We’re nearing the end of June. The sun has been shining, the BBQ has been fired up and we’ve swapped our trousers for shorts. Festival season in the UK is finally in full-swing and with big hitters like Reading & Leeds, Creamfields and Download reigning supreme over the UK’s music festival season, we thought we’d shine a little light on the diverse range of Independent UK Music Festivals for every kind of bloke.
Independent UK Music Festivals
Our guide to Independent UK Music Festivals includes festival events appropriate for families, lone-rangers and music and beer enthusiasts. So take-a-look, book your tickets and pack your wellies…
The Popular UK Music Festival
Latitude Festival: 12th – 15th July, Suffolk
Although Latitude Festival was the Winner of Best Major Festival in 2017, it remains unknown to many. Latitude Festival runs annually in Henham Park, Suffolk and provides a platform for a diverse range of musicians, poets, artists and comedians with an eclectic programme of performances, films and activities, which runs throughout the weekend. Latitude Festival is co-ordinated by Festival Republic who are recognised for their work with larger UK festivals like Reading & Leeds Festival and most recently, Glastonbury – so you’re guaranteed an incredible weekend, with a more family-friendly atmosphere.
The Heavy & Alternative UK Music Festival
Two Thousand Trees Festival: 12th – 14th July
Two Thousand Trees Festival is a fairly, recent addition to the British festival season. As a relatively new event, two thousand trees festival has already been awarded a range of accolades for a refreshing take on the heavy metal and alternative music festival. The independent UK festival is located in the intimate setting of the hills of the Cotswolds and offers three days of music and camping. The festival prides itself on good vibes and music, which makes it an excellent choice for groups or people attending alone.
The Dance UK Music Festival
The Beat-Herder Festival: 13th – 15th July, Lancashire
Beat-Herder is an independent UK Music Festival, which takes place in the Ribble Valley, Lancashire. With a growing reputation, The Beat-Herder Festival is a unique introduction to the summer season of live music which places emphasis on electronic dance music, alongside other notable genres. From Bez to Boney M, Pete Tong to Foals – there’s over 20 bespoke stages for music, comedy, performance and craft to satisfy the music junkie who’s partial to a boogie – Eh, Carl!
The Cultured UK Music Festival
Manchester Jazz Festival: 20th – 28th July, Manchester
Manchester Jazz Festival is an excellent annual event for people who appreciate a little jazz. With a live programme which spans across 8 days, the Manchester Jazz Festival offers street food, locally brewed beer and musically performances at some of Manchester’s most notable venues and locations. Visit the official Manchester Jazz Festival website for all details on the artists and acts who will be contributing to this excellent event in a remarkable City.
The Family UK Music Festival
Lunar Festival: 27th – 29th July, Warwickshire
‘Music is only a part of the fun’. Lunar Festival is small, independent UK Music festival focused on music and the arts for all audiences. Lunar Festival consists of seven elements, these are: listen, learn, move, create, taste, relax and laugh. Their extensive programme provides a jam-packed weekend for every member of the family, from workshops with the Royal Shakespeare Company to performances from Punk icons, The Stranglers. Check it out to find out more.
The Highland Music Festival
The Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival: 2nd – 4th August
Located on the Belladrum Estate near Inverness, The Tartan Heart Festival offers a popular programme of music in the heart of the beautiful backdrop of the Scottish Highlands. 2018 headliners include Paloma Faith, Primal Scream and The Charlatans – with performances across the weekend from Craig Charles’ Funk & Soul Band, Fun Lovin’ Criminals and Professor Green.
The Cider & Beer Centred UK Music Festival
Outcider Festival: 3rd – 5th August, Somerset
If you’re not a fan of mainstream music but love a little punk rock, beer & cider – then maybe The Outcider Festival is the music festival for you. Based in Somerset, this festival thrives on the ethos of ‘No tribute bands. No X-Factor. No Carling lager. No hipsters. No tossers.’ Outcider festival specialises in craft cider and beer and raw, unapologetic music. £3.50 a pint! Tickets start at £20.
The Tribute UK Music Festival
Tribfest: 16th – 19th August, East Yorkshire
Okay, imagine the best UK music festival line-up of all time. Who would you have as the ultimate headliners? Queen? Elvis? David Bowie? AC/DC? Well Tribfest has ‘em all! Right, so they may not be the real deal but Tribest is the biggest tribute music festival in the World and showcases some fantastic musicians who pay tribute to the World’s most iconic artists – at just £85 for three days of music and accommodation, you can’t complain!
If you’re not one for pitching tents and wearing wellies, check out out article on excellent UK Travel Destinations – for a spontaneous holiday without the airtime. I hope you have enjoyed our guide to Independent UK Music Festivals, if we’ve missed any worth mentioning, please post your suggestions in the comment section.