The top UK music festivals in 2026
Wellies at the ready; this summer's festivals promise to be better than ever
There’s nothing quite like a great British music festival. Whether you opt for the sophisticated stylings of Glyndebourne or the muddy fields of Boardmasters and Parklife, there’s a real camaraderie in music lovers coming together to take a chance on the dicey British weather in order to see all their favourite performers in one place. Glad rags at the ready then, 2026’s lineup of festivals isn’t going to disappoint. Read on for Luxury London’s definitive guide to the best festivals in the UK this year. Just don’t forget your wellies…
April 2026
La Linea, London
London’s biggest and longest-running Latin music festival returns for 2026 with a 90 per cent female lineup. Now in its 26th year, La Linea continues to champion the ever-evolving Latin soundscape, with this year’s festival featuring Mexican singer and songwriter Silvana Estrada, who won the Latin Grammy in 2022 for Best Newcomer. Catch her making her La Linea debut at the Union Chapel on 28 and 29 April. Estrada sold-out Earth Theatre in 2023 and returns to London with her acclaimed new album Vendrán Suaves Lluvias, while the festival has also confirmed an exclusive show from one of the most successful Mexican rock bands of all time, Caifanes.
20 April-6 May 2026, across London, visit comono.co.uk
Cheltenham Jazz Festival, Cotswolds
Joss Stone
Corinne Bailey Rae. Image: Ulrike Rindermann
One of Europe’s biggest jazz festivals celebrates its 30th anniversary across the early May Bank Holiday. Corinne Bailey Rae is the festival’s curator and, alongside her own headline show, will handpick a selection of artists to perform across the week, including Jessie J, Joss Stone, Jack Savoretti, James Morrison, Nigel Kennedy and many more. In 2026, the newly titled Deya Arena will expand its capacity to 900 and will host a strong international line-up including Cuban pianist Roberto Fonseca and Saharan desert blues collective Tinariwen, along with a 90s mixtape from DJ Yoda and vivacious contemporary jazz from homegrown saxophonist and vocalist Kim Cypher.
29 April-4 May 2026 at Montpellier Gardens, GL50 1UW, visit cheltenhamfestivals.org.uk
May 2026
Glyndebourne Festival, East Sussex
Grade II-listed Sussex opera house Glyndebourne returns with another summer of world-class performances. In its most ambitious year yet, the festival’s highlights include live performances of Rossini's Il Turco and Puccini's classic Tosca. Mid-show refreshments can be found at one of Glyndebourne’s three on-site restaurants, or pack your picnic hamper to the brim with treats to be enjoyed on the house’s manicured lawns – as long as you don’t mind the risk of a seasonal shower. FYI: Glyndebourne maintains a formal dress code so dig out your tuxedos and floor-length gowns, there’s no room for wellies and cut-off Levis here.
21 May-30 August 2026, Glyndebourne, East Sussex, visit glyndebourne.com
The Big Retreat, Wales
Images: Owen Howells Photography
Set in the picturesque countryside village of Lawrenny in Pembrokeshire, The Big Retreat returns for its eighth year in 2026 with four days of feel-good fun. Long established as one of the leading UK wellness festivals, The Big Retreat is a beacon of holistic wellbeing – think less Glasto, and something far more restorative and relaxing. The line-up blends speakers, activities and workshops aiming to inspire, so expect a roster of yoga and meditation sessions, nutrition workshops and outdoor activities, alongside musical headliners including Craig Charles and Rebecca Ferguson.
22-25 May 2026, Newton Farm, Lawrenny, Wales, SA68 0PL, visit thebigretreatfestival.com
Gala, London
Gala Festival, one of London’s foremost electronic music festivals, is set to return to Peckham Rye Park across the late May bank holiday weekend. Now in its 11th year, and further cementing its reputation for curating stellar line-ups, the 2026 event marks a new era for the festival as it unveils collaborations with numerous new stage hosts from the realms of music, fashion and culture. Expect performances from the likes of Jennifer Loveless, Objekt and X Club.
22-24 May 2026, Peckham Rye Park, SE15 3UA, visit thisisgala.co.uk
June 2026
Meltdown, Southbank Centre
Meltdown, the longest-running artist-curated festival in the world, returns to the Southbank Centre this June and, for 2026, Harry Styles has been put in charge. Following in the footsteps of 2025 curator Little Simz and joining an unparalleled list of previous curators – think David Bowie, Yoko Ono and Patti Smith – the former One Direction star is expected to curate a boundary-breaking line-up for the 10-day festival, as well as performing himself. While the majority of the line-up is set to be announced later in the spring, what attendees can expect is two weekends of free activities and workshops from grassroots collectives and local organisations, alongside the one-of-a-kind performances that have come to characterise Meltdown, with the Southbank Centre being transformed into a festival open to all.
11-21 June 2026, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX, visit southbankcentre.co.uk
Parklife, Manchester
Manchester’s premier genre-spanning music festival attracts some of the world’s biggest musical acts to the – usually peaceful – grounds of Heaton Park each June. This year is no different, with its six stages playing host to massive names including Calvin Harris, Skepta, Zara Larsson and Rudimental – to name a few. For those seeking some comfort, book Parklife's VIP package to enjoy private parties, refuelling and recharging stations, and gourmet cuisine. Perfect for music junkies, Parklife has launched Backstage VIP tickets, which grant access to the new Valley and Hangar stages, as well as dedicated fast track entry to the festival and access to the Backstage Bar.
20-21 June 2026, Heaton Park, Manchester, visit parklife.uk.com
Isle of Wight Festival, Newport
Having begun as Europe's answer to Woodstock in 1970, the Isle of Wight Festival is one of Britain’s longest-running festivals, attracting 60,000 revellers to the island every summer. The 2026 programme boasts an eclectic line-up of headliners, including Lewis Capaldi, Calvin Harris and The Cure, alongside an impressive bill of support acts featuring Wet Leg, Teddy Swims and The Kooks. Needless to say, whatever your musical tastes, you’re sure to find something to inspire a singalong.
18-21 June 2026, Seaclose Park, Isle of Wight, visit isleofwightfestival.com
TRNSMT, Glasgow
Now in its sixth year, TRNSMT is Scotland’s preeminent rock and pop festival. Held on Glasgow Green, its city setting means there’s no camping, but the three-day event holds up as a classic music festival in every other way. Dedicated entirely to music, there are no comedy, theatre or wellness tents here, and under-12s are strictly prohibited. 2026 will see headliners including Wolf Alice, Kasabian and Loyle Carner take to TRNSMT’s three stages.
19-21 June 2026, Glasgow Green, Scotland, visit trnsmtfest.com
First Light Festival, Suffolk
After yet another triumphant weekend in 2025, with more than 35,000 attendees, Lowestoft’s free summer solstice celebration is gearing up for another fun weekend in 2026. Inspired by Lowestoft’s location as the most easterly point in the UK, and therefore the first to receive sunlight, the festival programme has been curated to celebrate the cycles of the sun, with events taking place from sunrise to sundown.
As the UK’s only free beach festival, you can expect a weekend of yoga, fresh food, spoken word performances and, of course, music. Showcasing local and emerging talent, and a diverse line-up of East Anglia’s foremost DJs, expect performances from Jamz Supernova, Seth Lakeman and Simon Day.
20-21 June 2026, South Beach Lowestoft, Suffolk, visit firstlightlowestoft.com
BST Hyde Park, London
BST Hyde Park returns this summer with a line-up featuring some of the world’s biggest musical acts including Maroon 5, Mumford and Sons, Pitbull and Lewis Capaldi. Taking place over three weekends – with a midweek Open House programme, which offers eight days of free access to the site, featuring an open-air cinema, live music, street food markets, children's theatre, and fitness classes – BST is the perfect opportunity to get your live music fix without having to leave London.
27 June-12 July 2026, Hyde Park, London, visit bst-hydepark.com
July 2026
Henley Festival, Henley-on-Thames
One of the UK’s only black-tie music and arts festivals, Henley Festival invites culture vultures to enjoy a weekend of world-class music ranging from pop and classical to folk and jazz, alongside comedy shows, art galleries and sculpture installations. Headliners include Boy George and the Culture Club, Sugababes and the Ezra Collective. The festival is family-friendly too, so if you have little ones in tow, look no further than the Family PlayDate Sunday, which promises to entertain little ones of every age and stage.
8-12 July 2026, Henley Bridge, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 2LY, visit henley-festival.co.uk
Boogietown, Surrey
Boogietown returns on 11 July for its most ambitious edition to date. Once again this one-day celebration of disco, soul, funk and feel-good dance will transform Surrey's Apps Court Farm into the South East’s most essential summer party, with its largest-ever line-up and an expanded five-stage site. Highlights include Gloria Gaynor, Boney M, Craig Charles, Norman Jay, and more.
11 July 2026 at Apps Farm, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, visit boogietown.co.uk
The Good Life Society Summer Camp, Hawarden, Wales
Based on the fabled summer camps of American coming-of-age movies, The Good Life Society’s Summer Camp bills itself as a 'luxury micro-festival' taking place across one weekend at the end of July. Rather than the typical bill of indie bands and rising pop stars, Summer Camp attendees can expect a packed programme of expeditions, workshops and talks from a line-up of creatives and nature experts. Set within the private Hawarden Estate in North Wales, Summer Camp offers a chance to escape and reconnect with the great outdoors. Expect paddleboarding, wild swimming, wellness and fine dining feasts from some of the UK’s best chefs.
17-20 2026, The Walled Garden of Hawarden Castle, Wales, visit goodlifesociety.co.uk
Latitude Festival, Suffolk
Set in the picturesque grounds of Henham Park in Suffolk, Latitude is one of Britain’s favourite festivals, boasting the very best in music, dance, comedy, poetry, theatre, literature, podcasts, family activities and wellness. The packed 2026 line-up features some of British music’s biggest names, including David Byrne, Lewis Capaldi and Teddy Swims, with more to be announced. When you fancy a break from the dance floor, partake in a few laps of wild swimming or a paddle boarding session on the beautiful Latitude lake.
23-26 July 2026, Henham Park, Southwold, visit latitudefestival.com
Camp Bestival, Dorset
Set to descend upon Lulworth Castle in July, Camp Bestival is the ultimate family-friendly jamboree. The star-studded 2026 line-up features names such as Fatboy Slim, Billy Ocean and Toploader, with hundreds of events and activities for the whole family to enjoy, including immersive theatre, family discos, African arts and crafts, and the annual Pimp My Trolley competition. Elsewhere, children can marvel at Mr Tumble and Dick and Dom at the family-friendly stages. Fancy dress Saturday is optional but enthusiastically encouraged.
30 July-2 August 2026, Lulworth Castle, Dorset, visit campbestival.net
Kendal Calling, Lake District
Each summer, the Lake District’s Lowther Deer Park plays host to some of the biggest names in British music as Kendal Calling descends on its idyllic grounds. While the full line-up for this year’s festival is yet to be announced, headliners will include Two Door Cinema Club, Biffy Clyro and Wolf Alice. Elsewhere, you’ll find the best in indie, acoustic, drum and bass, folk, new music and much more on the festival’s many smaller stages. With immersive light installations, pop-up cinemas, performance art, wellness and a dedicated children’s zone – Kids Calling – should you need a break from the music, there’s plenty to keep the whole family happy all weekend. Those looking for a little extra comfort can also check into the Deer Lodge, Kendal Calling’s boutique glamping village.
30 July-2 August 2026, Lowther Deer Park, Cumbria, visit kendalcalling.co.uk
Wilderness Festival, Oxfordshire
A four-day boutique festival in the grounds of Oxfordshire’s Cornbury Park, Wilderness is a family-friendly celebration of music, the arts, food, and wellbeing. Kids will be kept occupied with horse riding, cosmic crafting, archery, pottery masterclasses and much more, while chefs Atul Kochhar, Margot Henderson and Mike Davies are on hand to keep you well fed all weekend. With musical headliners including Scissor Sisters, Carl Cox and Groove Armada, you’re sure to find something to satiate all cultural cravings.
30 July-2 August 2026, Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire, visit wildernessfestival.com
August 2026
Reggae Land, Milton Keynes
Reggae Land returns for its sixth and biggest edition to date with more than 120 artists due to perform across seven stages, hosting one of the biggest ever reggae and dancehall festival line-ups ever assembled anywhere in the world. Since moving to Milton Keynes’ National Bowl, Reggae Land has transformed into a Caribbean cultural hub that carefully combines world-class performances with Caribbean food villages, rum bars, flea markets, museum spaces and immersive decor. Don’t miss performances by Burna Boy, Shaggy, Tarrus Riley and Super Cat.
1-2 August 2026 at The National Bowl, Watling Street, Milton Keynes, MK5 8AA, visit reggaeland.co.uk
Boardmasters, Cornwall
Image: Will Bailey
Boardmasters returns to Cornwall this August with five days of music, surf and coastal culture across Newquay’s Watergate Bay and Fistral Beach. Set against the Atlantic and across 12 stages, the festival pairs headline sets from Lily Allen, Fatboy Slim and Kasabian with a diverse line-up of support acts such as Loyle Carner, The Kooks, and Tash Sultana. Plus, expect pro surfing and skate competitions, as well as wellness tents hosting daily yoga classes and plenty of Cornish food, creating a true celebration of coastal energy. Say hello to Kernow-fornia.
5-9 August 2026 at two locations in Newquay, Cornwall, visit boardmasters.com
All Points East, London
One of East London’s most musically diverse festivals, All Points East returns to Victoria Park for a genre-hopping celebration of sound and style across five blockbuster dates. The first weekend, 21-23 August, features Jorja Smith, Lorde and Zara Larsson, and will be followed by Tyler the Creator, Rex Orange County and Twenty One Pilots performing across the second weekend, from 28-30 August. From hip-hop to house, dub to disco, All Points East 2026 continues its tradition of high-quality line-ups, community-led stages and an unbeatable London location.
21-30 August 2026, Victoria Park, London, visit allpointseastfestival.com
Big Feastival, Cotswolds
Foodie fest the Big Feastival returns to the Cotswolds farm of founder Alex James – Blur bassist and former Britpop bad boy – for a weekend of live music, fantastic food and entertainment for all the family. Musical headliners include The Streets, Basement Jaxx and Bastille. Double decker disco dairy, the Alex James Cheese Hub, also returns for another year, while cooking demonstrations, tastings and Q&As abound, courtesy of the UK’s most innovative gastronomical minds including Simon Rogan, Emily English and Poppy O'Toole. Little ones will be kept entertained by Countryfile star Adam Henson's Cotswolds Farm Park and the silent disco tent while street food stalls, supper clubs and farm-grown feasts will keep the clan well fed throughout.
28-30 August 2026, Alex James’ Farm, Oxfordshire, visit thebigfeastival.com
