The Ultimate Festival Guide to 2026
Prepare for a huge summer of live music with our list of all the festivals that are worth the occasional beer shower.
Photo: Chloe Hashemi
If you’ve been missing the joy of singing in a field with thousands of strangers, or the chaos of slipping down a muddy slope, don’t worry. With May fast approaching, festival season is just around the corner.
To help you plan a summer of live music (and unforgettable moments — like donning a bald cap at Pitbull’s Hyde Park show), we’ve put together your essential guide to all the best festivals across the UK and Europe.
United Kingdom
Sound City
As one of Europe’s leading independent new music festivals and conferences, Sound City shouts about all the latest upcoming talent so that you can later hold those all-important ‘I saw them first’ bragging rights.
When is it? 2nd - 3rd May
Where is it? Various venues, Liverpool
Who’s headlining? Keo and Jalen Ngonda
Who do you recommend? The Molotovs, Finn Forster, Basht., The North and Brooke Combe.
With 450 emerging artists, 30+ walkable venues and a pop-up festival site at Brighton Beach, The Great Escape is the festival for new music. So, if you want to discover your new favourite artist and see them in an intimate setting, you better get yourself to Brighton this May.
The Indie Scene will also be hosting its first stage at Waterbear Venue on Saturday 16th May. For set times, download The Great Escape Festival app.
When is it? 13th - 16th May
Where is it? Various venues, Brighton
Who’s performing on The Indie Scene stage? ugly ozo, The Slow Country, Bug Teeth and HANK.
Who do you recommend? Beyond our very own handpicked selection of talented artists who you MUST see, we recommend Bleech 9:3, Legss, Lime Garden, Lucia & The Best Boys, Ninush and Alice Costelloe.
Known for its eclectic programming, the multi-award-winning independent festival returns to Derbyshire’s Catton Park this May with a lineup boasting major headliners and rising stars.
When is it? 20th - 24th May
Where is it? Catton Park, Derbyshire
Who’s playing? Some of the big hitters are Pixies, Garbage, Skunk Anansie and CMAT.
Who do you recommend? Fat Dog, Sprints, Basht., Girl Scout, Jasmine.4.t and Swim School.
Set across three eclectic days in central London, the festival is built around discovery and catching bands and artists just before they break. All within one of London’s most iconic music venues.
When is it? 22nd - 24th May
Where is it? Colours, Hoxton in London
Who’s headlining? Home Counties, Jimothy Lacoste and Pale Blue Eyes.
Who do you recommend? Home Counties, Lizzie Esau, Alphabet and The Slow Country.
BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend
Bringing some of the biggest UK and international artists to locations that may not otherwise host such a large-scale event, Radio 1’s Big Weekend will open with a Dance Party lineup as the festival heads to Sunderland for the first time.
When is it? 22nd - 24th May
Where is it? Herrington Country Park, Sunderland
Who’s headlining? Fatboy Slim, Sonny Fodera, Zara Larsson and Olivia Dean.
Who do you recommend? Rachel Chinouriri, Wasia Project, CMAT, Holly Humberstone and Imogen and the Knife.
The fourth edition of the festival will see North Shields transform into a walkable trail of live music yet again, taking over venues including The Exchange 1856, King Street Social Club, Salt Market Social, Three Tanners Bank and The Engine Room.
When is it? 23rd May
Where is it? Various venues, North Shields
Who’s playing? At the top of the bill are Luvcat and Working Mens Club.
Who do you recommend? Gia Ford, Imogen and the Knife, Better Joy, Formal Sppeedwear and Tough Cookie.
Split between Southampton’s most beloved venues – Joiners, The 1865, and Heartbreakers – Wanderlust returns for its third year with a lineup featuring some of alternative music’s finest artists.
When is it? 23rd - 24th May
Where is it? Joiners, Heartbreakers and 1865, Southampton
Who’s headlining? Squid and The Horrors.
Who do you recommend? Balancing Act, Formal Sppeedwear, Honeyglaze, Humour and mary in the junkyard.
As a multi-venue metropolitan festival taking place in both Bristol and Nottingham, Dot to Dot takes a full lineup of talented artists on tour with them from city to city over the May Bank Holiday weekend.
When is it? 23rd - 24th May
Where is it? Various venues, Bristol (23rd) and Nottingham (24th).
Who’s playing? Big names include Lambrini Girls, Fcukers and NewDad.
Who do you recommend? Goodbye, Eaves Wilder, AtticOmatic and Little Grandad.
Set across three stages over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend, the two-day indie, rock and alternative music festival showcases established and emerging artists alongside a curated selection of local food and drink.
When is it? 23rd - 24th May
Where is it? Victoria Park, Warrington
Who’s headlining? Richard Ashcroft and Blossoms.
Who do you recommend? Nxdia, Esme Emerson, Villanelle and Fletchr Fletchr.
Steeped in history and previously hailed as Europe’s equivalent to Woodstock, Isle of Wight Festival attracts crowds not only for the artists it showcases, but also for the unforgettable memories it rekindles.
When is it? 18th - 21st June
Where is it? Seaclose Park, Newport
Who’s headlining? Lewis Capaldi, Calvin Harris and The Cure.
Who do you recommend? Wet Leg, Two Door Cinema Club, The Last Dinner Party, Good Neighbours and Chloe Qisha.
Now very much a staple in the Scottish music calendar, TRNSMT delivers a lineup that caters to both indie enthusiasts and pop fans alike.
When is it? 19th - 21st June
Where is it? Glasgow Green, Glasgow
Who’s headlining? Richard Ashcroft, Kasabian and Lewis Capaldi.
Who do you recommend? Wolf Alice, Cliffords, The Snuts, The Last Dinner Party and overpass.
Manchester’s premier non-camping festival, Parklife, captivates with its blend of world-class electronic, hip-hop and indie-dance acts, all set against an electric, infectious atmosphere fuelled by a youthful, energetic crowd ready to party.
When is it? 20th - 21st June
Where is it? Heaton Park, Manchester
Who’s headlining? Calvin Harris, Sammy Virji and Skepta.
Who do you recommend? Nia Archives, Skepta and Shy FX.
With a focus on music, food and sustainability, Outbreak is an independent music and arts festival that celebrates counterculture and underground music.
When is it? 26th - 28th June
Where is it? Manchester B.E.C Arena
Who’s headlining? The Front Bottoms, Alexisonfire and Basement.
Who do you recommend? Pup, Snail Mail and Nothing.
BST Hyde Park
Featuring mega headliners and a diverse lineup across multiple weekends, you can expect to see both music legends and rising stars at BST Hyde Park.
When is it? 27th June - 12th July
Where is it? Hyde Park, London
Who’s headlining? Garth Brooks, Maroon 5, Mumford & Sons, Duran Duran, Pitbull and Lewis Capaldi.
Who do you recommend? Pitbull — you have to help get the Guinness World Record for most people wearing bald caps.
Somerset House Summer Series
Featuring eleven nights of live music in the stunning Somerset House courtyard, this Summer Series offers a little something for everyone, with a lineup spanning indie, rock, to neo-psychedelica, contemporary jazz and soul.
When is it? 16th - 26th July
Where is it? Somerset House, London
Who’s playing? The Cribs, Flaming Lips and Lightning Seeds lead the bill.
Who do you recommend? Palace, Thee Sacred Souls and Black Country, New Road.
Truck Festival has become a rite of passage for indie and alt music fans across the UK in recent years and, in true underdog style, it has announced a whopping five headliners for its 2026 edition.
When is it? 23rd - 26th July
Where is it? Hill Farm, Oxfordshire
Who’s headlining? The Maccabees, Two Door Cinema Club, The Wombats, CMAT and The Libertines.
Who do you recommend? The Royston Club, Florence Road, Madra Salach, Arkayla, The Vaccines and Divorce.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of Baldersby Park, Deer Shed Festival returns with three days of live music, creativity and adventure, combining a diverse lineup with immersive arts, activities and a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere for all ages.
When is it? 24th - 26th July
Where is it? Baldersby Park, North Yorkshire
Who’s headlining? Say She She, Sleaford Mods and Everything Everything.
Who do you recommend? DEADLETTER, Fat Dog, Little Grandad, Man/Woman/Chainsaw and Brown Horse.
Tramlines has grown into a defining cultural event for Sheffield, evolving from its grassroots beginnings in 2009 as a free, city-wide celebration into a major festival in Hillsborough Park, while still championing local talent alongside globally renowned headliners. Its diverse lineup spans indie, rock, pop, electronic, hip-hop and folk, offering something for every music fan.
When is it? 24th - 26th July
Where is it? Hillsborough Park, Sheffield
Who’s headlining? Fatboy Slim, Courteeners and Wolf Alice.
Who do you recommend? Westside Cowboy, Saint Clair, Blossoms, Wet Leg and Brooki.
Set in the scenic Peak District, Y Not blends a diverse, multi-stage lineup with a vibrant mix of music, art and family-friendly activities, transforming from a laid-back daytime experience into a high-energy celebration by night.
When is it? 30th July - 2nd August
Where is it? Pikehall, Derbyshire
Who’s headlining? Reytons, Two Door Cinema Club, The Streets and The Libertines.
Who do you recommend? The Royston Club, The Snuts, overpass and Bloodworm.
Boardmasters returns to Newquay this August for five days of music, surf and coastal culture, as it continues to blur the lines between mainstream and underground, live and electronic, and heritage and future.
When is it? 5th - 9th August
Where is it? Newquay, Cornwall
Who’s headlining? Fatboy Slim, Lily Allen and Kasabian.
Who do you recommend? Old Mervs, Radio Free Alice, Liang Lawrence and Luvcat.
Boomtown is less like a festival and more like a city. With twelve main stages, over 50 hidden venues, and a secret lineup, every corner bursts with themed districts, vivid characters, and unforgettable experiences.
When is it? 12th - 16th August
Where is it? Matterly Estate, Hampshire
Who’s headlining? KNEECAP, Scissor Sisters and Madness.
Who do you recommend? Ren, Gurriers, Panic Shack and Asknikko.
The award-winning Green Man Festival, set in the stunning Brecon Beacons, celebrates music, arts, comedy, and science while supporting independent Welsh food and drink producers. Inspired by the mythical Green Man, the festival blends diverse genres, sustainability, family-friendly activities, wellness and exceptional food and drink.
When is it? 20th - 23rd August
Where is it? Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, Wales
Who’s headlining? Mogwai, Four Tet, Wilco and Wolf Alice.
Who do you recommend? Wednesday, shame, Dove Ellis, Eaves Wilder and Lime Garden.
Spread across five separate day events with no camping, All Points East offers multiple stages and a stellar lineup each day, capturing the energy of a massive outdoor gig while letting you head home or to your hotel afterward. On Sunday 23rd August, the festival also joins forces with Outbreak Festival, featuring Deftones, IDLES, Amyl and The Sniffers, Interpol and more.
When is it? 21st August - 30th August
Who’s headlining? Jorja Smith & Tems, Lorde, Deftones, Tyler, the Creator and Twenty One Pilots.
Who do you recommend? Who do we not recommend with these headliners?
Reading & Leeds
The iconic Reading and Leeds Festival is a cornerstone of the UK summer, bringing a powerhouse lineup of rock, alternative, and indie acts across two weekends. With twin sites, multiple stages, and a legendary atmosphere, it’s a celebration of music, culture, and the festival spirit.
When is it? 27th - 30th August
Where is it? Richfield Avenue, Reading/Bramham Park, Leeds
Who’s headling? Charli xcx, Chase & Status, Dave, Florence + The Machine, Fontaines D.C. and Raye.
Who do you recommend? Geese, Keo, Declan McKenna, Viagra Boys, overpass and Absolutely.
Returning to Larmer Tree Gardens this September, End of the Road celebrates the experimental and underground, showcasing distinct, genre-defying artists and prioritising discovery over hype.
When is it? 3rd - 6th September
Where is it? Larmer Tree Gardens, Dorset
Who’s headlining? Pulp, CMAT and Mac DeMarco.
Who do you recommend? Model/Actriz, GHOSTWOMAN, Cardinals, big long sun and Alice Costelloe.
Brighton/Manchester/Edinburgh Psych Fest
The multi-venue Brighton festival will bring its mind-bending sounds and dynamic lineups to some of the city’s most beloved venues in September, alongside its sister festivals in Edinburgh and Manchester.
When is it? The Brighton festival takes place on the 4th September, Manchester is on the 5th and their Edinburgh sister is on September 6th.
Where is it? Various venues, Brighton/Manchester/Edinburgh
Who’s headlining? Stereolab and The Beta Band
Who do you recommend? Bleech 9:3, LEMONSUCKR, thistle., Allah-las, Ty Segall and Adult DVD.
Europe
We Love Green
Bringing together audiences that don’t cross paths very often, We Love Green is a French festival that champions the most exciting artists from a variety of different genres, including rap, pop, house, electro-folk, psychedelic rock and DJ sets.
When is it? 5th - 7th June
Where is it? Bois de Vincennes, Paris, France
Who’s headlining? Gorillaz, Theodora, Addison Rae, The xx and Charlotte Cardin
Who do you recommend? Etta Marcus, Max Baby, Hayley Williams, Erin LeCount and Ethel Cain.
BludFest is back for its third year but this time with a twist. Instead of being held in Milton Keynes, the one day festival is moving to Hradec Kralove in Czechia for its first overseas instalment.
When is it? 27th June
Where is it? Park 360, Hradec Kralove, Czechia
Who’s headlining? Yungblud
Who do you recommend? Biffy Clyro, Primal Scream and Nieve Ella.
As a multi-award winning festival that’s been running since the 1970s, Rock Werchter is not only known for championing both established names and new talent, but also for its buzzy atmosphere.
When is it? 2nd - 5th July
Where is it? Werchter Festivalpark, Werchter, Belgium
Who’s headlining? Mumford & Sons, The War On Drugs, The xx, Lewis Capaldi, Gorillaz, Twenty One Pilots, The Cure, Moby.
Who do you recommend? CMAT, JADE, The Last Dinner Party, Man/Woman/Chainsaw, Paris Paloma and Yard Act.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary in spectacular style, 2026 promises to be the Spanish festival’s biggest production yet, with enhanced stages, expanded capacity and exclusive performances.
When is it? 8th - 11th July
Where is it? Valdebebas-IFEMA, Madrid, Spain
Who’s headlining? Foo Fighters, Florence + The Machine, Twenty One Pilots and Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds.
Who do you recommend? Chloe Slater, Holly Humberstone, Cliffords, Jalen Ngonda and My First Time.
PhillGood is a new three-day music festival taking place in one of Europe’s oldest cities: Plovdiv, Bulgaria. Set to transform the city’s Rowing Canal into a major European music destination, the debut edition pairs era-defining artists with influential contemporary acts across multiple stages.
When is it? 17th - 19th July
Where is it? Rowing Canal, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Who’s headlining? The Cure, Gorillaz and Moby.
Who do you recommend? As well as the mega headliners, we recommend Wolf Alice, KNEECAP and Just Mustard.
For nearly 20 years, Rock en Seine has been one of France’s biggest summer events. With 4 stages and some of the biggest names in international pop and rock, Rock en Seine should be on every festival-goers bucket list.
When is it? 26th - 30th August
Where is it? Domaine National de Saint-Cloud, Paris, France
Who’s headlining? Tyler, The Creator, Lorde, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Deftones and The Cure.
Who do you recommend? Djo, Turnstile, Amyl and The Sniffers, Ravyn Lenae and Lambrini Girls.