With summer on the horizon the festival season is rapidly approaching. Gabriella Davis checks out some of the best festivals Southern England has to offer. Good times, listening to good music, creating good memories.
It’s hard not to catch the festival bug this time of year, the sun is finally starting to peep through the clouds promising to deliver longer days and warmer nights, whispers are circulating of forthcoming barbecues, and did someone say Pimm’s?!
Whether you’re a glamper, camper or just a day visitor enjoy the atmosphere, music and chilled vibes British festivals have to offer this summer; from big well-known festivals that offer the fun, sun and often mud, to smaller, more secretive gems, there is a festival to suit everyone. Why go abroad when Surrey and Southern England have great fields to offer your summer and music fix. All we ask is you clear your calendar to fit musical mayhem in all summer long.
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Richard Dunwoody
One Live Festival
Stoke Park, Nightingale Road , Guildford, GU1 1EROne Live Festival - For animal lovers
Supervet Noel Fitzpatrick will be putting on One Live for the third year in a row at Loseley Park in the heart of Guildford. The concert's aims are twofold:
1) To raise money in aid of the Humanimal Trust for One Medicine. The aim of the trust is to promote the idea of one medicine: a cooperation between doctors and vets to share resources in the fight against diseases. Noel's work in the area of bionic limb replacements in animals, for example, is years ahead of the same medicinal technology for humans. Noel wants to be able to share that knowledge to benefit humanity and vice versa; hence the name, Humanimal.
2) To make science sexy again and just generally have a bloody good time.
Helping the big hearted super vet will be a number of similarly kind hearted bands including The Boomtown Rats, Republica, Toploader, Melanie C, Hunter and The Bear, and Reverend & The Makers. The acts were chosen specifically by Noel Fitzpatrick and the entire concert is funded by him personally. The concert is great value at less than £40 for a ticket and promises to be an amazing day spreading love, hope and joy to all in attendance.
"I have committed my entire life and everything I stand for to this goal. The future of our children and the planet they inherit depends on what we do now. I will literally die trying to make this solidarity of purpose a reality" Noel Fitzpatrick.
When: July 8th
Family rating: 4/5
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Happy Days Festival
Happy Days Festival - For retro ravers
The 40-acre site of Imber Court will host a two day, non-camping festival focusing on perfectly blending three decades of amazing music into one long bank holiday weekend. Playing a combination of music from the 1970s, 80s and 90s, headliners will include Holly Johnson, Billy Ocean, Tony Hadley, Go West, Sister Sledge and many more. There will be a themed retro-bar, pyrotechnics, games area and family fun activities. Adult tickets start at £50 for the day and £90 for the weekend; children under 12 go free when accompanied by a paying adult.
When: 27-28 May (Bank Holiday)
Family rating: 4/5
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Common People Festival
Common People Southampton - For a student buzz
After two extremely successful years the sister of Bestival is returning to Southampton Common. Requirements of the terms and conditions are ‘bring good vibes only’ and ‘you must have lots of fun, it’s the law’, so we can guarantee the atmosphere will be friendly and happy. Students usually form the majority of the 30,000 festival go-ers. Highlights of the event will include Tom Odell, Loyle Carner, Sean Paul, and Groove Armada. It is a non-camping festival but there are accommodation facilities dotted around nearby. Adult tickets range from £29.50 for the day and £55 for the weekend, there are also family group ticket packages available.
When: 27-28 May (Bank Holiday)
Family rating: 2/5
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Camberley International Festival
Camberley International Festival - For theatre fanatics
The 51st Camberley International Festival promises 10 days of music, comedy, film and the arts in the heart of Surrey Heath. The festival will feature performances by Oysterband, Blackwaters, Annabel Allum and many, many more. Each main event will host 400 people and the tickets for the main events range from £19- £22. There will be a number of fringe events taking place around Camberley including comedy performances such as Graeme of Thrones and All Star Stand Up. A rooftop cinema is a new addition this year showing great films. BAFTA Award winning and Golden Globe nominee actress Juliet Aubrey will also be participating in the festivities.
When: 7-17 June
Family rating: 4/5
Looking for another great summer round up? You can check our our list of the best staycations in Surrey and the south for a cheaper holidaying option by clicking here
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Weyfest
Weyfest - For families and firsts
Weyfest is a premium boutique-style festival that promises a stress-free weekend with over 30 hours of music, camping, posh loos and activities to keep the children happy. Set in the open-air museum of The Rural Life Centre, this venue boasts natural beauty and local artefacts. It even has a working light railway circling the perimeter of the grounds. Headliners include Alison Moyet, Buzzocks and Jools Holland. Voted one of the UK's top festivals by Planet Rock listeners and the Daily Telegraph, this small venue is the perfect way to ease you into the festival scene. There are camping and glamping facilities available, and parking is free. Tickets range from £35 for an adult day pass to £80 for an adult weekend pass.
When: 18 – 20 August
Family rating: 5/5
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Albury Music Festival
Albury Cricket Ground New Road, Albury, GU5Albury Music Festival - For local talent seekers
Albury Music Festival is Surrey's best kept secret. Set in the picturesque landscape of Albury Cricket Ground it is a one day event showcasing many talented musicians from the local area performing a mixture of covers and original material. This festival is run by volunteers from the local community, and is now in its eighteenth year. This year will host headliners such as Hellsinki V and Blind Alley. Bring a picnic or grab food from a plethora of food and drink stalls. Kids' activities will be available in the form of bouncy castles and face painting.
When: 17 July (2pm- 8pm)
Family rating: 5/5
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Reading Music Festival
Little John's Farm Richfield Avenue, Reading, RG30 1ABReading Festival - For a bigger festival scene
One of the more successful festivals in the UK, Reading Festival hosts some of the biggest names in rock, indie and alternative genres. Boasting over 7 campsites and a huge arena, Reading festival welcomes people from all walks of life. Largely focusing on a younger crowd it is a genuine rite of passage for discerning music lovers everywhere. The festival tends to be rowdy in some campsites. However, as per the festival code, everyone is laid back and happy to be there. Although families are not encouraged, the White camping zone is a quieter area if families do wish to stay. The line-up never fails to disappoint with huge acts such as Kasabian, Bastille, Eminem, Major Lazer, Muse and Liam Gallagher headlining. Tickets range from £213 for the weekend and £72 for the day.
When: 25- 28 August
Family rating: 1/5
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Kew the Music
Kew Gardens Kew, Richmond, TW9 3ABKew the Music - For a relaxed evening of al fresco live music
Bring your own picnic, chairs and alcohol, sit back and listen to live performances set within the stunning grounds of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. This year listen to Passenger, Mary J Blige, Razorlight, All Saints, Melanie C and Reef. This five-evening festival attracts an adult crowd but children are more than welcome to join in the fun. Tickets range from £44 - £55 depending on the act you choose to see. Admission starts from 6pm and the music stops by 10:30pm. The atmosphere is sophisticated and relaxed.
When: 11- 16 July (6pm- 10:30pm)
Family rating: 2/5
Hungry for more great summer content? You can check out our round up of the best food and drinks festivals in Surrey & SW London by clicking here
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Blissfields Music Festival
Vicarage Farm Woodmancott Lane, Winchester, SO12 3BLBlissfields - For hippie vibes
The theme of this year’s Blissfields is ‘Bizarre’. Explore both the very the real and the very unreal of the bizarre. Blissfields will be the gateway into new frontiers where only the unexpected can be assumed. Get your tinfoil hat on, pile the televisions from floor to ceiling, and play nothing but David Lynch in reverse. The Twilight Zone is coming to Hampshire; are you? With their biggest ever installation- venue crossover this year will include The Hidden Hedge, Blisscoteque and The Bay. With capacity of around 4,000 the atmosphere has a chilled buzz. Camping facilities are spacious and well laid out, creating areas for families, live-in vehicles, boutique campers and general campers. Tickets for an adult are £110 for the weekend. Headliners include The Cinematic Orchestra and Metronomy.
How about this for a great family friendly touch: they have a new initiative whereby kids can attend a day of Blissfields legally as off-site learning, meaning they officially don't miss a day of school.
When: 1 – 2 July
Family rating: 4/5
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Wild Life Festival
The Terminal Building Cecil Pashley Way, Shoreham-by-Sea, BN43 5FFWild Life Festival - For new festival seekers
Voted ‘best new festival’ in the 2015 UK festival awards, Wildlife Festival is orchestrated by successful artists Disclosure and Rudimental. This festival features some of the most current artists in the mix right now, such as Jess Glynne, Stormzy, Clean Bandit and Rag'n'Bone Man. Although it’s non-camping there is a regular bus service that takes you to and from the festival site, however based on reviews from last year it could save a lot of time and stress to drive or organise a taxi. With 35,000 people in the venue each day there is a exciting and happy atmosphere. Weekend tickets are £115.50 and day tickets £64.90.
When: 9 – 10 June
Family rating: 2/5
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Party in the Park
1 Kingfield Road, Surrey, GU22 9BAParty in the Park - For swingin' sixties and psychedelic seventies lovers
The 'Woodstock of Woking' brings you the glam and groove of the 60s and 70s- for free! This year's theme was chosen in honour of Rick Parfitt from Status Quo, and the festival will also pay homage to Paul Weller’s world famous band The Jam, both of whose origins are rooted in Woking. Get ready to indulge in a whole day of peace, rock and roll at the most hotly anticipated summer party in Surrey. There will be entertainment from a wide range of local bands, professional artistes and community groups.
When: 8 July (12pm - 9pm)
Family Rating: 5/5
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Boomtown
Boomtown - For the innovative, creative and imaginative souls
Offering its 60,000 visitors a fully immersive, theatrically-led experience like no other, Boomtown is an intense music experience not for the fainthearted. From mindblowing main stages to enchanting backstreet micro-venues, Boomtown's nine fully themed districts vibrate night and day to a soundtrack exploring everything from ska, folk, gypsy, reggae, world, punk, pirate and disco, via electro-swing, jazz, bluegrass, bass, jungle and techno. If you want to be down with the kids or want to surprise your teenagers with the perfect present then look no further than Boomtown. Weekend camping tickets £202.
When: 10-13 August
Family rating: 1/5
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Wychwood Festival
Wychwood Festival - For the family festival goer
Every year Wychwood puts on over 100 artists across 4 stages with a wide breadth of music styles. Extra activities include over 100 workshops for all ages, a comedy stage, a kids literature festival, a real ale festival, the Headphone Disco every night, great food, optional idyllic camping plus lots more. There is just so much to do for all ages at Wychwood; no wonder it is Britain's most popular family festival. Headliners include The Levellers, Buzzocks, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark and many more acts. Ticket prices vary with day tickets from £47-61 and 3 day weekend tickets costing £140.
When: 2-4 June
Family rating: 5/5
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South West Four
Windmill Drive, Wandsworth, SW4 9DESouth West Four - For dance anthem fans who want to take the clubbing experience outside
SW4 returns for another weekend of big drops, club anthems and arms in the air this August. No need for Ibiza when Clapham Common can offer you all the big beats and best big-room house, EDM, electro, techno and trance. The headliners keep getting bigger: this year Pendulum, Sigma, Duke Dumont, Hannah Wants, Congo Natty, Sub Focus, Example & DJ Wire are on the cards. Day tickets range from £55-£57.50 whilst weekend tickets are a reasonable £105.
When: 26 - 27 August
Family rating: 1/5
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Rewind Festival
Temple Island Meadows , Henley on ThamesRewind Festival - For people that just can't let go of the 80's
Sit back and Rewind! This music festival is all things 'awesome' and 'rad' with killer colours and great 80's music. Besides the fabulous main stage line-up promising Status Quo, Level 42, Village People and Midge Ure there are loads of other things going on around the festival site such as the funfair, silent disco, kidszone, fireworks and river taxis. Most festivals can't offer picturesque boat rides in the lovely town of Henley-on-thames like Rewind. Both camping and glamping is available from £125. However, if you want to experience the whole fun-packed weekend with no camping then tickets are £107.50. Day tickets are £59.50.
When: 18-20 August
Family rating: 3/5
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We are FSTVL
Aveley Road, Upminster, RM14 2TNWe are FSTVL - For dance divas and raving rascals
The multi-award winning dance music festival this year celebrates it's 5th birthday and camping for the first time for one MASSIVE May bank holiday weekend it looks like its going to be a sell out. The festival grows year on year! We Are FSTVL will host over 300 artists across five brand new zones and 30 stages, including some of the biggest and most globally recognised names in electronic dance music, as well as some of the world’s leading club brands and labels. The line up includes Dizzee Rascal, Craig David presents TS5, Basement Jaxx, Katy B and Duke Dumont. Tickets are almost sold out, and range from £67.50-£69.50 per day to £169.50 for 3 day weekend camping.
When: 26 -28 May
Family rating: 1/5
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One Love Festival
Highden Estate Worthing, West Sussex, RH20 4BAOne Love Festival - For lovers of one thing... reggae
As long as you love reggae you will love this festival. Aside from reggae music there is reggaeducation throughout the weekend with talks, Q&A’s from the performing artists, guest speakers, book signings, record signings, special film showings and art exhibitions – hosted by Bunny Lee and friends, and the Reggae Film UK Festival. New to 2017, One Love Festival proudly presents a new woodland adventure aimed at both children and adults where you can enjoy workshops such as yoga, sound baths, meditations, communal drumming sessions and active art exhibitions. One Love festival is spreading a message of love, community and empowerment. It's perfect for just before school starts up in early September. Tickets are £35 for one day or £110 for the weekend.
When: 1 - 3 September
Family rating: 3/5
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Wireless
Finsbury Park Endymion Rd, City of London, N4 1EEWireless - For the big chart artists and strictly no camping
Finsbury Park plays host to this hugely popular festival that is a strictly no-overnight affair. Phew! No need to try and avoid camping if it isn't allowed. Look out for international chart-smashing artists like The Weeknd, Chance the Rapper, Zara Larsson, Sean Paul and Skepta. For three days Wireless hosts the best of hip hop, R&B and rap; where else would you want to be? Tickets range from £55 - £62 per day.
When: 7 - 9 July
Family rating: 2/5
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Funk the Format
Hove Park , Brighton and HoveFunk the Format - For grown-ups who want to feel good
Funk the Format provides a beautiful festival in Hove Park for grown-ups who share love for soul, reggae, latin, jazz, funk, disco, drum n bass, hip hop and related grooves. Listen to the likes of Alice Russell, Norman Jay MBE, Goldie and the Heritage Orchestra Ensemble with more acts to be announced. Escape the kids for one day this summer holiday and let loose. Tickets currently £35 but will go up £40 on final release.
When: 17 June
Family rating: 0/5
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Henley Festival
Henley Festival - For welly haters
Situated riverside in the town of Henley-on-Thames, this is the most sophisticated music festival you will ever attend. Ditch the wellies and don your finest attire ... think bow ties, dinner jackets, heels, sequins and sparkles. This boutique festival is a place to soak up the atmosphere and be entertained whilst experiencing a vibrant programme from pop to world music, classical to jazz. Here, art, comedy and gastronomy share equal billing with music. Headliners this year are Jess Glynne, Pet Shop Boys, Ronnie Scott's All Stars and Chaka Khan. Get your tickets starting from £80-£120. The festival has a dedicated family friendly Sunday where music, comedy, visual and performance art feature, tailored for the younger audience.
When: 5 - 9 July
Family rating: 5-8 July 1/5, 9 July 5/5
Looking something to keep the kids occupied over summer? You can check out our round up of the best UK residential summer camps by clicking here
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Wilderness Festival
Cornbury Park , Oxfordshire, OX7 3EHWilderness Festival - For people who want to feel young, wild and free
Set amongst the lakes, forests and parkland of Oxfordshire’s exquisite Cornbury Estate, this music festival embraces the wild! Aside from a stellar line up including Two Door Cinema Club, Bonobo, Grace Jones and First Aid Kit, there is so much more on offer and something for absolutely everyone. Nomads and gastronomes. Rockers and roamers. Drifters and dreamers. The reclusive, the wise, the weird and the wild. Music, art, theatre, recreation, leisure, talks, debates, workshops and wellbeing ... you get the picture. There is an array of camping from general, quiet, family, boutique, meadow or vehicle on offer so you pick. Admission is for the whole weekend starting from £168.50
When: 3 - 6 August
Family rating: 5/5
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The Great Escape
Brighton and HoveThe Great Escape - For people seeking new music, new trends and new friends
The Great Escape has been firmly established internationally as the leading event for showcasing new music. Taking place in Brighton over 3 days in May, The Great Escape kick-starts the festival season, introducing 16,000 music lovers to the key artists and sounds of the year. There are a lot of new fresh artists and music on the menu. However, performances from Rag'n'Bone Man and Slaves are also expected. 450+ bands. 35 venues. 3 days. At only £65 for all three days it won't break the bank and it really is a great escape. Day tickets range from £35- £42 depending on the day you choose.
When: 18 -20 May
Family rating: 2/5
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Citadel Festival
Victoria Park , City of LondonCitadel Festival - For Sunday music lovers
Let's be honest, it is universally known that Sunday at a music festival is always a damp squib. Fear not, Citadel has sorted us out making Victoria Park a sun-drenched utopia that will be the perfect way to spend your summer Sunday with wonderful music, food, drink, arts and culture. This year sees the stadium-slaying Foals take the reins, alongside Bonobo, Michael Kiwanuka, Wild Beasts, Laura Marling and many more. There's lots for kids as well with special theatre performances, arts and crafts. Tickets cost £55.25
When: 16 July
Family rating: 4/5
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Love Saves The Day
Love Saves The Day - For music pioneers
Love Saves The Day aims to combine the best of Bristol’s thriving underground with pioneering artists from across the globe. The festival showcases a huge variety of different genres and musical styles in one amazing space, such as house, techno, dubstep, alternative and hip hop. This is a day of live music not to be missed. The line up includes Little Dragon, Shy FX, Kate Tempest and Bonzai. Tickets from £43.45 - £54.45
When: 27 - 28 May
Family rating: 1/5
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Barclaycard presents British Summer Time
Hyde Park , City of LondonBarclaycard presents British Summer Time - For the big music name seekers
Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park brings you 10 days of music & entertainment, with legendary headliners & support from today's rising stars
When: 30 June - 9 July.
Family rating: 4/5
If you liked this article why not check out our top food festivals in Surrey and South West London
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