A Shortlist Of The Top UK Music Festivals

Are you looking for the BEST UK Music Festivals to add to your calendar? Well, you’ve come to the right place, because we’ve put together the ultimate music festival list. Some you will have heard of, some are smaller-scale events which will still give you that summer buzz. 

The United Kingdom might be known for afternoon tea, red buses and rainy weather. But, we sure know how to host epic music festivals too! And a TON of them. From hip hop to funk, dnb to techno and everything in between, you’d be missing out on the perfect summer without one in your calendar. We can't promise it won't rain but we can ensure you'll regret not going to one. 

Here’s a cracking shortlist put together by Miss Festival. (Not in order). 

1. Boomtown Festival 

Boomtown is a one-of-a-kind, immersive music festival set in the South Downs National Park that takes place over 4 days in August. When Boomtown started, it was a small-scale, boutique festival. Since, it has grown to hold a capacity of over 75,000 people and has become one of the highest rated music festivals in the UK.

With music spanning across reggae, roots, rock and bass it caters to everyones tastes. But, the festival itself is much more than just music. Boomtown is known for it's theatrical, immersive experience and over the years there have been seen walk-through sets based on Old western towns, jungles and Metropolis'. You can follow the incredible story here. Or check out the city here. 

 

 

Where is Boomtown Festival held? Matterley Estate, near Winchester, Hampshire.

When is Boomtown 2022? 10th - 14th August

2. Glastonbury Festival

Glastonbury is the largest music festival in the world and has a capacity of over 200,000 people. So if you're looking to soak up festival culture, Glastonbury is the perfect hotspot. It's famous for its greenfield music and performing arts and has all the best aspects of the music festival scene. There's not much Glastonbury doesn't have to offer which explains why grabbing a ticket isn't easy. But, you can see if a ticket is available through their website here.

 

 

Where is Glastonbury Festival held? Pilton, Somerset

When is Glastonbury 2022? 22nd - 26 June

3. Parklife 

The UK's largest metropolitan festival, held at Heaton Park is known for it's infamous line-up including some of the worlds top artists. With hip-hop, rock, grime, house and dance, this urban festival is a Gen Z paradise. The 2 day festival perfectly captures Manchesters energy and although the lifeblood of the festival is arguably dance music, the festival has excellent production values. If you're looking for a 2022 ticket, here is where you can pick one up. 

 

 

Where is Parklife held? Heaton Park, Manchester
When is Parklife 2022? 11th - 12th June 

4. Reading X Leeds Festival 

2 different cities, 1 bank holiday weekend, 1 incredible lineup. Reading festival was known back in the 70's for being a rock music hit. Fast forward to 2022 and their line-up covers everything from dance and hip-hop to rock and bass. Both Leeds and Reading are known for attracting a younger audience, so be ready for a bit of most pitting. 

 

 

Details for Reading: 

Where is Reading Festival held? Richfield Avenue, Reading
When is Reading Festival 2022? 26th - 28th August 

Details for Leeds:  

Where is Leeds Festival held? Braham Park, Leeds
When is Leeds Festival 2022? 26th - 28th August 

5. Boardmasters 

What more could you want than a combination of surfing, skateboarding and live music on the picturesque coast of Cornwall? With an eclectric mix of genres covering pop, grime, drum and bass, indie and more you'll certainly have enough adventuring to do across the 4 days. 

International surfers come to Fistral beach to compete in a variety of World Surf competitions and the festival itself are long-term supporters of the Surfers Against Sewage movement. Additionally, Boardmasters have won multiple awards for their sustainability efforts which include Daily beach cleans. 

 

 

Where is Boardmasters held? Fistral Beach, Newquay, Cornwall
When is Bordmasters 2022? 10th - 14th August

6. Nass Festival

Nass returns this year, bringing an epic mix of BMX, skateboarding and street art competitions. Their line-up is heavily focused on drum and bass, hip-hop, grime and garage so come with a full energy tank to keep up with the crowds! A few of the top artists performing this year includes Mabel, Becky Hill, AJ Tracey, Wilkinson and Andy C - an electric dream so I suggest grabbing a ticket while they are still available. 

 

 

Where is Nass Festival held? Bath & West Showgrounds, Shepton Mallet (Nr Bristol)
When is Nass Festival 2022? 7th - 10th July

7. Bassfest

The bass is back this year and 2022 sees the return of the 2-day festival, meaning more music, more ravers and more acts. The electronic festival is set in the northwest of Sheffield and is always a firm favourite amongst the dnb crowds. So, if you're a drum and bass lover, Bassfest if for you. 

 

 

Where is Bass Fest held? Don Valley Bowl, Sheffield
When is Bass Fest 2022? 17th - 18th July

8. Eastern Electrics

The inspiration behind Eastern Electrics was the 'London Warehouse party culture' and undoubtedly, over the years, the festival has become one of the largest day events in the UK. From emerging acts to cutting edge artists spanning across a mix of underground house and techno, it's an unbeatable party. 

 

 

Where is Eastern Electrics held? Lee Valley Showground, London
When is Eastern Electrics 2022? 27th August

9. Mint Festival

2022 marks Mint Festivals 10th anniversary, so although they haven't yet released any details on a line-up, expect it to be BIG. Each year Mint treats us to an unbelievable line-up of dance music gems from house to hip city. The festival doesn't stop once the line-up has performed so get ready to dance all night with a choice of an after-party. You can keep an eye on their website for more details, here. 

 

 

Where is Mint Festival held? Newsam Green Farm, Leeds
When is Mint Festival 2022? September (TBC)

10. Tokyo World 

If you think festival season is over by September, you're wrong. This year, another epic line-up of urban and dance music is hitting Eastville Park. With over 25,000 attendees, this recently born party is not short of being one of the larger UK day festivals. For those of us, that don't want the night to end, there's an after party each night so you can carry on till sunrise. Tokyo Worlds line-up and tickets are yet to be released, so if you're looking for one to add to your late Summer calendar, this would suit you perfectly. 

 

 

Where is Tokyo World held? Eastville Park, Bristol
When is Tokyo World 2022?  17th - 18th September