Glastonbury is taking a fallow year in 2026. Still, the season is packed with big names, returning events and new options for every kind of festivalgoer.

Where to go: the big multi‑day gatherings

If you want the full weekend experience — tents, late sets and that shared sense of being somewhere else — there are plenty of choices even with Glastonbury off the calendar. Reading and Leeds run from 27 to 30 August and boast a stacked bill with British and Irish headliners including Charli XCX, Chase & Status, Dave, Florence + The Machine, Fontaines D.C. And Raye; Leeds also has a Thursday-night exclusive from Kasabian.

Isle of Wight is back in 2026, staged between 18 and 21 June, and offers headliners such as Lewis Capaldi, The Cure and Teddy Swims alongside a hometown slot for Wet Leg. Boardmasters returns to Cornwall across early August — the event spans Watergate Bay and Fistral Beach and lists Fatboy Slim, Lily Allen and The Kooks among its artists.

TRNSMT in Glasgow provides a non‑camping alternative for a multi‑day hit, running across three days in June with acts including CMAT, Wolf Alice and Two Door Cinema Club.

Weekend festival life comes in many flavours: coastal, indie‑focused, dance‑led and mainstream pop. Pick the vibe you want and then check the festival’s own site for tickets and site maps.

Single‑day and city shows

Not everyone wants to camp. Single‑day events let you see headline artists without the sleeping bag. BST Hyde Park stages multiple dates in late June and early July, with artists such as Maroon 5, Mumford & Sons and Garth Brooks due to appear across the series.

All Points East will bring big names to Victoria Park in late August, including Jorja Smith, Lorde and Twenty One Pilots. BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend heads to Sunderland from 22 to 24 May, with Olivia Dean, Zara Larsson and Niall Horan on the bill.

There are fresh, smaller series too: Leeds will host Roundhay in July with its first shows announced, featuring Pitbull and Lewis Capaldi. Single‑day festivals are the obvious choice if you need a proper bed afterwards or are planning to combine a concert with a city break.

Genres and smaller favourites

For people who chase a specific sound, there are options beyond the mainstream line‑ups. End of the Road at Larmer Tree Gardens stays true to its indie and eclectic roots and celebrates its 20th anniversary with artists including Pulp, Mac DeMarco and CMAT. Gottwood, on Anglesey, keeps an intimate focus on electronic music and is marking its 15th year with a new 24‑hour licence — a draw for dedicated dance crowds.

Mastheads

Boardmasters blends music with the surf scene and tends to attract a mix of names across rock, pop and electronic music. Smaller weekend festivals often offer a more curated feel and can be easier on the wallet if you book in advance and pick non‑peak days.

Ticket prices and what to expect

Prices vary festival to festival. That’s been the consistent message from listings this season — some events run multiple dates and ticket tiers, others have weekend camping passes or single‑day options. If price is the main concern, day tickets for city events tend to be cheaper than a full weekend with camping, but you also pay for convenience — and for travel.

That said, look, many major festivals offer tiered pricing: early‑bird releases, general sale and last‑minute tickets can all carry different costs. Camping adds another layer of spend — you’re paying for a plot, and sometimes for extras like power, showers or a car‑park pass. Some festivals sell glamping packages and pre‑erected tents for people who want comfort without the hassle.

Secondary markets exist for sold‑out events, but prices there can climb quickly and the risk of scams is real. The safest route is to buy through the festival’s official box office or authorised resellers — check the festival’s website for the link it endorses.

How to spend less

Advance planning helps. Early releases usually offer the best value and instalment plans are a common option for pricier weekend tickets. Travel and accommodation can dominate the total cost, so team up with friends for car shares, or consider railcards if you’re travelling by train.

That said, stretching the budget doesn’t mean you have to miss out. Single‑day tickets, local camping alternatives (B&Bs, hostels) and volunteering programmes at some festivals can shave costs. Food and drink inside sites is often expensive, so bring refillable bottles and scout cheaper options at the festival perimeter where vendors may be more competitive.

Practical tips for first‑timers

Arrive early on the first day to bag a decent spot, especially at unreserved stages. Pack for changeable weather; a sunny forecast can flip in 24 hours. Keep essentials together — a waterproof, spare socks, charger and a basic first‑aid kit — and make a meeting point with friends in case phones lose signal.

Security and entry rules differ. Some festivals prohibit large bags or certain items; others have clear policies on re‑entry. Check the festival’s terms before you travel. And if you’re driving, find out whether the ticket includes parking or if you need to book a separate pass.

New returns and surprises

A notable return this year is the Isle of Wight Festival — back after a long break and promising a mix of veteran acts and newer names. Festivals change year to year: line‑ups evolve, new stages appear and family areas expand. Expect organisers to continue experimenting with day formats and curated series to suit different audiences.

Smaller promoters are also testing new sites and shorter‑run events. That variety is good for music fans who don’t want the mega‑festival experience but still want top acts and lively atmospheres.

How to pick this summer

Decide what matters most: seeing specific artists, camping with friends, staying in a city or minimising cost. If headline names are your priority, check line‑ups carefully — Reading and Leeds, BST Hyde Park and Isle of Wight have major headliners across the season. If you want a genre focus, look at festivals like Gottwood for electronic music or End of the Road for indie and folk‑leaning bills.

Finally, leave time for downtime. Festivals are a lot of fun, but pacing yourself makes the weekend far more enjoyable.

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Reading and Leeds take place from 27 to 30 August, while the Isle of Wight runs from 18 to 21 June.

This article was created with AI assistance.