Looking for the best festivals in the UK in 2026? From major music festivals like Reading and Leeds Festival and BST Hyde Park to family-friendly events, food festivals, wellness retreats and camping weekends, we’ve rounded up the biggest UK festivals worth booking this year.
If you’re planning to spend long days outdoors this summer, don’t forget to pack the best heatwave essentials before heading off. While many of the UK’s biggest festivals put live music centre stage, there are also incredible events celebrating the country’s thriving food scene, wellness experiences and outdoor culture across England, Scotland and Wales.
In recent years, wellness festivals have become increasingly popular as more people look to prioritise their physical and mental wellbeing, making the UK home to some of Europe’s best boutique wellness experiences.
Whether you’re planning a weekend escape, searching for the best music festivals in the UK or looking for a family-friendly day out, The Women’s Journal has rounded up the festivals worth adding to your calendar. And while Glastonbury and Wireless are taking a break this year, there are still plenty of incredible events taking place across the country.
From indie music festivals and foodie favourites to family-friendly gatherings and camping weekends, these are the best UK festivals to book in 2026.
Best Music Festivals in the UK
BST Hyde Park
Since 2013, BST Hyde Park has welcomed artists across music genres during the summer in London. The event is now hosted across multiple weekends, and it features both musicians on the rise and legacy bands. Considered one of the best music festivals in the UK, BST Hyde Park is bound to attract crowds of all ages to catch live performances from Maroon 5, Kesha, Duran Duran, and Holly Humberstone.
Looking for inspiration before the gates open? Take a look at our festival makeup looks guide for wearable beauty ideas that last from day to night and pair your festival beauty look with one of this year’s trending festival hairstyles, from bubble braids to accessorised updos designed to last all weekend.
Dates: 27 June – 12 July 2026
Boardmasters Festival
If you are feeling the urge to listen to Lily Allen perform some of the confessional hits off her album, West End Girl, then you are in luck. Boardmasters, a music festival set on Fistral Beach in Cornwall, will have Allen as a headliner. Other artists to look forward to at the music-meets-surfing festival include The Kooks and Kasabian. Aside from the concerts taking place throughout the day, festival goers also get to hit the waves and participate in surf competitions.
Dates: 5-9 August 2026
All Points East
In case you are searching for a vibrant music festival in the heart of East London, All Points East has an exciting lineup, with Lorde confirmed as a headliner on the first weekend. Located at Victoria Park, the ten-day festival is set to welcome a crowd of music lovers eager to enjoy sets from hitmakers like Zara Larsson and PinkPantheress.
Maybe the latter two could even share the stage, gracing us with a live performance of “Stateside”. There will also be an assortment of street food stalls and bar options to delight in, exclusive merch, and chill-out zones to restore the energy in between sets.
Dates: 21-30 August 2026
Reading and Leeds Festival
Reading and Leeds Festival, one of the best music festivals in the UK, will likely fill the Glastonbury void this year. For the first time in 25 years, all the headliners are from the UK and Ireland. Don’t miss out on the chance to watch Charli XCX, Florence & The Machine, and Raye as they take on the main stage and make the crowd go wild.
Bear in mind that some acts will only perform at one of the two locations. Reading and Leeds will happen over a bank holiday weekend, so this is also the perfect opportunity to camp on site.
Dates: 27-30 August 2026
Best Food Festivals in the UK
Dorset Seafood Festival
A beloved food and drink festival will return to Weymouth Harbour this summer, and best of all, it’s completely free. Indulge in tasty dishes by renowned chefs and enjoy live entertainment at the Dorset Seafood Festival, a community event that has been running for over 17 years.
With recent support from the Dorset Council, the festival can finally prepare for a long-awaited homecoming. The Dorset Seafood Festival celebrates the fishing heritage in the region and highlights Weymouth’s vibrant coastal food scene. Make sure to stick around for the cheese tastings happening at the Chef Demo Stage, where you’ll get to decide which beers pair well with each cheese option.
Dates: 4-5 July 2026
Oswestry Food and Drink Festival
Prepare for one of the friendliest food festivals in the UK. The Oswestry Food and Drink Festival offers some of the finest local foods and drink selections of the region for FREE. For those who have dietary restrictions, the event will also feature gluten-free options as well as vegan and vegetarian dishes. More than 30 producers and tastemakers will be in attendance and ready to surprise you with delicious treats.
On Sunday, families will get the chance to participate in cookie-decorating stations and pizza-making activities. Aside from eating food by local chefs, festivalgoers will also get to do some cooking of their own. There will be pop-up bars on site and live music, which will only enhance the Oswestry Food and Drink Festival experience.
Dates: 4-5 July 2026
Vegan Food Festivals in the UK
Some of the best food festivals in the UK will appease vegan foodies. Vegan Events UK has been hosting a variety of festivals featuring a variety of plant-based food options and foods, on top of other sustainable goodies sold on site. The next two coming up in July are the Nottinghamshire Vegan Festival and the Glasgow Vegan Summer Festival. Both events will showcase local businesses and give attendees the chance to taste delicious and unique takes on vegan cuisine.
According to festival organiser and Vegan Events UK founder Victoria Bryceson, “Whether you are vegan, vegetarian, or flexitarian; want to find out more about plant-based living or a vegan lifestyle; or simply want to enjoy a great day out, everyone is welcome.” Discover local produce, roam around the street food market without worrying about checking labels, and test vegan lifestyle brands that might become your new go-to.
Dates: 5 July, 12 July, 5 September and 13 September 2026
Smoke & Fire Festival
The UK’s largest BBQ and outdoor cooking festival will soon celebrate its 10th anniversary. The event that specialises in the art of cooking with fire will be held at Promenade Park in Essex. Prepare for a weekend that will keep your taste buds ablaze, featuring food made by festival favourites and newcomers.
Samantha Evans and Shauna Guinn from BBC’s Sam and Shauna’s Big Cook-Out will host the cooking celebration, which will include fire-cooking demonstrations, hot wings eating challenges, and dynamic workshops where visitors step up to the grill and improve their BBQ skills. The festival also features championships in which British and European teams compete for their spots in the BBQ World Cup.
Dates: 15-16 August 2026
Best Boutique and Wellness Festivals in the UK
Love Trails Festival
There is nothing like a good post-workout energy boost, and the Love Trails Festival will certainly get your body moving. Spend your days running, hiking, and exploring at this four-day trail celebration held in South Wales. Ticket holders get to participate in a trail race, camp on-site, enjoy relaxing yoga sessions, and dance to live DJ sets.
This isn’t a typical wellness festival, as it combines interactive activities with leisure. It has the right amount of adventure while also making room for live music and outdoor film screenings.
Dates: 2-6 July 2026
Wilderness Festival
Spending time outdoors is an easy way to keep your well-being in check, and one of the best boutique and wellness festivals in the UK is set in the wilderness. Better yet, it also features an extensive music line-up and insightful panel discussions. The Wilderness Festival will take over Cornbury Park soon, providing attendees with the opportunity to choose their own adventure.
Whether you’d like to treat yourself to a The Last Dinner Party performance or prefer a relaxing experience designed to maximise euphoria, this festival has something for everyone. It is also deemed a fitting replacement for Glastonbury this year.
Dates: 30 July – 2 August 2026
Live Well Festival
For those looking for UK festivals where you can wind down and prioritise both your mental and physical health, you’ll be pleased to know that Allbright’s Live Well Festival is dedicated to women’s well-being. This tentpole event will present sustainable ways to add wellness to your daily routine while also allowing for your career to flourish.
The theme for this year’s edition will be The Longevity Blueprint, and guest speakers like Kelechi Okafor and Rose Ferguson will touch on practical strategies to balance health, energy, and ambition throughout different life stages. There will also be immersive wellbeing experiences, restorative treatments, and interactive workshops.
Dates: 25 September 2026
Best Family-Friendly Festivals in the UK
Henley Festival
Celebrate art and culture while dressed up to the nines at the Henley Festival. The only black-tie music event in the UK returns in a few weeks, and you won’t want to miss it. It takes place next to the River Thames and offers an immersive experience, with attendees getting to participate in some of the performances.
In addition to the music, there is much to explore at the Sculpture Garden, where several art installations will be on display. For parents looking to join in but unsure if it’s family-friendly, we are pleased to share that the festival will transform into a vibrant wonderland for children on Sunday morning.
Dates: 8-12 July 2026
Neighbourhood On Blackheath Festival
School is out for the summer, and Neighbourhood On Blackheath offers FREE programming that appeals to festival goers of all ages. London’s top family-friendly festival is a great opportunity to make lasting memories without going over budget. Catch performances from bands playing timeless tunes and modern hits, and join karaoke sessions. Attendees can brace themselves for a day of exciting activities, including rides, sports games, bouncy castles, and more. Gourmet bites and stocked bars will also be available at the festival.
Dates: 26 July 2026
Deva Fest
The Deva Fest is considered one of the best family-friendly festivals in the UK. This edition promises to be the festival’s most immersive programming yet, with the inclusion of themed entertainment, comedy shows, food experiences, and family attractions. Festivalgoers can also check out live-fire cooking demonstrations by Dragons’ Den alums Lumberjaxe.
The Sailor’s Rest stage will welcome an eclectic lineup of performers, from emerging names to Irish live music sessions. Headliners for this year include Jessie J, Ash, and Ronan Keating. To cater to families with young kids, the festival runs a silent disco during late hours.
Dates: 6-9 August 2026
Best UK Festivals for Camping & Weekend Escapes
Camp Bestival Dorset
The best UK festivals for camping are those that combine full-scale entertainment with cosy camping traditions. Camp Bestival offers live music, theatrical performances, comedic acts, and plenty of family fun. Set in Lulworth Castle on the Jurassic Coast, this event focuses on bringing people together through creativity, discovery, and engaging activities.
Camp Bestival has earned a reputation as one of the best family-friendly festivals in the UK because kids can participate in hands-on workshops and play spaces. At the same time, parents can enjoy the performers taking the stage. Enjoy a camping holiday, where you’ll have plenty of attractions to choose from within the arts, wellness, and lifestyle sectors.
Before heading off, make sure you’ve packed your festival beauty essentials, including SPF, setting spray and long-lasting skincare to keep you protected and your makeup looking fresh throughout the weekend.
Dates: 30 July – 2 August 2026
Good Vibrations Society Festival
The Good Vibrations Society Festival is a weekend-long gathering where music, ecology, and wellness intersect. It takes place in Ashdown Forest, a perfect location for those seeking an authentic camping experience. Enjoy music from across genres and dance in the middle of nature at a festival where attendees look to nurture their souls.
More so than Camp Bestival, this event has a wellness focus, featuring FREE yoga classes, a wild spa, and talks in the forest. Families with children are welcome at the festival and will likely find ways to reconnect with each other through relaxation and play.
Dates: 31 July – 2 August 2026
The Big Retreat Cambridgeshire
Looking for a weekend escape near the end of summer? The Big Retreat is a grown-up getaway that promises relaxation, inspiration, and pure joy. There are over 300 curated on-site experiences, ranging from calming yoga sessions to cooking demonstrations that’ll appease your tastebuds.
Unwind with the Woodland Spa, get creative with arts and crafts workshops, and engage in various fitness activities (including wild swimming). The Big Retreat is one of the best UK festivals for camping because it offers mind-body-soul experiences that’ll help you recharge and feel good again.
Dates: 11-13 September 2026
As these festivals involve camping and long days outdoors, don’t forget to pack plenty of sunscreen, water and other heatwave essentials before you travel.
Best Festivals in London & Major UK Cities
Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Most of the festivals on this list feature music, food, and wellness, but the Edinburgh Fringe Festival caters to theatre enthusiasts. Performers from around the globe participate in this celebration, presenting some of their inventive stage plays. Catch shows in traditional spaces, as well as unexpected locations, such as bars and buses repurposed for a given performance.
From musicals to operas to circus acts, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival has something for everyone to indulge in. This is the chance to get familiar with unknown artists and witness stage productions that touch on current affairs and pop culture.
Dates: 7-31 August 2026
Notting Hill Carnival
60 years in, the Notting Hill Carnival is getting ready for its greatest bash yet. The festivities will take place on the August bank holiday and will continue to celebrate Caribbean history and culture through music, dance, and community-building activities. Given the carnival’s milestone this year, there has been additional programming happening in the lead-up to the event. This world-famous London street festival will attract thousands of people bearing costumes, flags, and jewels, all ready to join the party. Expect a vibrant parade, soca music, and food stalls serving Caribbean delights.
Dates: 30-31 August 2026
Green Man Festival
One of the best festivals happening outside of London is Green Man. The anticipated event has a stacked lineup, featuring Celeste, Wolf Alice, and Alexis Taylor. Set in the Welsh countryside, it also promises to be an exciting weekend of music, art, and science. The festival’s popularity has made it one of the hottest tickets in the UK this summer. As the name suggests, Green Man has an indie appeal, continuing to have green policies in place and getting energy from sustainable means.
Dates: 20-23 August 2026
