UK festival tickets are costing more: Which ones are worth it this summer?
Festival season has officially arrived, and there are plenty to attend - but with rising prices, music fans are more hesitant to splurge.
So if you want to attend one this year, which festivals look like they are lined up to be the best?
Festival season is a major attraction for everyone. Despite claims that they are getting more expensive each year, that doesn't seem to stop thousands of us from paying to attend.
With such a variety of festivals happening each summer, there seems to be something for everyone.
However, if you are going to splash out your cash, which ones are looking to be the best?
Music News Blitz’s Charlotte Cave gives the rundown.
Music opinion: The feminist question of Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter has quickly become a name few would fail to recognise.
Known for her playful innuendos and witty humour, her songs have gripped the Western world since the 2024 release of “Espresso”.
However, provocative language and chosen aesthetics have resulted in strong public opinion on the feminist position of the star.
With our celebrities continuing to shape wider society, the debate is an undeniably important one.
Yet while much of that debate centres on whether Carpenter's brand of femininity is empowering or regressive, her tendency to provoke political discussion without substantially contributing to it leaves the conversation frustratingly unresolved, writes Music News Blitz’s Katie Slater.
Music news: Summer Walker's ‘Still Finally Over It’ - R&B star enters her arena era
From topping music charts to winning R&B royalty, Summer Walker is reaching new milestones in 2026 with her arena tour, writes Music News Blitz’s Tabitha Kongo.
Driven by her talent for raw emotional lyrics, Walker has made a massive impact and is now celebrating the biggest moment of her career: the ‘Still Finally Over It’ tour.
Walker is currently headlining her first major arena tour, which began on May 26, and it has marked an incredible milestone that has defined her transition from a streaming sensation to a full arena performer.
The tour follows the release of ‘Finally Over It’, which is the final release of her ‘Over It’ and ‘Still Over It’ album trilogy.
Taylor Swift’s surprise Toy Story duet and other memorable covers
Taylor Swift made a surprise appearance at the Toy Story 5 world premiere on Tuesday, held in Los Angeles, writes Music News Blitz’s Megan Hamilton.
The singer put on a pared-back, acoustic performance of her new song ‘I Knew It, I Knew You’, which will feature on the new film’s soundtrack.
Music analysis: The death of the music video - or its reinvention?
From Michael Jackson’s Thriller to Lady Gaga’s Bad Romance, music videos were once a major cultural event, writes Music News Blitz’s Jessica Spilsbury.
Fans would tune in to television premieres, while artists invested millions into elaborate productions designed to become talking points around the world.
Today, many songs find success through 15-second clips on TikTok before audiences ever watch a full music video.
At a time when music competes for attention alongside streaming services, social media feeds and endless digital content, the role of the traditional music video appears to be changing.
As social media increasingly shapes how music is discovered and shared, a new question has emerged: are music videos disappearing, or are they simply evolving for a new generation?
Music opinion: How Tame Impala has influenced an entirely new genre of music
Unlike typical artists who rely on melodies and instruments to define their sound, Tame Impala’s signature sound is created solely through production.
With lyrics more as the accompaniment of the rhythm, the layers and psychedelic waves come together to create a distinctive and unconventional sound that has become the soundtrack for 2026.
So, how has this unique blend become so popular amongst Gen Z audiences? Music News Blitz’s Emma Corrigan explores.
Music analysis: A look at the music industry’s unsung heroes
Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Drake, all huge household names that people around the world cannot seem to get enough of.
Regardless of opinion on these artists, it is undeniable that they have built highly successful careers through their music.
But what about artists who do not receive the same level of recognition for their work?
Fame does not necessarily reflect the level of talent an artist has.
Music news: Phoebe Bridgers adds more dates to 2026 arena tour
American indie darling Phoebe Bridgers is making her solo comeback with a 2026 arena tour with special musical guests Alex G and Isaac Wood, writes Music News Blitz’s Arwen Lehmann.
Music analysis: Olivia Rodrigo’s duet with The Cure’s Robert Smith
Olivia Rodrigo had fans going wild last weekend by duetting with The Cure’s Robert Smith. With her new album coming out June 12, the internet has a lot to discuss, and Music News Blitz’s Charlotte Cave explains why.
Music analysis: The who’s who of Madonna’s new music video
Madonna’s recently released ‘Confessions II - The Film’ is a 10-minute long feast of stilettos, lasers, and a medley of songs from ‘CONFESSIONS II’, set for release on July 3.
Following on from 2005’s ‘Confessions On A Dancefloor’, the album will be dance and house heavy, boasting new singles ‘I Feel So Free’, and ‘Bring Your Love’ featuring Sabrina Carpenter.
Speaking of Sabrina, the elephant in the room is, of course, the star-studded list of cameos in the video, writes Music News Blitz’s Megan Hamilton.
Ariana Grande’s return to the stage with the Eternal Sunshine Tour
With a tour that has sparked ‘Eternal Sunshine’ for the summer of 2026, Ariana Grande has made an official comeback, kicking off the tour at Oakland Arena in California on June 6.
Music news: Olivia Rodrigo returns with third album ‘you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love’ out this week
Olivia Rodrigo took the globe by storm just five years ago when she released her debut single ‘Drivers Licence.’
Since then, the singer has reached many musical milestones, including selling out tours worldwide and winning three Grammy awards.
Rodrigo’s third studio album, you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love, will be released this Friday, June 12.
Here, Music News Blitz writer Grace Moore explains everything we know about the album so far.
Music analysis: Has social media created a new type of pop star?
Artists such as Sabrina Carpenter, Madison Beer, Addison Rae and Chappell Roan have become some of the most recognisable names in modern pop music.
Unlike previous generations, many now build large audiences online before reaching mainstream success.
While talent remains essential, platforms such as TikTok have transformed how artists are discovered, promoted and discussed.
This has sparked debate about whether social media has created an entirely new type of pop star, writes Music News Blitz’s Jessica Spilsbury.
Music news: Steve Lacy is back! Singer releases new song ahead of upcoming album
Steve Lacy, the well-known R&B, neo-soul and funk artist, has returned to the music scene in 2026 with his new song, ‘the feeling’.
Fans have had an overwhelmingly positive reaction to the track as Lacy explores themes of longing, nostalgia and lost love that strongly resonate with listeners.
In addition, the song utilises a range of musical and artistic elements that create a familiar atmosphere, making it an instant hit with listeners, writes Music News Blitz’s Tyler Lai Sai.
Music news: Disney’s ‘Rivals’ and the sounds of 80s nostalgia
Based on Dame Jilly Cooper’s scandalous book series, ‘Rivals’ has been the talk of the town since the release of the first half of the TV show’s second season.
With the recent announcement that fans will have to wait until November of this year to watch the second installment.
Here are Music News Blitz’s writer Megan Hamilton’s top song picks from the era that are sure to fill the Rivals-shaped hole in your life until then.
Music opinion: Why music biopics such as ‘Michael’ have become so popular
Since the release of the latest biopic, ‘Michael,’ based on the life of Michael Jackson, it has brought to light the growing trend of biographical films based on iconic musicians.
With narratives showcasing the legendary chapters of each star's life, audiences can witness the rise and downfall of fame, driving both nostalgia for older audiences, whilst simultaneously introducing younger viewers to some of the most influential performers in popular culture.
From Freddie Mercury in ‘Bohemian Rhapsody,’ to Elton John in ‘Rocketman,’ and ‘Elvis,’ based on Elvis Presley, audiences have shown a strong interest in stories that explore the people behind the music, writes Music News Blitz’s Emma Corrigan.
Music analysis: The evolution of independent artists in the music industry
The music industry has changed significantly over the years, shifting more power toward artists who manage their careers independently, writes Music News Blitz’s Tabitha Kongo.
Music news: Five songs we predict will feature on Taylor Swift’s wedding playlist
Rumours have been swirling surrounding the wedding of Taylor Swift and fiancé Travis Kelce since the announcement of their engagement in August last year.
Given Swift’s tendency to hide “easter eggs” that hint at album release dates and song titles, fans believe the singer could be hiding clues about the upcoming wedding in plain sight.
‘Swifties’ speculate that the singer’s favourite number, 13, could be the wedding date.
While we don’t know when the wedding will take place, we do have an idea of what music Swift might request at the reception, writes Music News Blitz’s Megan Hamilton.
Music news: Olivia Rodrigo performs CMAT hit on Radio 1’s Live Lounge
American singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo covered the song ‘When a Good Man Cries’ for her second appearance on Radio 1’s Live Lounge, writes Music News Blitz’s Emma Corrigan.
The song, originally from the album ‘Euro-Country’ by Irish singer-songwriter CMAT (Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson), was released last year.
Phoebe Bridgers announces surprise NYC show with tickets starting at $1
American singer-songwriter Phoebe Bridgers is performing a special one-night-only show at New York City’s iconic Madison Square Garden.
Earlier this week, flyers started appearing across New York City, advertising a Phoebe Bridgers show at Madison Square Garden, set for Thursday, June 4.
Music News Blitz writer Grace Moore shares all there is to know.