The Joe Browns Guide to UK Music Festivals

Sloshing through muddy fields, getting lost in the crowd, and dancing the day- and night!- away, all to the soundtrack of your favourite tunes... there's no better way to spend the summer! 

From the Beatles to Amy Whinehouse, the UK music scene has produced some of the most iconic music acts of all time! So, it's no wonder our music festivals are so legendary. Our festival season has already begun and tickets are selling out fast but, before you book your spot and grab your wellies, you'll want to make sure it's the right event for you.

This guide takes a deep dive into some of the UK's most infamous music festivals, to help you choose where to go and what to wear to make the most of the summer.

If you're a festival veteran, you won't be surprised that Glastonbury is one of the most popular music events in the UK! Founded in 1970, the day after Jimi Hendrix died, Glastonbury's stages have welcomed everyone from Van Morrison to Beyoncé. So, whether your genre is techno, rock, pop, or country, you're sure to find an act you love in the lineup.

This year's headliners include The 1975, Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts, and Olivia Rodrigo, and, if those aren't quite your style, other notable acts are Rod Stewart, Charli XCX and RAYE.

Glastonbury is humongous! From art installations to guided meditations, there's an endless list of sights to see. So, it's important to plan ahead. Download the official app and get familiar with the site map and set times. Agree on a central meeting spot for you and your friends- pick a unique landmark or a memorable foodtruck. This way, you'll be able to enjoy the weekend without worrying about missing your favourite band or losing your friends in the crowd.

With an atmosphere of freedom and creativity, Glastonbury is a come-as-you-are, do-as-you-please kind of event. It's an opportunity to express your individuality and embrace a carefree attitude. Boho is the ultimate free-spirited style and we think it's the perfect choice for this festival.

Boho dresses are light and floaty, making them easy to move around in and, if the sun is shining, their breathable fabrics will keep you cool. They're often designed in bold colours with striking prints that will have you turning heads all weekend.

You'll be doing a lot of walking- probably across some very muddy fields. So, bring comfortable footwear that you can wear all day long. Trainers and loafers are great options! You can even wear platform versions if you prefer a heel. 

Finally, no matter the season, this is England and it's probably going to rain. Wear a leather jacket or a light coat that you can carry around whilst the sun is shining, then slip on when the temperature drops.

The Isle Of White Festival has a seriously iconic history! Since it's first event in 1968, the festival has hosted a whole range of stars including The Rolling Stones, Coldplay, Muse, Fleetwood Mac, Blondie, and Bowie. Today, the festival still celebrates it's rock and roll roots, whilst welcoming a diverse range of genres- from indie to electronic. 

But what really sets the festival apart is it's location! Taking place on the beautiful rolling fields of Newport, framed by the River Medina and surrounded by wooded hills, Isle Of Wight offers a sense of escapism and tranquilty that makes the festival truly unique.

This year the Isle Of Wight Festival has a remarkable lineup, featuring headliners such as Sting, Stereophonics, and Justin Timberlake.

Getting to the festival involves a short ferry ride to the Island. We'd advise booking your ferry tickets in advance to ensure availability. From there, Southern Vectis provides shuttle buses to the festival site. Like Glasonbury, the grounds are vast so be prepared for a lot of walking- make use of the site map and plan your schedule ahead of time- this way you won't miss out on your favourite acts!

Isle Of Wight is cashless, so make sure you bring your debit/credit card in case your mobile phone loses signal. It's so important to stay hydrated! We'd recommend bringing a reusable water bottle that you can fill up at the water refill stations located around the site.

With the festival's deep rock 'n' roll roots, you can have a lot of fun blending vintage trends with some edgy modern pieces. Take inspiration from the rad styles people might've flaunted back when the festival began- think wide-leg jeans with funky floral embroidery paired with a sequined tunic or a graphic tee. For an authentic retro look, you could take some tips from your favourite music icons. For example, Blondie's infamous white dress would fit right in with the whimsical island vibes. 

Finish off the look with a modern biker jacket in a vivid colour, like blue or lavender. Opt for some chunky boots for the perfect balance between rock and retro.

Country to Country- also known as C2C- is Europe's biggest country music festival, bringing the brightest country music stars from all over the world to The O2 in London, OVO Hydro in Glasgow, and SSE Arena in Belfast. 

If you're a country music fan, this is an event you have to tick off your bucketlist! Not only does every venue offer a unique atmosphere, from the buzzing energy of the main arenas to the intimate mood of the smaller stages, but there's tonnes of opportunities to meet fellow music lovers- and even interact with the performers themselves!

Every year C2C features a range of artists, from big names to rising stars. The next C2C will take place in March next year. The line-up hasn't been announced yet, but previous events have included some stellar performances from the likes of Lainey Wilson, Luke Combs, and Russel Dickerson.

Though an arena is far easier to navigate than a sprawling field, it's still a good idea to arrive early and get to know where the stages, stalls, and dining areas are. The C2C app gives you all the info you need to know about set times and artist appearances. You won't want to miss out on the festival's afterparties, where you'll get to see extra performances and DJ sets, whilst connecting with fellow fans.

Embracing the country theme is a huge part of the fun! Attendees can often be spotted in western boots, cowboy hats, and denim! You can put your own spin on the country style by experimenting with colours and textures i.e. pairing an embroidered denim jacket with a floral top or pink broderie blouse. Jeans are paramount to country fashion- just make sure to choose a pair you can dance in! You won't have to worry about trudging through grass, so you've got tonnes of footwear options available. Boots embellished with studs, buckles, and chunky heels will always hit the right note at a country music fest.

Located in the enchanting grounds of Henham park in Suffolk, Latitude is not just a music festival but a celebration of art in every forms. If you're a lover of theatre, poetry, dance, and fashion, you'll be captivated by the thrilling events Latitude has to offer. This is one of the UK's most child-friendly music festivals, with it's award-winning Kids Area- complete with activities, workshops, and entertainment for the whole family! 

Latitude always has a diverse lineup, featuring a mix of established and emerging artists, and this year is no different. The 2025 headliners include Sting, Snow Patrol, Fat Boy Slim, Mika, and Kaiser Chiefs. The comedy arena will be welcoming Bridget Christie, Greg Davies, and Reggie Watts to the stage.

Our first tip for navigating Latitude is to arrive early, especially if you're camping as it will allow you to pick the best spot to settle for the weekend. The festival is know for it's organised layout but you'll still want to follow the map as Henham Park is a large site with lots to discover! Take note of key landmarks- like the iconic pink sheep!- as you can use them as a meeting point for your friends, or to help you find your way back after dark. If you're a parent, take advantage of the family designated zones, which include soft play and baby changing facilities.

Comfort is key when dressing for Latitude! Plan for the unpredictable weather by packing layers and knitwear, which will keep you warm on cooler evenings. Sturdy footwear like boots and trainers are essential due to the grassy terrain. The festival encourages self-expression, so wear the clothes that make you feel good! If bohemian is your style, look for flowing skirts with bold patterns, or take a more casual approach with denim shorts and a tunic top. You could even customise your denim to make your outfit even more unique!