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The 10 best festivals in the UK 2024

festival season UK

It's festival season!

Although it may seem like we’re not going to get a Summer at this rate, Festival season has already begun, and let's be honest, rain and festivals go hand in hand. The UK is filled to the brim with fantastic festivals this year, from classics like Reading and Glastonbury to new festivals making their debut, like Bludfest. There is something fundamentally British about gathering your friends, slipping on your wellies and spending a few days dancing away to music in a muddy field. So, let's throw some glitter on and have a look at some of the best festivals in the UK this year.View our locations

1. Glastonbury Festival

Now listen, we know that everyone already knows Glastonbury is the most popular festival in the UK, but we just wouldn’t feel right leaving it off the list, especially with this year’s lineup. With Dua Lipa, SZA, and the incomparable Coldplay set to headline the festival and take to the main stage, this really is going to be a festival not to miss. Icons like Cyndi Lauper and Shania Twain will also be making an appearance, and if the line-up isn’t enough to justify a visit, then the festival activities may do the trick. Glastonbury is essentially another world, one where you can watch incredibly talented circus performers or partake in a crafts workshop with Greenpeace, there really is something for everyone to enjoy at this iconic event. We know tickets are like hotcakes, and the general sale has been and gone, but if you want to attend and missed out on the gen sale, why not register to work or volunteer?

When? 26th-30th June 2024

2. Leeds Festival

Leeds Festival is another must-attend event on the UK festival circuit, known for its electric atmosphere and stellar line-ups. This year, the festival promises to be bigger and better, with headliners like Blink 182, Lana Del Rey, and Liam Gallagher set to take the stage. Other incredible acts like Catfish And The Bottlemen and Gerry Cinnamon are also on the bill, ensuring that there’s something for everyone. Beyond the music, Leeds Festival offers a variety of activities to keep you entertained all weekend long. From fairground rides to the hilarious comedy tent, there’s no shortage of excitement. If you’re looking to be part of this incredible event but missed out on general sale tickets, consider registering to work or volunteer. It’s a fantastic way to experience the festival up close and personal while also contributing to its unique vibe.

When? 21st Aug – 25 Aug 2024

3. Reading Festival

Reading Festival, the twin to Leeds Festival, never fails to deliver an unforgettable experience. This year’s line-up is the same as Reading, with headliners such as Blink 182, Lana Del Rey, and Liam Gallagher, ensuring those in Reading don’t miss out on the Leeds lineup! The festival also boasts performances by icons like Fred Again and Gerry Cinnamon, offering something for every taste. But Reading is more than just the music; it’s a weekend packed with entertainment. Get involved in the Silent Disco, catch a set at the Alternative Stage, or explore the food stalls and market stands. With general sale tickets quickly snapped up, don’t fret if you missed out. You can still be part of the action by signing up to work or volunteer, making it an experience to remember from the inside out.

When? 21st Aug – 25 Aug 2024

4. Boardmasters Festival

Boardmasters Festival is where music meets the ocean, creating an incredible festival experience on the stunning Cornish coast. This year’s line-up is nothing short of spectacular, with headliners like Florence + The Machine, Liam Gallagher, and Disclosure set to perform. The festival also features incredible acts such as Foals and Jorja Smith, ensuring a mix of rock, indie, and electronic vibes. But Boardmasters isn’t just about the music; it’s a celebration of surf culture. Festival-goers can enjoy world-class surfing competitions, beachfront yoga sessions, and even try their hand at paddleboarding. The festival also offers eco-friendly workshops and sustainable living talks, making it perfect for the environmentally conscious festival-goer. Tickets are in high demand and often sell out fast, but don’t worry if you missed out. You can still join in the Boardmasters experience by volunteering or working at the festival, ensuring you don’t miss a moment of the action on this breathtaking coastal backdrop.

When? 7th – 11th August 2024

5. Bludfest

Bludfest is making its debut on the festival scene this year. This alternative festival is the lovechild of rising star and singer-songwriter Yungblud. Yungblud has rapidly grown in popularity over the last 7 years and is now selling out world tours and playing huge arenas. With a big focus on bringing his fan base (The Black Hearts Club) together, Yungblud (Dominic Harrison) has created Bludfest. This festival aims to provide a place to listen to different music genres and come together to celebrate each other’s differences. Yungblud will obviously be headlining the festival but will be joined by acts such as Soft Play, Lil Yachty, The Damned, Lola Young, Nessa Barrett and Jazmin Bean. Tickets are fairly priced (from £49.50)  as Yungblud is very vocal about keeping prices affordable for his fanbase, and the festival will be held in the iconic National Bowl in Milton Keynes. Tickets are still available but are selling fast, so make sure you don’t miss out on this fantastic festival.

When? 11th August 2024

Grab the glitter!

Boardmasters festival

Surfs up at Boardmasters festival! Grab your board.

Bludfest 2024

See the pop-punk sensation Yungblud at his debut festival, Bludfest.

Glastonbury festival

Grab your wellies and join the UK's most iconic festival.

6. Download Festival

Download Festival is an iconic rock festival held in Donington Park, Derby. This hardcore festival attracts people who are looking for something a little heavier than the usual indie/pop festival lineups. Download has previously hosted rock icons like Guns & Roses and Black Sabbath, and this year, some of the headlining acts are Fallout Boy, Queens of the Stoneage, and Avenged Sevenfold. Download offers something traditional festivals don’t: pop-up tattoo stalls, air guitar championships and medieval battle workshops, to name a few! So, don your metal horns, slap on some black eyeliner and get yourself tickets to Download.

When? 14th June – 16th June 2024

7. Isle of Wight Festival

The Isle of Wight Festival is a legendary music event set on the picturesque Isle of Wight. This laid-back festival draws a diverse crowd seeking a mix of contemporary and classic music acts. Over the years, it has seen legendary performances from the likes of The Who and David Bowie and this year promises to be just as iconic with headliners such as Greenday, Pet Shop Boys, and Nothing But Thieves. The Isle of Wight Festival isn’t just about the music; it also features a variety of unique experiences, including a vintage fairground, immersive art installations, and wellness workshops. So grab your festival gear, pack your sunscreen (or, more likely, umbrella), and get ready for an unforgettable weekend at the Isle of Wight Festival 2024.

When? 20th – 23rd June 2024

8. Creamfields

Creamfields Festival is an electronic dance music festival held annually in the countryside of Cheshire. This high-energy festival attracts thousands of festival-goers eager to experience the best in electronic and dance music. Over the years, it has hosted legendary sets from artists like The Chemical Brothers and Calvin Harris, and this year is set to be just as electrifying with headliners such as Tiësto, Armin van Buuren, and Martin Garrix. Creamfields isn’t just about the music; it also offers a range of extraordinary experiences, including spectacular light shows, cutting-edge stage designs, and interactive installations. So dust off your dancing shoes, pack your glow sticks and poncho, and get ready for an unforgettable weekend at Creamfields Festival 2024.

When? 22nd – 25th August 2024

9. Shambala

Shambala is the UK’s best kept secret festival. With attendees not knowing the location of the festival until they have purchased tickets, Shambala offers festival-goers the element of surprise. The festival is a celebration of creativity, community, and sustainability that takes place every August. This unique event brings together music, art, and a genuine sense of togetherness, offering an immersive experience for all ages. For 2024, the lineup promises an eclectic mix of genres, featuring artists like James Blake, Disclosure, and Dillon Francis, ensuring there’s something for every musical taste. But Shambala is more than just great music—it’s a place where you can explore quirky workshops, inspiring talks, and delicious food, all while being part of an eco-friendly movement. If you’re looking for a festival that combines amazing performances with a heartfelt commitment to the environment and community spirit, Shambala is the place to be.

When? 22nd – 25th August 2024

10. The Long Road Festival

For country music lovers, The Long Road Festival is the place to be this year. This festival is a three-day celebration of Country, Americana and Roots music, with some big names headlining from across the pond. Taking place annually every August in Leicestershire, The Long Road brings craft beer, boots and buckin’ broncos to the UK. With legends such as Don Mclean and Russell Dickerson set to headline, this year promises to be the festival’s best year yet. Not only are there country legends performing, there are a range of activities to get involved in such as eating competitions, square dancing and dodgeball games. So, grab your Stetson and buy your tickets before they sell out!

When? 23rd – 25th August 2024

Conclusion

From the legendary Glastonbury to the brand new Bludfest, promising a unique experience for fans of Yungblud, there’s a festival for every taste and style. Whether you’re dancing in the rain at Leeds and Reading, soaking up the surf vibes at Boardmasters, or embracing the rock culture at Download, these festivals offer a perfect blend of music, culture, and adventure. So, don your wellies, pack your glitter, and prepare for unforgettable moments as you dance, laugh, and celebrate at the best festivals the UK has to offer in 2024. Not only do we know our festivals, here at Virtual Headquarters we also know virtual offices, and have locations in many of the areas these festivals are held in.

Alexandra handles all things marketing here at Virtual HQ

Alexandra O'Hagan

Marketing Executive

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