Music
Glastonwho? Six alternatives to this year’s Glastonbury festival
Missed out on a Glastonbury ticket this year? Don’t worry – there are plenty of other festivals happening across the UK this summer. And whether you’re looking for somewhere picturesque to crash for the weekend, or a faraway field to go crazy in with 60,000 other music fans, there’s one for you:
Green Man
Perched high up in the Brecon Beacons, this family-friendly festival is probably the most laid-back event of the summer. The setting is idyllic, and with a capacity of around 15,000, the festival has managed to retain its independence to provide one of the most unique festival experiences.
When: 15-18 August
Where:Glanusk, Wales
Highlights: Band of Horses, Midlake, Local Natives and Patti Smith
Latitude
Famed for its painted sheep, literary workshops and strong comedy presence – as well as the usual music acts – Latitude has remained one of Britain’s most diverse festivals. This year will see another first for the festival, when Kraftwerk bring their 3D concert to the Obelisk Arena.
When: 18-21 July
Where: Henham Park, Southwold, Suffolk
Highlights: Kraftwerk, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Grizzly Bear and Eddie Izzard
Reading and Leeds
By far the biggest alternative to Glastonbury, Reading and Leeds is split over two sites, with each one attracting nearly 100,000 visitors over the weekend. To keep the crowds happy, the festival books the biggest names in alternative and rock music – this year Green Day, Eminem and Biffy Clyro will headline.
When: 23-25 August
Where: Richfield Avenue, Reading and Bramham Park, Leeds
Highlights: NIN, Deftones, Green Day and Phoenix
Bestival
The HMS Bestival – the fancy dress theme this year is nautical – sets sail in early September, making the annual I.O.W bash one of the last of the summer. You can expect a vibe similar to Glastonbury: fancy dress, bizarre art installations and partying into the early hours – but without the twee folk bands and ageing hippies.
When: 5-8 September
Where: Robin Hill Country Park, Isle of Wight
Highlights: Elton John, The Flaming Lips, The Knife and Chic feat. Nile Rodgers
Festival No.6
Set in the surreal surroundings of Portmeirion – as seen on TV show The Prisoner – Festival No.6 has set its sights on taking the idea of being a boutique festival to new levels. The festival is only in its second year but is already becoming one of the season’s most exciting and talked about weekends.
When: 13-15 Sept
Where: Portmeirion, Wales
Highlights: My Bloody Valentine, Frankie Knuckles, Mount Kimbie and James Blake
Wireless
If mud really isn’t your thing then you should probably head to East London for Wireless Festival. This year the festival has moved to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, and will host some of the biggest names in pop, hip-hop and dance.
When: 12-14 July
Where: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London
Highlights: Justin Timberlake, Jay Z, Snoop Dogg and Katy B
