UK festivals 2023: Music events and line-ups this summer, from Glastonbury to Reading and Leeds
Though festival season is officially in full swing, with the likes of Wireless and Glastonbury having taken place already, never fear, aspiring musical revellers; there’s still heaps more fun on the way to dig into for the rest of the summer.
Majority of festivals on the summer calendar have now confirmed their rammed line-ups, and there are still a fair few tickets available for a good number of our festival picks, below.
So, what are you waiting for? Get stuck in!
Camp Bestival
One for the family-sized festival-goers, this one caters to all ages with a programme of events to keep the kids occupied, as well as the adults. A new sister event launched in 2022 to run in Shropshire, in addition to the existing Dorset festival, with the same arrangement in 2023.
Where? Lulworth Castle, Dorset/Weston Park, Shropshire
When? July 27-30 (Dorset), August 17-20 (Shropshire)
Who’s on the line-up? Grace Jones, Craig David, The Kooks, Mel C, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Confidence Man, Ella Henderson, Scouting For Girls and many more acts have been announced.
Tickets: from £205 (Dorset), from £183 (Shropshire), campbestival.net
51st Festival
A one day festival celebrating the best in dance music, from from classic acts and emerging artists
Where? Copthall Playing Fields, London
When? August 5
Who’s on the line up? Kings of House NYC, Body & Soul, Dimitri from Paris, Roger Sanchez, Todd Terry, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Roy Ayers, Norman Jay, Todd Edwards, Grant Nelson, Heartless Crew, Majestic and many more.
Tickets: from £39.98, 51stfestival.com
T-Live Festival
This one-day London festival is one for fans of oldschool RnB / Hip-Hop, Afrobeat, Amapiano and Soca lovers.
Where? Copthall Playing Fields, near Finchley Central, Mill Hill East and Colindale tubes
When? Sunday August 6
Who’s playing? Headliners include Trey Songz, Jeremih, US rapper Fabolous, American singers Jacquees and Sunshine Anderson and R&B band 112.
Other artists in the line up include Jaz Karis, Tiana Major9, Jvck James, Miraa May, Mnelia, James Vickery, Amaria BB, 1Xtra’s Ace and Nadia Jae, Rellik The Don, Kenny Allstar, Charles Prince, DJ Fistoz, Raf Sappera, and Harpz Kaur.
Tickets: Third release tickets are still available for £50.87, t-live.co
Boardmasters
Beginning its days as a UK surfers competition, this Newquay-based five-day beach bash has become one of the hottest tickets of the festival season.
Where? Newquay, Cornwall
When? August 9-13
Who’s playing? Saturday headliner: Liam Gallagher, Sunday: Florence & the Machine
The first wave has already included some huge names to be excited about including Little Simz, Example, Four Tet, Paul Woolford, Danny Howard and Dimension. Fans can expect to hear more artists announced in the next weeks and months.
Tickets: from £179,boardmasters.com
Boomtown
Tickets are already running low for this five-day extravanganza, which is always one of the more surreal festivals in the calendar, so be sure to snap them up soon.
Where? Winchester, Hampshire
When? August 9-13
Who’s playing? The Prodigy and more to be announced.
Tickets: from £270, boomtownfair.co.uk
Houghton Festival
Curated by Fabric resident DJ Craig Richards, Houghton is a festival like no other, with its stunning stage designs and light displays becoming a draw for dance music fans, along with a line-up packed with the most exciting DJs on the scene.
Where? Houghton Hall, Norfolk
When? August 10-13
Who’s on the line-up? Ben UFO, Call Super, Erol Alkan, Felix Dickinson, Gerd Janson, Horse Meat Disco, Move D, Moxie, PEACH, Ricardo Villalobos, Roy Ayers (live) and many more.
Tickets: from £250, houghtonfestival.co.uk
We Out Here
We Out Here is broadcaster Gilles Peterson’s award-winning weekender, which is perhaps why the festival’s music is always so good. With a packed roster of live music acts as well as club DJs, plus a programme of family friendly and wellness activities, the 2023 edition of this festival, in its new Dorset location, is set to be a real bobby dazzler.
Where? Wimborne St. Giles, Dorset
When? August 10-14
Who’s playing? Ezra Collective, Knucks, Nia Archives, Róisín Murphy, Black Star, Sun Ra Arkestra, Cymande, Galliano and Meshell Ndegeocello are topping the bill, alongside DJ acts including Marcellus Pittman, Mr Scruff, Omar-S and Horse Meat Disco.
Tickets: The website is currently under construction, but tickets are available to buy from £210, weoutherefestival.com
Green Man
A real gem of a festival, whose line-up spans multiple genres and whose programme covers everything from comedy to science. And, as a testament to its quality, 2023 tickets have already sold out.
Where? Brecon Beacons, Wales
When? August 17-20
Who’s on the line-up? First Aid Kit, Devo, Spiritualized, Amyl and the Sniffers, Slowdive, The Walkmen, Young Fathers, Confidence Man, Goat, The Comet Is Coming, Snail Mail, Sudan Archives and many more acts to be announced.
Tickets: sold out, greenman.net
Field Day
This one day event has fast become a favourite of dance music fans, with some of the world’s biggest DJs playing at the East London spot.
Where? Victoria Park, London
When? August 19
Who’s on the line-up? Aphex Twin, Bonobo, Desire, Fever Ray, Jayda G, Jon Hopkins, Kelela, Moderat, SBTRKT and many more artists on the line-up.
Tickets: from £75, fielddayfestivals.com
Hospitality In The Woods
The world renowned drum & bass events brand comes to London for one day, following its Croatian venture in July.
Where? Beckenham Place Park, London
When? August 19
Who’s on the line-up? Netsky, High Contrast, A.M.C Calibre, Roni Size, DJ Marky, Camo & Krooked, Goddard, LTJ Bukem, Metrik and many more acts announced.
Tickets: from £44.25, hospitalityinthewoods.com
All Points East
Spreading across two weekends, All Points East takes over Victoria Park in east London, with some of the biggest names in music across multiple genres.
Where? Victoria Park, London
When? August 19-28
Who’s playing? Headliners: Stormzy, The Strokes, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Aphex Twin, Bonobo
Stormzy will be headlining the festival. He announced on Twitter, “This is my only UK show next year. We’re taking over Victoria Park for a special day full of incredible artists and music and vibes.”
New York indie rockers The Strokes and Yeah Yeah Yeahs will also be headlining the second weekend of the festival, with stellar support from Girl In Red, Amyl and The Sniffers, Angel Olsen and Black Midi, with more acts to be announced.
Tickets: TBC, allpointseastfestival.com/
Lost Village
This deep woodland expedition is one of the weird and wonderful gems of the festival season, combining breathtaking stage designs and unmissable acts to take its villagers on a four-day journey into the unknown.
Where? Norton Disney, Lincolnshire
When? August 24-27
Who’s playing? Ben Böhmer, Ben UFO, The Blessed Madonna, BONOBO, Dixon, DJ Seinfeld, Four Tet, Gerd Janson, Giles Peterson, HE.SHE.THEY, Honey Dijon, Jayda G, Joy Orbison, JYOTY, Nia Archives, Peggy Gou and many more acts to be announced.
Tickets: £TBC lostvillagefestival.com
Creamfields North
Always one of the biggest dance music festivals on the calendar, Creamfields is a sure-fire gathering of some of the best-known DJs on the world circuit. It turned 25 in 2022.
Where? Daresbury, Cheshire
When? August 24-27
Who’s on the line-up? Adam Beyer, Aly & Fila, Amelie Lens, Armin van Buuren, Calvin Harris, Camelphat, Carl Cox Hybrid Live, Chase & Status (DJ Set), Cristoph, David Guetta, Diplo, DJ Snake, Don Diablo, Eric Prydz, Fatboy Slim, Ferry Corsten, Four Tet, Kölsch, Martin Garrix, Nina Kraviz, Oliver Heldens, Tiësto and many more artists have been announced.
Tickets: from £250, creamfields.com
We Are FSTVL
One of London’s biggest dance music festivals, always with a reliably huge line-up of global DJs, makes plans for its 10th birthday.
Where? Damyns Hall Aerodrome, Upminster
When? August 25-27
Who’s on the line-up? Amelie Lens, Andy C, Annie Mac, Apollina, DJ Seinfeld, Eats Everything, Enzo Siragusa, Example, Honey Dijon, I Hate Models, LF System, Loco Dice, Marco Carola, Michael Bibi, Seth Troxler, Skream and many more acts announced.
Tickets: from £150, wearefstvl.com
Reading and Leeds
A rite of passage for British festival-goers, these dual-running events are always among the biggest on the UK calendar.
Where? Reading, Berkshire / Leeds, West Yorkshire
When? August 25-27
Who’s playing? Headliners: Billie Eilish, The Killers, Sam Fender, Foals, Imagine Dragons, The 1975
Plus acts including Steve Lacy, Decklan McKenna, Wet Leg, Central Cee, Becky Hill, Lil Tjay, Loyle Carner, BICEP Live, Chase Atlantic, Trippie Redd, Slowthai, Mimi Webb, Bakar, Rina Sawayama, Arlo Parks and many more to be announced.
Tickets: from £259, readingfestival.com / leedsfestival.com
Manchester Pride Festival
Winner of 2022’s Best Large Festival at the UK Festival Awards, and one of the longest running pride events in the UK, Manchester Pride Festival brings their “party as protest” ethos to the centrefold, with some of the biggest names in music flocking to the city for the weekend. Even with the star power they attract (yes, Ariana Grande headlined!), the core message of equality is never lost.
Where? Manchester, Greater Manchester
When? August 25-28
Who’s playing? Pablo Vittar, Jake Shears, Natasha Bedingfield, Jodie Harsh, Bimini, Danny Beard, Gok Wan, Monki and many more artists have been announced.
Tickets: £TBC manchesterpride.com
Victorious
Down on the south coast, this Portsmouth festival always draws in some big names, covering rock, Britpop, indie rock, and more.
When? August 25-27
Where? Southsea, Portsmouth
Who’s on the line-up? Headliners: Kasabian, Jamiroquai, Mumford and Sons
Plus huge names including Ben Howard, Alt-J, Pete Tong Ibiza Classics, Ellie Goulding, Friendly Fires, Blossoms, Sigrid, The Vaccines, The Coral, Dylan, Katy B, Inspiral Carpet Crawlers and many more acts to be announced.
Tickets: from £165, victoriousfestival.co.uk
Eastern Electrics
This dance music festival moved up to Lee Valley Showground for its 2022 edition, bringing some floor-filling DJs with it.
When? August 26
Where? Lea Valley Showground, London
Who’s on the line-up? ARTBAT, Ben Klock, Chris Stussy, Crazy P (DJ Set), DJ Minx, Denis Sulta, Elli Acula, Heléna Star, Joris Voorn, Marcel Dettmann, Move D, Rossi, The Martinez Brothers and very special guest to be announced.
Tickets: from £35, easternelectrics.com
Maiden Voyage
A relatively new arrival on the London scene, this one is run by the same people who helm the Jazz Cafe in Camden. The venue’s focused eclecticism is matched on the festival’s line-up.
When? August 27
Where? TBC
Who’s playing? DJ Boring, DJ EZ, Moxie, Nicola Cruz, Richie Hawtin, Sainté, DJ Sprinkles and many more acts to be announced.
Tickets: from£35, maiden-voyage.co.uk
Forwards Festival
This inner city music festival, which debuted last year, boasts three stages and some major international acts. As well as its music performances, Forwards hosts a discussion space, titled The Information, where creatives, writers and thinkers come together to speak about difficult issues such as food poverty and the black experience.
When? September 1-2
Where? Bristol Downs
Who’s playing? Erykah Badu, Aphex Twin, Primal Scream, Arlo Parks, Leftfield, Bonobo, Raye, Confidence Man, Ezra Collective, Gabriels, Olivia Dean, Biig Piig and more.
Tickets: Weekend tickets are still available from £114.34, forwardsbristol.co.uk
End of the Road
Another multi-disciplinary delight spanning the spectrum of music, comedy, literature, film and beyond, expect an exciting, discerning line-up.
When? September 1-4
Where? Larmer Tree Gardens, Wiltshire
Who’s playing? King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Future Islands, Wilco, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Angel Olsen, Exra Furman, Arooj Aftab, Greentea Peng, Overmono and many more artists to be announced.
Tickets: from £235, endoftheroadfestival.com
Mucky Weekender
This intimate 4000 capacity festival set within 28 acres of private parkland, boasts four stages, has a fancy dress theme this year of “outer space” and is run by the Dub Pistols’ frontman Barry Ashworth.
When? September 8-9
Where? Vicarage Farm, Winchester
Who’s playing? Headliners include The Selecter, Dub Pistols, The Skints, Stereo MC’s, Mungo’s Hifi and Goldie. Other acts include Stanton Warriors, Eva Lazarus, Bez’s Acid House Party, A. Skillz, Deekline and more.
Tickets: Weekender tickets are still available from £135.00, mucky-weekender.co.uk
Reminisce Festival
This feel good festival located near Liverpool has a smashing line up of artists who have produced some of the best anthems of the summer over the years.
When? September 9
Where? Sherdley Park, St Helens, which is about a 40 minutes from Liverpool by both car and train.
Who’s playing? Top acts include Vengaboys, Heather Small, Boyzlife, Blazin’ Squad, Fatman Scoop and John Martin, who is best known for collaborating with Swedish House Mafia. Electric duo Phats & Small, DJ Jeremy Healy, electronic dance group Oceanic and British house duo Bassheads are also on the line up.
Tickets: from £235, endoftheroadfestival.com
MiNT Festival
One of the final highlights of the season, MiNT is seen as the last hurrah of the festival calendar for dance music fans, with the Newsham Green Farm two-day outdoor get-together attracting top DJ talents.
When? September 16-17
Where? Newsam Green Farm, Leeds
Who’s playing? Ben Hemsley, Enzo Siragusa, Trym, Sweely, Archie Hamilton, Hector Oaks, VTSS, Salute, East End Dubs, Chaos in the CBD, Jayda G and many more acts announced.
Tickets: from £49.50 for day tickets, £93.50 for weekend tickets, mintfestival.co.uk
