2010 U.K. Festival Guide

May

What:  Camden Crawl
Where:  London, England, U.K.
When:  May 1-2
Who:  Calvin Harris, Gang of Four, We Are Scientists, Midnight Juggernauts, Slow Club, YACHT, Surfer Blood, Wintersleep, Gold Panda, The Like, Casiokids, Lightspeed Champion, Chew Lips, Drums of Death, Oh No Ono and many more
Why:  If you can stay upright, or even if you can’t, make your way across Camden town.
Web:  www.thecamdencrawl.com

What:  ATP curated by Matt Groening
Where:  Minehead, England, U.K.
When:  May 7-9
Who:  Iggy & The Stooges, She & Him, Spiritualized, Joanna Newsom, The xx, Toumani Diabate, Hope Sandoval & The Warm Inventions, Boredoms, The Residents, Built To Spill, Daniel Johnston, Amadou & Mariam, Shonen Knife, Cocorosie, Deerhunter, Cold Cave, Juana Molina, Panda Bear, Liars, Danielson, Broadcast, Konono No. 1, Thee Oh Sees and many more
Why:  The first of two weekends (see below) at Butlin’s Holiday Centre is curated by the creator of the greatest show in the history of television, The Simpsons‘ Matt Groening.  Read & see much more in our recap here
Web:  www.atpfestival.com/events/mattgroening.php

What:  The Great Escape
Where:  Brighton, England, U.K.
When:  May 13-15
Who:  Groove Armada, Broken Social Scene, Delphic, Marina & The Diamonds, The Walkmen, The Big Pink, The Fiery Furnaces, Ed Harcourt, The Joy Formidable, Slow Club, Real Estate, Japandroids, Surfer Blood, Gold Banda, Avi Buffalo, White Rabbits, Seabear, Lissie, Theophilus London, Here We Go Magic, Jaguar Love, Ruby Suns, Morning Benders, Born Ruffians, Class Actress, Gringo Star and many more
Why:  Get away from it all with the middle-heavy new music showcase that is The Great Escape.
Web:  www.escapegreat.com 

What:  ATP curated by Pavement
Where:  Minehead, England, U.K.
When:  May 14-16
Who:  Pavement, The Fall, Faust, Quasi, Broken Social Scene, Mission of Burma, Calexico, Fiery Furnaces, The Walkmen, Atlas Sound, The Clean, Spiral Stairs, Blitzen Trapper, Marble Valley, Boris, Camera Obscura, Monotonix, The Dodos, Times New Viking, Avi Buffalo, Surfer Blood and many more
Why:  The second of two weekends (see above) at Butlin’s Holiday Centre is curated by the greatest alt-rock reunion, Pavement.
Web:  www.atpfestival.com/events/pavement.php 

What:  Liverpool Sound City
Where:  Liverpool, England, U.K.
When:  May 19-22
Who:  The Fall, British Sea Power, The Maccabees, Holy Fuck, Los Campesinos!, Delphic, Chilly Gonzalez, Wave Machines, Field Music, Titus Andronicus, The Phenomenal Handclap Band, Oh No Ono, Max Tundra, The Jim Jones Revue, Sleigh Bells, Delta Fiasco, White Hinterland, Dappled Cities, Gold Panda, Lights, Mohawk Lodge, Wax Fang, Turbo Fruits and more
Why:  Venues across Liverpool try to find the next Beatles.
Web:  www.liverpoolsoundcity.co.uk

What:  BBC Radio One’s Big Weekend
Where:  Bangor, Wales, U.K.
When:  May 22-23
Who:  Florence & The Machine, Rihana, Dizzee Rascal, Vampire Weekend, Alicia Keys, Biffy Clyro, MGMT, Paramore, Justin Bieber, Crystal Castles, The Joy Formidable, 30 Seconds to Mars, Paolo Nutini, Marin & The Diamonds, Annie Mac, Tïesto and more
Why:  The biggest free ticketed event in Europe, BBC Radio One’s Big Weekend this year heads to Bangor in north Wales.
Web:  www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/bigweekend/2010

What:  The Trip
Where:  Anglesey, Wales, U.K.
When:  May 28-30
Who:  The Ruby Suns, Erland & The Carnival, Meico Stevens, Cate Le Bon, Islet and more
Why:  Wales’ northwestern island is worth The Trip.
Web:  www.thetripfestival.co.uk  

What:  Dot to Dot
Where:  Bristol, Manchester & Nottingham, England, U.K.
When:  May 29-31
Who:  Mystery Jets, Eliie Goulding, Wild Beats, Los Campesinos!, Beach House, Field Music, Liars, Washed Out, Johnny Foreigner, Dead Confederate, CasioKids, White Hinterland, Lissie, Wax Fang and more
Why:  Bristol-to-Nottingham-to-Manchester – connect the Dot to Dot.
Web:  www.dottodotfestival.co.uk 

What:  Evolution
Where:  Quayside, England, U.K.
When:  May 30-31
Who:  Paolo Nutini, Enter Shikari, Calvin Harris, The Horrors, De la Soul, The Futureheads, Field Music, Delphic, Fake Blood, Frankmusick, Lissie, Dawn Landes, Slow Club and more
Why:  The Tyne welcomes Evoultion, a rare Sunday-Monday festival.
Web:  www.evolutionfestival.co.uk

June

What:  Download
Where:  Donington, England, U.K.
When:  June 11-13
Who:  Rage Against the Machine, Aerosmith, AC/DC, Stone Temple Pilots, Them Crooked Vultures, Deftones, 30 Seconds to Mars, Motörhead, Megadeath, Coheed & Cambria, Billy Idol, Suicidal Tendencies, Slash, Cancer Bats, Year Long Disaster and more
Why:  The 30th anniversary of the hard rock Download goes for classic artists of the eighties & nineties.
Web:  www.downloadfestival.co.uk

What:  Isle of Wight
Where:  Isle of Wight, England, U.K.
When:  June 11-13
Who:  Paul McCartney, Jay-Z, The Strokes, Pink, Florence & The Machine, Blondie, Orbital, James, Editors, Calvin Harris, Biffy Clyro, La Roux, Ocean Colour Scene, Juliette Lewis, Vampire Weekend, Doves, Marina & The Diamonds, Local Natives, Crowded House, Friendly Fires, Mr. Hudson, Shakespears Sister, Hockey, Noah & The Whale, The Hold Steady, Suzanne Vega, Devendra Banhart, The Big Pink, Semi Precious Weapons and more
Why:  In 2002, the massive Isle of Wight Festival was revived for the first time since 1970 (when it out-drew Woodstock), and is one of the biggest today.
Web:  www.isleofwightfestival.com

What:  RockNess
Where:  Loch Ness, Scotland, U.K.
When:  June 11-13
Who:  The Strokes, Fatboy Slim, LeftField, Vampire Weekend, Ian Brown, Friendly Fires, Soulwax, Doves, Blondie, Aphex Twin, Crystal Castles, The Maccabees, Twin Atlantic, Annie Mac, Grandmaster Flash and more
Why:  The banks of Loch Ness hosts a dance party, ’cause Bessie likes to boogie!
Web:  www.rockness.co.uk

What:  Sellindge
Where:  South Kent, England, U.K.
When:  June 11-13
Who:  Sugar Hill Gang, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, Johnny Foreigner and more
Why:  South Kent’s own small festival.
Web:  sellindgemusicfestival.co.uk

What:  Meltdown
Where:  London, England, U.K.
When:  June 11-21
Who:  Richard Thompson, Elvis Costello, Broken Bells, Paolo Nutini, Betty LaVette, Codeine Velvet Club, Van Dyke Parks, Seasick Steve, Loudon Wainwright III, Field Music, Teddy Thompson, Ollabelle, Clare & The Reasons and more
Why:  The Southbank Centre arts complex, which includes Royal Festival Hall, holds another year of concerts throughout the complex, chosen by this year’s curator, Richard Thompson.
Web:  meltdown.southbankcentre.co.uk

What:  Beach Break
Where:  Pembrey, Wales, U.K.
When:  June 14-18
Who:  Vampire Weekend, Calvin Harris, 2manydjs, The Futureheads, Annie Mac, New Young Pony Club, Fake Blood, Band of Skulls and more
Why:  U.K. student festival is mostly electronic.
Web:  www.beachbreaklive.com

What:  Barbican Blaze
Where:  East London, England, U.K.
When:  June 19-July 31
Who:  The Knife, Dirty Projectors, Shearwater, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, Toots & The Maytals, Dean & Britta and more
Why:  East London gets artsy in June & July with events like The Knife’s Tomorrow in a Year and Dean & Britta’s Andy Warhol’s 13 Most Beautiful….
Web:  www.barbican.org.uk/blaze

What:  Glastonbury
Where:  Pilton, England, U.K.
When:  June 23-27
Who:  U2, Muse, Stevie Wonder, The Flaming Lips, Orbital, Pet Shop Boys, Dizzee Rascal, Scissor Sisters, Vampire Weekend, Shakira, Jack Johnson, Hot Chip, Editors, LCD Soundsystem, Groove Armada, Jamie T, ASH, Snoop Dogg, Dead Weather, Ray Davies, Florence & The Machine, The Cribs, MGMT, Black Keys, The xx, Julian Casablancas, Mos Def, George Clinton, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Willie Nelson, Slash, La Roux, The National, We Are Scientists, Broken Social Scene, Mumford & Sons, Broken Bells and many, many more
Why:  Putting all other festivals to shame (on any continent), Glastonbury’s what the likes of Coachella & Bonnaroo wish they could be.  U.K. still does festivals the best.
Web:  www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk 

What:  Hard Rock Calling
Where:  London, England, U.K.
When:  June 25-27
Who:  Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Pearl Jam, Ben Harper & Relentless 7, Jamiroquai, Crosby, Stills & Nash, The Hives, Melissa Etheridge, Wolfmother, Crowded House, Gomez, Alejandro Escovedo, Elvis Costello, The Gaslight Anthem, Corinne Bailey Rae, The Morning Benders, Robert Francis, Tiffany Page, Diane Birch, Lissie, Here We Go Magic, Mountain Man, Beach House and more
Why:  Mixing (über-)veterans with more modern acts, it’s forgivable that the Hyde Park festival’s name comes from that restaurant...
Web:  www.hardrockcalling.co.uk

July

What:  Barbican Blaze
Where:  East London, England, U.K.
When:  June 19-July 31
Who:  The Knife, Dirty Projectors, Shearwater, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, Toots & The Maytals, Dean & Britta and more
Why:  East London gets artsy in June & July with events like The Knife’s Tomorrow in a Year and Dean & Britta’s Andy Warhol’s 13 Most Beautiful….
Web:  www.barbican.org.uk/blaze

What:  iTunes
Where:  London, England, U.K.
When:  July 1-31
Who:  Tony Bennett, Ozzy Osbourne, Phoenix, The National, Stephen Fry, Underworld, Foreigher, Florence & The Machine, Goldfrapp, The xx, Kate Nash, Keane, Scissor Sisters, The Futureheads, Marina & The Diamonds, Mumford & Sons, Biffy Clyro, Kele, The Sword, Laura Marling, Wild Beasts, Chew Lips, Tiffany Page, and more
Why:  All of July, that digital music website so small it doesn’t even have The Beatles hosts everyone from Phoenix & The National to Ozzy Osbourne to Tony Bennett to Stephen Fry at Camden’s Roundhouse.
Web:  www.itunesfestival.co.uk

What:  Hop Farm
Where:  Paddock Wood, England, U.K.
When:  July 2-3
Who:  Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Blondie, Ray Davies, Devendra Banhart, Mumford & Sons, Richard Thompson, Jim Jones Revue, Imelda May, Peter Doherty, Laura Marling, Sparrow & The Workshop, and more
Why:  If you’re going to go to a singer/songwriter folk festival, Bob Dylan’s pretty much the best headliner there is.
Web:  www.hopfarmfestival.com

What:  Godiva
Where:  Coventry, England, U.K.
When:  July 2-4
Who:  ASH, The Christians, Badly Drawn Boy, Shackletons, Tiffany Page, Black Carrot and more
Why:  Three-day free, ticketless, family-friendly festival.
Web:  www.godivafestival.co.uk

What:  Wakestock
Where:  Abersoch, Wales, U.K.
When:  July 2-4
Who:  The Ting Tings, Maxïmo Park, Eric Prydz, The Futureheads, Feeder, Pete Tong, Band of Skulls, Robyn, Mr. Hudson, Los Campesinos!, Kissy Sell Out, Fenech Soler and more
Why:  Have some water sports with your musical festivities.
Web:  http://www.wakestock.co.uk/

What:  Wireless
Where:  London, England, U.K.
When:  July 2-4
Who:  Jay-Z, Pink, LCD Soundsystem, Lily Allen, The Ting Tings, The Temper Trap, Snoop Dogg, Friendly Fires, Gossip, UNKLE, D12, Slash, Missy Elliott, Jamie Lidell, Hockey, New Young Pony Club, Pretty Lights, The Big Pink, The Glitch Mob, Mr. Hudson, The Phenomenal Handclap Band, and more
Why:  Hyde Park welcomes a mostly mainstream, mostly dance, and many Americans for Wireless.
Web:  www.wirelessfestival.co.uk

What:  Somerset House
Where:  London, England, U.K.
When:  July 8-18
Who:  Air, Florence & The Machine, Corrine Bailey Rae, The xx, Gil-Scott Heron, Mystery Jets, Noah & The Whale, The Divine Comedy, The Temper Trap and more
Why:  London’s Somerset House hosts some classy-but-great acts in July.
Web:  www.somersethouse.org.uk/music/default.asp

What:  Oxegen
Where:  Kildare, Ireland
When:  July 9-11
Who:  Muse, Eminem, Kasabian, Arcade Fire, Jay-Z, The Prodigy, Black Eyed Peas, Kasibian, Fatboy Slim, Paolo Nutini, Stereophonics, John Mayer, David Guetta, Calvin Harris, Vampire Weekend, Hot Chip, Dizzee Rascal, Mumford & Sons, Temper Trap, Groove Armada, Bell X1, Doves, Editors, Julian Casablancas, Gossip, 30 Seconds to Mars, Rise Against, Goldfrapp, Jamie T, The Cribs, Black Keys, Echo & The Bunnymen, Kate Nash, Broken Social Scene, Laura Marling, Dirty Projectors, Simian Mobile Disco, Local Natives, The Middle East, Biffy Clyro, ASH, We Are Scientists, Yeasayer, Frightened Rabbit, and many more
Why:  Breath in the fresh Irish air at Oxegen with a massive line-up – that’s very similar to T in the Park (see below).
Web:  2010.oxegen.ie

What:  T In the Park
Where:  Balado, Scotland, U.K.
When:  July 9-11
Who:  Muse, Eminem, Kasabian, Jay-Z, Stereophonics, Black Eyed Peas, The Prodigy, Madness, Paolo Nutini, Biffy Clyro, 30 Seconds to Mars, Florence & The Machine, Groove Armada, Calvin Harris, Mumford & Sons, David Guetta, Vampire Weekend, Dizzee Rascal, Jamie T, The Cribs, Hot Chip, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Goldfrapp, Echo & The Bunnymen, Julian Casablancas, ASH, John Mayer, The Big Pink, Temper Trap, Wolfmother, Babyshambles, La Roux, Laura Marling, Kele, Black Keys, Rise Against, Dirty Projectors, We Are Scientists, Gossip, Mystery Jets, Yeasayer, Kate Nash, Broken Social Scene, The Middle East, Four Tet, Local Natives, Lissie, Tricky and many, many more
Why:  T In the Park has captured big-names from seemingly every genre for more than you could possibly want.
Web:  www.tinthepark.com

What:  The Glade
Where:  Winchester, England, U.K.
When:  July 15-18
Who:  Orbital, Simian Mobile Disco, Tricky, Delphic, Fuck Buttons, Holy Ghost!, The Field and many more
Why:  What originally started as a stage at Glastonbury (see above) has grown into a full-fledged dancetronic festival.
Web:  www.gladefestival.com

What:  Latitude
Where:  Southwold, England, U.K.
When:  July 15-18
Who:  Vampire Weekend, Florence & The Machine, Belle and Sebasitan, The National, Grizzly Bear, X, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Empire of the Sun, Jonsi, The Horros, Spoon, The Maccabees, Temper Trap, Noah & The Whale, Laura Marling, Midlake, Yeasayer, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Hockey, Dirty Projectors, Frightened Rabbit, Kristin Hersh, Tokyo Police Club, Mumford & Sons, Here We Go Magic, The Big Pink, Girls, School of Seven Bells, The Middle East, Black Mountain, Lissie and many, many more
Why:  Suffolk’s Sunrise Coast welcomes another great line-up to Latitude.
Web:  www.latitudefestival.co.uk/home

What:  GuilFest
Where:  Guildford, England, U.K.
When:  July 15-18
Who:  Orbital, The Human League, Hadouken!, The Twang, Fucked Up, and many more
Why:  This independent festival is a bit of an oddball.
Web:  www.guilfest.co.uk/2010

What:  Lovebox
Where:  London, England, U.K.
When:  July 15-18
Who:  Hot Chip, Roxy Music, Dizzee Rascal, Peaches, Mark Ronson & The Business Intl., Noisettes, Hercules & Love Affair, Chromeo, The Maccabees, Wild Beasts, Cut Copy, Mystery Jets, Codeine Velvet Club, Empire of the Sun, Yeasayer, Midnight Juggernauts, Holy Ghost!, Toro y Moi and more
Why:  Victoria Park holds a three-day upbeat Love(box)-in.
Web:  www.lovebox.net

What:  The Secret Garden Party
Where:  Cambridge, England, U.K.
When:  July 22-25
Who:  Marina & The Diamonds, Skatalites, Mercury Rev, The Whip, Golden Filter, Lissie, The Heavy, Fenech-Soler and many more
Why:  An estate, including Georgian farm house, hosts the unusual Secret Garden Party, which also has one the best festival websites out there.
Web:  uk.secretgardenparty.com/2010

What:  Wickerman
Where:  Kirkcudbright, Scotland, U.K.
When:  July 23-24
Who:  The Charlatans, Ocean Colour Scene, Teenage Fanclub, The Futureheads,The Buzzcocks, Codeine Velvet Club and more
Why:  While other festivals feast on imports, Wickerman is 100% Made in the U.K.
Web:  www.thewickermanfestival.co.uk

What:  Indietracks
Where:  Ripley, England, U.K.
When:  July 23-25
Who:  The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Everyone Was In The French Resistance…Now!, The Orchids, and more
Why:  Of course the English would combine a music festival with their love of trains...
Web:  http://www.indietracks.co.uk/

What:  Tramlines
Where:  Sheffield, England, U.K.
When:  July 23-25
Who:  Echo & The Bunnymen, Mystery Jets, 65daysofstatic, Future of the Left, Blood Red Shoes, Dum Dum Girls, Annie Mac, The Twilight Sad, Wild Nothing, Male Bonding, Tiffany Page, and more
Why:  Take the tram to venues across Sheffield for this festival.
Web:  http://www.tramlines.org.uk 

What:  Truck
Where:  Steventon, England, U.K.
When:  July 24-25
Who:  Mew, Teenage Fanclub, Los Campesinos!, Fucked Up, Mercury Rev, Future of the Left, Holly Miranda, Phantogram, Active Child, 65daysofstatic, Wild Nothing, The Silent League, and many more
Why:  After hitting up America for the first time, Truck heads back to Blighty.  Read & see much more in our recap here
Web:  www.thisistruck.com  

What:  Splendour
Where:  Nottingham, England, U.K.
When:  July 24
Who:  Pet Shop Boys, Calvin Harris, Noisettes, Athlete, OK Go, Fyfe Dangerfield, Andrew Bird, and more
Why:  Nottingham’s Wollaton Park holds a Splendid little festival.
Web:  http://www.splendourfestival.com/   

What:  Ben & Jerry’s Sundae On the Common
Where:  London, England, U.K.
When:  July 26-27
Who:  The Charlatans, Ash, The Lemonheads, Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly, Slow Club, Cage the Elephant, and more
Why:  Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream celebrates its 30th anniversary with a Saturday and a Sunday(e) on Clapham Common in Lambeth.
Web:  http://www.benjerry.co.uk/sundae/  

What:  Cambridge Folk
Where:  Cambridge, England, U.K.
When:  July 29 – August 1
Who:  Kris Kristofferson, Natalie Merchant, Seasick Steve, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Lissie, Joe Pug and more
Why:  The U.K. has folk festivals, too.
Web:  www.cambridgefolkfestival.co.uk

What:  Camp Bestival
Where:  Dorset, England, U.K.
When:  July 30 – August 1
Who:  Madness, Friendly Fires, The Human League, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Calvin Harris, The Fall, Billy Bragg, Annie Mac, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, Field Music, Gold Panda, Colourmusic, Lissie and more
Why:  The "baby sister" of Bestival (see below), Camp Bestival hosts some older acts and some newer electronica.
Web:  www.campbestival.net

What:  Kendal Calling
Where:  Penrith, England, U.K.
When:  July 30 – August 1
Who:  Doves, The Coral, Calvin Harris, British Sea Power, Stereo MCs, Badly Drawn Boy, Wild Beasts, OK Go, The Futureheads, The Subways, Wave Machines, These New Puritans, First Aid Kit, and more
Why:  The Lake District is Calling.
Web:  www.kendalcalling.co.uk

What:  Sonisphere
Where:  Knebworth, England, U.K.
When:  July 30 – August 1
Who:  Iron Maiden, Rammstein, Placebo, Alice Cooper, Mötley Crüe, Iggy & The Stooges, Alice in Chains, Good Charlotte, Papa Roach, The Cult, Slayer, Anthrax, 65daysofstatic, Henry Rollins spoken word, Fear Factory, Therapy?, Sick of It All, Municipal Waste, Funeral For a Friend, Karnivool, and more to be announced
Why:  Europe is united under the banner of hard rock thanks to the multiple Sonisphere Festivals across the continent, including the U.K.
Web:  uk.sonispherefestivals.com

What:  Y Not
Where:  Derbyshire, England, U.K.
When:  July 30 – August 1
Who:  The Futureheads, The Subways, Mystery Jets, OK Go, Los Campesinos!, Turin Brakes, The Heavy, Sparrow & The Workshop, Fenech-Soler, and more
Why:  Why not Y Not?  Why not indeed…
Web:  www.ynotfestivals.co.uk

What:  Field Day
Where:  London, England, U.K.
When:  July 31
Who:  Phoenix, The Fall, Caribou, Freelance Whales, No Age, Atlas Sound, Free Blood, Gold Panda, Max Tundra, Lightspeed Champion, These New Puritans, Chilly Gonzales, The Golden Filter, Hudson Mohawke, Toro Y Moi, and more
Why:  Victoria Park’s Field Day makes Hackney a whole lot more liveable.
Web:  fielddayfestivals.com

August

What:  Cambridge Folk
Where:  Cambridge, England, U.K.
When:  July 29 – August 1
Who:  Kris Kristofferson, Natalie Merchant, Seasick Steve, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Lissie, Joe Pug and more
Why:  The U.K. has folk festivals, too.
Web:  www.cambridgefolkfestival.co.uk

What:  Camp Bestival
Where:  Dorset, England, U.K.
When:  July 30 – August 1
Who:  Madness, Friendly Fires, The Human League, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Calvin Harris, The Fall, Billy Bragg, Annie Mac, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, Field Music, Gold Panda, Colourmusic, Lissie and more
Why:  The "baby sister" of Bestival (see below) Camp Bestival hosts some older acts and some newer electronica.
Web:  www.campbestival.net

What:  Kendal Calling
Where:  Penrith, England, U.K.
When:  July 30 – August 1
Who:  Doves, The Coral, Calvin Harris, British Sea Power, Stereo MCs, Badly Drawn Boy, Wild Beasts, OK Go, The Futureheads, The Subways, Wave Machines, These New Puritans, First Aid Kit, and more
Why:  The Lake District is Calling.
Web:  www.kendalcalling.co.uk

What:  Sonisphere
Where:  Knebworth, England, U.K.
When:  July 30 – August 1
Who:  Iron Maiden, Rammstein, Placebo, Alice Cooper, Mötley Crüe, Iggy & The Stooges, Alice in Chains, Good Charlotte, Papa Roach, The Cult, Slayer, Anthrax, 65daysofstatic, Henry Rollins spoken word, Fear Factory, Therapy?, Sick of It All, Municipal Waste, Funeral For a Friend, Karnivool, and more
Why:  Europe is united under the banner of hard rock thanks to the multiple Sonisphere Festivals across the continent, including the U.K.
Web:  uk.sonispherefestivals.com

What:  Y Not
Where:  Derbyshire, England, U.K.
When:  July 30 – August 1
Who:  The Futureheads, The Subways, Mystery Jets, OK Go, Los Campesinos!, Turin Brakes, The Heavy, Sparrow & The Workshop, Fenech-Soler, and more
Why:  Why not Y Not?  Why not indeed…
Web:  www.ynotfestivals.co.uk

What:  Underage
Where:  London, England, U.K.
When:  August 1
Who:  M.I.A., Annie Mac, Crystal Castles, Gold Panda, Hadouken!, Late of the Pier, Lightspeed Champion, Los Campesinos!, Micachu & The Shapes, New Young Pony Club, Rye Rye, and many more
Why:  Lincoln Park has a unique festival: open to 14-18 year-olds only. 
Web:  www.underagefestivals.com

What:  Rebellion
Where:  Blackpool, England, U.K.
When:  August 5-8
Who:  Bad Religion, Stiff Little Fingers, New York Dolls, The Subhumans, G.B.H., Gallows, Cro Mags, Fucked Up, 7 Seconds, Citizen Fish, Street Light Manifesto, Viv Albertine and many more
Why:  The punks come to Blackpool – but it’s the older bands who still do it best. 
Web:  www.rebellionfestivals.com

What:  Belladrum Tartan Heart
Where:  Inverness, Scotland, U.K.
When:  August 6-7
Who:  Badly Drawn Boy, Feeder, Levellers, The Divine Comedy, The Wailers, Twin Atlantic, and more
Why:  Need to do more to get me that far north… 
Web:  www.tartanheartfestival.co.uk

What:  Summer Sundae
Where:  Ledbury, England, U.K.
When:  August 6-8
Who:  Seasick Steve, Mumford & Sons, Teenage Fanclub, Local Natives, The Go! Team, The Fall, The Futureheads, The Low Anthem, Slow Club, The Whip, Frightened Rabbit, Steve Mason, Fanfarlo, Junip, Caribou, Los Campesinos!, The Wave Pictures, Laura Veirs, The Besnard Lakes, and more
Why:  Having expanded to multiple days, a Sundae would go down nice.  
Web:  www.summersundae.com

What:  Big Chill
Where:  Leicester, England, U.K.
When:  August 13-15
Who:  Massive Attack, M.I.A., Lily Allen, Thom Yorke, Broken Bells, Hope Sandoval & The Warm Inventions, Bebel Gilberto, Caribou, Martina Topley-Bird, Patrick Wolf, Metronomy, Rye Rye, Mystery Jets, Liars, The Ruby Suns, The Phenomenal Handclap Band and many more
Why:  After the headliners, Big Chill seems to go more for quantity than quality, but there are some keepers there, too.  
Web:  www.bigchill.net/festival.html

What:  Green Man
Where:  Brecon Beacons, Wales, U.K.
When:  August 20-22
Who:  Doves, Flaming Lips, Joanna Newsom, Beirut, Billy Bragg, Tindersticks, Mumford & Sons, Fuck Buttons, Efterklang, Laura Marling, Girls, Tallest Man On Earth, Field Music, Besnard Lakes, Neon Indian, Bear In Heaven, Megafaun, The Wave Pictures, Fanfarlo, Metronomy, and more
Why:  Head to Glasnusk Park in Wales because Green Man is totally saving your life right now, bro.
Web:  www.greenman.net

What:  V Festival
Where:  Chelmsford & Staffordshire, England, U.K.
When:  August 21-22
Who:  Kings of Leon, Kasabian, Stereophonics, The Prodigy, David Guetta, The Kooks, Paul Weller, Florence & The Machine, Doves, Pet Shop Boys, Editors, Paolo Nutini, Madness, Calvin Harris, White Lies, Groove Armada, Passion Pit, Jamie T, Goldfrapp, Air, Eels, The Temper Trap, La Roux, Robyn, Kate Nash, Tricky, Imogen Heap, Matt & Kim, Eli ‘Paperboy’ Reed, and many more
Why:  The Virgin Group gives double your festival, in both Hylands Park & Weston Park, simultaneously, as artists play one park on Saturday, and the other on Sunday.
Web:  www.vfestival.com

What:  Leeds
Where:  Leeds, England, U.K.
When:  August 27-29
Who:  Arcade Fire, Guns ‘n’ Roses, Blink-182, Queens of the Stone Age, Paramore, Weezer, Dizzee Rascal, Biffy Clyro, LCD Soundsystem, Klaxons, The Cribs, Cypress Hill, Phoenix, We Are Scientists, Bad Religion, Alkaline Trio, The Maccabees, Limp Bizkit, NOFX, Crystal Castles, Mumford & Sons, Foals, The Get Up Kids, British Sea Power, ASH, Marina & The Diamonds, Modest Mouse, Gogol Bordello, Band of Horses, Cancer Bats, Against Me!, Atari Teenage Riot, Caribou, Gaslight Anthem, Yeasayer, Kele, The Big Pink, Tame Impala, The Futureheads, Minus the Bear, The Walkmen, Los Campesinos!, Girls, The Like, Avi Buffalo, Local Natives, Metronomy, Free Energy, Surfer Blood, Joy Formidable, Four Tet, Holy Fuck, HEALTH, Foxy Shazam, Freelance Whales, Harlem, and many more
Why:  Indie meets mainstream at co-festivals Leeds & Reading (see below) with an incredibly stacked line-up.  Read more in our 2009 coverage of Bear Hands at Leeds here
Web:  www.leedsfestival.com

What:  Reading
Where:  Reading, England, U.K.
When:  August 27-29
Who:  Arcade Fire, Guns ‘n’ Roses, Blink-182, Queens of the Stone Age, Paramore, Weezer, Dizzee Rascal, Biffy Clyro, LCD Soundsystem, Klaxons, The Cribs, Cypress Hill, Phoenix, We Are Scientists, Bad Religion, Alkaline Trio, The Maccabees, Limp Bizkit, NOFX, Crystal Castles, Mumford & Sons, Foals, The Get Up Kids, British Sea Power, ASH, Marina & The Diamonds, Modest Mouse, Gogol Bordello, Band of Horses, Cancer Bats, Against Me!, Atari Teenage Riot, Caribou, Gaslight Anthem, Yeasayer, Kele, The Big Pink, Tame Impala, The Futureheads, Minus the Bear, The Walkmen, Los Campesinos!, Girls, The Like, Avi Buffalo, Local Natives, Metronomy, Free Energy, Surfer Blood, Joy Formidable, Four Tet, Holy Fuck, HEALTH, Foxy Shazam, Freelance Whales, Harlem, and many more
Why:  Indie meets mainstream at co-festivals Leeds & Reading (see above) with an incredibly stacked line-up. 
Web:  www.readingfestival.com

September

What:  Bingley
Where:  Bingley, England, U.K.
When:  September 3-5
Who:  James, The Enemy, Buzzcocks, ASH, Seasick Steve, The Levellers, Frightened Rabbit, and more
Why:  The City of Bradford Council holds an affordable fest, with one of the days having free admission.
Web:  www.bingleymusiclive.com

What:  Electric Picnic
Where:  Stradbally, Ireland
When:  September 3-5
Who:  Roxy Music, Leftfield, Massive Attack, LCD Soundsystem, The National, Imelda May, Public Image Ltd., Modest Mouse, Mumford & Sons, Hot Chip, Gil Scott-Heron, Bad Lieutenant, Crystal Castles, The Horrors, Eels, Friendly Fires, The Fall, Jonsi, The Big Pink, The Low Anthem, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, Monotonix, Here We Go Magic, Field Music, Caribou, The New Pornographers and more
Why:  Ireland lights up in September thanks to Electric Picnic.
Web:  www.electricpicnic.ie

What:  Jersey Live
Where:  Jersey, England, U.K.
When:  September 4-5
Who:  Paul Weller, Kate Nash, Calvin Harris, Here We Go Magic, Drums of Death, We Have Band and more
Why:  U.K. music festivals come to the Channel’s Jersey Islands.
Web:  www.jerseylive.org.uk

What:  Bestival
Where:  Isle of Wight, England, U.K.
When:  September 9-12
Who:  The Prodigy, Dizzee Rascal, Flaming Lips, Roxy Music, Hot Chip, The xx, LCD Soundsystem, Fever Ray, Jonsi, Tricky, Echo & The Bunnymen, Simian Mobile Disco, Delphic, Mumford & Sons, Annie Mac, Four Tet, Flying Lotus, Ulrich Schnauss, The Antlers, Here We Go Magic, Deer Tick, Neon Indian, Phosphorescent, Lissie and more
Why:  The biggest truly indie festival is still the Bestival.
Web:  www.bestival.net

What:  End of the Road
Where:  Salisbury, England, U.K.
When:  September 10-12
Who:  Wilco, Yo La Tengo, Iron & Wine, Black Mountain, The Mountain Goats, The Low Anthem, Wolf Parade, Felice Brothers, Dengue Fever, The New Pornographers, Caribou, The Antlers, A.A. Bondy, Cymbals Eat Guitars, Deer Tick, Phosphorescent, Timer Timbre, Papercuts and more
Why:  North American alternative music gives back to mother England with a strong indie-country & more line-up.
Web:  www.endoftheroadfestival.com

What:  Away Game
Where:  Eigg, Scotland, U.K.
When:  September 24-25
Who:  British Sea Power, Jon Hopkins, Silver Columns, King Creosote and more
Why:  Scotland’s Fence Records & Silver Columns hold an Away Game on the Hebridean island of Eigg.
Web:  www.fencerecords.com

October

What:  In the City
Where:  Manchester, England, U.K.
When:  October 13-15
Who:  No Age, Mount Kimbie, Glasser, Male Bonding, Sky Larkin, Yuck, Crystal Fighters, HEALTH, Oh No Ono, Pulled Apart By Horses, Oberhofer, Brasstronaut, Egyptian Hip Hop, Porcelain Raft, and more
Why:  Piccadilly & Northern Quarter of Manchester host the industry-fest-ish In the City.
Web:  www.inthecity.co.uk

What:  SWN
Where:  Cardiff, Wales, U.K.
When:  October 21-23
Who:  Clinic, Beach Fossils, Cate Le Bon, Magic Kids, Egyptian Hip Hop, Joe Worricker, Swans, Islet, Peggy Sue, and more
Why:  Cardiff’s SWN has been breaking new bands year after year, so even if you’ve never heard of any of the bands now, you will soon, so take this chance to say you saw them when.
Web:  www.swnfest.com