Festival season is almost upon us and I for one can’t wait to be back on the green fields of all my favourite social events of this summer. This year festival organisers have been pulling all the stops to once more welcome festival goers and make this summer unforgettable. Many festivals take place each year but some, this year at least really do come across as the ones not to miss. Keep reading to find out what my top picks are in 2017.
10. The Great Escape
When? 18th – 20th May
Where? Brighton
Headliners? Slaves, Rag’n’Bone Man, Kano and friends
What’s it all about? TGE is all about new music! The festival-goers can see over 300 artists, mostly up and coming and just about to break it big. There is also one of the biggest music conferences running alongside the music that touches on important and current industry topics. Go if you like to stay ahead of the curve.
9. Field Day
When? 3rd June
Where? Victoria Park, London
Headliners? Aphex Twin (other notable appearances Flying Lotus, Run The Jewels)
What’s it all about? Field Day is probably one of my favourite festivals in London because it doesn’t feel like a London festival. Somehow this festival has managed to capture the essence of camping festivals and put it in London. Also Field Day has one of the best line-ups of this summer.
8. Glastonbury
When? 21st – 25th June
Where? Glastonbury
Headliners? Radiohead, Ed Sheeran, Foo Fighters
What’s it all about? Glasto is one of the oldest and biggest music festivals in the UK (and world) as such this festival knows what its doing and has been copied many times but never been rivalled. If you ever get the chance to go to Glastonbury, you go and discover that every other festival pales in comparison. It’s huge, it’s everything!
7. Secret Garden Party
When? 20th -23rd July
Where? Near Huntingdon
Headliners? Metronomy, Crystal Fighters, Toots & Maytals
What’s it all about? This will be Secret Garden Party’s last ever party and I am very sad to see it go as it remains one of my all time favourite summer festivals. This festival is not about the music but more about the immersive experience and of course lots and lots of dancing. This one is for the adventures.
6. Green Man Festival
When? 17th – 20th August
Where? Brecon Beacons
Headliners? Ryan Adams, Future Islands, The Shins, PJ Harvey
What’s it all about? Green Man is a brilliant and wholesome festival with a naughty side to it and I love it! The music bill is always strong at this festival and whilst during the day you can enjoy eclectic music, comedy, activities and forums at night the place transforms into a hedonistic paradise. Great for parents that want to combine fun with wholesome.
5. South West Four
When? August’s Bank holiday weekend
Where? Clapham Common
Headliners? Pendulum, Deadmau5
What’s it all about? This is where the best dance music will be in London this summer. SW4 is a great little festival in London and always features top grade dance acts. Go for an epic rave.
4. Contrapop
When? 19th – 20th August (TBC)
Where? Ramsgate
Headliners? TBA
What’s it all about? This is your antithesis to pop festivals. Go if you like to hear leftfield music of all kinds, which is likely to be huge on the underground scene.
3. Festival No. 6
When? 7th – 10th
Where? Portmeirion
Headliners? The Flamming Lips, Mogwai, Bloc Party
What’s it all about? Festival no.6 is a smart festival with a wild side. With an incredible setting and great food and drink, Festival no.6 is one for the people, who expect flair and class with their festival. Go if you like the finer things in life.
2. Bestival
When? 7th – 10th September
Where? Dorset
Headliners? The XX, A Tribe Called Quest, Justice, Pet Shop Boys
What’s it all about? Bestival always features incredible acts and combines these with amazing parties. This is the best of all worlds and this year the festival has moved to a more accessible home! Go if you want to finish the festival season on a high.
1. In The Woods
When? 1st – 2nd September
Where? Secret location in Kent
Headliners? (TBA)
What’s it all about? In The Woods just like The Great Escape is all about the next big thing. The big difference though is that you will be able to see every single act at the festival. Indeed there are only two stages at this tiny festival and music isn’t played simultaneously. The festival is also curated by seven music connoisseurs, who so far has brought to In The Woods Kate Tempest, Alt-J, AlunaGeorge and hosted by Radio X’s John Kennedy. Go if you want enjoy a festival at its fullest.
So there you have my top festivals for 2017 but one thing is certain there are many more festivals, which look amazing and even more to be discovered this year.