Your guide to the UK’s music festival season for summer 2026
Your guide to the UK’s music festival season for summer 2026
Major Line-ups to Watch
With the UK experiencing a spell of pleasant weather, the summer festival scene is set for a vibrant return. While Glastonbury takes a break this year, there are numerous other events to anticipate. Reading and Leeds Festival, scheduled from 27 to 30 August, promises a diverse array of British and Irish acts, including Charli XCX, Chase & Status, Dave, Florence + The Machine, Fontaines D.C., and Raye. Leeds will also feature Kasabian as the exclusive Thursday night performer.
For those seeking a mix of indie and alternative sounds, the Isle of Wight Festival offers sets by Lewis Capaldi, The Cure, and Teddy Swims, running from 18 to 21 June. Meanwhile, Boardmasters in Cornwall brings Fatboy Slim, Lily Allen, and The Kooks to the coast from 5 to 9 August. If you prefer a festival without the camping, TRNSMT in Glasgow is set for 19 to 21 June, showcasing CMAT, Wolf Alice, and Two Door Cinema Club.
New Festival Series
The festival calendar sees fresh additions this year, such as Roundhay, which debuts in Leeds during July with Pitbull and Lewis Capaldi as headliners. BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend will take place in Sunderland from 22 to 24 May, featuring Olivia Dean, Zara Larsson, and Niall Horan.
We all have different priorities when it comes to how we want to enjoy a festival and if yours involve a shower and a proper bed at the end of the day then a single-day event might be right for you.
Download Festival remains a staple for rock and alternative enthusiasts, returning to the East Midlands from 12 to 14 June with Limp Bizkit, Guns N’ Roses, and Linkin Park at the forefront. Kendal Calling in the Lake District promises an indie-filled weekend on 30 July to 2 August, including Biffy Clyro, Wolf Alice, and The Libertines.
Coastal and Genre-Specific Events
Dance music fans will find excitement at Creamfields in Cheshire from 27 to 30 August, with Swedish House Mafia, Martin Garrix, and Armin van Buuren headlining. Parklife in Manchester’s Heaton Park, set for 20 and 21 June, will feature Calvin Harris, Skepta, and Sammy Virji. Boomtown in Hampshire hosts Skrillex, Four Tet, and Faithless from 12 to 16 August.
Lovebox returns to Margate after a seven-year gap, offering a dance-centric lineup on 29 and 30 May. In East London, Silverworks Island on the Thames has become a favorite spot, featuring Pendulum, Fisher, and Tiesto across June and July. Labyrinth, a new addition in Greenwich, will highlight Dom Dolla, Peggy Gou, and Michael Bibi during August.
State Fayre, a fresh festival for rock, country, and folk fans, is also launching in 2026, promising unique experiences in its debut year.
