If fields, music and dancing are your thing, we’ve got your summer sorted. Check out our extensive festival guide below.
More sunshine, lighter nights and less rain, summer has the recipe to make us all happier. But, it’s also the time of year when fields across the country are transformed for the next schedule of live events and festivals. And whether you’re looking for festivals in Staffordshire or across the UK, we have you covered.
Yes, festival season officially kicks off in May and there are so many exciting events taking place – whether you have a love of music, food or the arts. We’ve put together this extensive festival guide so you can know what’s happening and when in Staffordshire and nearby counties, as well as what’s in store at the larger UK festivals taking place.
So forget work, difficult relationships and general #lifewoes and get yourself off for a hedonistic weekend in a field. We’re right behind you.
Music lovers should go to…
Staffs Fest, lower Drayton Farm, Penkridge | May 24-26
This annual event is great for families. With its mix of rock, blues and soul, food and drink, displays, workshops and stalls, not to mention kids’ disco, inflatables and free access to Lower Drayton Farm, there’s lots for all ages. Dogs are also welcome and there’s space for camping, caravan and camper vans.
Visit: staffsfest.co.uk
Download Festival, Donnington Park | June 12
Rock fans will love Download, with its music, comedy, fairground and entertainment, such as the Circus of Horrors and Air Guitar World Championships. This year’s headliners include Def Leppard, Slipknot and progmetal titans Tool. Download’s Andy Copping said: “We’re incredibly exited to announce three legends as Download 20019 headliners.”
Visit: downloadfestival.co.uk
Isle of Wight Festival | June 13-16
With its Electronic, house and Indie acts – this year’s headliners include Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, George Ezra and Biffy Clyro – the Isle of Wight Festival is the extravaganza by the sea. Combine it with a holiday so you can explore the island, as well as soaking up the festival atmosphere.
Visit: isleofwightfestival.com
Cornbury Music Festival, Great Tew Park, Oxfordshire | July 5-7
In the heart of the Cotswolds, organisers promise this event is a combination of a music festival and a quintessentially English village fete. Featuring a line-up including The Beach Boys over four stages, a comedy stage, food, funfair and creative kids zone, it’s definitely a family affair.
Visit: cornburyfestival.com
Latitude, Southwold | July 18-21
This music and performing arts festival is laid back and popular with families. This year’s line-up includes George Ezra, Lana Del Rey and Snow Patrol, as well as comedy from Jason Manford. There’s swimming in the lake, healing treatments available, a kids’ area with disco and pizza making, a teen area with workshops and crafts, as well as an enchanted garden.
Visit: www.latitudefestival.com
Bluedot Festival | July 18
Celebrating 50 years since the moon landings and human advancement, this four-day event combines music, science and cosmic culture all within the grounds of Jodrell Bank Observatory. This year’s line-up includes music from Kraftwerk 3-D, New Order and Hot Chip, as well as science and culture talks. There’s plenty of fun for families too, with science shows, hands-on activities, tricks and animations.
www.discoverthebluedot.com
Camp Bestival, East Lulworth | July 25-28
Perfect for families with young children, Camp Bestival is the brainchild of DJ Rob Da Bank. It features music, DJs, shows, attractions and lots of activities to keep all ages busy, with a large part of the site dedicated to children. The 2019 line-up includes Nile Rodgers and Chic, Jess Glynne, Human League and Sister Sledge, while for the youngsters there’s Cbeebies favourites Mr Tumble and Mister Maker and the Shapes, not to mention a kids theatre and circus, woodland crafts, science tent and soft play. There are also plenty of talks and food places.
Visit: www.campbestival.net
Warwick Folk Festival | July 25-28.
In its milestone 40th year, this family festival provides a four-day music and dance extravaganza. Billy Bragg will headline and visitors can also enjoy ceilidhs, concerts, acoustic performances, shop at the craft stalls and try out street food. There’s also a programme of activities for 12-18-year-olds.
Visit: www.warwickfolkfestival.co.uk
Rewind North, Macclesfield | August 2-4
Rewind North returns for its 11th year with a line-up of ‘80s icons, including Thin Lizzy, Gloria Gaynor, Bananarama, Tiffany and UB40. Rewind is famed for its fun family atmosphere. In the kid’s area, Ziggy’s will be hosting circus skills workshops, family sports days and giant bubble parties.
Visit: http:bit.ly/rewindnorthtix
Moseley Folk and Arts Festival 2019 | August 30
The family-friendly festival, just two miles from the centre of Birmingham features a mix of traditional, contemporary and experimental folk. Headlining this year is Don Mclean.
Visit: www.moseleyfolk.co.uk
The Awaken Sober Rave Fest, Cotswolds | September 6
This is a small and intimate sober micro festival for conscious clubbers and sober ravers. The festival incorporates music and dance tied in with a spiritual ethos.
Visit: awaken-festival.com
Best for foodies…
Field to Fork Festival, Harper Adams University, Newport, Shropshire | May 4
This free event includes food, drink and craft stalls, live music, kids’ entertainment and displays.
Visit: www.fieldtoforkfestival.com
Great British Food Festival, Chillington Hall, Brewood | May 11-12
Set in the majestic grounds of Chillington Hall, this event features something for everyone, including talks and cooking demonstrations, live music and stalls.
Visit: greatbritishfooodfestival.com/chillington-hall
Bedford Cheese and Chilli festival | May 25-26
With stalls, tastings, cooking presentations and entertainment, including crazy golf, treasure hunts, music and puppet shows, this is definitely one for the family.
Visit: cheeseamdchillifestival.com
Shropshire Pub in the Park, Southwater, Telford | June 7-8
There’s lager, gin, a pimms tent, wine and artisan alcohol, accompanied by pub grub and live music and comedy, so what’s not to love.
Visit: www.shropshirefestivals.co.uk
Stafford Cheese and Ale Festival, Market Square | June 15-16
The sixth annual event will include demos and a chance to try lots of produce.
Shrewsbury Food Festival, The Quarry | June 29-30
With demonstrations, a chef school, music and a kids’ zone, Shrewsbury Food Festival continues to attract the crowds.
Visit www.shrewsburyfoodfestival.co.uk
Great British Beer Festival, Olympia London | August 6-10
With lots to see and beers to sample, this is one for the beer fans.
Visit: gbbf.org.uk
Tamworth Food Gusto Food and Drink festival, Tamworth Castle | September 7-8
All about great local food and drink, this event includes lots of food producers, live music and kids’ fun.
Visit: tamworthfestival.co.uk
Stone Food and Drink Festival | October 4-6
Staffordshire’s fastest growing food festival has become a major attraction, bringing in visitors from far and wide. With plenty of stalls, demos, talks, masterclasses, music and kids’ cookery classes, circus workshops and crafts, this is definitely one for all the family.
Visit: www.stonefooddrink.org.uk
For the literary fans…
Bookfest May Festival, Shrewsbury | May Day Bank Holiday
An annual children’s festival with lots of fun for the youngsters. Visit shrewsburybookfest.co.uk
Hay Festival, Hay-on-Wye | May 23-June 2
The country’s best-known literary festival features talks and interviews with top authors, as well as music and comedy performances. The 2019 line-up includes Stacey Dooley, Julia Donaldson, Marcus Zusak, Sandi Toksvig and Jimmy Carr.
Visit: hayfestival.com
Stoke Literary Festival, The Festival in a Factory, Emma Bridgewater | June 6-8
Featuring award-winning authors, artists and entertainers the Festival in a Factory is a celebration of culture and creativity.
Visit: festivalinafactory.co.uk
Stratford-upon-Avon Poetry Fest 2019 | June 15-23
Featuring readings, performances and workshops, a midsummer bonfire and poetry clinic.
Visit: www.shakespeare.org.uk
Indie Lit Festival, Bradford | July 27
Featuring authors, information on getting published and workshops, this event is aimed at both writers and fans of independent fiction.
Visit: www.ukindiielitfest.com
Art lovers will enjoy…
Stafford Festival Shakespeare | June 27 to July 13
This year’s open air production is the Merchant of Venice at Stafford Castle.
Visit: www.staffordshiregatehousetheatre.co.uk
Enchantica, Cheltenham Race course | July 19-21
A three-day event full of mystery, magic and mythical creatures, including workshops, arts and crafts, music and dance.
Visit: Enchantica.co.uk
Just So Festival, Rode Hall, Cheshire | August 16-18
A family adventure, featuring art, music, literature, comedy, theatre and games for all ages.
Visit: justsofestival.org.uk
Edinburgh International Festival | August 2-26
One of the most well-known, the Edinburgh International Festival sees Scotland’s capital transformed for three weeks into a centre for dance, opera, music and theatre, bringing in thousands of visitors and performers from around the world.
Visit: www.eif.co.uk
Best for sport…
Bournemouth 7s Festival, Bournemouth Sports Club | May 24-26
A huge sports and music festival, including rugby, hockey, netball and volleyball, as well as sumo wrestling and beer pong.
Visit: bournemouth7s.com
Orbit Fitness Festival, Hopton Court, Shropshire | June 28-39
Do as much or as little as you want to at this event, which includes bootcamp, Hiit work-outs, yoga and meditation, as well as music, artisan food and children’s activities.
Visit: www.orbitfiitnessfestival.co.uk
Beach Life Festival, Eastbourne | July 13-14
Filled with land and water outdoor pursuits, along with music, a fun fair, skate park and roller derby.
Visit: www.beachlifefestival.co.uk
Staffordshire Cycling Festival, Newcastle-under-Lyme | August 11
Cyclists can choose from a 38 or 78-mile course.
Visit: ridestaffs.co.uk
