The launch of on-campus festival ‘Exefest’ and the continued success of Hijacked means Exeter students are guaranteed some great music this summer. But if these aren’t your cup of tea, or you simply can’t get enough, there are plenty of other events in the South West to provide your festival fix! Here are some of our top music picks for summer 2017 that are within easy reach of campus:
Love Saves the Day – Bristol
Only an hour train ride from Exeter, the Bristonian festival is in its sixth year and going strong. With Saturday tickets costing around £40, Love Saves the Day is a great choice if you just want to go for a day. Although it now runs over a weekend, this festival began as one day event meaning you’re sure to get a great experience without needing to camp. Love Saves the Day is also ideal for a post exam blow out as it takes place at the end of May. With a capacity of 5000, the festival is pretty small so you’re guaranteed a great view of headliners including Shy FX and Fat Freddy’s Drop, as well as house favourites Bicep and Jamie Jones.
Boardmasters – Newquay, Cornwall
Taking place on Fistral Beach in Newquay, Boardmasters combines great music with incredible surfing. The lineup is mainly indie with headliners including The Vaccines, Two Door Cinema Club and Frank Turner. This year grime star Stormzy and drum and bass legend Andy C will also perform, amongst others. And if you’re as into board sports as you are music, World Surf League Competitions take place throughout the festival. Plus, whether you’re a novice or a pro, you won’t want to miss the chance to catch some waves yourself!
Lockdown Festival – Powderham Castle, Exeter
The next festival on our list is a bit closer to Campus. Located at Powderham Castle, home of Radio One’s Big Weekend 2016, Lockdown is only in its second year. It takes place the first weekend of Septmber, so can both end your summer and start autumn term with a bang. The line up mainly comprises of EDM and Drum and Bass notables, including Wilkinson, TQD, Jax Jones and Sigma
Bestival – Lulworth Estate, Dorset
Famous for it’s extravagant fancy dress, Bestival is a firm favourite in the festival world. And, luckily for us, this year Bestival has moved to a site closer to Exeter. Previously based on the Isle of Wight, Bestival will now take place on Lulworth Estate in Dorset. Headlined by The XX, with other acts including Annie Mac, Jackmaster, and Dizzee Rascal, Bestival definitely has something for everyone!
Glastonbury – Somerset
Finally, one of the world’s most legendary festivals which takes place in our own back yard – Glastobury has become canonical within the music world. Taking place in the last week of June, festival goers flock from across the world, filling the fields of Devon with around 175,000 people. Headliners this year include Radiohead and the Foo Fighters. Unfortunately, if you haven’t already managed to get tickets, it’s bad news – maybe next year!