The sun came out and reminded us of what fun we might have in a few months time if we play nice… below we preview some of the options you have to make it a summer of fun!
(Don’t worry we’ve put some European ones in there too just in case you won’t want to put all your eggs in the UK weather God’s basket)
European Festivals
Fresh Island Festival: Europe’s #1 urban music beach festival
5th anniversary for Europe’s #1 urban music beach festival, featuring unmissable performances across hip-hop, grime and r&b along with boat & pool parties on the beautiful Zrce Beach.
Location: Pag, Croatia
Dates: 12th – 14th July 2016
Line-up: Wiz Khalifa, Ty Dolla $ign, Statik Selektah, DJ Premier, Logan Sama, Shakka, Tim Westwood + more
Airports: Zadar, Split, Zagreb
Tickets: Three days from £69 here
For you if you like: Small Festivals / Hip-hop / Grime / Beach / Boat Parties / Pool Parties
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One of the most popular festivals of it’s kind in Europe with a line-up that demands attention from fans across the full spectrum of electronic music. The stunning setting of Zrce Beach makes Hideout the perfect destination for party-goers and adventure lovers alike.
Location: Pag, Croatia
Dates: 26th – 30th June
Line-up: Jamie xx, Skepta, Jamie Jones, J.E.S.u.S, Hot Since 82, Adam Beyer, MK, Hannah Wants, DJ EZ, Kurupt FM, Stormzy, Dusky, Julio Bashmore, The Martinez Brothers, Joris Voorn, John Talabot, Artwork + more
Airports: Zadar, Split, Zagreb
Tickets: Five days from £139 + booking fee here
For you if you like: Small Festivals / Dance / Beach / Boat Parties / New Stage
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Way Out West Festival: Europe’s greenest festival / Europe’s biggest combined music & film festival
Taking over Sweden’s music capital of Gothenburg, Way Out West celebrates 10 years with a huge international line-up spread over three days at Slottsskogen Park. At night Stay Out West hosts more intimate performances in venues around the city.
Location: Gothenburg, Sweden
Dates: 11th – 13th August 2016
Line-up: Sia, PJ Harvey, Massive Attack & Young Fathers, Skepta, Jamie xx, Chvrches, Stormzy, M83, Julia Holter, Lady Leshurr, Travi$ Scott, Anderson .Paak + more
Airports: Gothenburg
Tickets: Weekend from £145 here
For you if you like: Pop / Indie / Rock / Eco-friendly / City Takeover
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UK Festivals
Also Festival: A festival for the mind
Also festival brings to life the biggest, boldest and most exciting ideas from art, science, psychology and philosophy in immersive talks and experiences with leading thinkers. Set in 50 acres of beautiful Capability Brown-designed landscape, complete with its own swimming lake.
Location: Compton Verney, Warwickshire
Dates: 17th – 19th June
Line-up: Three-time Nobel Peace Prize nominee Dr Scilla Ellworthy, Faithless founder Jamie Catto, Odette Toilette + many more
Tickets: Weekend with camping from £90 here
For you if you like: Talks / Family / Dining / Wellness / Swimming / Philosophy / Science
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A small festival that throws a big party, prep those dance moves and the perfect festival outfit for Essex’s boutique-bash. The best in pop, urban and electronic sounds extend well into the early hours for the hedonists out there in the festival fields.
Location: Morris Farm, Essex
Dates: 8th – 10th July
Line-up: Annie Mac, Mark Ronson, Katy B, Krept & Konan, Wretch 32, Scouting For Girls, Fuse ODG, Mike Skinner, Mistajam, Justin Martin, Huxley, Big Narstie, Ms Dynamite, Charlie Sloth + more
Airports: London Stansted
Tickets: Weekend with camping from £89 here
For you if you like: Small Festivals / Pop / Urban / Dance
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Liverpool International Music Festival (LIMF): Europe’s biggest free music festival
LIMF returns for its fourth outing celebrating the city’s musical pedigree, diversity and heritage on a global scale. Includes LIMF Summer Jam – Europe’s largest free music festival, the award-winning LIMF Academy and LIMF Presents – a series of commissioned events.
Location: Liverpool, various venues in the city
Dates: 21 – 24 July 2016
Line-up: LIMF Summer Jam: Sigma, The Wombats, Lianne La Havas, Netsky, Kwabs, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Ms Dynamite, Shakka + more | LIMF Presents: Five commissioned showcases of artists, music and projects that redefine music and culture.
+LIMF Academy
Airports: Liverpool, Manchester
Tickets: LIMF Summer Jam FREE
LIMF Presents from £13.20 here
For you if you like: Established / City / Pop / Indie / Dance / Family
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Standon Calling: The overgrown house party
A boutique festival with major musical ambition, offering renowned and upcoming acts, immersive theatre, a host of weird and wonderful workshops, talks, the annual dog show, a fancy dress parade and its own heated outdoor swimming pool.
Location: Standon, Hertfordshire
Dates: 29th – 31st July
Line-up: Suede, Jess Glynne, Kelis, Everything Everything, The Hives, Ghostpoet, Theo Parrish, Anna Calvi, The Thurston Moore Band, Theo Parrish, Blossoms + more
Theme: Legend of the Lost Seas
Airports: London Luton, Stansted
Tickets: Weekend with camping from £137 here
For you if you like: Small Festivals / Family / Pop / Indie / Dance / Swimming
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Oxford’s original music festival, Truck will expand to a three day event in 2016. The 18-year old festival is the discerning go-to for credible and quality acts and 2016 is set to be another prime year.
Location: Hill Farm, Oxford
Dates: 15th – 16th July
Line-up: Manic Street Preachers, Catfish And The Bottlemen, Everything Everything, Circa Waves, Jack Savoretti, Young Fathers, Rat Boy, We Are The Ocean, Gnarwolves, Pretty Vicious + more
Airports: London Heathrow, Bristol
Tickets: Weekend with camping from £86.50 here
For you if you like: Small Festivals / Rock / Indie / Pop
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After its 10th anniversary and sell out success and bagging ‘Best Medium Festival’ at the Festival Awards in 2015, Y Not has pulled out all the stops to its worth once again. Nestled in the Peak District countryside Y Not will be a vibrant weekend for celebrating the height of summer 2016.
Location: Pikehall, Peak District, Derbyshire
Dates: 29th – 31st July
Line-up: Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Madness, Editors, Catfish And The Bottlemen, The Hives, The Cribs, Everything Everything, Circa Waves, Kelis, Band of Skulls, Fun Lovin Criminals, The Coral, Blossoms, Rat Boy + more
Airports: East Midlands
Tickets: Weekend with camping from £94.50 here
Tags: Medium / Pop / Indie / Rock
Awards: Winner of Best Medium Sized Festival – Festival Awards 2015