Summer is the season of fun, sun, and festivals! With the weather warming up, England is gearing up to host some of the most exciting events of the year. Whether you’re into music, food, or just want to soak up the vibrant atmosphere, there’s a festival for everyone. From the iconic Glastonbury to the quirky Shambala, England has a diverse range of festivals that cater to different tastes and preferences. But with so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones to attend. That’s where we come in! In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through the best summer festivals in England, highlighting the must-see events and giving you insider tips to make the most of your experience. So, grab your sunscreen and get ready to discover the ultimate summer festival guide in England!
Music Festivals in England
England has a rich history of music festivals, and every year, thousands of music lovers flock to the country to enjoy some of the world’s best live music performances. From rock to pop, hip hop to electronic, there’s a festival for every music genre. Here are some of the best music festivals in England that you shouldn’t miss:
Glastonbury Festival
Glastonbury Festival is undoubtedly one of the most famous festivals in the world. Held in Somerset, England, this festival attracts over 200,000 people each year. Known for its eclectic mix of music genres, Glastonbury has hosted some of the biggest names in music, including Beyoncé, Coldplay, and Adele. Apart from music, the festival also features art installations, circus performances, and a wide range of food and drink stalls. If you want to experience the ultimate festival atmosphere, Glastonbury should be at the top of your list.
Reading and Leeds Festivals
Reading and Leeds Festivals are twin music festivals that take place over the August bank holiday weekend. Held in Reading and Leeds, these festivals are known for their rock and alternative music lineups. Over the years, bands like Nirvana, Metallica, and Arctic Monkeys have graced the stages at these festivals. Apart from music, Reading and Leeds also feature comedy acts, silent discos, and a variety of food and drink stalls.
Wireless Festival
Wireless Festival is a three-day music festival that takes place in London’s Finsbury Park. Known for its hip hop and electronic music lineups, Wireless has hosted some of the biggest names in music, including Kendrick Lamar, Drake, and Skepta. The festival also features street food stalls, a fun fair, and a variety of other entertainment options. By the way, you can check out EuropeTripDeals.com’s What’s On in London for more great London-area entertainment options.
Food Festivals in England
England is a foodie’s paradise, and the country hosts some of the best food festivals in the world. From artisanal cheese to craft beer, there’s a festival for every food and drink lover. Here are some of the best food festivals in England that you shouldn’t miss:
London Coffee Festival
The London Coffee Festival is a four-day event that celebrates all things coffee. Held in London’s Truman Brewery, this festival features over 250 exhibitors showcasing their coffee products. Apart from coffee, the festival also features food stalls, barista competitions, and live music performances.
Manchester Food and Drink Festival
The Manchester Food and Drink Festival is a two-week event that celebrates the city’s vibrant food and drink scene. The festival features over 100 events, including food tastings, cookery classes, and live music performances. The highlight of the festival is the Manchester Food and Drink Festival Awards, which recognises the best restaurants, bars, and food producers in the city.
The Big Feastival
The Big Feastival is a three-day food and music festival that takes place in the Cotswolds. The festival is organised by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver and features a wide range of food and drink stalls. Apart from food, the festival also features live music performances, cookery classes, and a variety of family-friendly activities.
Cultural Festivals in England
England has a rich cultural heritage, and the country hosts some of the best cultural festivals in the world. From theatre to literature, there’s a festival for every cultural enthusiast. Here are some of the best cultural festivals in England that you shouldn’t miss:
Hay Festival
The Hay Festival is an annual literature festival that takes place in the town of Hay-on-Wye. The festival features talks, readings, and interviews with some of the world’s best writers, thinkers, and performers. Apart from literature, the festival also features music, comedy, and a variety of other cultural events.
Notting Hill Carnival
The Notting Hill Carnival is a two-day street festival that takes place in London’s Notting Hill neighbourhood. The festival celebrates Caribbean culture and features live music, dance performances, and a variety of food and drink stalls. The highlight of the festival is the colourful parade, which features elaborate costumes, steel drum bands, and dancers.
Edinburgh Fringe Festival
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is the largest arts festival in the world. Held in Edinburgh, Scotland, the festival features thousands of performances across a variety of art forms, including theatre, comedy, dance, and music. The festival also features a variety of street performers, food stalls, and cultural events.
Sporting Festivals in England
England has a proud sporting heritage, and the country hosts some of the best sporting festivals in the world. From football to cricket, there’s a festival for every sports fan. Here are some of the best sporting festivals in England that you shouldn’t miss:
Wimbledon
Wimbledon is one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world. Held in London, this tournament attracts some of the biggest names in tennis, including Roger Federer, Serena Williams, and Novak Djokovic. Apart from tennis, Wimbledon also features a variety of food and drink stalls, as well as a fun fair for children.
The Boat Race
The Boat Race is an annual rowing race between the Oxford University Boat Club and the Cambridge University Boat Club. The race takes place on the River Thames in London and attracts thousands of spectators each year. Apart from the race, the event also features food and drink stalls, live music performances, and a variety of family-friendly activities.
Goodwood Festival of Speed
The Goodwood Festival of Speed is a four-day event that celebrates all things motoring. Held in West Sussex, this festival features some of the world’s most iconic cars, as well as a variety of motor racing events. The festival also features a variety of food and drink stalls, as well as live music performances.
Family-Friendly Festivals in England
England is a great place to take your family for a festival experience. There are many family-friendly festivals that offer a range of activities for all ages. Here are some of the best family-friendly festivals in England that you shouldn’t miss:
Camp Bestival
Camp Bestival is a four-day family-friendly festival that takes place in Dorset. The festival features a wide range of activities for children, including storytelling, theatre performances, and circus acts. Apart from children’s activities, the festival also features live music performances, food and drink stalls, and a variety of workshops.
Just So Festival
The Just So Festival is a three-day family-friendly festival that takes place in Cheshire. The festival features a range of activities for children, including arts and crafts, music workshops, and storytelling. The festival also features live music performances, food and drink stalls, and a variety of cultural events.
Big Fish Little Fish
Big Fish Little Fish is a family-friendly rave that takes place in various locations across the country. The event features live DJs, a variety of children’s activities, and a licensed bar for adults. The rave is designed to be enjoyed by both children and adults, making it a fun experience for the whole family.
Eco-friendly Festivals in England
England is becoming increasingly conscious of the need to protect the environment, and many festivals are now adopting eco-friendly practices. Here are some of the best eco-friendly festivals in England that you shouldn’t miss:
Shambala
Shambala is a four-day eco-friendly festival that takes place in Northamptonshire. The festival focuses on sustainability and features a variety of environmental initiatives, including a zero-waste policy and renewable energy sources. The festival also features a wide range of live music performances, food and drink stalls, and family-friendly activities.
Green Gathering
The Green Gathering is a four-day eco-friendly festival that takes place in Chepstow. The festival features a range of environmental initiatives, including compost toilets and renewable energy sources. The festival also features a variety of live music performances, workshops, and a range of food and drink stalls.
Sunrise Celebration
Sunrise Celebration is a four-day eco-friendly festival that takes place in Somerset. The festival focuses on sustainability and features a range of environmental initiatives, including renewable energy sources and a zero-waste policy. The festival also features live music performances, workshops, and a variety of family-friendly activities.
Tips for Attending Summer Festivals in England
Attending a summer festival in England can be a memorable experience. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your festival experience:
- Book your tickets early to avoid disappointment.
- Plan your journey in advance and make sure you have all the necessary travel documents.
- Pack for all weather conditions, as the weather in England can be unpredictable.
- Bring plenty of cash, as not all festivals accept card payments.
- Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
- Respect the environment and follow the festival’s eco-friendly policies.
- Have fun and soak up the festival atmosphere!
Top Summer Festivals in England – Glastonbury, Notting Hill Carnival, and more
England hosts some of the best summer festivals in the world. Here are some of the top festivals that you shouldn’t miss:
- Glastonbury Festival
- Reading and Leeds Festivals
- Notting Hill Carnival
- London Coffee Festival
- Manchester Food and Drink Festival
- The Big Feastival
- Hay Festival
- Edinburgh Fringe Festival
- Wimbledon
- The Boat Race
- Goodwood Festival of Speed
- Camp Bestival
- Just So Festival
- Big Fish Little Fish
- Shambala
- Green Gathering
- Sunrise Celebration
Conclusion
England is a festival lover’s paradise, with a diverse range of festivals that cater to different tastes and preferences. Whether you’re into music, food, culture, or sports, there’s a festival for everyone. From the iconic Glastonbury to the eco-friendly Shambala, England has something for everyone. So, grab your sunscreen, pack your bags, and get ready to discover the best summer festivals in England!
