Top 10 Iconic British Music Festivals to Attend
Experience the Best of British Music Festivals!
Music festivals are the heartbeat of live entertainment, bringing fans and artists together for unforgettable performances. From legendary rock shows to electrifying electronic beats, the UK is home to some of the world’s most iconic festivals.
Whether you’re craving the magic of Glastonbury, the heavy riffs of Download Festival, or the vibrant energy of City Splash, there’s a festival for everyone. Get ready to explore the Top 10 British Music Festivals You Can’t Miss!
List of Best British Music Festivals
1: Wide Awake Festival: A Celebration of Underground Music
Founder: Keith Miller & LNZRT
Genre: Alternative, Indie, Electronic
Location: Brockwell Park, London
When in 2025? May 23, 2025
Wide Awake Festival is an independent music event that champions underground and alternative sounds. Founded by Keith Miller and LNZRT, it emerged from London’s vibrant indie scene, shaped by iconic venues like MOTH Club and The Shacklewell Arms.
Known for its forward-thinking lineup, the festival blends indie, punk, electronic, and experimental music, featuring both rising stars and established artists.
Past acts include King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Slowdive, and Caroline Polachek. With its diverse curation and commitment to fresh sounds, Wide Awake is the perfect festival to kick off the season.
2: BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend: The Ultimate Free Music Festival
Founder: BBC Radio 1
Active Years: 2003 – Present
Genre: Pop, Rock, Dance, Grime, Hip Hop, R&B
Location: Different UK cities each year
When in 2025? May 23 – 25, 2025
BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend is a unique British music festival that moves to a different UK location each year. Launched in 2003, it was Europe’s largest free-ticketed music event until 2018, offering fans the chance to see top artists without the usual festival price tag.
The festival has hosted global superstars like Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, and Billie Eilish, alongside emerging talent. Known for its multiple stages, high-energy atmosphere, and diverse lineup, it takes place every May, making it one of the UK’s most exciting annual music events.
3: Cross The Tracks: A Soulful Celebration of Jazz, Funk & Culture
Founder: Rob Da Bank
Genre: Jazz, Funk, Soul
Location: London, United Kingdom
When in 2025? May 25, 2025
Cross The Tracks is a dynamic jazz, funk, and soul festival that debuted in 2019, blending legendary icons with emerging talent. Held at Brockwell Park, London, it offers a rich musical experience across multiple stages, with an electric atmosphere that keeps fans coming back.
Past headliners include Chaka Khan, Roy Ayers, and NxWorries, cementing the festival as a must-visit for music lovers. More than just a festival, Cross The Tracks celebrates community, culture, and outstanding talent, making each edition bigger and better.
4: City Splash Festival: A Celebration of Black Music & Culture
Founder: Ben Ryan
Genre: Reggae, Dancehall, Afrobeats
Location: Brockwell Park, London
When in 2025? May 26
City Splash Festival is a vibrant showcase of Caribbean and African music, culture, and community, held in Brockwell Park, London. Bringing together top artists across Reggae, Dancehall, Afrobeats, Jungle, and Amapiano, it offers an electrifying experience for music lovers.
With a 30,000-capacity crowd, the festival blends live performances, authentic Caribbean cuisine, and a powerful sense of cultural unity. Known for its high-energy and intense atmosphere and diverse lineup, City Splash proudly celebrates Black music and heritage in the UK.
5: Download Festival: The Ultimate Rock & Metal Experience
Founder: Andy Coppin
Active Years: 2003 – 2019, 2021 – Present
Genre: Hard rock, Heavy Metal, Punk
Location: Donington Park, Leicestershire, England
When in 2025? June 13 – 15
Download Festival is the UK’s premier rock and metal event, drawing over 100,000 fans each June. Launched as a successor to the legendary Monsters of Rock (1980–1996) at Donington Park, it has hosted iconic bands like Iron Maiden, Metallica, and Slipknot.
Known for its high-energy performances and dedicated rock music legends, the festival has become a global phenomenon, with editions in France, Australia, and Germany. Its signature mascot, the Download Dog, adds to its unique identity. For rock and metal lovers, the Download Festival is an unmissable experience.
6: Isle of Wight Festival: A Historic Music Celebration
Founder: Ron, Ray, and Bill Foulk
Years active: 1968 – 1970, 2002 – 2019, 2021 – Present
Genre: Rock, Pop
Location: Seaclose Park, Newport, Isle of Wight, England
When in 2025? June 19- 22
The Isle of Wight Festival is one of the UK’s most historic music events, originally running from 1968 to 1970 as a counterculture gathering. It became legendary in 1970 when over 600,000 people attended—surpassing even Woodstock.
Revived in 2002, the festival now takes place annually at Seaclose Park, hosting top artists and bands like The Rolling Stones, Coldplay, and Fleetwood Mac. With a diverse lineup spanning rock, pop, and indie, it draws thousands of fans each year. Its lively atmosphere and stunning island setting make it a must-visit for music lovers.
7: Glastonbury Festival: The Ultimate Music Experience
Founder: Michael Eavis
Active Years: September 19, 1970 – Present
Genre: Contemporary Performing Arts
Location: Pilton, Somerset, England
When in 2025? June 25 – 29
Glastonbury Festival is one of the charismatic British music festivals, attracting over 200,000 attendees every year. Since its debut in 1970, it has grown into a five-day celebration of music, dance, comedy, theater, and more.
The Pyramid Stage hosts world-renowned artists, while the festival’s deep-rooted counterculture spirit offers eco-friendly initiatives and spiritual experiences.
Spanning 1,500 acres of farmland, it relies on vast infrastructure and volunteers to create an unforgettable experience. More than just a festival, Glastonbury is a cultural phenomenon.
8: Bloodstock Open Air The Ultimate UK Metal Festival
Founder: Paul Raymond Gregory, Vince Brotheridge
Active Years: 2005 – Present
Genre: Heavy metal, Extreme Metal, Hard Rock
Location: Walton-on-Trent, Derbyshire, England, UK
When in 2025? August, 7- 10
Bloodstock Open Air is the largest independent heavy metal British music festival, held annually at Catton Hall. Originally an indoor event in 2001, it expanded into an outdoor festival in 2005, growing into a powerhouse of the metal scene.
Featuring global metal giants and rising talent across multiple stages, including the Ronnie James Dio Stage, Bloodstock delivers an intense, high-energy experience. With over 20,000 fans, camping, meet-and-greet sessions, and a platform for new metal acts, it remains a must-visit for hardcore metal lovers.
9: Reading and Leeds Festival: A High-Energy Music Weekend
Founder: Harold Pendleton
Active Years: 1955 – Present (Except 2020)
Genre: Alternative, Rock, Metal Hip Hop, Dance, Pop
Location: Reading and Leeds, England
When in 2025? August 21 -24
The Reading and Leeds Festival is among the most celebrated British music festivals, taking place annually over the August bank holiday weekend. With identical lineups performing on different days at Reading and Leeds, the festivals attract over 100,000 fans for a weekend of unforgettable performances.
Reading and Leeds Festival, the UK’s longest-running music festival, began in 1961 as the National Jazz Festival. Due to growing demand, it expanded to Leeds in 1999, hosting major international rock, metal, and alternative acts while also welcoming hip-hop headliners like Eminem and Kendrick Lamar.
Known for its electric atmosphere and diverse lineup, the festival also offers camping options, making it a must-visit for music lovers.
10: Creamfields South Festival: The Ultimate EDM Festival Experience
Founder: Cream
Active Years: 1998 – present
Genre: Electronic Dance Music
Location: Daresbury, Cheshire, UK
When in 2025? August 21 – 24
Creamfields is the UK’s biggest electronic dance music festival, founded in 1998 by the nightclub brand Cream. Originally a one-day event in Winchester, it later moved to Liverpool before settling in Daresbury, Cheshire. Now a four-day festival, it hosts top DJs like Calvin Harris and David Guetta, drawing over 70,000 attendees per day.
In 2022, Creamfields celebrated its 25th anniversary by launching Creamfields South at Hylands Park, Chelmsford, expanding its legacy. Known for its massive stages, world-class production, and high-energy atmosphere, Creamfields is a must-visit for EDM fans worldwide.
Read Also: Popular Music Festivals
FAQs
What are the biggest British music festivals?
Glastonbury Festival, Reading and Leeds Festival, Download Festival, Creamfields, and Isle of Wight Festival are some of the biggest British music festivals.
When do British music festivals usually take place?
While most British music festivals happen between May and September, some smaller or indoor festivals take place year-round. Notably, the Wide Awake Festival kicks off in May, while Creamfields and Reading & Leeds Festival are held in August.
What is the most famous festival in the UK?
Glastonbury is the UK’s most famous and one of the world’s biggest festivals. It sells out in minutes, drawing over 200,000 attendees and featuring legendary performances.
Which British music festival has won the most awards?
Glastonbury holds the record for the most awards, including multiple NME Awards for Best Major Festival and UK Festival Awards. Other highly acclaimed festivals include Reading & Leeds and Creamfields.
How long do British music festivals last?
Festivals range from single-day events (like BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend) to five-day experiences (Glastonbury, Download). Most last 3–4 days, usually Thursday to Sunday.
