...including the 2018 events that you should not miss!
When it comes to music festivals, all roads lead to the UK as travellers from around the world flock the country to enjoy the best of entertainment from the music festivals held from one place to another.
While UK music festivals have become a staple during summertime, these events also gained a huge following even during the rainy season. In fact, in spite of weather changes. The music festivals held across the United Kingdom have been well attended mostly by music, fashion and even beauty junkies! And probably, you’re wondering how and when these outdoor events have come to be. The answer? That’s what you’ll be able to decipher in the next sections of this article.
How UK Music Festivals Began
Great music played by your favourite artists, live performances, outdoor fun, fashionable getups, and even the best grubs. What’s not to love about UK music festivals?
However, apart from those, you should also look into and never forget how music festivals in the UK began. Aside from the music and sun worshippers that we have come to know now, there is also an interesting piece of history that will make you love music festivals even more.
THE EARLY YEARS OF MUSIC FESTIVALS
1967 was the year when a new breed of live performance has started, thanks to the Monterey Pop Festival attended by about 25,000 people to witness live performances courtesy of Janis Joplin, The Who, Simon & Garfunkel, and Otis Reading.
Aside from the iconic moment when Jimi Hendrix set his guitar aflame, the event has also become the venue for the fusion of rock, folk and pop music. And as this trend swept the US, as well as all of the Western world, hippie culture has also emerged, making way for the youth to embrace alternatives and fight for the causes they believe in.
After the , New York has become the venue for the first Woodstock festival with around 400,000 people gathered to celebrate peace while enjoying the tunes they adore. This 3-day event has paved the way for music festivals to reach the mainstream and gain worldwide recognition.
MUSIC FESTIVALS IN THE UK
The Isle of Wight Festival started in 1968, but it was in 1970 when it reached great popularity with more than 600,000 people in attendance. One attendee, Andrew Kerr, was inspired by the outcome of the event propelling him to start his own music festival, Glastonbury. Officially, this marked the entry of modern music festivals to the UK and has given birth to the festivals we love to this day.
Fast forward to this day, music festivals remain and continues to gain a greater number of following. The anticipation for UK music festivals is felt worldwide, driving travellers to the country year in and year out.
But it cannot be denied that there are UK music festivals that stand above the rest. When it comes to these events, these are the most celebrated music fests.
THE MOST POPULAR UK MUSIC FESTIVALS TODAY
GLASTONBURY
Labeled as the most iconic UK music festival, Glastonbury started decades ago and was then originally called as Pilton festival. Now it is known as a music festival that supports environmental causes. It also funds Oxfam, Greenpeace, and WaterAid. While Glastonbury music festival is a well-attended event, it also encourages attendees to do their part in preserving the environment through its Love the Farm, Leave No Trace campaign. However, this year, Glastonbury music festival is taking a break to make way for the farm and the village’s traditional year off.
ISLE OF WIGHT
Known as the Woodstock of Europe, it started small before it earned a huge following in 1970. However, after its initial stint, the Parliament banned the festival with the thought that wild partying may have a negative effect on the island. It had its relaunch in 2002 in a new location and since then, it remains as a key player in the UK music festival scene. Like Glastonbury, it offers free auction in support of charities such as WellChild and ShelterBox.
This year, the Isle of Wight Festival marks its 50th anniversary. Happening from June 21 to 24 at Seaclose Park, Newport, the event will be graced by artists such as The Killers, Depeche Mode, Kasabian & Liam Gallagher.
SECRET GARDEN PARTY
A popular music festival that started in 2004, Secret Garden Party is an alternative to the more popular music festivals where anyone and everyone can be a participant. It has become a popular festival in the Cambridgeshire woods even though it has no corporate sponsorships or high profile celeb guests. However, just as some good things don’t last, SGP’s final festival was held last year, bringing an end to an era.
BEAUTY TIPS FOR UK MUSIC FESTIVAL GOERS
Just as music lovers get enthusiastic as the season of music festivals nears, you shouldn’t forget that there are also beauty preparations that you have to make to ensure that your regimen will be good enough to withstand the harsh elements–talk about sun, dirt, sleepless nights, and changing weather–that may wreak havoc on your skin.
So how can you pull off a look that’s perfect for music festivals and manage to keep it together? Rock it like a pro!
Sunburn simply isn’t cool so keep yourself protected from it. While you may have the best days of your life during the music festival days, you could be facing your worst nightmare once you realize that you failed to give your skin the protection it needs from the blazing heat. When packing your essentials, make sure to bring along a sunscreen. Apply and reapply as needed to ensure that you’ll get the protection you need for s super flawless complexion.
The days will be long so your makeup should last long, too. Aside from the usual hot weather, attending music festivals will mean spending long days with a crowd–huge crowd. And if you want to look your best without spending a lot of your time in retouching your makeup, a setting powder will be your best friend! Choose a high-quality setting makeup and for sure, you won’t have to worry if your makeup will be able to stay on your face all day.
Pack light with multitasking beauty products. The last thing you’d want is to arrive at the music festival looking like you’re on a camping trip because of over packing. Cut the non-essentials by choosing the beauty products that work best for the event. Go for lip and cheek tints, or a cream blush that works as an eyeshadow too. You’ll be surprised how you can look beautiful with only a few things.
Waterproof is the way to go. Don’t spoil your fun just because you have to worry if the mascara you’re wearing has smudged or if you’re liner has dissolved and has made an unsightly mark because of your sweat. Stay free from these worries by making sure that you’ll wear makeup that lasts.
Shine bright with a splash of sparkle. UK music festivals are among the days when you can add extra glitter to your usual makeup. Be bolder in wearing makeup that can make you stand out. After days of partying, it’d be a huge relief to find glittery makeup that you can apply onto your eyelids and cheekbones to look fresh — even when you’re really not!
Dry shampoo to the rescue. It would be hard to keep your hair’s volume and shine especially considering the number of days that you’ll spend in the music festival. But thanks to dry shampoo, your hair can look and smell fresh and clean until the final days. It would even help keep your hairstyle so you can be more confident when mingling with the crowd.
False eyelashes offer a foolproof way to look great! If what you want is an easy and effective way to amp up your look, then using false eyelashes is the way to do it. With a quick application, you won’t have to worry about smudges or feel that you look too plain for the festival. False eyelashes will give you the instant glam you need while making your eyes look more open and awake! Choose natural false eyelashes for best results and to easily complement the shadow or the glittery makeup that you’d put on your lids.
BONUS: Remember the rule of music festival fashion!
Don’t make things complicated. Whether you prefer boho, country style or wants to look like a rockstar, the best way to go is to achieve a look that is cool and comfortable.
Now that you’re all prepped up for the music festivals in the UK, the next thing on your to-do list is to know when these events will be held. But if you have no plans yet, there’s no reason to worry. Here, we have already sourced the web to provide you with the list of music festivals that are happening in the UK this 2018 to keep you busy from May ‘til September!
2018 MUSIC FESTIVALS IN THE UK TO WATCH OUT FOR
MAY 2018 UK MUSIC FESTIVALS
WE ARE FSTVL
If what you want is a music festival that will move your body to the beat of your favourite tunes, head over to far east outside London. Suit yourself to 16 stylised stages, 200 DJs, VIP arena complete with hot tubs and spa treatments, plus gourmet food and champagne bars to complete the recipe of a weekend getaway that you won’t forget.
When: May 25-27, 2018
Where: Damyns Hall Aerodrome, Upminster
Who to Watch Out For: Andy C, Armand Van Helden, Carl Cox, Eric Prydz, Lethal Bizzle, Bugzy Malone and Big Shaq
THE GREAT ESCAPE
Kick off with a seaside holiday at Brighton that’s bound to make a difference. Enjoy the tunes while having some beachside fun as this music festival features more than 400 up and coming artists from around the globe. Make the most of the Great Escape by checking out 35 walk-able venues in the area.
When: May 17-19, 2018
Where: Brighton
Who to Watch Out For: Mist, Pale Waves, Phoebe Bridgers
HOWTHELIGHTGETSIN
A self-proclaimed biggest philosophy and music festival in the world, this music festival will stage its comeback to Hay-on-Wye this may. Expect the event to be filled with magic, music and more amazement than ever before.
When: May 25-28, 2018
Where: Hay on Wye, Hereford
Who to Watch Out For: Noam Chomsky, Anna Soubry, The Orb, Badly Drawn Boy and Ana Matronic
JUNE 2018 UK MUSIC FESTIVALS
DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL
Into hard rock and heavy metal? This 3-day festival offers superb entertainment and features the biggest names from the year 1970 up to the newest generation.
When: June 8-10, 2018
Where: Derby
Who to Watch Out For: Ozzy Osbourne, Avenged Sevenfold, Guns N’ Roses
TRNSMT FESTIVAL
This UK music festival initially replaced T in the Park and doesn’t come short of all the live festivities of a traditional music festival. It also allows festival-goers to explore the bars, restaurants, nightclubs and cultural attractions in the city.
When: June 7-July 1, 2018
Where: Glasgow
Who to Watch Out For: Arctic Monkeys, The Killers, Liam Gallagher, Stereophonics
FOREST LIVE
Here’s a different kind of music festival that is not for the lover of loud music. Forest live offers the chance to enjoy an outdoor event without having to camp on the site. It allows festival goers to head home or stay in a hotel after the show. The festival includes a tour across seven forest sites this summer.
When: June 7-July 1, 2018
Where: Hay on Wye, Hereford
Who to Watch Out For: Paloma Faith, Gary Barlow, Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott and George Ezra
JULY 2018 UK MUSIC FESTIVALS
TRNSMT FESTIVAL
As this music festival has announced that TRNSMT will be expanded to two weekends this year, the 2nd installment is to be expected.
When: July 6-8, 2018
Where: Glasgow
Who to Watch Out For: Arctic Monkeys, The Killers, Liam Gallagher, Stereophonics
LOVEBOX
Creativity isn’t lacking in this music festival. Especially for music lovers and hipsters, Lovebox is an annual gathering organised by Groove Armada which features a colourful fusion of dance and rock gods, vintage markets, bespoke bars and fairground tides.
When: July 13-14, 2018
Where: London
Who to Watch Out For: Childish Gambino, N.E.R.D, Skepta, SZA
LATITUDE FESTIVAL
Bagging the Best Major Festival award in 2017, Latitude Festival goes back to Henham Park, Suffolk this year and promises to live up to its tagline ‘much more than just a music festival’, as it goes big with its offering of music, theatre, dance, film, cabaret and literature in one great event.
When: July 12-15, 2018
Where: Henham Park
Who to Watch Out For: The Killers, Solange, alt-J
CAMP BESTIVAL
Of course, not to be missed is the little sister of Bestival–Camp Bestival. This family-friendly UK music festival puts a twist to the novelty of fancy dress and late night craziness. It comes complete with medieval clashes, face painting with music, comedy acts and hand-picked poets by Rob da Bank.
When: July 26-29, 2018
Where: Lulworth Castle, Dorset
Who to Watch Out For: Rick Astley, Clean Bandit, Simple Minds, Orbital, Tokio Myers
TRUCK
Marking its 20th year, this music festival will not just provide you with 3 days of entertainment as it extends the proceeds of the event to the local Rotary Club.
When: July 20-22, 2018
Where: Hill Farm, Oxfordshire
Who to Watch Out For: George Ezra, Friendly Fires, De La Soul, Jake Bugg and Everything Everything
STANDON CALLING
If you’re after a colourful lineup, this UK music festival won’t disappoint. It has a mainstream lineup for the 10,000 campers that it is expected to cater to. So brace yourself for some nonstop music and dancing!
When: July 26-29, 2018
Where: Standon House, Standon, Herts
Who to Watch Out For: Paloma Faith, Bryan Ferry, Goldfrapp, Little Simz and The Bootleg Beatles
AUGUST 2018 UK MUSIC FESTIVALS
BESTIVAL
The award-winning boutique music festival is now happening earlier as it shifts its schedule from September to August. Aside from that change, expect to see one of a kind and the silliest musical performances, especially with its circus theme, art in the woods and exercise bikes. Not to mention the poetry, theatre, comedy that the much-lauded fiesta is known for.
When: Aug 2-5, 2018
Where: Lulworth Castle, Dorset
Who to Watch Out For: London Grammar, MIA, Stefflon Don and Grace Jones, Mark Ronson and Diplo
BOARDMASTERS
Here’s a music festival that promises to give you the best weekend ever! The event will feature dance and folk stars, plus some of your pop favourites. Be prepared to enjoy a 5-day event that’s complete with cliff-top sessions and surf shack shows that are sure to make your Instagram feed really standout!
When: August 8-12, 2018
Where: England, Boardmasters
Who to Watch Out For: Catfish and the Bottlemen, The Chemical Brothers, George Ezra, Kano, Years & Years and Rag ’N’ Bone Man.
BOOMTOWN FAIR – CHAPTER 10
Happening in the city near Winchester, this 4-day festival stands out with its unique and crazy sci-fi story and as they approach their 10th year, expect the cool transition from folk music to drum & bass. Visit their website, for ticket enquiries.
When: Aug 9-12, 2018
Where: Matterley Estate, Winchester
Who to Watch Out For: Gorillaz, Die Antwoord, Limp Bizkit, Jimmy Cliff, Goldie and Enter Shikari
GREEN MAN FESTIVAL
Enjoy the awesome view of the UK landscape with this music festival that has the Brecon Beacons’ Black Mountains in Wales as its backdrop. Concealed in the hills are thousands of performers from various fields of entertainment including comedy, theatre and literary. Don’t miss the local ales and ciders, spas and therapies that are available for the duration of this event.
When: Aug 16-19, 2018
Where: Brecon Beacons
Who to Watch Out For: The War On Drugs, Fleet Foxes, John Grant, Grizzly Bear
CREAMFIELDS
In the mood for clubbing? This UK music festival is not to be missed. Be among the tens of thousands who attend Creamfields to change the dance scene by grooving to popular tunes, complete with striking visuals and effects.
When: August 23-26, 2018
Where: Daresbury Estate, Halton, Cheshire
Who to Watch Out For: Top DJs, Tiësto, Martin Garrix, Axwell & Ingrosso and Diplo 10. South West Four
BIG FEASTIVAL
If you are looking for a family-friendly music festival in the United Kingdom, Big Feastival is the event to go to. This 3-day event will get your kids up on their feet with its tree climbing activity, petting zoo and a day with Peppa Pig and Paddington. Aside from that, it boasts the fact that it is the only UK music festival that offers a cheese hub. Of course, not to be missed is the fun and entertainment for the grown-ups.
When: August 24-26, 2018
Where: Kingham, Cotswolds
Who to Watch Out For: Cooking Stars: Marco Pierre White, Raymond Blanc, Mark Hix, plus music stars: Craig David, Paloma Faith, Clean Bandit
SEPTEMBER 2018 UK MUSIC FESTIVALS
END OF THE ROAD
As the UK music festival season comes to an end, End of the Road still has the closing salvo that you shouldn’t miss. This 4-day event offers great music and entertainment courtesy of its impressive lineup of performers.
When: August 30-September 2, 2018
Where: Larmer Tree Gardens, Salisbury
Who to Watch Out For: St Vincent and Feist, Vampire Weekend and Velvet Underground man John Cale
COOL BRITANNIA
Another event that signals the end of the music festivals in the UK, Cool Britannia entitles the festival-goers to return to the venue where Oasis peaked decades ago. With its headliners, this festival is surely not to be missed!
When: August 31-September 2, 2018
Where: Knebworth Park, Herts
Who to Watch Out For: Feeder, Embrace and Ocean Colour Scene
FESTIVAL NO.6
As the most recent event to bag the Best Small Festival at the NME Awards, expect this UK music festival to be more magical especially with its “Saturday Night Spectacle”. With its faux-Italian village setting and programme which includes music, arts & culture, debates, workshops, food & drink, comedy and more, you’re sure to have a great weekend at Festival No. 6!
When: September 6-9, 2018
Where: Portmeirion, North Wales
Who to Watch Out For: The The, Franz Ferdinand, Friendly Fires
This year, save these dates! May to September will be jam packed with fun and entertainment. And you’ll be sorry if you won’t be able to join the crowd for an unforgettable weekend.
