Give it some welly!
Whether you want to dance til dawn or get up close and personal with top authors, Hannah Britt rounds up the top UK events of summer
Best for… ECLECTIC PARKLIFE
With an incredibly diverse line-up – and some of the biggest names in modern youth culture – you’ll be spoilt for choice at this Mancunian powerhouse.
When: June 8 – 9
Where: Heaton Park, Manchester
Line-up: Doja Cat, Disclosure, J Hus, Becky Hill, Fisher + Chris Lake, Peggy Gou, Nia Archives
Tickets: Day, from £79.50; weekend, from £125
More info: parklife.uk.com
Best for… BOOKWORMS HAY
This festival of books and ideas begins today, bringing readers and authors together with fascinating talks, storytelling and workshops.
When: Until June 2
Where: Hay-on-Wye, Wales
Line-up: Judi Dench, Simon Armitage, David Baddiel, Elizabeth Day, Stephen Fry, Bryony Gordon, Jacqueline Wilson, Nish Kumar
Tickets: Entrance to the site is free; with free and paid-for events
More info: hayfestival.com
Best for… DAY FESTIVAL BST HYDE PARK
A stalwart of the summer music scene, BST in Hyde Park never disappoints when it comes to big names. It’s a great way to dip your toe into the festival world.
When: June 28 – July 14
Where: Hyde Park, London
Line-up: Andrea Bocelli, SZA, Kings of Leon, Morgan Wallen, Robbie Williams, Shania Twain, Stevie Nicks, Kylie, Stray Kids
Tickets: From £90
More info: bst-hydepark.com
Best for… SPORTY TYPES BOARDMASTERS
Hit the waves on Fistral Beach or watch in awe as the Open Surf competition welcomes some of the most exciting names on the global surf scene to battle it out.
When: August 7 – 11
Where: Watergate Bay, Newquay, Cornwall
Line-up: Sam Fender, Stormzy, Chase & Status, Tom Odell, Courteeners, Bicep, Nia Archives, Declan McKenna, Andy C, Kenya Grace, Holly Humberstone, The Streets, Kate Nash
Tickets: Day, from £85; weekend, from £299
More info: boardmasters.com
Best for… PET LOVERS DOGSTIVAL
Recently crowned Best Pet Day Out in the UK, fun-loving fidos can experience flyball, agility, scurries, the Barkour canine adventure playground, plus live music and plenty of food.
When: June 1 – 2
Where: Burley Park, Hampshire
Line-up: Diving and splash pools, canine trick displays, canine MoT centre, dog bingo, the big pup quiz, Dogfuriendly Muddy Paws Tavern
Tickets: Adults from £18; kids from free
More info: dogstival.co.uk
Best for… COMEDY EDINBURGH FRINGE
With acts in pubs, clubs and theatres around the city, you’ll find the finest comedy at the Fringe, as well as cabaret, spoken word, a capella and more.
When: August 2 – 26
Where: Edinburgh
Line-up: Adam Kay, Jessie Cave, Rosie Jones, Christopher Hall, Fringe – The Musical, George Lewis
Tickets: From free
More info: edfringe.com
Best for… LITTLE ONES CAMP BESTIVAL
From face painting, arts and crafts and mini mindfulness sessions, to kids’ yoga and a silent disco, little ones will be blissfully occupied from dawn to dusk.
When: July 25 – 28; August 15 – 18
Where: Lulworth Castle, Dorset; Weston Park, Shropshire
Line-up: Pete Tong Ibiza Classics with the Essential Orchestra, Paloma Faith, Craig Charles, McFly, Sophie Ellis Bexter, Dick & Dom, Big Fish Little Fish, Horrible Histories: Rotten Royals
Tickets: Day, adults from £80 and kids from £16; weekend, adults from £210 and kids from £85
More info: campbestival.net
Best for FOODIES THE BIG FEASTIVAL
Come hungry and thirsty to this delicious foodie festival and prepare to dine on and drink some tasty treats from some of the UK’s top chefs.
When: August 23 – 25
Where: Alex James’ Farm, Kingham, The Cotswolds
Line-up: Becky Hill, Snow Patrol, Johnny Marr, Cat Burns, Circa Waves, Natasha Bedingfield, Raymond Blanc and Andi & Miquita Oliver
Tickets: Day, from £93.50; weekend, from £168.95 for adults and from £42.50 for kids
More info: thebigfeastival.com
Best for… WELLNESS LOVE TRAILS
A celebration of fitness and wellness, Love Trails blends workouts with workshops and features inspirational talks from runners such as Lucy Bartholomew, Billy Yang and Allie Bailey.
When: July 11 – 14
Where: Gower Peninsula in Wales
Line-up: Yoga sessions, adventure experiences, plus music from Joy (Anonymous) and Stornoway
Tickets: From £255
More info: lovetrailsfestival.co.uk
Best for… FAMILIES JUST SO
A celebration of creativity and the great outdoors, this is a small but special family festival. From a giant egg and spoon race to a silent disco, campfire songs and a magical mud kitchen, little (and bigger) ones will be entertained all day long.
When: August 16 – 18
Where: Rode Hall, Cheshire
Line-up: Fire juggling, The Runaways circus, harp lullabies, Kasai Masai, laughter yoga, bubble hour, poem cave
Tickets: Day, adults £80.25 and kids from free; weekend, adults from £208.65 and kids from free
More info: justsofestival.org.uk