Summer is coming and that means festival season is upon us. It’s time to wash off the wellies and head to the fields. Here’s our top guide to upcoming festivals for young families, party-lovers and music geeks.
1. How the Light Gets In, Hay-On-Wye (21st – 31st May)
Spark your intellectual curiosity at How the Light Gets In, a festival of music and philosophy with thought-provoking debates and industry-leading speakers including Polly Toynbee, George Galloway and John Searle. Big group debates cover topics like ‘The Road to the Good Life’ and ‘Imagining Reality’. There’s also music from bands, singers and DJs including Lianne La Havas and Molotov Jukebox. If that isn’t enough to keep you entertained you can also catch comedy, spoken word and film screenings or visit the brand new Spiegel Circus.
2. The Acoustic Festival of Britain, Uttoxeter (19th-21st June)
Unplug and relax with the sounds of the Acoustic Festival, one for real music lovers that takes place during the summer solstice. Mixing folk, blues and roots music, the line-up is packed full of brilliant songsters. The headliners for 2015 include Paul Carrack, who’ll be making his only UK festival appearance this summer, From the Jam and Big Country. You’ll also find plenty of food and crafts tents, including a huge real ale tent. Gents, get your beards in shape.
3. Glastonbury Festival, Glastonbury (24th-28th June)
The big one! Glastonbury is the festival to head to if you want to frolic in the best of the UK festival scene. With big-name acts (yes, Kanye’s performing) and endless options for comedy, circus, cabaret, spoken word, DJs and talks, this festival has it all and then some. Foo Fighters and Lionel Richie complete the headline acts line-up, so it’s going to be emotional. Avoid the famous Glastonbury mud and make sure you get a good shower by booking a room at our Glastonbury Travelodge.
4. Milefest, Gloucester (3rd-4th July)
All profits from this family-friendly fest go to help a local school for disabled children. The festival includes 25 bands over two days and there’s also a brilliant MudFest tent and a Sensory Story tent. Needless to say, there’s plenty of food and drinks to buy too. Tickets come cheap at maximum £6, with kids under 14 getting in for a mere £2. Compound the savings and book a room at our Gloucester Travelodge, just a short drive from the event.
5. Into the Wild, Buckinghamshire (10th-12th July)
Set in the countryside just an hour’s drive north of London, this small, intimate music festival is a newcomer to the scene and promises to be one of this year’s best word of mouth events. The location is rustic and peaceful, and the line-up includes a range of exciting up and coming bands. One for those who like to have been there at the start.
