bluedot festival is a very unique event where music and science are combined to create a super-smart learning experience while you party the night away. There are plenty of mind-expanding legal experiments in which to partake, talks and discussions held by various scientists, artists and more.
Music is not sacrificed in the name of science, with many genre-straddling artists set to take the stage. It is an excellent pick for families looking for some fun.
