Large Festivals in United Kingdom
32 festivals with 25,000–50,000 attendees
Curated by Sarah Pagel · Last verified 2 April 2026
The United Kingdom pioneered many aspects of modern festival culture and continues to host some of the world's most iconic music events, from massive greenfield festivals to urban electronic gatherings and legendary club events that have influenced global dance music for generations. British festivals benefit from decades of experience, sophisticated production capabilities, and deep cultural connections to music that run through the country from London's world-famous club scene to regional cities with their own distinctive musical identities.
From the rolling countryside of England to Scottish highlands and Welsh valleys, UK festivals take advantage of diverse landscapes and a culture that genuinely understands and appreciates music in all its forms. British festivals range from traditional camping festivals to cutting-edge urban events, united by high production standards, diverse and carefully curated lineups, and the kind of professional execution that comes from a country where festival culture is deeply embedded in the national consciousness.
Terminal V Festival 2026
Apr 18, 2026 - Apr 19, 2026
Terminal V Festival is a premier electronic music event held at the Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh, showcasing a vast array of international techno and house artists. Recognized as one of the UK's largest indoor festivals, it is celebrated for its immersive production, industrial atmosphere, and world-class stage designs.
Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2026
Apr 29, 2026
Cheltenham Jazz Festival is an annual event held in Cheltenham, England, that showcases a wide array of jazz styles. It is known for featuring international headliners, emerging artists, and unique collaborations, with performances in established venues and pop-up locations around the town.
Pavilion Festival 2026
May 2, 2026 - May 3, 2026
Pavilion Festival is an electronic music seaside weekender in Ayr, Scotland, founded by Ewan McVicar and the STREETrave team. It brings world-class house and techno DJs to the picturesque Low Green at Ayr Beach.
Bournemouth 7s Festival 2026
May 22, 2026 - May 24, 2026
Bournemouth 7s Festival is the world’s largest sport and music festival, combining elite and social tournaments across multiple sports with a diverse lineup of live music. Held annually over the May Bank Holiday, it features themed arenas and a vibrant atmosphere that has earned it the nickname 'Sporting Glastonbury'.
Wide Awake Festival 2026
May 22, 2026
Wide Awake is an independent one-day music festival in London's Brockwell Park, focusing on alternative music, leftfield indie, post-punk, and electronica. The event is celebrated for its commitment to musical discovery, featuring a mix of established artists, emerging talent, and political workshops.
In It Together Festival 2026
May 22, 2026 - May 24, 2026
In It Together Festival is a multi-genre music and arts event held annually at Old Park Farm in Margam, Wales, featuring a diverse lineup of international headliners and local talent. The family-friendly festival offers immersive experiences including music, comedy, and wellbeing activities, creating a vibrant community atmosphere for all ages.
HowTheLightGetsIn 2026
May 22, 2026 - May 25, 2026
HowTheLightGetsIn is the world's largest philosophy and music festival, hosted annually in the United Kingdom across locations in Hay-on-Wye and London. The event features an eclectic mix of intellectual debates, live music, and comedy, bringing together world-leading thinkers and artists to explore provocative ideas.
Radio 1 Big Weekend 2026
May 22, 2026 - May 24, 2026
Radio 1's Big Weekend is a major annual music festival organized by BBC Radio 1 that travels to a different location across the United Kingdom each year. The event features a diverse lineup of world-famous headliners and emerging artists, making it one of the most anticipated highlights of the UK festival season.
Love Saves the Day 2026
May 23, 2026 - May 24, 2026
Love Saves the Day is Bristol's premier multi-genre music festival, held annually over the May Bank Holiday weekend at the historic Ashton Court Estate. The event showcases a diverse lineup of electronic, hip-hop, and indie artists across multiple creative stages, celebrating the city's vibrant underground culture.
Lovebox Festival 2026
May 29, 2026 - May 30, 2026
Lovebox Festival is a prominent annual music event in London, founded by the electronic duo Groove Armada in 2002. It features a diverse, high-energy lineup ranging from electronic and hip-hop to R&B and pop within a vibrant urban park setting.
Mighty Hoopla 2026
May 30, 2026 - May 31, 2026
Mighty Hoopla is a premier pop music festival held annually in London's Brockwell Park, renowned for its inclusive atmosphere and celebration of LGBTQ+ culture. The event features a diverse lineup of pop icons, drag performers, and club collectives, drawing thousands for a high-energy day of music and performance.
Secret Garden Party 2026
Jun 18, 2026 - Jun 21, 2026
Secret Garden Party is an independent arts and music festival renowned for its immersive, participatory atmosphere set within a picturesque landscape of lakes and gardens. Attendees are encouraged to engage with diverse music programming, creative themes, and interactive experiences, including art installations and woodland parties.
TRNSMT 2026
Jun 19, 2026 - Jun 21, 2026
TRNSMT is a major three-day, non-camping music festival held annually at Glasgow Green in the heart of Glasgow, Scotland. Established in 2017, it has become one of the UK's premier urban music events, showcasing a diverse lineup of world-renowned rock, pop, and indie artists.
Africa Oye 2026
Jun 20, 2026 - Jun 21, 2026
Africa Oyé is the United Kingdom's largest free celebration of African and Caribbean music and culture, held annually in Liverpool's Sefton Park. The festival features a vibrant program of international live music, DJs, and workshops, complemented by authentic food and craft stalls.
State Fayre Festival 2026
Jun 26, 2026 - Jun 28, 2026
State Fayre is a major new UK camping festival debuting in 2026 at Hylands Park, Chelmsford, that combines rock, Americana, and folk music with a celebration of barbecue culture. Inspired by American state fairs, the event features world-class headliners alongside traditional fairground rides, food demonstrations, and specialized BBQ pits.
Glasgow Summer Sessions 2026
Jul 1, 2026 - Jul 4, 2026
Glasgow Summer Sessions is a major annual series of outdoor concerts held at Bellahouston Park in Glasgow, featuring headline performances from world-class artists. Established in 2013, the event attracts thousands of music fans each summer for a diverse program of rock, pop, and indie music.
Wireless Festival 2026
Jul 10, 2026 - Jul 12, 2026
Wireless Festival is a premier annual music event held in London, United Kingdom, recognized as the country's leading celebration of hip-hop, grime, and R&B. Since its debut in 2005, it has evolved into a major urban music showcase featuring world-renowned international headliners and rising talent at its primary home in Finsbury Park.
Splendour Festival 2026
Jul 18, 2026 - Jul 19, 2026
Splendour Festival is Nottingham's largest annual outdoor music event, staged within the scenic grounds of Wollaton Hall and Deer Park. This family-friendly festival showcases a diverse mix of international headliners and local talent across multiple stages, complemented by comedy, fairground rides, and fringe entertainment.
WOMAD Festival 2026
Jul 23, 2026 - Jul 26, 2026
WOMAD is an international arts festival co-founded by Peter Gabriel that celebrates global culture through a diverse program of music, dance, and art from around the world. Held annually in the UK since 1982, the festival serves as a vibrant melting pot of international talent, workshops, and cross-cultural exchange.
Tramlines 2026
Jul 24, 2026 - Jul 26, 2026
Tramlines is a major annual music and arts festival held in Hillsborough Park, Sheffield, featuring a diverse lineup of indie, rock, and pop artists alongside comedy and family entertainment. Originally a city-wide event, it has grown into one of the UK’s premier metropolitan festivals, attracting approximately 40,000 attendees each day.
Y Not Festival 2026
Jul 30, 2026 - Aug 2, 2026
Y Not Festival is an independent music festival held annually in the heart of the Peak District in Derbyshire, England. It features a diverse lineup of indie, rock, and alternative artists alongside comedy, family-friendly entertainment, and panoramic country views.
Camp Bestival Dorset 2026
Jul 30, 2026 - Aug 2, 2026
Camp Bestival Dorset is a multi-award-winning family festival held at Lulworth Castle, featuring an eclectic music lineup alongside extensive activities like comedy, theatre, and creative workshops. Curated by Rob da Bank, the event is specifically designed for families, offering a unique "festi-holiday" experience with entertainment tailored for all ages from toddlers to grandparents.
Kendal Calling 2026
Jul 30, 2026 - Aug 2, 2026
Kendal Calling is an award-winning independent music and arts festival held annually at Lowther Deer Park in the Lake District, Cumbria. The event features a diverse lineup of rock, indie, and dance acts alongside immersive art installations and family-friendly activities in a picturesque parkland setting.
Valley Fest 2026
Jul 30, 2026 - Aug 2, 2026
Valley Fest is a family-friendly food and music festival set on an organic farm overlooking the scenic Chew Valley Lake near Bristol. The event combines a diverse lineup of live performances with gourmet local feasts, wellness activities, and workshops centered on community and sustainability.
Belfast Vital 2026
Aug 20, 2026 - Aug 22, 2026
Belfast Vital is a major annual music festival held at the Boucher Road Playing Fields in Belfast, Northern Ireland, featuring high-profile international headliners. Established in 2002, the event has become one of the city's premier outdoor concert series, attracting tens of thousands of music fans each summer.
All Points East Festival 2026
Aug 28, 2026 - Aug 29, 2026
All Points East is a premier multi-day music festival held in London's Victoria Park, showcasing a diverse array of global headliners across rock, indie, and electronic genres. The event features two weekends of major concerts and a free midweek community program called In The Neighbourhood.
CarFest 2026
Aug 28, 2026 - Aug 30, 2026
CarFest is the UK's largest family fundraising festival, founded by presenter Chris Evans to combine a passion for motoring with live music and celebrity entertainment. The event raises significant funds for various British children's charities while featuring high-octane track action, chef demonstrations, and performances from top music artists.
Camper Calling 2026
Aug 28, 2026 - Aug 30, 2026
Camper Calling is a family-friendly music festival held annually at Ragley Hall in Warwickshire, celebrating the spirit of camping and outdoor adventure. The event features a diverse lineup of live music, award-winning street food, and various workshops and lakeside activities for all ages.
Big Beach Busk 2026
Aug 29, 2026
Big Burns Supper 2026
Jan 15, 2026
Big Burns Supper is an international music and performing arts festival that takes place annually in Dumfries, Scotland. Thought to be the largest festival of its kind, it celebrates Scottish culture and the life of Robert Burns and involves community participation.
Camp Bestival Shropshire 2026
TBA
Camp Bestival Shropshire is a family-friendly festival that takes place in the grounds of Weston Park in Shropshire. It combines a music festival atmosphere with a family camping holiday, offering entertainment and activities for all ages.
Live at Leeds in the Park 2026
TBA
Live at Leeds in the Park is a one-day indie and alternative music festival held annually at Temple Newsam in Leeds. Serving as the outdoor sister event to the city-wide metropolitan festival, it features a diverse lineup of established headliners and emerging artists across multiple stages.
Explore Large Festivals in Netherlands (21 festivals)
An independent electronic music & festival researcher with 10+ years in the global dance scene.
Last verified 2 April 2026