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23 unmissable UK music festivals to attend in 2020
This year’s must-attend music festivals around the UK.
There’s nothing quite like a UK music festival. Spanning the length and breadth of the country, offering up a variety of choices from multiple music genres, theatre and arts, comedy, family-friendly activities and VIP experiences, the UK festival scene has got it all covered.
Summer 2020 is jam-packed with music festivals for every taste and budget. Whether you’re after a day out, a full weekend of camping, or anything in between, you’ll find a host of excellent festivals across the UK – some brand new and some mainstays.
Browse through our picks of some of the best UK music festivals and most interesting acts and artists performing across the UK festival calendar in 2020.
May: The Great Escape | All Points East | Neigbourhood Weekender | Funk and Soul Weekender
June: Download Festival | Isle Of Wight Festival | Parklife | Lovebox Festival
July: TRNSMT Festival | Latitude Festival | Field Day | Wireless Festival | Camp Bestival | Wilderness Festival | BST Hyde Park | Kendal Calling | Bluedot Festival | 2000 Trees Music Festival
August: Reading and Leeds Festival | Creamfields | South West Four | Green Man Festival| Boardmasters
Discover more:
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UK Festivals in May 2020
The Great Escape
2020 line-up: Aitch, Arlo Parks, Boniface, Ghostpoet, Mabes, Oscar Lang, Walt Disco, Wargasm
When: 13 – 16 May 2020
Where: Various venues, Brighton
Brighton’s town-wide festival, The Great Escape is a hub of unique venues, new and emerging artists and of course, the ultimate seaside views. Kicking off the summer festival season, The Great Escape is known for championing the stars of the future, showcasing over 400 artists across 35 different venues. The festival’s spotlight shows highlight some of the biggest names in new music, joined across the many venues by artists from a multitude of genres including alternative, indie, grime, metal, pop and rap. The live music runs in tandem with TGE Conference, offering debates, keynote speeches, panel talks and networking events.
All Points East
2020 Line-Up: Tame Impala, Kraftwerk, Massive Attack, The Kooks, The Wombats, Caribou, Iggy Pop, Nils Frahm
When: 23 – 29 May 2020
Where: Victoria Park, London
Launched in 2018, APE offers ten days of music and entertainment in East London’s Victoria Park, including six headline shows across two weekends. During the week there’s also plenty of free family-friendly activities in the park. Returning for its third year, All Points East invites a varied mix of headliners including Aussie psychedelic act Tame Impala, German electronic giants Kraftwerk, trip-hop legends Massive Attack and indie bands The Kooks and The Wombats.
Neighbourhood Weekender
2020 line-up: Ian Brown, Catfish and the Bottlemen, Sam Fender, Shed Seven, The Wombats, Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott, Pale Waves, Miles Kane
When: 23 – 24 May 2020
Where: Victoria Park, Warrington
Neighbourhood Weekender is an indie extravaganza in the North West. Located just 18 miles from Liverpool and 19 miles from Manchester, the event returns to Warrington for its third year in 2020 with a stellar line-up including the award-winning singer-songwriter Sam Fender, indie rockers Catfish & the Bottlemen and Stone Roses legend and successful solo artist Ian Brown. The non-camping event is spread across two days, bringing the best and brightest from the indie music world to Cheshire.
The Funk and Soul Weekender
2020 line-up: Toots & The Maytals, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Sister Sledge, David Rodigan, Trojan Soundsystem, Craig Charles, Ezra Collective, Gilles Peterson
When: 29 – 30 May 2020
Where: Dreamland, Margate
The Soundcrash Funk and Soul Weekender takes to the timeless Dreamland in Margate, Kent this May, bringing together some of the finest musical talent across funk, soul, jazz, electronic and psychedelic genres. A truly unique and intimate festival, they also offer cabaret, a wellness programme, arts and crafts, and soulful street food. There’s also vintage fairground rides and a roller disco to keep you moving between acts.
UK Festivals in June 2020
Download Festival
2020 line-up: KISS, Iron Maiden, System Of A Down, Deftones, Alter Bridge, KoRn, The Offspring, Killswitch Engage
When: 12 – 14 June 2020
Where: Donington Park, Derby
As the UK home of metal and the UK’s premier rock festival, Download has rapidly become a feast of some of the biggest and best rock headliners, metal pioneers, and up and coming heavy acts to headbang to. This year’s event is no exception, welcoming headline performances from KISS, Iron Maiden and System Of A Down. KISS are set to bring their End Of The Road tour to Donington, while Iron Maiden continues their Legacy Of The Beast run, which has seen them touring throughout Europe in 2019 and into 2020. System Of A Down will return to Download for the first time since 2017 to perform on Sunday night.
Isle of Wight Festival
2020 line-up: Lionel Richie, Lewis Capaldi, Snow Patrol, The Chemical Brothers, Duran Duran, Pete Tong, Sam Fender, Supergrass
When: 11 – 14 June 2020
Where: Seaclose Park, Isle of Wight
The UK’s oldest festival returns in June with an eclectic line-up featuring the legendary Lionel Richie, award-winning pop crooner Lewis Capaldi, rock act Snow Patrol, electronic duo The Chemical Bros and 80s pop faves Duran Duran in their UK festival exclusive. Seaclose Park on the edge of Newport has been the festival’s home since 2002, with fans arriving at the event by ferry. The festival remains as popular as ever, continuing to grow better with age. A brand new addition for 2020, they’re now offering a luxury camping and shower area, The Refresh Retreat, in the heart of the campsite for festival-goers who fancy a little extra.
Parklife
2020 line-up: Tyler The Creator, Khalid, Lewis Capaldi, Skepta, Jorja Smith, Robyn, Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals, Giggs
When: 13 – 14 June 2020
Where: Heaton Park, Manchester
Over the years, Heaton Park has been the home of indie homecoming shows from the likes of Happy Mondays, Oasis, Stone Roses and Liam Gallagher. Since 2012, it has also hosted the multi-genre festival Parklife, which takes place during the second weekend of June. The ever-growing fanbase can immerse themselves in some of the best RnB, pop and alternative acts including big-name DJ sets and performances from the hottest artists around. What started out as the Mad Ferret Festival in Rusholme, before moving to Manchester eight years ago, has now become a must-attend event of the summer, inviting the likes of Tyler, The Creator, Khalid, Robyn, and many more in 2020.
Lovebox Festival
2020 line-up: Tyler The Creator, Disclosure, Khalid, Robyn, Jorja Smith, Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals, FKA Twigs, Hot Chip
When: 12 – 14 June 2020
Where: Gunnersbury Park, London
Tyler, The Creator and Khalid are set to share a stage at London’s Lovebox Festival when it returns to Gunnersbury Park this June. Launched in 2002, Lovebox was founded by DJs Groove Armada, predominantly as a dance festival, but has since expanded to include a wide variety of musical genres including grime, indie, hip hop and world music, as well as having an arts program which includes cabaret, circus performers, and Edinburgh Fringe acts. From 2014 to 2019, the event was spread across two days, from 2020 a third day has returned to make room for more new artists, experimenting acts and plenty of festival mainstays from around the globe.
UK Festivals in July 2020
TRNSMT Festival
2020 line-up: Courteeners, Liam Gallagher, Lewis Capaldi, Foals, Snow Patrol, Ian Brown, Little Simz, Jimmy Eat World
When: 10 – 12 July 2020
Where: Glasgow Green, Scotland
Indie legends are set to take over Glasgow Green for a weekend in July as TRNSMT returns for 2020. Often thought of as the spiritual successor to Scotland’s T In The Park Festival since its inception in 2017, TRNSMT has welcomed Radiohead, Biffy Clyro, Arctic Monkeys and more to its city centre location in the past. Last year’s event saw the introduction of a female-only Queen Tut’s stage, showcasing female talent across the three-day festival which is known to have some of the wildest crowds in the country. 2020’s event will see the return of Liam Gallagher, who headlined back in 2018, and Grammy award-winning homegrown talent Lewis Capaldi amongst others.
Latitude Festival
2020 line-up: Haim, Liam Gallagher, The Chemical Brothers, Michael Kiwankuka, The Lumineers, Keane, Charli XCX, Snow Patrol
When: 16 – 19 July 2020
Where: Henham Park, Suffolk
Set in the woodlands of Suffolk, Latitude Festival offers a diverse line-up of music, comedy and performing arts. With wellbeing workshops, poetry, politics and more taking place in the idyllic and historic setting, this festival is perfect for fans who wish to immerse themselves in the arts. From late-night DJs to mindful yoga sessions, dance, literature, plus laugh out loud comedy and not to be missed theatre, there’s something for the whole family. Latitude has a sister festival, Longitude Festival, which takes place at Marley Park in Dublin.
Field Day
2020 line-up: BICEP, Floating Points, Maribou State, Jungle, Adelphi Music Factory, Ross From Friends, Mount Kimbie, Jaguar
When: 11 July 2020
Where: The Drumsheds, London
Curated by a collection of clubs and promoters from the local music scene, Field Day has become one of the capital’s most loved summer festivals. Celebrating its second year at its new home at The Drumsheds in North London, the electronic one-day event returns with acclaimed Belfast production duo BICEP at the helm. The unique, ever-changing and expanding festival also has a brand new warehouse venue this year, along with three stages covering the full spectrum of electronic music with both live and DJ performances running until 3:00 in the morning.
Wireless Festival
2020 line-up: A$AP Rocky, Skepta, Meek Mill, D-Block Europe, Lil Uzi Vert, Young Thug, Roddy Ricch, AJ Tracey
When: 3 – 5 July 2020
Where: Finsbury Park, London
Wireless Festival has called Finsbury Park in North London home since 2014 and continues to showcase the biggest and best acts across rap, hip-hop, grime and RnB. Originally launched in 2005, the primarily rock and pop-focused line-up has transitioned to its current guise, inviting huge acts of the genre to the stage every July. When the time comes to rest, the central London festival also offers numerous chill-out areas where fans can relax between sets, and plenty of street food and bars.
Camp Bestival
2020 line-up: Fatboy Slim, Groove Armada, Liam Payne, Friendly Fires, Sophie Ellis-Bextor Ft Sink The Pink, Becky Hill, Max & Harvey
When: 30 July – 2 August 2020
Where: Lulworth Castle, Dorset
The family-friendly little sister of Bestival, organised by BBC Radio 1 DJ Rob Da Bank, offers all the usual antics and fancy-dress of its older sibling, plus you can take the kids. There’s a full program of family entertainment including Brainiac Live, Dick & Dom, Sam & Mark and Mr Tumble, as well as a host of music stages, comedy acts and DJ sets from the likes of Sara Cox, Tim Burgess, Jo Whiley and more. Taking place every July at Lulworth Castle, the event prides itself in activities and entertainment for the younger attendees including a designated kids area, a literature programme and workshops and performances suitable for every age.
Wilderness Festival
2020 line-up: Loyle Carner, Foals, Supergrass, Kelis, BICEP, Elder Island, David Rodigan, Jayda G
When: 30 Jul – 2 Aug 2020
Where: Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire
Set in a working deer park and nature reserve, Wilderness in Oxfordshire returns for Season Ten. Not only a great place to take the whole family, it’s also environmentally conscious. The perfect weekend escape, Wilderness not only offers a range of camping options, including quiet and family camping, but a music line-up comprising of Oxford natives Foals, Supergrass and more. The festival will celebrate their tenth birthday, and as in prior years encourages festival-goers to get involved in their weekend themes, which include Grandma’s Wallpaper – think flaunting bright floral prints – on Friday, Tenth Birthday Opulence on Saturday and The Great Big Hats Off – a creative free-for-all – on Sunday.
![FOALS - Neptune [Official Music Video]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Tw4w0Qh-d08/0.jpg)
BST Hyde Park
2020 line-up: Little Mix, Kendrick Lamar, Pearl Jam, Taylor Swift, Post Malone
When: 4 – 11 July 2020
Where: Hyde Park, London
From one of the world’s biggest girl groups to hip-hop royalty, Seattle grunge icons, rockstar rappers and pop princesses, American Express presents British Summer Time is as eclectic as it gets. The multi-genre event is set in the beautiful grounds of central London’s Hyde Park and returns for its eighth edition this summer – bringing together six huge days of music across two weekends in July 2020. During the week, the 5,000-acre park will also offer a free four day midweek programme called Open House, full of activities and entertainment.
Kendal Calling
2020 line-up: Supergrass, Stereophonics, Foals, Primal Scream, Craig David presents TS5, Blossoms, The Kooks, Dizzee Rascal
When: 30 July – 2 August 2020
Where: Lowther Deer Park, Lake District
There are few prettier setting than The Lake District for a festival. Taking place in Lowther Deer Park in July and August, the Cumbrian festival will host Supergrass, Stereophonics, Foals and more in summer 2020. Starting out back in 2006 with a capacity of just 900, the three-day festival has grown to offer new stages, a drive-in cinema, craft markets and much more. It will also host the return of the Soapbox comedy stage, which in the past has seen comedians including Josh Widdecombe and Jason Manford headline. Kid Calling invites younger attendees to get involved in activities like face painting and craft workshops, learning circus skills and a host of other child-friendly entertainment.
Blue Dot Festival
2020 line-up: Bjork, Groove Armada, Metronomy, Roisin Murphy, Spiritualized, Squarepusher, Tangerine Dream
When: 23 – 26 July 2020
Where: Jodrell Bank Observatory, Cheshire
Blue Dot takes place at Jodrell Bank Observatory in Cheshire every July, bringing together music, science and culture. A multiple UK Festivals award winner, the boutique weekender sits on a UNESCO World Heritage site and hosts immersive talks, live experiments, stargazing, art workshops and a stellar bill of music acts to boot. Returning this summer for its fifth year, Blue Dot Festival is perfect for the whole family, an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and explore the mysteries of space for one day or the whole weekend.
2000 Trees Music Festival
2020 line-up: Jimmy Eat World, The Amazons, Creeper, Dinosaur Pile-Up, Boston Manor, The Get Up Kids, Young Guns, Silverstein
When: 9 – 11 July 2020
Where: Upcote Farm, Withington, near Cheltenham
Now in its 13th year, the brainchild of six friends in 2007, the independent 2000 Trees has grown to be one of the most interesting summer festivals around. Offering themed bars, silent discos and a diverse line-up from punk-rock to electronic, this year welcomes performances from Arizona rock group Jimmy Eat World, Reading natives The Amazons and horror punk band Creeper.
UK Festivals in August 2020
Reading & Leeds Festivals
2020 line-up: Liam Gallagher, Rage Against the Machine, Stormzy, Migos, Gerry Cinnamon, Courteeners, Two Door Cinema Club, Run The Jewels
When: 28 – 30 August 2020
Where: Bramham Park, Leeds | Richfield Avenue, Reading
Reading and Leeds Festival continues to cater to a broad, vibrant fanbase, and is one of the biggest alternative music festivals in the UK. Steeped in history, Reading Festival started life as National Jazz Festival in the early ’60s and now hosts a mega-bill across eight jam-packed stages at each location. Cementing itself in both the north and south as one of the best places to be during the summer bank holiday weekend, the festival welcomes some of the world’s biggest acts in music and comedy. 2020 headliner Liam Gallagher was so excited to top the bill, he announced it himself in 2019. Los Angeles rock giants Rage Against the Machine and UK Grime hero Stormzy, along with the rest of the line-up followed in February this year.
Creamfields
2020 line-up: The Chainsmokers, Calvin Harris, Armin Van Buuren, Pendulum – Trinity, CamelPhat, BICEP, Basement Jaxx, deadmau5
When: 27 – 30 August 2020
Where: Daresbury Estate, Cheshire
The innovative dance festival and ‘raver haven’ from Cream – the Liverpool nightclub turned electronic music promotor – is back in Cheshire for another year. Muted bass will vibrate across the north-west during the August bank holiday weekend as the 2020 line-up offers some of the biggest electronic and dance acts including Armin Van Buuren, Ibiza favourites like Carl Cox and Andy C, EDM from Pendulum – Trinity and DJ sets from Chase and Status and more. First held in Winchester back in 1998, the festival moved to Cream’s home in the north-west in 1999, taking place at the old Liverpool airport, before moving to the Daresbury estate.
South West Four
2020 line-up: Major Lazer, The Streets, Kano, Krept & Konan, Kelis, Stefflon Don,
When: 29 – 30 August 2020
Where: Clapham Common, London
London’s electronic scene descends on Clapham Common once more on the August Bank Holiday weekend. Expect neon paint, glowsticks and plenty of pyrotechnics as DJs and huge artists from around the globe promise dancing throughout the night. From Kano, Kelis and Krept and Konan, to headliners The Streets and Major Lazer, South West Four is a celebration of music and culture set to fill south London with the sounds of techno, drum and bass, grime and garage from the biggest names of the genre.
![Major Lazer & DJ Snake - Lean On (feat. MØ) [Official Music Video]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/YqeW9_5kURI/0.jpg)
Green Man Festival
2020 line-up: Michael Kiwanuka, Caribou, Mac Demarco, Little Dragon, Goldfrapp, Thundercat, Agnes Obel, Parquet Courts
When: 20 – 23 August 2020
Where: Near Crickhowell, Brecon Beacons
Taking its name from the symbol of rebirth, a representation of the cycle of growth each spring, Green Man returns this August. From laughs to literature, music and arts, the ten areas of Green Man offer something for everyone. Fortune Falls, for example, presents festival goers with the chance to escape down a leafy track leading to the Green Man Rising stage, a home for the up-and-coming headliners of the future, while being taken on an interactive and immersive journey through a forest of art installations. And that’s not all… young children can find inspiration at Little Folk while teens are invited to spend time in Somewhere. Plus there’s a stellar music, comedy and arts line-up to take you well into the evening.
Boardmasters
2020 line-up: Skepta, Kings of Leon, The 1975, Dizzee Rascal, Sam Fender, The Kooks, Loyle Carner, Mura Masa
When: 5 – 9 August 2020
Where: Newquay, Cornwall
All the sun sea and sand you could ever want in Cornwall, plus an eclectic line-up of grime and indie hitmakers topping the bill. With music taking place across 12 uniquely curated stages, a dazzling wellbeing programme including aerial and beach yoga, plus mega after-parties, boat parties and more, Boardmasters continues to set the perfect coastal festival bar high. There’s also a host of family-friendly activities in the Family Field – from craft workshops to family yoga and acrobatics. If being near to the sea isn’t enough, dive in and take to surfing. Festival-goers can hit the waves alongside surfing pros. New to the sport? Take part in some lessons and learn to surf. Or if you just want to watch, don’t miss the WSL competitions.
Check out all of our UK festival listings on our Festival Finder guide.
