How To Choose The Right Summer Festival For You In The UK

Summer 2025 is shaping up to be one of the best yet for festival goers: there are literally hundreds to choose from, with new events popping up around the country all the time. The promising weather so far will no doubt whet people’s appetite for the outdoors, and tickets will be selling fast.

However, it’s worth spending some time researching which festival will suit you best before jumping at the chance to snap up hot tickets. Don’t forget to consider how you will get there as well— coach hire is a great option if you are travelling in a group. It can work out cheaper than public transport or even paying for fuel and parking. 

Here’s our handy guide to choosing the right festival for you and your companions. 

Finding your vibe

There are dozens of festival genres and subgenres: music festivals dominate, but consider the overall vibe of the festival as well as the line up. For example, some festivals such as Latitude and Camp Bestival have a very chilled, family-friendly atmosphere. 

Glastonbury and Green Man are great if you love exploring alternative culture and have particular ethical values such as veganism. Some festivals have an edgier feel and are more suitable for over 18s only. Music isn’t the be all or end all either: there are book festivals, wellness festivals, foodie festivals, and much more. 

That said, most music festivals diversify their content considerably, offering stages for comedy, poetry, drama, discussions and much more. They are usually packed with additional activities and attractions as well, such as craft making and kid’s play areas; yoga retreats and meditation sessions; cocktail masterclasses and more. 

Size 

Larger festivals will naturally offer a greater variety and volume of acts, activities and stalls to choose between, and they can have a great energy and exciting atmosphere. They are more likely to have big-name bands and global superstars that you perhaps won’t have another chance to see again soon, and all the fanfare and fireworks that go with them. 

However, the performers can feel a long way from you, and walking around the site can be physically draining. If you find big crowds overwhelming and you prefer a more intimate atmosphere where you can see the acts without watching them on a giant screen, then a smaller festival may be the way to go. 

Look out for newer or niche festivals that have crowds of between 1,000 and 5,000 people. This can also be a great opportunity to discover new acts before they hit the big time, or just to explore a musical genre that you weren’t previously familiar with. 

The location

Do you love the idea of a countryside escape and camping under the stars? Or do you buzz off the energy of an urban setting in the middle of a vibrant city? Larger rural festivals such as Glastonbury can feel like miniature cities, so look for something a little different such as Kendal Calling in the Lake District. 

If you prefer to be at the heart of things, then check out Manchester’s Parklife festival, which is just a few miles from the city centre, or BST in Hyde Park, London. 

Accomodation 

If you are making a weekend of it, then you’ll need to decide if you are happy to pitch a tent, or if you want something a little more comfortable. If you live nearish, then you could consider daily travel, but the traffic is likely to be heavy. Some festivals offer ‘glamping’ options, with a more luxurious camping experience such as yurts, caravans or cabins. 

These sites often have exclusive toilets and showers, and private bar areas where you can chill away from the main site. Otherwise, check out local Airbnb or hotel options, although these tend to be booked up well in advance near to some of the bigger festival sites. 

Budget

Consider your budget as well: the cost of a festival can mount up once you have taken into account the ticket price, travel, food and drink, and accommodation. 

Finally, as soon as you have made your choice and coordinated the dates in your diary, get the tickets and travel booked, because the best festivals sell out fast.