The sun is out and spring has finally arrived. There’s a real buzz grasping the UK as the temperatures rise, flesh is being shown, barbecues are being lit and the tube is more insufferable now than ever before. There is a tangible sensation that summer is on its way. Alongside the rising spirits and rising thermostat comes the influx of Music festivals dotting nationwide. The UK is graced with a diverse and vibrant music scene that spans from grime to garage, pop to rock and everything in-between and UK Festival culture embodies and showcases this diversity.
Houghton Festival
9 - 12 August 2018, Houghton (Norfolk)
Craig Richards has previously spoken out against festivals and his disdain for playing to large crowds. This makes him an unlikely suspect for the curator of Houghton Festival, which was launched in 2017. The festival, initiated by the team that produced Gottwood Festival is set at Houghton Hall - a grand estate in residential Norfolk. The vast and green utopian backdrop allows for little sound pollution enabling the festival to continue all hours. Festival-goers are given no curfew. This year the line-up boasts not only Seth Troxler, Optimo, Andrew Weatherhall and Ben UFO but there are still even more acts to be announced.
Green Man Festival
16 - 19 August 2018, Brecon Beacons
If sleepless nights and dance music don’t scream out for you then Green Man Festival brings a more tranquil and serene vibe but with an equally beautiful and unique backdrop. Green Man Festival focuses on a laid-back atmosphere that unites ethically minded people with an emphasis on community spirit. Families and children are welcomed to enjoy art installations, talks and exhibits. However, do not let these extensions detract from another unbelievable line-up. Green Man has previously hosted James Blake, Bon Iver, Van Morrison and Jarvis Cocker. This year they are showcasing The War on Drugs, Fleet Foxes and Mount Kimbie.
Field Maneuvers
31 August - 2 September 2018, Location on booking
For some people Music Festivals are a constant struggle between the juxtaposition of the intense claustrophobia of crowds and the overwhelming nature of the expanse to which these crowds cover. This is where Field Maneuvers finds its niche. A small and intimate festival, selling only 700 tickets is situated in an unknown location “just outside of London”. A festival initiated by a group of friends seeking a party that they themselves would wish to attend. Field Maneuvers strips festival culture back to a raw celebration of electronic music in its purest form. This summer’s line-up includes Jayda-G, Grooverider and Auntie Flo.
TRNSMT
29 June - 1 July 2018, 6 - 8 July 2018, Glasgow
Within the last few years there was a notable lull in the production of band music with artists such as the Arctic Monkeys hanging up their guitars and taking a well-deserved break. However, this Scottish festival, located in the beating heart of Glasgow City Centre, celebrates these bands and the electric return of indie, rock and alternative genres. Whilst the festival doesn’t offer a place to camp, patrons can enjoy all the music and atmosphere that a UK festival boasts without struggling through soggy sleeping bags. This year, alongside the return of the Arctic Monkeys, TRNSMT sees The Killers, Liam Gallagher and Stereophonics.
Wireless
6 - 8 July 2018, London
If the above festivals still don’t cater to your every music need, Wireless flies the flag for urban music genres. Finsbury Park will be graced with rap royalty, grime MCs and a plethora of hip-hop and R'n'B artists. What makes Wireless so special is that alongside rap, hip-hop and grime veterans like Stormzy, Wiley and DJ Khaled, a new wave of artists such as Raye, Ramz and J Hus will be taking centre stage and showcasing their fresh outlook on British urban music.
Whilst these are just five of the abundance of UK music festivals that are sprawling the mass of Great Britain, they showcase the versatility and variety that exists and are not to be missed. No matter which of these tickles your fancy, make it your priority this summer to attend one of the many music festivals the UK has to offer.
