RAVERS, head-bangers, music lovers one and all . . . brace yourself because 2025 promises to be one hell of a festival year.
Forget Glastonbury, which sold out in 35 minute.
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There are loads of other electrifying events lined-up around the UK, whether you are into big-bass beats, metal-music moshpits or prancing around to pop.
Stockpile your tinnies, dust off the sunnies and pack your shorts, skirts and wellies.
Josh Saunders has the lowdown on the best festivals of the summer.
FORBIDDEN FOREST, LEICESTERSHIRE
May 29-June 1
TREES, tinnies and techno, that is what you can expect from the nature-based festival at Belvoir Castle.
With big bassy beats, it is a prime choice for house, and drum and bass fans, with artists including Skepta, CamelPhat and Fisher headlining.
Also, don’t miss Nineties electro-scene pioneer, Marco Carola.
Adults only. Tickets from £75.
MIGHTY HOOPLA, LONDON
May 31-Jun 1
DOUSE yourself in glitter and don your PVC attire ready to dance the nights away to some of pop’s biggest names at this vibrant festival in South London.
Pixie Lott, Kate Nash, Vengaboys, Lulu and Kesha will all be descending on Brockwell Park for this celebration of LGBTQ+ culture.
Tickets from £79.50.
PARKLIFE, MANCHESTER: HEATON PARK
June 14-15
PREPARE for a mint time up north at the crowning event of Manchester’s musical calendar.
Electronic music kings Rudimental are headlining the show and are supported by big hitters including pop queen Charli XCX, hip hop legend 50 Cent and rising star Jorja Smith.
Tickets from £97.70.
ISLE OF WIGHT, NEWPORT
June 19-22
WHETHER you are hoping to bring SexyBack, act like an Englishman In New York or just Have A Nice Day, there is plenty on offer at this gem.
Justin Timberlake, Sting and Stereophonics will perform, as will a range of others from Faithless, The Script, Jess Glynne and Example to Supergrass, James and Clean Bandit.
Adult day tickets from £125.
BST HYDE PARK, LONDON
June 27-July 13
LAST year it landed huge names Robbie Williams, Stevie Nicks, Kylie Minogue and Shania Twain.
And it seems this Hyde Park festival isn’t letting up in 2025, with sets from chart sensations Sabrina Carpenter and Olivia Rodrigo plus legends Neil Young, Yusuf/Cat Stevens and Van Morrison.
Tickets from £69.95.
TRNSMT, GLASGOW GREEN
July 11-13
THE festival is going retro indie this year with Noughties legends Biffy Clyro, Snow Patrol and The Kooks all doing big sets.
Having warmed up at Parklife weeks earlier, 50 Cent could be dropping some of his biggest performances as the headliner. Also, there’s The Script, Inhaler and Fontaines DC to enjoy.
Tickets from £89.50.
WIRELESS FESTIVAL, LONDON
July 11-13
DRAKE is headlining all three nights of the Wireless Festival to mark its 20th anniversary – and the hip hop star will perform a unique set each time.
Other artists at the festival include Burna Boy, Boy Better Know, PartyNextDoor, Summer Walker and Vybz Kartel.
Tickets are said to be sold out, but keep your eyes on resale sites.
ON THE BEACH, EAST SUSSEX: BRIGHTON
July 18-27
WITH Kaiser Chiefs headlining one of six knockout gigs, I personally Predict A Riot.
They will be joined by indie favourites Razorlight, The Cribs and The Hoosiers for just one of the big line-ups, alongside dance DJ Bonobo, Bloc Party and house legend Carl Cox.
Tickets from £39.90.
CAMP BESTIVAL, DORSET: LULWORTH CASTLE
July 31-August 3
SIR Tom Jones never disappoints, so expect a knockout show with remarkable vocals.
The Welsh music legend is joined at this family-friendly festival by Push The Button favourites Sugababes, dance duo Basement Jaxx, The Zutons and Three Lions hitmakers The Lightning Seeds.
Tickets to be announced (£80 in 2024).
ALL POINTS EAST, LONDON
Aug 16-24
SOUL star Raye’s powerhouse vocals will move audiences to tears as she dominates the Victoria Park festival’s line-up.
Chase & Status, The Maccabees and Barry Can’t Swim are other big pleasers, as well as special guests hip-hop star Doechii, Bombay Bicycle Club and Confidence Man.
Tickets from £74.45.
CREAMFIELDS, CHESHIRE: DARESBURY
August 21-24
ELECTRONIC dance music lovers rejoice because Creamfields has some of the biggest names in the biz.
Don your bucket hat and party to headliners Fatboy Slim, David Guetta and Chase & Status, alongside house favourite Jamie Jones and guilty pleasure Eric Prydz, famed for that Call On Me music video.
Tickets from £75.
CARFEST, HAMPSHIRE: LAVERSTOKE PARK
August 22-24
BRACE yourself for high-energy performances and raunchy outfits from chart-topper Rita Ora.
She’s backed by other big names including Travis, Seasick Steve, Madness and Tom Walker at the family-friendly festival in Hampshire, which also features a Pudsey Bear set to keep the little ones happy.
Tickets from £100.
READING AND LEEDS FESTIVAL
August 22-24
SHE may dress like a Victorian-era ghost, but woman of the moment Chappell Roan will definitely pack a punch at this late-summer event.
The Good Luck, Babe! singer is joined at the twin music festivals by rap powerhouse Travis Scott, rock favourites Bring Me The Horizon and ethereal warbler Hozier.
Tickets from £125.
END OF THE ROAD FESTIVAL, WILTS
August 28-31
WITH a stellar line-up of established acts, this festival at Larmer Tree Gardens, is – as one reviewer described it – “all killer, no filler”.
Musicians Caribou, Father John Misty and Self Esteem will dominate headline slots.
There are also stand-up comedy sets, literature events and a cinema.
Weekend tickets are £275.
Rob da bank
ROBBY “Rob da Bank” Gorham, co-founder of Bestival and Camp Bestival, says: “I’ve been to hundreds of festivals, including Glastonbury 26 times.
“The UK has the best festival scene in the world, so have fun – but follow these top tips.”
TICKETS: There’s no cheat sheet – it’s pot luck and persistence. But buddy up and apply for tickets together. It increases your chances.
GETTING THERE: Early entry tickets could save you queueing for hours. Otherwise, set off as early as possible.
AVOIDING MUD: Bin bags are vital for covering shoes, storing wet clothes and rubbish.
KEEPING CLEAN: Take wet wipes and use washing facilities, even if you don’t shower daily.
FINDING FRIENDS: Set a meeting point and time in case you lose pals – before you all get too drunk or your phone dies.
TENT TRACKING: Flags, balloons and lights can be a beacon to your blue tent among 4,000 identical ones.
BUDGETING: Festivals try to make food prices reasonable but you can bring tinned beans or even sardines.
DRINK WATER: It’s vital to stay hydrated, especially if you are boozing. Make sure to use the water points provided.
TAKE: Sun cream, hat, portable phone charger, pairs of pants, socks and clothing for every eventuality and a sensible pair of boots.
DO NOT TAKE: Expensive watches or jewellery, laptops, stilettos or white trainers.
AVOID BURNOUT: Map out who you want to see beforehand. Choose a few acts per day.
