Festival season is the around the corner, but you’re spoilt for choice! The diversity in festivals is growing and it’s becoming seemingly difficult to gather the squad and choose the right one. UK festivals are renowned for their creativity and extensive lists of the world’s best performers. Whether its electronic music or live bands that gets ya movin, we’ve created a list of the top 5 hottest festivals to check out this summer.
El Dorado
You may not have heard of this little gem, and that’s the beauty of it. This underground and still relatively unknown festival is akin to the rebirth of The Secret Garden Party. It’s funky, full of color and creativity with an impressive electronic music line up. If you’re a drum and bass lover or consider yourself a disco diva, this festival can cater to all. Boutique camping is available for those who glamp in style! Originating from a club night in Leeds called Cirque De Soul, these guys really know how to throw a party. Shake your money maker on the floatable lake stage or find your zen at a yoga class in the healing fields. Expect fancy dress, floating stages, ball pits, water slides and fire throwers. This festival truly is an asset to the UK festival scene.
Boomtown Festival
The infamous Boomtown festival is on its 11th year, and boy do they know how to bring the vibes! The stage production is like no other, this is a city rather a festival! Get lost and explore the intricate winding streets and immersive music venues. The city is split into four distinct districts each with their own quirky story and characters to assist you along the way. This is the ultimate alternative festival, expect punk, gypsy swing, jungle, drum and bass, psytrance, techno, reggae and many more. Spend the day at inspirational talks and workshops and the evening dancing all over the city. Create your own story at boomtown, this is the ultimate alternative experience.
Houghton Festival
24-hour music I hear you say? Yes, this is the festival that never sleeps. Whether you are a night owl or an early bird, there is always a beat for you to dance to at Houghton festival! Brought by the legend himself, Craig Richards and produced by Gottwood – it has been voted the UK’s best new festival. A plethora of true musical and artistic talent is on offer and with no phone signal on the site, you’ll be teleported into a new dimension of dancing. So for this one, put down the iPhone and pick up your dancing shoes. A fine selection of techno and house music is on offer and a selection boutique camping to choose from. Tipi’s or yerts to airstream camping vans are up for grabs! Electronic music lovers, this certainly not one to be missed!
Reading and Leeds
The legendary annual pair of festivities from north to south are renowned for their impressive and unique line ups. Starting in the midst of 1961 this festival has and continues to host some of the world’s biggest legends on their stage. If bands are more of your forte, then Reading or Leeds is for you! Bands by daylight and dance music by night. This festival never fails to impress festival goers of all ages and walks of life. If you’re heading to Leeds, just don’t forget your welly’s! This 5-day festival never fails to provide copious amounts of mud but endless amounts of fun. For a good all-rounder – Reading or Leeds is the festival for you.
Glastonbury
The best has to be saved for last. The legendary Glastonbury is the holy grail of all festivals. Still going strong since 1970, this festival is notorious for its stone circle sunrises and has offered generations of enjoyment. It takes the throne as the largest greenfield festival in the world, holding 175,000 people. The history of the hippy began here and it’s an absolute must for any festival goer. Tickets are competitive so get registered and have your phone and laptop at the ready. And don’t forget your map, Glastonbury is not one to get lost in! This is the ultimate experience, so if you’re a serious festival frenzy then this is the one for you.
So there you have it, the five hottest festivals to check out this summer! Festivals are just as much about the people around you, so round up the troops and get partying this summer!
Demi Brookes