So, you didn’t get tickets to Glastonbury Festival. It sold out in 0.3 seconds, probably while you were still fumbling for your card. We’ve been there, the heartbreak is real. But before you start dramatically packing away your sequins and flower crowns, take a deep breath and let us at Quirky Campers, the festival know-it-alls, bring you some very good news – we’ve curated an amazing list of festival alternatives to Glastonbury so that you can find your perfect festival to fill the void!

Missing out on Glastonbury Festival tickets doesn’t mean missing out on festival season altogether! The UK is bursting at the seams with incredible festivals – big ones, tiny ones, jazzy ones, folky ones, ones where you can swim in lakes, and ones where you can learn how to whittle a spoon while listening to a synth-pop set. Trust us, your dream festival is out there, and we’ve rounded up the best of the rest to prove it. So fire up the camper, pack your glitter, and get ready to discover a festival that fits your vibe even better than the one you missed. Let’s go!

What Is The Best Alternative Festival To Glastonbury?

Didn’t snag Glasto tickets for 2025? Don’t panic – your festival dreams are far from over. In fact, this might be your golden opportunity to discover a hidden gem that’s got fewer crowds, more character, and maybe even a shorter walk to the loos. Whether you’re after woodland raves, lakeside jazz sessions, or family-friendly vibes with mud kitchens and circus shows, the UK’s festival scene is bursting with brilliant alternatives. Think intimate atmospheres, stunning locations, and all the magic without the mission. From boutique gatherings and feel-good folk weekends to full-blown techno forests and soulful jazz escapes, we’ve rounded up the best of the rest in this blog, so get ready to fall in love with your new favourite fest.

What Are The Top Festivals In The UK?

For sheer size and line ups, the top five festivals in the UK based on size, popularity, and cultural impact are:

1. Glastonbury Festival – The holy grail of UK festivals. Held at Worthy Farm in Somerset, Glasto is the largest greenfield music and performing arts festival in the world, hosting over 200,000 people and a wildly eclectic lineup that spans music, theatre, circus, poetry, and more.
   
2. Reading & Leeds Festival – Twin festivals held simultaneously over the August Bank Holiday weekend. Known for their rock, indie, hip-hop, and alt scenes, they attract a massive youth crowd and regularly sell out.
   
3. Isle of Wight Festival – One of the UK’s most historic festivals, dating back to the late ’60s. It’s grown into a major event with big-name headliners and a picturesque coastal setting that adds extra magic to the experience.
   
4. Download Festival – The UK’s biggest rock and metal festival, held at Donington Park. A mecca for heavy music fans, Download hosts legendary bands from around the world and pulls in huge crowds every year.
   
5. Creamfields – The ultimate electronic and dance music festival, attracting top-tier DJs and EDM superstars. Held in Cheshire, Creamfields is a must for rave lovers and clubbers looking for big beats and even bigger drops.

That said, size isn’t everything! If you’re looking for something a little different this year – something more off the beaten track why not check out these Top Alternative Festivals in the UK this summer? Or read on for an eclectic bunch of festivals to suit every music lover!

Top UK Festivals as an Alternative To Glastonbury 

Whether you’re looking for something that packs a punch for your festival summer, a techno rave that lasts all weekend, or an eco-green Family-fun festival experience, we’ve got you covered. Here are the top festivals in the UK you should check out as epic alternatives to Glastonbury Festival this summer.

Creamfields Festival 

Location – Daresbury, Yorkshire 

Dates – 21st – 24th August 2025 

About The Festival – 

Creamfields is the UK’s biggest celebration of electronic music, bringing together the world’s biggest DJs and dance music fans for a high-energy weekend like no other. Set across a massive festival site in Yorkshire, Creamfields features jaw-dropping stage production, unbeatable sound systems, and a lineup packed with global superstars spanning house, techno, drum and bass, trance, and more. From iconic headline sets to euphoric sunrise moments, it’s the ultimate destination for ravers chasing the purest festival highs. With a loyal crowd and an electric atmosphere, Creamfields is where unforgettable memories are made.

Creamfields Festival 2025 Lineup – 

Jodie Harsh, Ben Nicky, Danny Howard, Bryan Kearney, Hannah Laing, Ewan McVicar, D.O.D, Sam Divine, Argy, Basswell, Camelphat, David Guetta, Fisher, Horse Girl, Jowi, Koven, Marco Carola, Olier Heldens, Patrick Topping Rossi, Subfocus, Villager, Will Atkinson

Shindig Festival 

Location – Charlton Park, Wiltshire 

Dates – 22nd – 25th May 2025

About The Festival  –

Proclaimed by the BBC as the “Top Alternative Festival to Glastonbury” Shindig Festival is a vibrant celebration of music, fun, and good vibes, bringing together a colourful mix of funk, soul, disco, house, and bass music in Wiltshire. A true family-friendly party with a creative twist, Shindig blends big-name DJs and live acts with circus performers, wellness spaces, kids’ areas, and quirky pop-up experiences. From daytime dancing to late-night revelry, it’s a weekend packed with energy, joy, and a whole lot of glitter. Whether you’re a seasoned raver or a festival-first timer, Shindig offers a uniquely welcoming atmosphere where everyone’s invited to let loose and get involved.

Families

There’s a ton on for families at Shindig from The Stone Age family who take your kids back in time, to the Crafty Corner for letting their imaginations soar, The Playground – a giant play area dedicated to kids fun, plus circus and caberet acts to watch – there’s be no bored faces at this festival! Check out the family guide for full info.

Shindig Festival 2025 Lineup – 

Giles Peterson, Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, Ibibio Sound Machine, Gentlemans Dub Club, Asian Dub Foundation, Moonchild Sanelly. Dub FX, Romare, Alogte Oho & His Sounds of Joy 

Ticket Prices –

Adult £205, Teens £95, Kids (5-12) £30, Infants (0-4) Free, Live In Vehicle £95, Car Park £40

Terminal V Festival 

Location – Edinburgh, Scotland

Dates – 19th – 20th April 

About the Festival – 

Set in Scotland’s vibrant capital, Edinburgh, Terminal V Festival is a two-day celebration of techno music that brings together over 80 international artists and draws a crowd of around 40,000 techno lovers to one massive, open-air dancefloor. The perfect answer for those who live for pounding basslines and missed out on the techno scene at Glasto – this epic electronic music festival is back for its tenth year and it’s bigger and better than ever.  Think club night energy multiplied by thousands.

Terminal V Festival Line Up 2025 – 

999999999, BIIA, Clara Cuve, Cloudy, LB AKA Lambat, ADrian Mills, Daria Kolosova X Dax J, Luca Agnelli, AK Sports, Deborah De Luca, Mischluft, Noise Mafia, ALT8, Patrick Mason

Parklife Festival 

Location – Heaton Park, Manchester

Dates –  14th – 15th June 2025 

About The Festival – 

Parklife Festival is one of the UK’s most exciting and dynamic music festivals, known for its high-energy atmosphere and killer lineups. Held in Manchester, it brings together a vibrant crowd from across the country, drawn by the promise of a weekend that’s equal parts party and cultural moment. From sunrise sets to late-night bangers, the energy never dips. More than just the music, Parklife is about community, self-expression, and that unmistakable northern charm. Whether you’re dancing at the front, chilling in the VIP area, or just soaking up the festival fashion and food, it’s an experience that feels both massive in scale and personal in vibe, a highlight of the UK festival calendar.

  Parklife Festival 2025 Lineup – 

50 Cent, Charlie XCX, Jorja Smith, Peggy Gou, Pawsa, Bicep, Overmono, Confidence Man, Lola Young, Hybrid Minds, Rudimental, Chris Stussy

The Great Escape Festival 

Location – Brighton, UK 

Dates – 14th – 17th May 2025 

About The Festival – 

The Great Escape is Brighton’s ultimate celebration of new music, bringing together over 450 emerging artists from around the globe for an unforgettable weekend of discovery. Spread across 30+ walkable venues and a buzzing pop-up site on Brighton Beach, it’s your chance to catch future headliners in intimate settings before they hit the big stages. Alongside the gigs, the festival also hosts a major music industry conference with panels, keynotes, and networking galore—making it a hotspot for talent and tastemakers alike. With secret shows, club nights, and spontaneous collaborations, The Great Escape is a one-of-a-kind weekend you won’t want to miss.

The Great Escape Festival Line Up 2025 – 

Rizzle Kicks, Pete Doherty, A thousand Mad Things, Aaron Rowe Afromerm, Ako, Angel Number, Aqyila, Baby Beserk, Balancing Act, Bayboards, Better Joy, Blood Wizard, Callinsick, Ceci, Finn Mungo, Flawless Issues, Flintz, Folk Bitch Trio, Indoor Foxes, Irah, James and the Cold Gun

Latitude Festival 

Location – Henham Park, Suffolk

Dates – 24th – 27th July 2025

About the Festival – 

Latitude Festival is a festival escape where music, art, and joy collide. Set in the beautiful Henham Park, Suffolk, it’s a festival that feels as much like a mini-vacation as it does a celebration of creativity. Filled with lush green fields, quirky art installations, surprise performances in the woods, and the calming sound of a lake nearby where you can paddleboard or just chill out.

Latitude is a festival for the curious. You can catch hilarious comedy shows, dive into poetry readings, get lost in some thought-provoking theatre, or even try a wellness class to recharge. There’s something for everyone, from families with a jam-packed kids’ programme to solo adventurers exploring all the unexpected corners of the site.

  Latitude Festival Lineup 2025 – 

Sting, Fat Boy Slim, Snow Patrol, Basement Jaxx, Kaiser Chiefs, Elbow, Briget Christie, Greg Davies, Reggie Watts

Green Man Festival 

Location – Brecon Beacons, Wales

Dates – 14th – 17th August 2025  

About the Festival – 

Green Man Festival is the ultimate weekend escape nestled in the beautiful Brecon Beacons in Wales. With a relaxed, friendly vibe, this festival has it all: amazing live music across multiple stages, art installations, cool workshops, and inspiring talks that’ll get you thinking and creating.

It’s all about having a good time while looking out for the planet. Green Man puts a huge focus on sustainability, so you can party hard and feel good about it. Plus, the laid-back atmosphere makes it a great choice for everyone, from festival newbies to seasoned pros, there’s even a family-friendly vibe, so kids can get in on the fun too.

Green Man Festival 2025 Line Up – 

Underworld, Wetleg, TV on the Radio, Kneecap, Beth Gbbons, Wunderhorse, Yard Act, CMAT, GreenTea Peng, Perfume Genius, English Teacher, Los Campesinos, John Grant, Fat Dog

End of the Road Festival 

Location – Larmer Tree Gardens, Dorset

Dates – 28th – 31st August 2025.

  About the Festival – 

​End of the Road Festival is an annual celebration of independent rock and folk music, nestled in the picturesque Larmer Tree Gardens on the Dorset-Wiltshire border. Since it first opened its doors in 2006, the festival has become a beloved fixture in the UK’s music scene, renowned for its eclectic lineups and intimate, friendly atmosphere. Beyond the stellar musical performances, you can immerse yourself in a variety of arts, including comedy, literature, and cinema. End of the Road is a must-visit destination for music enthusiasts seeking a unique and vibey festival experience.​

  End Of The Road Festival Lineup 2025 – 

Caribou, Father John Misty, Self Esteem, Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory, Viagra Boys, Black Country New Road, Matt Berninger, Mount Kimbie, Squid, Geordie Greep

Love Supreme Festival 

  Location – Glynde Place, East Sussex, UK 

Dates – 4th – 6th July 2025 

  About The Festival – 

The supreme Jazz festival in the Sussex countryside, its now been running for over ten years and continues to go from strength to strength. Love Supreme prides itself on being all about the musical experience. Expect an eclectic bunch of musicians and an awesome crowd. It is Europe’s largest outdoor jazz festival, held over three days in the scenic South Downs. offering jazz, R&B, funk, soul across multiple stages. Beyond the music enjoy late-night afterparties, wellness activities, and food and drink. With its vibrant atmosphere and diverse programming, Love Supreme has become a must-visit event for Jazz lovers and Jazz newbies alike.

  Love Supreme Festival Lineup 2025 – 

Jacob Collier, Maxwell, Nile Rodgers & Chic, The Roots, Smokey Robinson, En Vogue, Thee Sacred Souls, Durand Jones & The Indications, Branford Marsalis Quartet, Stanley Clarke, Arooj Aftab

Green Gathering Festival 

Dates – 31st July – 3rd August 2025

Location – Piercefield Park, Chepstow

About The Festival – 

Green Gathering is an off-grid festival powered entirely by renewable energy and driven by a passion for building a better world. Set in a lush, natural setting, the festival runs on solar and wind power—everything from music stages to food stalls is eco-fuelled. Expect an eclectic mix of performances from rising stars, legendary bands, DJs, and storytellers, all showcased on intimate, atmospheric stages. Beyond the music, Green Gathering is a hub for hands-on learning, with workshops and skillshares led by permaculture experts, craftspeople, and grassroots campaigners. It’s also a space for inspiration, offering talks and discussions that spark ideas for meaningful change. Themed areas like Reconnect: Earth Magic, Rise: Practical & Tactical, Release: Let It Out, and Recuperate: Safe Spaces bring together creativity, activism, and self-care in a truly unique way. Inclusivity and accessibility are at the heart of the experience, with features like BSL support, mobility assistance, sensory-friendly zones, and dedicated community hubs including the Queer Space, Women’s Tent, and the Crows Nest, a sacred space designed by and for people of colour. Green Gathering isn’t just a festival; it’s a vision of what the world could be.

Green Gathering Festival 2025 Lineup – 

Billy Bragg, Low Key, Beans on Toast, Martha Tilston, The Toruble notes, Rusty Shackle, Sound of the Sirens, Sura Susso, Eckoes, Astralasia, Mara Simpson, Seize The Day, Loonaloop, Duncan Disorderley and the Scallywags

Standon Calling Festival 

Dates – 24th–27th July 2025
Location – Standon Lordship, Hertfordshire

About The Festival –

Standon Calling is a feel-good, family-friendly festival that blends big-name music acts with boutique vibes, creative flair, and a healthy dose of eccentricity. Set in the beautiful Hertfordshire countryside, it’s known for its anything-goes spirit—where else can you catch a chart-topping band, take a dip in a swimming pool, enter your dog in a costume contest, and stumble into a pop-up disco in the woods? Alongside the music, there’s comedy, wellness, late-night mischief, and a whole host of activities for kids and grown-ups alike. With themed fancy dress, immersive art, and a strong sense of community, Standon Calling delivers a unique and playful festival experience that feels just the right size: big enough to party, small enough to find your mates.

Standon Calling Festival 2025 Lineup –

2025 lineup TBA – previous acts have included Hot Chip, Self Esteem, The Human League, Craig David, Bloc Party, and more!

Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival 

Dates – 31st July – 2nd August 2025
Location – Belladrum Estate, Beauly, Scotland

About The Festival –

Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival is Scotland’s most cherished family music and arts festival, celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse lineup. Set in the picturesque Highland countryside, the festival offers an array of musical performances across various genres, as well as art installations, workshops, and activities for all ages. Each year, Belladrum embraces a unique theme, with 2025’s being “Bella Goes To The Moovies,” encouraging attendees to don creative costumes for the popular fancy dress competition. Beyond the music, festival-goers can enjoy comedy, theatre, and a dedicated children’s area, ensuring entertainment for the whole family. With its welcoming community spirit and enchanting setting, Belladrum provides an unforgettable experience that keeps fans returning year after year. ​

Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival 2025 Lineup –

Texas​, Supergrass, Paul Heaton, Tom Walker​, Natasha Bedingfield, CMAT​, Example​, Skipinnish​, Tide Lines​, Gok Wan, The Pigeon Detectives, Karine Polwart, Gabrielle Aplin, The Hoosiers, Kassidy, Elles Bailey​, Dreadzone​, Peter Capaldi​

Knockengorroch Festival 

Dates – 22nd–25th May 2025
Location – Knockengorroch Farm, Galloway, Scotland

About The Festival –

Knockengorroch Festival is a vibrant celebration of world music set in the picturesque hills of Galloway. Embracing the 2025 theme of “Survival (Mairsinneachd),” the festival showcases artists who embody resilience, innovation, and a deep connection to land and culture. Beyond the diverse musical lineup, attendees can enjoy workshops, dance and theatre performances, a dedicated children’s area, real ales, a healing zone, hot showers, market stalls, and captivating fire shows. This family-run festival fosters a strong sense of community, offering an immersive experience that honors the rich history of the land while celebrating contemporary artistic expression. ​

Knockengorroch Festival 2025 Lineup –

Kinnaris Quintet, Mungo’s Hi Fi Soundsystem, Moxie, General Levy (Hot Cakes Takeover), Serial Killaz (Hot Cakes Takeover), Euphonique (Hot Cakes Takeover), Gasper Nali, Omega Nebula, The Fontanas, State of Satta, Mama’s Broke, Awry, Jack Badcock, DJ Dolphin Boy X Kuchke, Kryptik, Portnawak & The Woo, The Native Cult, Zentone (High Tone + Zenzile), La Dame Blanche, African Head Charge, Dub Pistols, Elephant Sessions, Rokia Koné

Wilderness Festival

Dates – 31st July–3rd August 2025
Location – Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire

About The Festival –

Wilderness Festival is a four-day celebration set in the scenic Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire, offering a unique blend of music, arts, and nature. Attendees can immerse themselves in a diverse program featuring live music performances, theatre, talks, panel debates, late-night parties, outdoor pursuits, and gourmet food experiences. The festival is renowned for its inclusive and wide-ranging entertainment and activities that make the most of the unique natural setting.

Wilderness Festival 2025 Lineup –

The 2025 lineup includes Basement Jaxx, Supergrass, Wet Leg, Aurora, Air, Orbital, Annie Mac, and Gok Wan

Deershed Festival 

Dates – 25th–28th July 2025
Location – Baldersby Park, Topcliffe, North Yorkshire

About The Festival –

Deer Shed Festival is a family-friendly event set in the scenic Baldersby Park, North Yorkshire. Celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2025, the festival offers a diverse program of music, comedy, arts, science, theatre, and sports, catering to attendees of all ages. Known for its inclusive atmosphere, Deer Shed combines contemporary performances with a variety of engaging activities, making it a standout in the UK’s festival scene.

Deer Shed Festival 2025 Lineup –

Wunderhorse, Kae Tempest, The Big Moon, Idlewild, Sprints, Joan As Police Woman, Ibibio Sound Machine, Antony Szmierek, Big Special, Bodega, Divorce, Fulu Miziki, Hamish Hawk, Honeyglaze, King Hannah, Maruja, Moonchild Sanelly, Nadia Reid, Rich (ard) Dawson, Roddy Woomble, The Bug Club, The Scratch, The Unthanks, Benefits, Honesty, Jacob Alon, Joshua Burnside, KEG, Mandrake Handshake, Naima Bock, Nancy Williams, The None, Olive Grinter, The Pill, Tommy WÁ, Ugly, Zawedde.

Wildwood Festival 

Dates: 20th–23rd June 2025
Location: The Woodland Glade, Horseheath Racecourse, Cambridgeshire

  About The Festival:

An intimate, independent electronic music festival set amidst the enchanting woodlands of Cambridgeshire. Designed for a community of fewer than 2,000 attendees, the festival offers a unique blend of music, art, and nature. Festival-goers can explore secret woodland paths leading to hidden parties, relax in chill-out zones, participate in creative workshops, and enjoy a variety of food and drink options. The festival emphasizes a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, making it a cherished gathering for those seeking a magical weekend immersed in music and nature.

  Wild Wood Festival 2025 Lineup: 

Barbara Boeing, Dr Banana, Horse Meat Disco, Hunee, Jive Talk, Kamma, Logan Fisher, Lukas Wigflex, Luke Una (É Soul Cultura Takeover), Marcia Carr, Midland, Mother Earth, Natural Symphony, Sean Johnston, Sophie Lloyd, Tia Cousins, Itchy Rich, Kristy Harper, Make A Dance. ​

Top reasons why not getting Glastonbury tickets might be the best thing that’s ever happened to your festival plans! 

1. Smaller crowds = shorter toilet queues
Let’s be honest: 200,000 people and 6 am toilet missions? Not a vibe. At smaller festivals, you can actually see the grass, and your dignity remains intact.

2. You’ll find your people
From folky fairy-core vibes to all-night techno ravers, niche festivals = tailored lineups and like-minded souls. Less “trying to do everything,” more “this feels like home.”

3. No tent city stress
Ever pitched up at Glasto and ended up sleeping halfway to Wales? Smaller fests = better camping spots, actual space, and maybe even room for a campfire jam session.

4. Lineups with room to discover
Without 17 headliners pulling your limbs in every direction, you actually get to watch entire sets — and stumble across your next musical obsession in the process.

5. More affordable = more snacks
Tickets, travel, gear — the Glasto budget adds up. Save cash by going elsewhere and suddenly you can afford all the halloumi wraps, mojitos, and merch your heart desires.

6. Glorious, weird, magical vibes
Whether it’s dancing barefoot under the stars at Knockengorroch or soaking in jazz at Love Supreme, these festivals have character in spades — no crowd control cattle pens in sight.

7. You’re not missing out — you’re levelling up
Glasto’s great, but it’s not the be-all and end-all. Think of it this way: while everyone’s Instagramming mudslides, you’re discovering hidden woodland raves, theatre in the trees, or late-night storytelling by the fire.

Still looking for festival inspiration? Why not check out the Quirky Campers Festival Hub – the home of all things festival from festival inspiration, ultimate packing lists, all the info if you did get Glastonbury tickets! 

Quirky Campers Festival Homepage 

Quirky Campers Festival Knowledge Hub 

Quirky Campers Festival-Friendly Campervan Hire

Laura Hammond

Laura is a professional copywriter and is the in-house writer at Quirky Campers, where she combines her love of campervans, travel and writing! When not writing she loves to find new adventures surfing, hiking and cycling.