UK music festivals in 2023
Headline events this year include Glastonbury, Creamfields and Isle of Wight
- 1. Perth Festival of the Arts
- 2. Bearded Theory
- 3. Creamfields South
- 4. In It Together
- 5. HowTheLightGetsIn Hay
- 6. Wide Awake
- 7. Slam Dunk Festival
- 8. Cross the Tracks
- 9. City Splash
- 10. Spring Classic
- 11. AVA Festival Belfast
- 12. Forbidden Forest
- 13. Gottwood Festival
- 14. Parklife
- 15. Capital’s Summertime Ball
- 16. Isle of Wight Festival
- 17. Black Deer Festival
- 18. West End Live
- 19. Glastonbury Festival
- 20. Coastella Festival
- 21. BST Hyde Park
- 22. Dog Day Afternoon
- 23. El Dorado Festival
- 24. TRNSMT 2023
- 25. ALSO
- 26. Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival
- 27. Kew The Music
- 28. Latitude
- 29. Tunes on the Sands
- 30. On The Beach Brighton
- 31. Birmingham Mela 2023
- 32. Womad
- 33. Camp Bestival Dorset
- 34. Camp Bestival Shropshire
- 35. All Points East
- 36. Hospitality In The Woods
- 37. International Beatleweek
- 38. Creamfields North
- 39. Lost Village
- 40. Rye International Jazz & Blues Festival
- 41. We Are FSTVL
- 42. Reading and Leeds Festivals
- 43. Big Feastival
- 44. Victorious Festival
- 45. CarFest
- 46. Battersea Park In Concert
- 47. FORWARDS
1. Perth Festival of the Arts
18-27 May: Perth
Starting as an opera and classical music festival in the early 1970s, Perth Festival of the Arts now covers all art forms including drama, rock, folk, jazz, visual art, literature and comedy. This year’s line-up includes Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, and George Hinchliffe’s Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain.
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2. Bearded Theory
25-28 May: Catton Hall, Derbyshire
The 14th edition of Bearded Theory, a family festival in the Midlands, will have Interpol, Primal Scream, Gogol Bordello, Gary Numan, Echo & The Bunnymen, and Flogging Molly among the list of performers. Taking place in the heart of the National Forest at Catton Hall in Derbyshire, this year’s event will also see the return of the unique Festival School, Rogues Hideout, and Earth Area.
3. Creamfields South
26-28 May: Hylands Park, Chelmsford
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Held on the May bank holiday weekend, Creamfields South will see Becky Hill, Example, and Tiësto headline the Friday. Calvin Harris, Camelphat, Chase & Status, Carl Cox and Nina Kravis are on Saturday, while Swedish House Mafia, Fatboy Slim, Gorgon City, Andy C, Patrick Topping, and Sonny Fodera perform on Sunday.
4. In It Together
26-28 May: Margam
In It Together festival returns to Wales with a mega line-up for 2023. The Kooks, Anne-Marie, and James will headline, and other acts confirmed include James Bay, Jake Bugg, The Vamps, UB40, Melanie C, Chase & Status, The Reytons, Bjorn Again, and Toploader. Natalie Imbruglia will headline the Thursday campers party.
5. HowTheLightGetsIn Hay
26-29 May: Hay-on-Wye, Powys, Wales
If there’s one festival you don’t want to miss it’s HowTheLightGetsIn Hay 2023, the world’s largest philosophy and music festival. Running from 26-29 May in the idyllic booktown of Hay, the festival attracts Nobel laureates, Pulitzer-prize winners and cutting-edge thinkers to think bigger about the great challenges and opportunities of our time. Expect to see Slavoj Žižek, Fiona Hill, Brian Greene, Gillian Tett, Esther Freud, Rowan Williams, Roger Penrose and more lock horns in discussions on the most urgent issues of today. Explore the full programme and get 20% off final tier tickets with code WEEK23.
6. Wide Awake
27 May: Brockwell Park, London
Wide Awake is an independent festival brought to life by some of London’s most iconic promoters and small music venues. Celebrating a line-up of leftfield indie, post punk, electronica, techno, and jazz acts, the 2023 bill includes the likes of Caroline Polachek, Daniel Avery (live), Oneohtrix Point Never, Osees, Shy Girl, and Ty Segall.
7. Slam Dunk Festival
27-28 May: Hatfield House and Leeds Temple Newsam
Slam Dunk is a pop-punk, emo, metal, and alternative music festival held on consecutive days in south and north locations – Hatfield House in Hertfordshire on 27 May and Leeds Temple Newsam on 28 May. Headliners include The Offspring, Enter Shikari, Billy Talent, Bowling for Soup, and Yellowcard.
8. Cross the Tracks
28 May: Brockwell Park, London
Jass, funk and soul festival Cross The Tracks will be held on bank holiday Sunday 28 May at Brockwell Park in London. NxWorries Masego (Anderson .Paak & Knxwledge), Kelis, Alfa Mist, Gilles Peterson and the Roy Ayers farewell tour will feature.
9. City Splash
29 May: Brockwell Park, London
A one-day spectacular held at Brockwell Park, City Splash is the UK’s biggest celebration of Reggae, Dancehall, Afrobeats, food and culture. Chronixx, Koffee, Shenseea, Skillibeng, Gyakie, Stylo G, Jah9, Ayra Starr, General Levy, Channel One, Iration Steppas, Ras Kwame, Pioneer b2b Supa D ft Coldsteps and many more will play across seven stages with a wealth of black-owned food, drinks and creative markets all making it an unmissable celebration of Caribbean and African culture.
10. Spring Classic
1-4 June: Woolacombe, Devon
Celebrating live music, surf, skate, ride and van culture, the Spring Classic will showcase a range of high-profile acts alongside local musicians. There will also be live fire cooking feasts, demonstrations and a show and shine area for van and motor lovers. The 2023 line-up includes Arrested Development, Krafty Kuts, Freestylers, BCUC, Sam and the Womp, Keston Cobblers Club, Alfresco Disco, Benny Page, Selecta J-Man, and Indian Man.
11. AVA Festival Belfast
2-3 June: Titanic Slipways, Belfast
International icons from the live and electronic worlds will head to the heart of Belfast city to play alongside grassroots southern and northern Irish talent. Held at Titanic Slipways, a new venue with an iconic Belfast docklands backdrop, the two-day event will feature slamming techno, bumpin’ house, fizzy garage and raucous breakbeats, through to meditative ambient, soul-soothing r’n’b, Irish hip-hop and rap.
12. Forbidden Forest
2-4 June: Belvoir Castle, Nottinghamshire
Electronic powerhouse Michael Bibi joins the Forbidden Forest line-up for its eighth edition, along with Massano, Secondcity, Jess Bays, The Shapeshifters and more. For the first time ever the event will have live music on the Friday exclusively for campers, transforming it into a full three-day festival. And kicking off the weekend will be a Glitterbox x Defected takeover on the opening night.
13. Gottwood Festival
8-11 June: Anglesey Forest
Nestled in the middle of the Anglesey Forest in Wales, Gottwood Festival has long been one of electronic music’s best-kept secrets. Artists confirmed for the intimate underground electronic music festival include Mathew Jonson (live), DJ Tennis, Mano Le Tough, Kai Campos from Mount Kimbie playing a techno set, Ame (live), Sonja Moonear, Gene on Earth b2b The Ghost, Margaret Dygas, Move D and more.
14. Parklife
10-11 June: Heaton Park, Manchester
Held at Heaton Park in Manchester, the Parklife festival “blends beats from multiple music genres, including hip hop, grime, pop, rock, club, house and dance DJs”, said the Daily Mirror. The 2023 line-up includes The 1975, Aitch, Fred Again.., The Prodigy, Little Simz, and Wu-Tang Clan & Nas.
15. Capital’s Summertime Ball
11 June: Wembley Stadium, London
London’s iconic Wembley Stadium will be the setting for Capital’s Summertime Ball on 11 June. The packed musical line-up includes Lewis Capaldi, Anne Marie, Sigala, Raye, Jess Glynne, Zara Larsson, Jonas Brothers, Niall Horan, Ellie Goulding, Calvin Harris and more.
16. Isle of Wight Festival
15-18 June: Seaclose Park, Newport
Pulp, George Ezra, The Chemical Brothers and Robbie Williams have been announced as the 2023 Isle of Wight Festival headliners. Pulp are joined by Courteeners, OneRepublic, Sugababes, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor on the Friday main stage. George Ezra and The Chemical Brothers are on the Saturday main stage with N-Dubz, Anne-Marie, Sam Ryder, Gabrielle, and Scouting For Girls. While on the Sunday main stage it’s Robbie Williams, Blondie, Niall Horan, James Bay, Mika, and Ella Henderson. Other confirmed acts include The Human League, Example, Manic Street Preachers, Groove Armada (DJ set), and Echo & The Bunnymen.
17. Black Deer Festival
16-18 June: Eridge Park, Kent
Bonnie Raitt and Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats will headline the Black Deer Festival of Americana. Other acts include The Teskey Brothers, Lucinda Williams, Calexico, Allison Russell, Elles Bailey, Amythyst Kiah, Robert Vincent, Bella White, and Dylan Earl.
18. West End Live
17-18 June, London
Each summer Trafalgar Square hosts a free weekend of live performances from top West End musicals for audiences to enjoy London’s most celebrated musicals and discover new must-see shows. There are no tickets and you don’t need to book, just turn up on the day and join in.
19. Glastonbury Festival
21-25 June: Worthy Farm, Pilton, Somerset
Elton John has been announced as the first headline act for Glastonbury 2023. The Rocket Man will play the Pyramid Stage on the Sunday night, for what will be the final UK show of his last ever tour. The other confirmed Pyramid Stage headliners are Arctic Monkeys (Friday night) and Guns N’ Roses (Saturday night). Yusuf/Cat Stevens will play the Sunday teatime legend slot.
20. Coastella Festival
30 June-2 July: Percy Park RFC, North Shields
There’s a brand-new coastal music festival on the scene for 2023, nestled in the heart of North Shields. Headline acts include Futureheads, Judge Jules and Andrew Cushin.
21. BST Hyde Park
June and July: Hyde Park, London
There will be some huge names on the bill at this summer’s BST Hyde Park series of concerts. P!nk and special guest Gwen Stefani will kick things off with two shows, on 24-25 June. Guns N’ Roses are on Friday 30 June, while a day later, Saturday 1 July, Take That will play a UK exclusive with special guests The Script and Sugababes. On Sunday 2 July it’s the turn of South Korean girl group Blackpink, then on 6 and 8 July Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band will rock Hyde Park. Billy Joel will play his only European show of 2023 on Friday 7 July.
22. Dog Day Afternoon
1 July: Crystal Palace Park, London
Iggy Pop is headlining Dog Day Afternoon at Crystal Palace Park in London this summer. The Buzzcocks, Blondie, Billy Idol and some former Sex Pistols will be joining the 75-year-old rocker for a one-off celebration of punk.
23. El Dorado Festival
6-9 July: Eastnor Castle Deer Park, Herefordshire
El Dorado returns in July with a host of established and emerging live and electronic acts across the four-day festival of music, wellness, art and creativity held in the idyllic woodland space of Eastnor Castle Deer Park in Herefordshire. The line-up for 2023 includes KC & The Sunshine Band, Sampa the Great, and Vengaboys.
24. TRNSMT 2023
7-9 July: Glasgow Green, Glasgow
Pulp, Sam Fender and The 1975 will headline TRNSMT 2023. They will be joined in Glasgow by acts such as George Ezra, Kasabian, Niall Horan, Royal Blood, Becky Hill, and The Kooks.
25. ALSO
14-16 July: Park Farm, Compton Verney, Warwickshire
ALSO marks its ten-year anniversary with the theme of “Re-Enchantment”. The festival – which includes wellness, art, theatre and cabaret, talks, comedy and music – will host 300 events across 14 stages. Music acts include K.O.G, Love Itoya, and Get the Water, while the comedy line-up includes Sara Pascoe, Celya Ab, and Robin Ince.
26. Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival
14-23 July: Edinburgh
Held over ten days in the Scottish capital, the popular Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival will feature more than 150 performances. Showcasing the best of Scotland’s jazz and blues talent, the event welcomes more than 70,000 people every year.
27. Kew The Music
11-16 July: Kew Gardens, London
The festival of picnic concerts at Kew Gardens in London will feature headline performances from Jack Savoretti, The Human League, Haçienda Classiçal, and Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra.
28. Latitude
20-23 July: Henham Park, Suffolk
Latitude festival at Henham Park in Suffolk will see Pulp, Paulo Nutini and George Ezra headline in July. Other acts this year include The Kooks, Metronomy, Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott, and Siouxsie.
29. Tunes on the Sands
21-22 July: Blackpool Sands Beach, Devon
Tunes on the Sands will return to the beautiful Blackpool Sands in Devon this July. Martin Kemp 80s Party, Toploader, and Dodgy have been confirmed for the Friday, while Sister Sledge and Stereo MCs will play on the Saturday.
30. On The Beach Brighton
21-23 and 28-30 July: Brighton Beach, Brighton
On the Beach in Brighton will have two weekend festivals in 2023. The first will be held from 21-23 July and the second on 28-30 July. Line-ups will be announced soon.
31. Birmingham Mela 2023
22-23 July: Victoria Park, Smethwick
The UK’s biggest South Asian music festival will bring some of the most popular British and international names to Victoria Park in Smethwick. Visitors can enjoy performances from up-and-coming and major artists alongside street theatre, visual arts, craft and dance workshops and a global food village.
32. Womad
27-30 July: Charlton Park, Malmesbury, Wiltshire
Womad features music from all over the world. Held in Wiltshire, there will be six stages and the musical line-up includes Femi Kuti and the Positive Force, Bombay Bicycle Club, Kate Rusby, Mariza, Horace Andy with Dub Asante Band, and The Comet Is Coming. There’s also a children’s field with rock climbing, puppetry and themed crafts.
33. Camp Bestival Dorset
27-30 July: Lulworth Castle, Dorset
Camp Bestival’s 15th birthday bash will have an “Animal Snap” theme at Lulworth Castle in July. Grace Jones tops the bill and Craig David, The Kooks, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Ella Henderson, Confidence Man, Sam Ryder, Melanie C, and Scouting For Girls will also perform.
34. Camp Bestival Shropshire
17-20 August: Weston Park, Shropshire
As well as the event in Dorset, there will also be Camp Bestival in Shropshire. The line-up for Weston Park includes Primal Scream, Rudimental, The Human League, Groove Armada (DJ set), Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Confidence Man, Sam Ryder, and Melanie C.
35. All Points East
18 August: Victoria Park, London
The first headliner announced for All Points East in August will be Stormzy. He will team up with the festival for his own headlining day at Victoria Park, Tower Hamlets, and play a UK exclusive show. A full day of artists, to be announced, will be curated by Stormzy and All Points East.
36. Hospitality In The Woods
19 August: Beckenham Place Park, London
Hospitality In The Woods is back for another bumper one-day celebration of all things drum and bass on Saturday 19 August. There will be five stages with headliners including Netsky, High Contrast, A.M.C Calibre, Roni Size, DJ Marky, Camo & Krooked, Goddard, LTJ Bukem, Metrik and more.
37. International Beatleweek
23-29 August: Liverpool
A week-long celebration of the Fab Four takes place in Liverpool in August. The annual International Beatleweek brings tribute bands from around the world to the famous Cavern Club where it all began. The Beatles played the Cavern Club nearly 300 times, helping it become the most famous live music venue in the world.
38. Creamfields North
24-27 August: Daresbury, Cheshire
The northern edition of iconic dance music festival Creamfields will take its usual spot on the August bank holiday schedule. Tickets are already sold out for the event that will see Calvin Harris, Swedish House Mafia and Tiësto headlining.
39. Lost Village
24-27 August: Lincolnshire
Held on the bank holiday in a beautiful forest, set amongst the Lincolnshire countryside, Lost Village is a four-day festival featuring music, food, wellness, comedy and adventure.
40. Rye International Jazz & Blues Festival
24-28 August: Rye, East Sussex
A stellar line-up of jazz and blues artists will feature at this international festival in Rye, East Sussex. As well as events at venues around the town, there will also be a host of free music and fringe events taking place. A variety of ticketed and non-ticketed events are on offer throughout the weekend.
41. We Are FSTVL
25-27 August: Damyns Hall Aerodrome, Upminster
We Are FSTVL’s tenth edition returns to Damyns Hall Aerodrome in Upminster, affectionately known as “The Airfield of Dreams”. The dance festival celebrates the best in house, urban, bass, techno, and drum and bass. The 2023 line-up includes The Prodigy, Michael Bibi, FISHER, Annie Mac and Carl Cox.
42. Reading and Leeds Festivals
25-27 August: Richfield Avenue, Reading; Bramham Park, Leeds
A host of artists have been confirmed for the festivals in Reading and Leeds this August. Billie Eilish, Sam Fender, Foals, The Killers, Imagine Dragons and Lewis Capaldi will headline the main stages, while other acts on the bill include Becky Hill, Bicep, Wet Leg, Central Cee, Steve Lacy, Slowthai, Trippie Redd, Yung Lean, Loyle Carner, Don Broco, and MUNA.
43. Big Feastival
25-27 August: Alex James’s Farm, The Cotswolds
Held over the August bank holiday weekend at the farm owned by Alex James, bassist of Blur, the Big Feastival is a fusion of great food and great music. As well as a number of musical headliners there will also be a line-up of chefs cooking up a storm in the Cotswolds.
44. Victorious Festival
25-27 August: Southsea, Portsmouth
Victorious Festival returns to Southsea seafront this summer with a phenomenal line up of acts. Jamiroquai will be the Friday headliner and is joined by Katy B, Newton Faulkner, and Wunderhorse. The Saturday and Sunday headliners are yet to be announced, but acts performing include The Divine Comedy, Amyl & The Sniffers, The Coral, Inspiral Carpets, Sigrid, The Vaccines, Beabadoobee, The Enemy, Dylan Crawlers, and Modernlove.
45. CarFest
25-27 August: Laverstoke Park Farm, Hampshire
Motoring and music enthusiasts will be gearing up for CarFest at Laverstoke Park Farm in Hampshire. The family fundraising festival will see McFly, Craig David, Texas, and Rick Astley on the musical line-up.
46. Battersea Park In Concert
26-28 August: Battersea Park, London
Battersea Park’s inaugural open-air picnic concert series will celebrate the best in classical, West End musicals, soul and jazz this August. There will be performances from the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, Gabrielle, Yolanda Brown and Ronnie Scott’s All Stars.
47. FORWARDS
1-2 September: Bristol, England
International music festival FORWARDS returns to Clifton Downs in Bristol on 1-2 September. Erykah Badu, Bonobo, and Raye headline the Friday while Aphex Twin, Primal Scream, Arlo Parks, and Leftfield take centre stage on the Saturday. With three stages, the festival aims to present a contemporary curation of music while paying homage to Bristol’s long-standing history of being a music city.