Five best UK festivals happening in summer 2026
This summer is going to be a summer to remember – as always, there is a wide variety of festivals to pick from but these are the top five in the country, writes Music News Blitz’s Bella Ford.
5. Boardmasters Festival, Newquay, Cornwall, 5-9 August
Boardmasters is best for surf culture, beach lovers and indie-rock fans.
It gets split between Watergate Bay (music) and Fistral Beach (surfing) in Newquay.
The 2026 line up is stacked, with Fatboy Slim headlining the Friday, alongside The Kooks, James Arthur and The Royston Club also playing on Friday.
Lily Allen is headlining Saturday, where she will perform her album West End Girl.
Also on Saturday are Nia Archives and Example making appearances.
On Sunday fan favourites Kasabian are headlining, with Loyle Carner, Rudimental and an afternoon special guest Tinie Tempah.
4. TRNSMT Festival, Glasgow Green, 19-21 June
Based in the city centre, with no camping and an urban vibe that’s energetic and perfect for people who prefer hotels.
Richard Ashcroft kicks off the weekend by headlining Friday. Also joining him on Friday is Wolf Alice, and Nile Rodgers & Chic.
Kasabian again booked on the Saturday, with Glaswegian band The Snuts and Sonny Fodera also performing on Saturday.
Loyle Carner and The Last Dinner Party also complete the stacked line up for Saturday.
Sunday headliner is Lewis Capaldi, after returning with a ‘secret slot’ at Glastonbury he is now returning to Scotland for a performance.
Amy MacDonald, CMAT and Perrie are also performing on Sunday.
3. All Points East, Victoria Park, London August 21-23 & 28-30
A festival in central London, All Points East takes place over two weekends, always featuring great music and entertainment.
Friday 21 August headliners are Jorja Smith and singer-songwriter Tems, with Nia Archives joining them on Friday afternoon.
Saturday 22nd, Lorde, PinkPantheress, Zara Larsson and Djo are all performing.
Sunday 23rd, Deftones and Idles are making an appearance, alongside scouse sensation Esdeekid.
Friday 28th and Saturday 29th brings Tyler, The Creator as a ‘2-day headliner’, performing alongside Rex Orange County and Daniel Ceaser.
Lastly, on August 30, Twenty One Pilots are appearing in London, with Wunderhorse and Gang Of Youths.
2. Isle Of Wight Festival, Newport, Isle Of Wight, 18-21 June
This festival is known for mixing legendary artists with the hottest up-and-coming acts each year.
This year boasts an exciting lineup, with variety for everyone. Friday features Lewis Capaldi once more, headlining with Wet Leg, Tom Grennan and Two Door Cinema Club.
On Saturday Calvin Harris is going to the island, alongside Sex Pistols, Rick Astley and Teddy Swims.
On Sunday its icons The Cure with The Kooks and Jo Whileys also performing.
The Thursday headliner is DJ Joel Corry.
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1. Reading and Leeds Festival, Richfield Avenue and Bramham Park, 27-30 August
This festival is always special and perfect for 16 to 25 year olds, split between two areas of the UK with each artist doing both areas, on different days.
The Leeds line up this year again is very impressive and varied.
The day splits have been announced and again Kasabian are there, headlining Thursday.
On Friday it’s Chase and Status, Florence + The Machine, and ROLE MODEL.
The Saturday keeps getting better with Irish band Fontaines DC, Chari XCX and Skepta all performing!
And Sunday doesn't get lighter.
Dave, Raye, sombr and JADE are all set to perform in Branham Park.
For the Reading festival the day splits will be different with Fontaines DC, Charli XCX and Skepta being on Friday instead of Sunday.
Raye, Dave and sombr on the Saturday, and Chase and Status, Florence + The Machine, ROLE MODEL on the Sunday.
Overall the UK has a healthy selection of festivals to choose from – Kasabian are busy doing three festivals this year, and surprising artists like The Cure doing just one alongside a big stand-alone show in Wythenshawe Park, Manchester.
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