Five UK music festivals you should never miss in 2025

Summer in the UK is synonymous with vibrant music festivals that draw crowds from all over the world. With a rich diversity of genres, stunning locations, and unique atmospheres, UK music festivals offer something for everyone – vibrancy, outdoor vibes, food stalls and more. If you’re planning your summer calendar, here are five UK music festivals you should never miss in 2025.

1. Glastonbury Festival

No list of UK music festivals would be complete without Glastonbury. Known as the granddaddy of them all, Glastonbury is a sprawling celebration of music, art, and culture. Set in the idyllic Somerset countryside at Worthy Farm near the village of Pilton, the festival offers an eclectic mix of genres, from rock and pop to electronic and folk. Attracting over 200 000 people each year, its legendary Pyramid Stage has hosted some of the biggest names in music. For more information, including ticket sales and lineup announcements, visit the official Glastonbury Festival website.

2. Kendal Calling

Nestled in the picturesque Lake District, Kendal Calling is a boutique UK music festival that combines great music with breathtaking scenery. Located at Lowther Deer Park near Penrith, Cumbria, this festival is perfect for those who prefer a more intimate experience. Despite its smaller size, Kendal Calling draws a crowd of around 25 000 attendees. The festival features an impressive lineup of indie, rock, and electronic acts. It also offers art installations, a dedicated kids’ area, and gourmet food stalls, making it a fantastic family-friendly event. Additional details can be found on the Kendal Calling website.

3. Boomtown Fair

If you’re looking for a UK music festival that’s truly unique, Boomtown Fair is the one to attend. This immersive event is held near Winchester, Hampshire, and transforms into a living, breathing city complete with districts, interactive performances, and mind-bending art installations. Boomtown is known for its diverse lineup, spanning genres like reggae, drum and bass, punk, and ska, attracting about 66,000 festival-goers each year.

In 2024 the festival went cashless, which saw festinos paying for services through loaded tags. All that one had to do was scan the qr-code on their wristband tag to pay. This eradicated the need to carry wads of cash while at the festival. The fair had a great lineup of performers, artists and DJs, including the legendary David Rodigan, DJ Easy, Johnny Osbourne, Damian Jnr Gong Marley, Protoge and more.

The food stalls were always packed, with The Chicken Run near the Grand Central Stage proving to be popular for its boneless chicken treats and burgers.

“We got really swamped this year, but we were up for the challenge and our team was 100% ready,” Chicken Run’s Jason Brodie said on the closing day of the 2024 edition of Boomtown Fair.

Each year, the festival tells a new chapter in its ongoing narrative, making each visit a fresh experience. Visit the official Boomtown Fair website for more details.

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4. Isle of Wight Festival

The Isle of Wight Festival is another iconic event on the UK music festivals circuit. Held at Seaclose Park in Newport on the Isle of Wight, this festival has a storied history and a reputation for attracting legendary acts. The festival hosts approximately 55 000 attendees each year and offers a mix of rock, pop, and indie performances. The laid-back island atmosphere adds an extra layer of charm to the experience, making it a must-visit event. More information, including ticketing and travel advice, can be found on the Isle of Wight Festival website.

5. Reading and Leeds Festivals

Reading and Leeds are twin UK music festivals that have been staples of the British summer for decades. Held simultaneously over the August bank holiday weekend, Reading takes place at Richfield Avenue in Reading, Berkshire, while Leeds is held at Bramham Park near Wetherby, West Yorkshire. These festivals are synonymous with rock and alternative music, though their lineups have diversified to include hip-hop and electronic acts. Together, Reading and Leeds attract a combined audience of around 200,000 people, providing an unforgettable end to the UK festival season. For more information, visit the Reading and Leeds Festivals website.

Attending these UK music festivals is a surefire way to make the most of your summer, immersing yourself in the rich tapestry of sound and culture that only the UK can offer.

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