Your guide to all things festivals! This guide gives you the rundown from the big, to the boutique to the small UK music festivals. Covering all the essentials from the lineups, the ticket sales dates and the campervan tickets, to top tips and essential lists for everything you need to know about how to live your best festival life this summer. 

Festivals in the UK are a vibrant celebration of music, culture and community. From intimate community-based gatherings with talks and workshops to massive events and world-famous headliners, there’s something for everyone. Consider this guide your bible to making the most of the greatest festivals in the UK – big or small, helping you organise your ultimate festival experience from start to finish.  

How to Make Your Festival Summer Unforgettable 

The UK is famous for its diverse, vibrant and unique festival scene. Each Summer festivals pop up all over the UK from the woodlands of Dorset to the mountains of Scotland and the beaches of Cornwall. No matter what kind of festival vibes vibe with you there’s a festival to match. Family-friendly bonanzas, folksy laid-back affairs, rock anthem raves, crafty capers, or electronic shindigs – with this ultimate guide everything from choosing the best festival for you to your packing list will be a piece of cake.

Quirky Campers – Your Festival Guru 

Quirky Campers and festivals go hand in hand. For years we have been running our very own festival, Camp Quirky. A highly successful community festival of over 3,000 attendees that brought together an amazing group of people for a celebration of community, music, crafts, well-being and of course all things campervans! With Camp Quirky currently on hiatus we’re sharing our love of festivals by sharing our insider’s knowledge on the festival scene. 

Quirky Campers has been sending campervans and customers to festivals for over ten years now, we are festival veterans! The Quirky Camper’s staff are as festival-mad as our customers, and we know there’s no better way to share our love of festivals than by sharing our hard-won top tips and tricks and handy hacks with you. 

7 Top Tips for Festival Survival

1. Take A Portable Phone Charger 

From taking photos to keeping track of friends and family your phone will take a beating. Carry a portable charger with you to keep yourself powered up all day and all night long. 

2. Download the Festival App 

A great way to keep track of line-ups, what’s on when and easy access to maps! 

3. Track Your Friends 

Most phones now have location tracking – switch this on for your friends and family before the festival so you can all keep an eye on each other and stay safe.

4. Check the rules ahead of time

Lots of festivals now have rules about what you can and cannot bring with you. From booze to plastic – check ahead so you don’t get caught out. 

5. Arrive Early 

Festival start times vary but getting there early can mean you get the best camping spots (the ones not by the toilet) 

6. Plan for queue time 

Getting in and out of festivals can be long and arduous and often involves long queues – make sure you leave extra time to get there and back again and bring snacks!

7. Stay Hydrated

Whether your festival is in the sun or rain, staying hydrated is really important. It will keep you feeling fresher and help you recover quicker afterwards. 

Festival Accommodation 

Gone are the days when the only option for accommodation at festivals was a soggy one-man pop-up tent that blew down in the wind. With boutique festivals on the rise and festival goers opting for something a little different that maybe doesn’t involve sleeping on the floor, there are now options for everyone. Choose from:

• Camping 
• Glamping 
• Off-Site Accommodation
• Campervan

Choosing the Best Accommodation for you

Everyone has their own needs at a festival, so pick what works best for you. If you have the right camping set-up, go wild. Glamping setups at festivals can include everything from beds to toilets so that’s a great option for those looking for something a little more luxurious. If you’re happy to travel each day, off-site accommodation is also a great option – nothing wrong with hot showers each morning! 

We may be biased, but campervans are our favourite way to go. Interested in renting a campervan for the luxury experience? Check out our Quirky Campers Festival Cheat Sheet for quick links to festival-friendly campervans for your favourite festival dates! 

Why Are Campervans the Best Way to Experience Festivals? 

Let’s face it, cold tents and soggy sleeping bags on the hard floor are no longer as fun as they used to be. With a campervan, you get your own private section of the field, and easy access to toilets, and hot showers and that’s just in the vans! Most Quirky Campers Festival-Friendly campervans have their own off-grid power source so you can keep your phones charged. The beds are mostly doubles and they all have much better mattresses than the floor! Really, there’s no good reason not to take a campervan! 

Festival Packing List

• Sleeping Gear
  • Sleeping bags or duvets
  • Pillows and pillowcases
  • Sleeping mats or air mattresses
  • Blankets for extra warmth
• Food and Drink
  • Snacks
  • Food (Festival food can be expensive but with a campervan you can cook your own!)
  • Drinks (water, soft drinks, alcohol)
  • Reusable water bottles

• Clothes
  • Your best festival outfit! Sparkles, cowboy hats whatever works
  • Waterproof jacket (It is the UK after all)
  • Comfortable shoes/boots/wellies
  • Warm hat and gloves
  • Swimwear (Some of the festivals in this list have lakes for swimming!)
• Toiletries
  • Biodegradable soap and shampoo
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Sunscreen and lip balm
  • Personal hygiene items (toilet paper, wet wipes)

• Entertainment
  • Portable speaker
  • Games or playing cards
  • Books or e-reader
• Camping Gear 
  • Tent
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Ground Mat
  • Pillows
  • Camping Stove
• Health & Safety
  • First aid kit
  • Insect repellent
  • Hand sanitiser

• Gadgets
  • Mobile phone and charger
  • Portable power bank
• Other Essentials
  • Festival tickets and ID
  • Map (Downloaded or Physical)

• Decorations 
  • Flags or banners 
  • Fairy Lights 
• GLITTER! (Biodegradable, of course)

Hacks for Staying Safe at Festivals 

Know The Festival Layout

Check out the layout of the festival ahead of getting there, it’ll help you get your bearings, which means you will know exactly where to find your favourite bands and where to find first aid or help if you need it. 

Keep Your Belongings Safe

Use a crossbody bag or bum bag to keep your valuables close. Use a wrist strap or lanyard for your phone so you don’t lose it when the dancing begins!

Set Meeting Points

When at festivals with friends or family, it’s smart to agree on a spot to meet in case anyone gets lost. Phone signal can be spotty at festivals and you might not be able to get through so it’s a good idea to have a backup plan! 

Stay Aware of Your Surroundings

Keep an eye on what’s going on around you and be mindful of your belongings and fellow festival-goers. 

Use Sunscreen

Shocking though it may seem, the sun does come out for some UK festivals. Protect your skin by applying sunscreen regularly, even on cloudy days.

Watch the Booze 

If you’re having a drink, do so responsibly, and know your limits. Look out for friends and make sure everyone gets back to the tent safely. 

Emergency Contacts

Keep a list of important numbers handy in case of an emergency. Writing them down to keep handy if your phone dies could also be a good idea.

Enjoying the Festival To The Max 

Make the Most of Your Time!

Plan Ahead  

Research lineups before you get to the festival and create a must-see list.

Download the App

Most festivals have an app that you can download before you go with the line-up and helpful info including maps of the site.

Explore Beyond the Main Stage

Check out smaller acts, workshops, and art installations. Some of the best-hidden gems are away from the main stage, particularly at larger festivals like Glastonbury.

Meet New People 

Festivals are great places to make friends—don’t hesitate to strike up conversations, go to a new workshop, try a new craft or join a debate. Anything could happen! 

Try Something New 

Festivals are a wonderful place to find new experiences. There are workshops, and talks on everything from art to music and politics.

Getting Festival Tickets 

• Most festival tickets come out around October the year before – so many festival tickets are on sale now. Check out your favourite festivals for their early birds or early-tier tickets – often the earlier you buy a ticket the cheaper it will be.

• Bigger festivals like Glastonbury sell out their tickets fast so check ahead to see if you need to register before they come on sale. 

• Campervan tickets and other optional extras are usually bought separately so it’s worth making sure you have all the tickets you need including parking ahead of time. 

• Many festivals now offer payment plans as the costs of buying tickets rise – this means you can pay smaller amounts monthly instead of the full amount upfront. 

The Best UK Festivals Summer 2025 

Major UK Music Festivals 

The biggest and brightest of the UK music festival scene – these are festivals you’ve likely heard of but maybe haven’t had the chance to get to yet. Consider it your festival bucket list! 

Glastonbury Festival 

Festival Mini Guide – 

The biggest and arguably the best festival in the UK. Famous for its enormous size and epic lineups. This festival erupts every year and is the size of a small town. Notoriously difficult to get tickets for it’s widely considered the best festival in the world. 

2025 Music Line Up – TBC

Previous Line Ups Include – Elton John, Dua Lipa, Sam Fender, Shania Twain, Paul McCartney, Avril Lavigne, The Last Dinner Party, Fleetwood Mac, Beyonce, Coldplay, Stormzy

Reading and Leeds Festival 

Festival Mini Guide- 

Reading & Leeds is a huge festival split over two sites. Popular with those just leaving school and in college this festival sees some massive headliners hitting the stages. 

2025 Music Line Up – TBC

Unconfirmed Line Up – Linkin Park, Hozier, Noah Kahan, Foo Fighters, Chappell Roan, Idles, J Hus, Glass Animals, Blossoms, Bastille, Sea Girls, Becky Hill, Jamie XX, and many more!

Previous line ups include – Sam Fender, The Killers, Billie Eilish, Foals, The 1975, IMagine Dragons, Wetleg, Inhaler

Creamfields Festival 

Festival Mini Guide- 

Creamfields is an electronic dance festival featuring unrivalled lineups of world-class DJs. Known for their mind-blowing staging and design it’s an experience like no other. 

2025 Music Line Up – TBC

Previous Line ups include – Calvin Harris, MK, Alesso, Lufthaus, Example, Hardwell, Fisher, Third Party

Isle of Wight Festival 

Festival Mini Guide – 

The Isle of Wight festival favours established artists and draws a diverse crowd to its beautiful site in Newport. Its pop, rock and indie-filled lineup offers something for all music tastes, and its mellower atmosphere is great for families. 

2025 Music Lineup – Sting, Faithless, Stereophonics, The Script, Paul Heaton, Justin Timberlake Teddy Swims, Texas, Olly Murs, Clean Bandit, Example, James

Previous Line ups include – Snow Patrol, Becky Hill, Sam Fender, McFly, Green Day, Nothing But Thieves, Picture This, Jake Shears

Family-Friendly Festivals 

Get ready for fun and adventure with our roundup of family-friendly festivals! These festivals are designed to create lasting memories for all ages, they host kid-friendly activities, interactive performances, and delicious treats. Whether you’re looking for arts and crafts, music, or outdoor games, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Deer Shed Festival

Mini Festival Guide –

A wonderland of creativity, this family-based festival offers a great diverse folksy line-up, comedy shows, science workshops, sports, arts workshops, wellbeing talks, food drink and a whole load of fun. It embraces families into the festival world!

2025 Music Line Up – TBC

Previous Lineups include – The Coral, Bombay Bicycle Club, CMAT, BC Camplight, The Go! Team, Los Bitchos 

Wychwood Festival

Mini Festival Guide – 

One of the best festivals for families in the UK, this colourful weekend offers music for everyone from the kids to the grandparents and everyone in between. With an intimate feel and a creative programme that changes every year, expect the unexpected when going to Wychwood! 

2025 Music Line Up – TBC

Previous Line Ups Include – Sister Sledge, Texas, Ocean Colour Scene, Seasick Steve, The Coral, Corinne Bailey Rae, Lightning Seeds, the Feeling, The Hoosiers, Big Country 

Elderflower Fields Festival 

Mini Festival Guide – 

A wild weekender for the whole family designed for those with young children. This safe and fun festival is set in the enchanting Ashdown Forest. With live music, sport, nature and arts on offer there’s no corner of this festival that isn’t glowing with fun and creativity. 

2025 Music Line Up – TBC

Previous Line Ups Include – TC & The Groove Family, Mellowmatic, Mista Trick Collective, Beeble, Lakuta, Soul Grenades, Ed Solo Salsadelic

Bearded Theory Festival 

Mini Festival Guide-

An award-winning family festival located in the heart of the Midlands. Bearded Theory offers epic line-ups, creative acts, and performing arts. So whether you’re going for the music, the children’s area, the amazing food, or the Earth Area, you’ll find your tribe at Bearded Theory. 

2025 Music Lineup – Iggy Pop, Manic Street Preachers, The Sisters of Mercy, Yard Act, Left Fields, The Mary Wallopers, CMAT, Nova Twins

Previous Line Ups Include – Jane’s Addiction, Soft Play, Steve Davis, Baxter Dury, Orbital, The Big Moon 

In It Together Festival 

Mini Festival Guide –

The ultimate family festival destination with a world of fun at your fingertips, from the world’s biggest bouncy castle to a fairground and an outdoor cinema. With over 100 activities for adults and children, you will be spoilt for choice as this fabulous fun weekender. 

2025 Music Line Up – Bru-C, James Morrison, Myles Smith, Daniel Bedingfield, Peter Doherty, Pigeon Detectives, Sugarhill Gang, The View, Vengaboys, Jax Jones, The Hoosiers

Previous Line Ups Include – Rag’N’Bone Man, Sugababes, Dizzie Rascal, Cat Burns, Eliza Rose, Craig David, Diversity, Razorlight 

Best Boutique Festivals UK

Step into the world of boutique festivals, these carefully curated events offer a unique blend of art, music, and culture making an unforgettable experience. With a focus on quality over quantity, boutique festivals highlight local talent, and embrace enchanting atmospheres, wild swims and artisan foods.

Kendal Calling 

Mini Festival Guide – 

Kendal Calling brings music and dancing to the hills of the Lake District. This vibrant festival brings not just a world of amazing headliners and smaller acts, but experiences you’ll never forget. The Picturehouse shows movies, Lost Eden brings to life art and creativity, there’s a parade, The Stagger Inn, and a whole area dedicated to families called Kids Calling. 

2025 Music Line Up – TBC

Previous Line Ups Include – Calvin Harris, Doves, Badly Drawn Boy, Echo and the Bunnymen, Frank Turner, Maximo Park, Johnny Marr, Bastille, Tom Grennan, Rick Astley

Purbeck Valley Folk Festival 

Mini Festival Guide –

A unique family-friendly festival located on the Jurassic coastline, this smaller, intimate gathering is a throwback to the way festivals used to be. They emphasise community and a family feel with a great lineup of folk musicians to soundtrack the weekend.

2025 Music Line Up – TBC

Previous Line Ups Include – Seckou Keita & The Homeland Band, Kila, The Longest Johns, 3 Daft Monkeys, Le Vent Du Nord, Dirk & Amelia Powell, The Henry Girls 

Noisily Festival

Mini Festival Guide – 

With its roots sunk deep in the electronic music scene, Noisily brings a holistic vibe to electronic and dance. With a strong emphasis on wellbeing, mind, body and soul you’ll be immersed in nature, and discover a new sound and a new community. 

2025 Music Line Up – TBC

Previous Line Ups Include – 4D Live, Raxon, Township Rebellion, Antix, Avalon, Killerwatts, Solar Spectrum, Anais, Uncharted Territory 

Wild Gardens Festival  

Mini Festival Guide –

Step into the wild with The Wild Gardens, an exuberant Cornish Festival that celebrates music, food, drink and great vibes. There’s so much going on outside of the music stages, you won’t know where to go first, from wellbeing tents with yoga and meditation to canoeing and axe throwing – it’s an experience unlike any other.  

2025 Music Lineup – Dizzie Rascal, More Artists TBC

Previous Line Ups Include – Rudimental, Groove Armada, Ellla Henderson, Sigma, Shy FX 

Solfest 

Mini Festival Guide –

A music and Arts festival that’s grown leaps and bounds in the last few years. Overlooking the sea this phenomenal festival brings together the best music, arts and creative minds for a weekend of fun and festivities. 

2025 Music Line Up – TBC

Previous Line Ups Include – De La Soul, Hybrid Minds, The Wailers, Peter Hook & The Light, Tom Meighan, Toploader

Best Small UK Festivals 

Discover the charm of small festivals, these events may not have the gravitas of large-scale gatherings, but they offer unique experiences, from intimate performances to community workshops and talks. This list of hidden gems showcases the best of small festivals, perfect for those looking to connect with fellow festival-goers.

Knockengorroch

Mini Festival Guide-

A Scottish delight, this festival runs like a massive celebration of music. Scotland’s longest-running greenfield festival has a rich history of sustainability, art workshops and epic headliners. 

2025 Music Line Up – TBC

Previous Line Ups Include – A Skills, Banco De Gaia, Bombskare, Nightwave, Peatbog Faeries

The Big Retreat Festival

Mini Festival Guide- 

A feel-good getaway festival that’s a feast for all the senses. From world-class music to tastes of the world, high-energy dancing and fun, bands, books and wellbeing this festival covers a lot. Health and wellbeing are the core of this retreat festival. You can listen to a literary talk, watch a band and try your hand at yoga all in a day.  

2025 Music Line Up – TBC

Previous Line Ups Include – Revival, Donna Ashworth, Rick Parfitt Band, Gok Wan

The Green Gathering

Mini Festival Guide –

Experience a long weekend of low-impact sustainable living in this community-based festival. Something a little different: The Green Gathering emphasises living well off the land. Bustling with creative workshops, talks, natural beauty and a wonderful community it’s a vibe in itself. 

2025 Music Line Up – TBC

Previous Line Ups Include – The Trouble Notes, 3 Daft Monkeys, Twominuteslate, Seize The Day, Headmix, The Golden Guild, Nuala

Teddy Rocks 

Mini Festival Guide-

A 3-day family-friendly charity music event in Dorset, Teddy Rocks raises thousands of pounds every year with its impressive lineup of music, an amazing array of workshops, talks and plentiful fun activities for kids big and small. 

2025 Music Line Up – Hybrid Theory, Punk Rock Factory, more artists TBC

Previous Line Ups Include – The Fratellis, The Darkness, The Amazons, Tribute Acts

2,000 Trees Festival 

Mini Festival Guide-

More than just a festival, this community-based family-friendly gathering focuses on upcoming and underground acts. Giving it an intimate vibe, with a great sense of counter-culture and community.

2025 Music Line Up – Kneecap, Puris, Taking Back Sunday, Coheed and Cambria, Alexis on Fire

Previous Line Ups Include – The Gaslight Anthem, Grandson, Hot Milk, The Chats, Hot Mulligan, Death From Above

Are You Festival Ready? 

There you have it, your rundown of the festivals, lineups, tickets, accommodation and everything else you need to know to make your Festival Summer unforgettable. 

Want to experience a Festival in Quirky Campers style? Click here for our full range of festival-friendly campers! 

Author

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.