It’s getting to that time of year when we are all going to be thinking about what to do for the summer. Festivals are at the top of most of our lists, and with good reason! They are cheaper than the standard holiday at IbizaRocks, yet still have everything you want there, including sun, alcohol, magnificent music and wonderful atmospheres. The difficult part is deciding where to go! You have loads to choose from. So here is a choice of personal recommendations of festivals to light up your summer.
When: 24 – 27 July
Where: Abbots Ripton near Huntingdon
Ticket Prices: £142.50 – £180.50
Not a festival widely known over the country, however it has an amazing atmosphere and an idyllic location to make you feel like you are in the heart of everything spectacular. If you just visit the website, you will understand. The festival has a different theme each year, this year’s is “Yellow Brick Road”. The music ranges from country to dubstep, and the location couldn’t be more magical as it’s in the remote, yet beautiful woodland with lakes. Morcheeba and Sub Focus (DJ set) are two of the many acts that have been announced so far!
2. Glastonbury
When: 25 – 29 June
Where: Glastonbury, Somerset
Ticket prices: £210 (SOLD OUT UNTIL RESALE)
Being the largest field festival in the world (YES, THE ENTIRE WORLD), Glastonbury brings spectators from many countries together in one place to promote both classic and upcoming styles of both music, and creative arts. Expect bright colours, fire-breathers, hundreds of creative stalls and stands to take a cheeky look at. A bit on the pricey side, yes. On the “worth it” side? Absolutely! The festival seems more of an experience than anything, so be prepared to take a gander at the line-up which will be released later on this year. Headliners already announced include Lily Allen, Disclosure, and THE Dolly Parton!
When: 7 – 10 August
Where: Near Winchester, Hampshire
Ticket prices: £150 (all other tiers have sold out)
Welcome to the festival which guarantees every kind of activity you could want in a summer experience. Welcome to the magnificent array of music, the divine set of theatre, art and activity separated into “districts” (yes, like the Hunger Games). Three days is more than enough for you to dig your heels into this cultural portrayal of creativity. The price is also very reasonable and it is definitely something to consider whether you are going with a large group of friends, or just a couple of you. The lineup has been released so check it out. Two of the acts announced are Chas and Dave, and Babyhead!
4. Boardmasters
When: 6 – 10 August
Where: Watergate Bay, Newquay, Cornwall
Ticket prices: £119 – £154 (individual day tickets are available)
For those of you who are desperate to go to a festival, but NOT so desperate to leave Cornwall, check this out. Boardmasters is not only a music festival, but it is also an International surf competition. It captures the essence of Cornwall, while also showcasing some BIG names in the music industry. Acts already confirmed for this year are Bastille, Chase and Status, and Snoop Dogg! Yes, that’s right, Snoop Doggy Dogg is coming to Cornwall! With the festival being based on/by a beach, the atmosphere is incredibly relaxed, and unlike any other.
5. Download
When: 13 – 15 June
Where: Donington Park (where Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and Derbyshire meet)
Ticket prices: £205 – £215
This festival is very dependent on music taste. Rock and metal music should ideally be something that regularly feature in your Spotify or iTunes playlists for you to really enjoy this festival. Filled with a fantastic atmosphere, enormous galleries of clothes and jewellery stores, this is definitely a contender in the battle of the festivals. Prices are also very reasonable considering you can stay for a total of five days. Linkin Park and THE Aerosmith are two of the confirmed headliners!
6. Wireless
When: 4 – 6 July
Where: Finsbury Park, London, or Perry Park, Birmingham
Tickets prices: £172 – £250 (individual day tickets are available)
Wireless festival has exceeded all expectation this year by planning two festivals of its kind; one in London, and one in Birmingham. The line up is quirky and as some would say very mainstream, however with worldwide acts such as Kanye West, Outkast and Pharrell Williams, the festival is certainly going to be a brilliant experience! The downside of this festival is that you cannot camp, here so you will need to find extra funds to pay for your accommodation.
Decide which festival catches your eye (and ears), and go book your tickets!