Best UK festivals for 2019 including Glastonbury, Bestival and more

The UK is home to a huge number of festivals, both big and small. The only problem, of course, is choosing which one to go to.

Whilst many mean camping, unpredictable weather and litres of cider, the chance to see your favourite acts, a weekend of great music, unique experiences and even great food means, for many, the pros outweigh these cons.

You just need to make sure you’ve packed your wellies!

You can take your pick from festivals all across the UK, with nearly every county playing host to a legendary festival. You’re spoilt for choice from huge rock gigs in the Cotswolds, to pop parties in London and even bands by the sea.

So if you’re stuck, let us take you through our top picks of the UK’s festivals. Not all festivals have announced details yet but we’ve included what we know so far below.

Get booking or miss out, and don’t tell us we didn’t warn you – these are the hottest tickets in town.

Glastonbury

The most iconic festival on the list, Glastonbury is the ultimate UK Festival. Started by Michael Eavis in 1970 it’s still going strong. Tickets are already sold out, but there’s always the resale if you’re lucky.

Stormzy, Janelle Monae and Kylie have already been announced but we’re awaiting more names.

Who’s playing? Stormzy, Janelle Monae and Kylie

When is it? 26 – 30 June

Where is it? Somerset

Tickets: Get tickets here

Bestival

After a move inland a couple of years ago, Bestival has continued to go from strength to strength and last year’s Circus theme was no exception. With performances from London Grammar, MIA, Grace Jones and many more, we’re excited to see who has been booked for this year.

Who’s playing? TBC

When is it? TBC

Where is it? Dorset

Tickets: Get tickets here

Lovebox

One of London’s most popular festivals, Lovebox boasts a consistently strong line up, and many are excited for what’s in store for 2019. Last year Skepta, Childish Gambino, N.E.R.D, and Wu Tang Clan all descended on West London for one huge party.

Who’s playing? TBC 

When is it? 12 -13 June

Where is it? London

Tickets: Get tickets here

Truck

"The Godfather of the small festival scene", Truck is one of the UK’s longest running and most popular small festivals. Last year Friendly Fires, George Ezra, De La Soul and Jake Bugg performed, and you can sign up to the mailing list to hear the first announcement here.  

Who’s playing? TBC  

When is it? 26 – 28 July 

Where is it? Oxfordshire

Tickets: More coming soon

Latitude

Latitude is about more than the music. It’s one of the main festivals to also focus on an impressive comedy and theatre line up too. They also introduced a legendary new food area in collaboration with pop up gods, Street Feast.

Who’s playing? TBC 

When is it? 18 – 21 July

Where is it? Suffolk

Tickets: Get tickets here

Download

The ultimate festival for rock fans, Download has booked some huge names this year. Def Leppard and Slipknot are performing, as well as Slayer’s final UK show. We’ll see you in the mosh pit.

Who’s playing? Def Leppard, Slipknot, Tool, Slayer, Smashing Pumpkins, Slash.

When is it? 14 – 16 June

Where is it? Leicestershire

Tickets: Get tickets here

2000 Trees

A smaller, but perfectly formed festival for rock fans, 2000 Trees takes place in Gloucestershire, and last year they even won the UK’s Best Medium Sized Festival, so expect good things.  This year they’ve booked You Me At Six and While She Sleeps.

Who’s playing? You Me at Six, While She Sleeps, Everytime I Die

When is it? 11 – 13 July

Where is it? Cheltenham

Tickets: Get tickets here

Wilderness

Wilderness is a feast for the senses in the idyllic Oxfordshire countryside and is one of the most popular boutique festivals. A huge hit with art lovers, it also includes banquets, comedy, and even a boating lake.  

Last year the legendary Nile Rodgers and Chic played, but who will be on the books this year? 

Who’s playing? TBC

When is it? 1 – 4 August

Where is it? Oxfordshire

Tickets: Get tickets here

Mighty Hoopla

Mighty Hoopla is the ultimate pop party, and make sure you don’t forget the glitter. Last year big names Lily Allen, B*Witched, Louisa Johnson, and even Spice Girl Melanie C performed.

If you’re looking for a fun filled day out that won’t break the bank, Mighty Hoopla is certainly it.

Who’s playing? TBA

When is it? 8 June

Where is it? TBA

Tickets: Get tickets here

Boomtown

Boomtown was started by a small team of music enthusiasts ten years ago, who still run it today. They had one aim in mind – to put on a party ‘outside the normal festival experience’ – and they definitely succeded. We can’t wait to see what will be announced for this year.

Who’s playing? TBC

When is it? 7 – 11 August

Where is it? Hampshire

Tickets: Get tickets here

Isle of Wight

Last year was the festival’s 50th anniversary and boy, did they celebrate! With headliners including Kasabian, The Killers, Depeche Mode, and Liam Gallagher, the party raged all weekend. There was even a golden theme to celebrate.

This year’s line up is yet to be announced but the iconic festival won’t disappoint.  

Who’s playing? TBC 

When is it? 13 – 16 June 

Where is it? Isle of Wight

Tickets: Get tickets here

 

Green Man

Green Man has an area for every type of festival goer. Whether it’s ‘laughs, literature, art, science, mischief or music’, you’re bound to find it here.

And let’s not forget the beautiful Welsh scenery, where you’ll be surrounded by forests, waterfalls, and rivers – you won’t want to leave.

Who’s playing? TBC

When is it? 15 – 18 August

Where is it? Brecon Beacons, Wales

Tickets: Sign up here

Reading and Leeds

Another huge UK festival, Reading and Leeds usually boasts a rockier line up but in recent years has moved into a more contemporary music space, with appearances from Post Malone, and Kendrick Lamar in 2018.

Who’s playing? The 1975, Post Malone, Foo Fighters

When is it? 23 – 25 August

Where is it? Reading or Leeds

Tickets: Get tickets here

TRNSMT

A relative newcomer on the festival scene, TRNSMT took the place of T in the Park and is the jewel in the crown of Scottish music festivals. Having booked Arctic Monkeys, The Killers and Queen last year the bar has been set high for 2019.

Who’s playing? TBC

When is it? 12 – 14 July

Where is it? Glasgow

Tickets: More announced soon

Boardmasters

Boardmasters takes place in Cornwall, so beach bums and surfers are bound to be in their element. They’ve already announced most of the line up, and it’s shaping up to be a stellar year. Expect to see Florence and the Machine, Dizzee Rascal, Jorja Smith, Franz Ferdinand and more.

Who’s playing?  Florence and the Machine, Dizzee Rascal, Jorja Smith 

When is it? 7 – 11 August 

Where is it? Cornwall

Tickets: Get tickets here

Parklife

Parklife is always a party, and the Manchester based festival are remaining tight lipped about 2019, with the website currently saying no more than to sign up for pre-sale and updates. Our guess is it’s worth the wait so watch this space!

Who’s playing? TBC

When is it?  8 – 9 June

Where is it? Manchester

Tickets: More announced soon

BST Hyde Park

The legendary Hyde Park gigs line up is now legendary. Another brilliant London festival, the headline act is only just the start – this year they have a number of huge billings with Florence and the Machine and The National both performing on one day, and Neil Young and Bob Dylan on another – something you are unlikely to ever see again. Make sure you don’t miss out.

Who’s playing? Florence and the Machine, Robbie Williams, Neil Young and Bob Dylan

When is it? 12 – 14 July 

Where is it? Hyde Park, Central London 

Tickets: Get tickets here

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