QRO returns to Blighty! Our North American Festival Guide is bigger than every for the sixth year in a row. Over the winter, QRO went Down Under for a third year. And now we cross the pond, bypassing the Olympics & the Diamond Jubilee (which have caused a lot of festivals to change their dates or cancel entirely), to take on the little country that oh-so-could, Great Britain! See last year’s U.K. Festival Guide
Updated continuously throughout the year with new acts, dates, festivals & coverage
| May | June | July | August | September | October to December |
View QRO Magazine 2012 U.K. Festival Guide in a larger map
May
What: Camden Crawl
Where: London, England, U.K.
When: May 4-6
Who: The Cribs, Death in Vegas, Alabama 3, Glasvegas, The Futureheads, Clock Opera, Dan Mangan, The Raincoats, Gaz Coombes, And So I Watch You From Afar, The Big Pink, D/R/U/G/S, Iceage, Icona Pop, The Barr Brothers, Dutch Uncles, Hymns, St. Lucia, 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: Live at Leeds
Where: Leeds, England, U.K.
When: May 4-7
Who: The Enemy, Marina & The Diamonds, Ladyhawke, Los Campesinos!, The Subways, Howler, I Like Trains, Dan Mangan, The Barr Brothers, The Chevin, We Are Augustines, Weird Dreams, White Arrows, and many more
Why: Venues across Leeds are live. See much more in our photo gallery here
Web: www.liveatleeds.com
What: Big Wheel Blues
Where: Leeds, England, U.K.
When: May 5-6
Who: Mud Morganfield, Buddy Whittington, and more
Why: Get your blues on the Isle of Man.
Web: www.bigwheelblues.com
What: The Great Escape
Where: Brighton, England, U.K.
When: May 10-12
Who: Maxïmo Park, The Temper Trap, Afrtica Express Soundsystem, Alabama Shakes, Ben Kweller, We Are Scientists, Grimes, Mystery Jets, YACHT, Howler, Cloud Nothings, Com Truise, Django Django, Eight and a Half, Hot Panda, We Were Promised Jetpacks, The Big Sleep, Porcelain Raft, The Darcys, Rich Aucoin, The Sheepdogs, Savoir Adore, Shabazz Palaces, Some Community, We Are Augustines, Bass Drum of Death, Beth Jeans Houghton & The Hooves of Destiny, Body Language, Born Gold, Clock Opera, Errors, EXITMUSIC, Milagres, and many more
Why: Get away from it all with the new music showcase that is The Great Escape.
Web: www.escapegreat.com
What: Liverpool Sound City
Where: Liverpool, England, U.K.
When: May 17-19
Who: Professor Green, Death In Vegas, The Temper Trap, White Denim, Michael Kiwanuka, Alkaline Trio, Kids In Glass Houses, James Vincent McMorrow, Tim Hecker, The Wedding Present, Django Django, Mystery Jets, Slow Club, Bear In Heaven, Still Flyin’, The Big Sleep, Yukon Blonde, White Arrows, Said the Whale, Bleached, and many more
Why: Venues across Liverpool try to find the next Beatles.
Web: www.liverpoolsoundcity.co.uk
What: ATP: I’ll Be Your Mirror
Where: London, England, U.K.
When: May 25-27
Who: Slayer, Mogwai, The Afghan Whigs, Archers of Loaf, The Make-Up, Melvins, Mudhoney, Yuck, Chavez, Codeine, Tennis, Thee Oh Sees, Dirty Three. Sleep, Sleepy Sun, and many more
Why: ATP’s ‘I’ll Be Your Mirror’ at London’s Alexandra Palace comes early this year, thanks to Mogwai. See much more in our photo gallery here
Web: www.atpfestival.com/events/ibymlondon2012.php
June
What: Buschstock
Where: London, England, U.K.
When: June 2
Who: Mystery Jets, Fink, Daughter, Fionn Regan, Lanterns On the Lake, Gabriel & The Hounds, Sarah Jarosz, and more
Why: Events around Sheperd’s Bush in London.
Web: www.bushstock.co.uk
What: Field Day
Where: London, England, U.K.
When: June 2
Who: Franz Ferdinand, Andrew Bird, Mazzy Star, Sleigh Bells, SBTRKT, Beirut, Austra, Liars, Metronomy, Grimes, The Vaccines, Here We Go Magic, Crocodiles, Django Django, Com Truise, Summer Camp, The Men, Errors, Zomby, Blood Orange, Friends, Zulu Winter, Gold Panda, and more
Why: Victoria Park’s Field Day makes Hackney a whole lot more liveable.
Web: fielddayfestivals.com
What: Beached
Where: Manchester, England, U.K.
When: June 2
Who: The Futureheads, The Whip, The Naughtys, and more
Why: An electro-dance event with DJs and acts you’ve never heard of.
Web: www.beachedfestival.com
What: Dot to Dot
Where: Bristol, Nottingham & Manchester, England, U.K.
When: June 2-4
Who: The Drums, Pulled Apart By Horses, Willy Mason, Wavves, Neon Indian, Hooray For Earth, Summer Camp, Admiral Fallow, Beth Jeans Houghton, Clock Opera, Islet, and more
Why: Bristol-to-Manchester-to-Nottingham – connect the Dot to Dot.
Web: www.dottodotfestival.co.uk
What: The Apple Cart
Where: London, England, U.K.
When: June 3
Who: Adam Ant, Billy Bragg, Stornoway, Noah & The Whale, Beth Jeans Houghton & The Hooves of Destiny, and more
Why: The only music festival with a proper magic stage.
Web: theapplecartfestival.com
What: Evolution
Where: Quayside, England, U.K.
When: June 3-4
Who: Dizzee Rascal, deadmau5, Maxïmo Park, Noah & The Whale, Band of Skulls, Here We Go Magic, SBTRKT, Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs, and more
Why: The Tyne welcomes Evolution.
Web: www.evolutionfestival.co.uk
What: Download
Where: Donington, England, U.K.
When: June 8-10
Who: Black Sabbath, Metallica, The Prodigy, Soundgarden, Biffy Clyro, Chase and Status, Tenacious D, Slash, Megadeath, Rise Against, NOFX, Kyuss Lives!, Dropkick Murphys, Cancer Bats, Sebastian Bach, and more
Why: Download the hard rock.
Web: www.downloadfestival.co.uk
What: No Direction Home
Where: Nottingham, Scotland, U.K.
When: June 8-10
Who: Richard Hawley, Andrew Bird, The Low Anthem, Dirty Three, Gruff Rhys, Slow Club, Austra, Best Friends, Beth Jeans Houghton & The Hooves of Destiny, Django Django, Father John Misty, Mikal Cronin, Other Lives, Peter Wolf Crier, Spectrals, Veronica Falls, The Wave Pictures, Zulu Winter, and more
Why: Head into the Sherwood Forest like Robin Hoodl.
Web: nodirectionhomefestival.com
What: RockNess
Where: Loch Ness, Scotland, U.K.
When: June 8-10
Who: deadmau5, Mumford & Sons, Biffy Clyro, Justice, Friendly Fires, Ed Sheeran, Noah & The Whale, Metronomy, Theophilus London, Annie Mac, The Drums, The Rapture, Mystery Jets, Porter Robinson, Tim Minchin, and more
Why: The banks of Loch Ness hosts a great festival.
Web: www.rockness.co.uk
What: Wychwood
Where: Cheltenham, England, U.K.
When: June 8-10
Who: James, The Damned, Duke Special, Sharon Shannon, and more
Why: Which way to Wychwood? See much more in our photo gallery here
Web: www.wychwoodfestival.com
What: Summertime Ball
Where: London, England, U.K.
When: June 9
Who: Coldplay, Jessie J, Katy Perry, Justin Bieber, Ed Sheeran, Flo Rida, Kelly Clarkson, Usher, and more
Why: Wembley Stadium plays host to some of the biggest names in American & U.K. pop.
Web: www.capitalfm.com/summertime-ball
What: Parklife Weekender
Where: Manchester, England, U.K.
When: June 9-10
Who: The Flaming Lips, Dizzee Rascal, NERO, Noah & The Whale, Justice, Crystal Castles, Azealia Banks, Annie Mac, Simian Mobile Disco, Mount Kimble, Django Django, Gold Panda, Twin Shadow, AraabMUSIK, The Phenomenal Handclap Band, Dam-Funk, and more
Why: Take the weekend and go to the park for this electronic festival. Parklife!
Web: parklife.uk.com
What: Summer Break
Where: Newquay, England, U.K.
When: June 10-14 & 17-21
Who: Sub Focus, Kissy Sell out, and more
Why: During the weekdays in June, make your way to the beach at Newquay.
Web: www.summerbreak.co.uk
What: The Glade
Where: Norfolk, England, U.K.
When: June 14-17
Who: Pretty Lights, Dub Pistols, Vitalic, Andy C, and more
Why: What originally started as a stage at Glastonbury has grown into a full-fledged dancetronic festival (that happens even when Glastonbury isn’t).
Web: www.gladefestival.com
What: Beach Break
Where: Pembrey, Wales, U.K.
When: June 14-18
Who: Chase & Status, Dizzee Rascal, Friendly Fires, NERO, The Whip, and more
Why: U.K. student festival is mostly electronic.
Web: www.beachbreaklive.com
What: Lovebox
Where: London, England, U.K.
When: June 15-17
Who: Hot Chip, Friendly Fires, Grace Jones, Crystal Castles, Lana Del Rey, Magnetic Man, Booka Shade, The Rapture, Patrick Wolf, and more
Why: Victoria Park holds a three-day upbeat Love(box)-in.
Web: www.lovebox.net
What: Isle of Wight
Where: Isle of Wight, England, U.K.
When: June 21-24
Who: Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam, Tom Petty, Biffy Clyro, Noel Gallagher, Elbow, Tinie Tempah, The Vaccines, Noah & The WHale, Jessie J, Feeder, Madness, Band of Skulls, Big Country, Magnetic Man, The Darkness, The Stranglers, Enter Shikari, Ash, Pulled Apart By Horses, Katy B, Lana Del Rey, Switchfoot, Crystal Castles, The Charlatans, Best Coast, 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 – headlined by the kind of great big acts you’d want to see at a festival.
Web: www.isleofwightfestival.com
What: BBC Radio One’s Hackney Weekend
Where: Hackney, England, U.K.
When: June 23-24
Who: Jay-Z, Rihanna, Tinie Tempah, Ed Sheeran, Florence & The Machine, Jessie J, Swedish House Mafia, Chase & Status, deadmau5, David Guetta, will.i.am, Calvin Harris, Magnetic Man, Lana Del Rey, Enter Shikari, Jack White, Bombay Bicycle Club, NERO, Santigold, The Maccabees, The Ting Tings, and many more
Why: BBC Radio One’s Big Weekend enters London’s Hackney – and becomes a whole lot more mainstream.
Web: www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/hackneyweekend/2012
What: Jodrell Bank
Where: Lower Withington, England, U.K.
When: June 23-24
Who: Paul Weller, Elbow, Graham Coxon, Graham Coxon, Lilttle Barrie, Field Music, Willy Mason, Baxter Dury, and more
Why: All done in the shadow of the massive Lovell Telescope. See much more in our photo gallery here
Web: www.jodrellbanklive.co.uk
What: Beat-Herder
Where: Lancashire, England, U.K.
When: June 29 – July 1
Who: Orbital, Lee Scratch Perry, Death In Vegas, The Whip, King Charles, and more
Why: Beats are herded in Lancashire country. Read & see much more in our recap here
Web: www.beatherder.co.uk
What: Blissfields
Where: Hampshire, England, U.K.
When: June 29 – July 1
Who: Patrick Wolf, The Noisettes, Spector, Lucy Rose, Man Like Me, Wave Pictures, Clock Opera, and more
Why: Head to The Park in Hampshire from some Bliss(fields).
Web: blissfields.co.uk
What: Godiva
Where: Coventry, England, U.K.
When: June 29 – July 1
Who: Echo & The Bunnymen, Pigeon Detective, Fallows, and more
Why: Three-day free, ticketless, family-friendly festival with little that you want to see.
Web: www.godivafestival.co.uk
What: Hop Farm
Where: Paddock Wood, England, U.K.
When: June 29 – July 1
Who: Bob Dylan, Peter Gabriel, Suede, Damien Rice, Primal Scream, My Morning Jacket, Ray Davies, Richard Ashcroft, The Stranglers, Maxïmo Park, British Sea Power, Peter Hook & The Light, Frightened Rabbit, Geoge Clinton & Parliament/Funkadelic, Patti Smith & Her Band, Kool & The Gang, Gary Numan, The Futureheads, White Denim, The Levellers, Ben Kweller, Gruff Rhys, Field Music, Billy Ocean, The Psychedelic Futrs, Slow Club, Cashier No. 9, Jose Gonzalez, Athlete, Tallest Man On Earth, Gomez, Robert Francis, Jonquil, The Sheepdogs, and more
Why: Some of the best of yesterday with some of the best of today.
Web: www.hopfarmfestival.com
July
What: Beat-Herder
Where: Lancashire, England, U.K.
When: June 29 – July 1
Who: Orbital, Lee Scratch Perry, Death In Vegas, The Whip, King Charles, and more
Why: Beats are herded in Lancashire country. Read & see much more in our recap here
Web: www.beatherder.co.uk
What: Blissfields
Where: Hampshire, England, U.K.
When: June 29 – July 1
Who: Patrick Wolf, The Noisettes, Spector, Lucy Rose, Man Like Me, Wave Pictures, Clock Opera, and more
Why: Head to The Park in Hampshire from some Bliss(fields).
Web: blissfields.co.uk
What: Godiva
Where: Coventry, England, U.K.
When: June 29 – July 1
Who: Echo & The Bunnymen, Pigeon Detective, Fallows, and more
Why: Three-day free, ticketless, family-friendly festival with little that you want to see.
Web: www.godivafestival.co.uk
What: Hop Farm
Where: Paddock Wood, England, U.K.
When: June 29 – July 1
Who: Bob Dylan, Peter Gabriel, Suede, Damien Rice, Primal Scream, My Morning Jacket, Ray Davies, Richard Ashcroft, The Stranglers, Maxïmo Park, British Sea Power, Peter Hook & The Light, Frightened Rabbit, Geoge Clinton & Parliament/Funkadelic, Patti Smith & Her Band, Kool & The Gang, Gary Numan, The Futureheads, White Denim, The Levellers, Ben Kweller, Gruff Rhys, Field Music, Billy Ocean, The Psychedelic Futrs, Slow Club, Cashier No. 9, Jose Gonzalez, Athlete, Tallest Man On Earth, Gomez, Robert Francis, Jonquil, The Sheepdogs, and more
Why: Some of the best of yesterday with some of the best of today.
Web: www.hopfarmfestival.com
What: Bloc Weekend
Where it would have been: London, England, U.K.
When it would have been: July 6-7
Who would have played: Orbital, Snoop Dogg, Richie Hawtin, Steve Reich, Gary Numan, Flying Lotus, Battles, James Blake, Apparat, Ellen Allien, Four Tet, and more
Why: English beats would have come to the English Bloc – but cancelled.
Web: www.blocweekend.com
What: Indietracks
Where: Ripley, England, U.K.
When: July 6-8
Who: The Vaselines, Allo Darlin’, Sea Lions, Veronica Falls, Summer Camp, and more
Why: Of course the English would combine a music festival with their love of trains…
Web: www.indietracks.co.uk
What: Lounge On the Farm
Where: Canterbury, England, U.K.
When: July 6-8
Who: Aluna George, The Wombats, The Charlatans, Chic, Fake Blood, Mystery Jets, and more
Why: Lounge On the Farm with Anglo acts telling Canterbury Tales.
Web: www.loungeonthefarm.co.uk
What: T In the Park
Where: Kinross, Scotland, U.K.
When: July 6-8
Who: Snow Patrol, The Stone Roses, Kasabian, New Order, Florence & The Machine, Noel Gallagher, David Guetta, Elbow, Swedish House Mafia, Calvin Harris, Tinie Tempah, Nicki Minaj, Kaiser Chiefs, Jessie J, The Vaccines, Two Door Cinema Club, Skrillex, Bombay Bicycle Club, The Temper Trap, Simple Minds, Happy Mondays, Frank Turner, Nero, THe Enemy, The Darkness, Miike Snow, Feeder, The Maccabees, Twin Atlantic, The Horrors, Mastodon, The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Major Lazer, Enter Shikari, Simian Mobile Disco, Pulled Apart By Horses, Tribes, Childish Gambino, The Subways, Howler, Djang Django, We Are Augustines, and more
Why: T In the Park goes for big British names in this Diamond Jubilee year.
Web: www.tinthepark.com
What: Wakestock
Where: Abersoch, Wales, U.K.
When: July 6-8
Who: Calvin Harris, Dizzee Rasval, Ed Sheeran, Katy B, Azealia Banks, Annie Mac, The All-American Rejects, and more
Why: Have some water sports with your musical festivities.
Web: www.wakestock.co.uk
What: Wireless
Where: London, England, U.K.
When: July 6-8
Who: Drake, deadmau5, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Calvin Harris, Jessie J, Wiz Khalifa, Childish Gambino, Nero, Kaskade, AraabMUSIK, A$AP Rocky, Theophilus London, and more
Why: Hyde Park welcomes a mostly mainstream, mostly dance, and many Americans for Wireless.
Web: www.wirelessfestival.co.uk
What: M Fest
Where it would have been: Leeds, England, U.K.
When it would have been: July 7-8
Who would have played: Texas, The Human League, Big Country, From the Jam, Levellers, Inspiral Carpets, Mike Peters, Bob Geldof, Deadbeat Echoes, Glen Matlock, The Pigeon Detectives, and more
Why: Mmm… music & food at M Fest – and unfortunately cancelled.
Web: www.themfest.com
What: 2000 Trees
Where: Gloucestershire, England, U.K.
When: July 12-14
Who: 65daysofstatic, Guillemots, The Futureheads, Hundred Reasons, Three Trapped Tigers, Pulled Apart By Horses, Future of the Left, Dry the River, Summer Camp, Gallows, We Were Promised Jetpacks, 2:54, and more
Why: A line-up studded with buzzing U.K. bands.
Web: www.twothousandtreesfestival.co.uk
What: Latitude
Where: Southwold, England, U.K.
When: July 12-15
Who: Bon Iver, Elbow, Paul Weller, Metronomy, Laura Marling, Janelle Monáe, Bat For Lashes, White Lies, THe Horrors, Wild Beasts, Simple Minds, Lana Del Rey, Amadou & Mariam, Edward Sharpe & The Magentic Zeros, Explosions In the Sky, M83, SBTRKT, Yeasayer, Alabama Shakes, The Antlers, Apparat, Battles, Chairlift, Dawes, Destroyer, Django Django, Rufus Wainwright, Esperancza Spalding, The Field, First Aid Kit, Givers, Howler, Iceafe, Jonathan Wilson, Kurt Vile, Other Lives, Perfume Genius, Sharon Van Etten, SoKo, St. Vincent, Team Me, tUnE-yArDs, The War On Drugs, We Are Augustines, Zola Jesus, and more
Why: Suffolk’s Sunrise Coast welcomes another great line-up to Latitude. See much more in our 2011 photo gallery here
Web: www.latitudefestival.co.uk/home
What: GuilFest
Where: Guildford, England, U.K.
When: July 13-15
Who: Bryan Ferry, Jimmy Cliff, Gary Numan, ASH, Nouvelle Vague, Tim Minchin, and more
Why: This independent festival skews older in its acts.
Web: www.guilfest.co.uk
What: Hard Rock Calling
Where: London, England, U.K.
When: Junly 13-15
Who: Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, Soundgarden, Iggy & The Stooges, John Fogerty, Alison Krauss, Big Country, The Mars Volta, Lady Antebellum, Skindred, Dawes, Guillemots, Dylan LeBlanc, Tom Morello, Punch Brothers, Gary Clark Jr., Robert Randolph, NEEDTOBREATHE, and many more
Why: Über-veterans will mix with more modern acts – including Paul Simon performing the iconic Graceland.
Web: www.hardrockcalling.co.uk
What: The Secret Garden Party
Where: Cambridge, England, U.K.
When: July 19-22
Who: Orbital, KT Tunstall, Alabama Shakes, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, The Duke Spirit, Tim Minchin, Little Dragon, Kate Jackson, The Jim Jones Revue, Beth Jean Houghton & The Hooves of Destiny, SoKo, CasioKids, and 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: www.secretgardenparty.com/2012
What: Truck
Where: Steventon, England, U.K.
When: July 20-21
Who: The Temper Trap, Mystery Jets, British Sea Power, Tim Minchin, Frightened Rabbit, Guillemots, The Low Anthem, Villagers, Future of the Left, Three Trapped Tigers, 65daysofstatic, Johnny Foreigner, and more
Why: Truck delivers the Anglo for its fifteenth anniversary (and children under twelve get in free!). Read & see much more in our recap here
Web: www.thisistruck.com
What: Wickerman
Where: Kirkcarswell, Scotland, U.K.
When: July 20-21
Who: Scissor Sisters, Texas, The View, Levellers, Duke Special, and more
Why: While other festivals feast on imports, Wickerman is 100% Made in the U.K.
Web: www.thewickermanfestival.co.uk
What: Deer Shed
Where: North Yorkshite, England, U.K.
When: July 20-22
Who: Saint Etienne, Villagers, Cherry Ghost, Los Campesinos!, Cashier No 9, Dutch Uncles, School of Seven Bells, Beth Jeans Houghton & The Hooves of Destiny, and more
Why: A minor, kid-friendly festival at Baldersby Park.
Web: www.deershedfestival.com
What: Tramlines
Where: Sheffield, England, U.K.
When: July 20-22
Who: We Are Scientists, Roots Manuva, Field Music, 65daysofstatic, Beth Jeans Houghton & The Hooves of Destiny, Chew Lips, Clock Opera, Esben & The Witch, Frankie & The Heartstrings, Future of the Left, Frankie Rose, Mazes, and more
Why: Take the tram to venues across Sheffield for this free festival. See much more in our photo gallery here
Web: www.tramlines.org.uk
What: Splendour
Where: Nottingham, England, U.K.
When: July 21
Who: Dizzee Rascal, Razorlight, Katy B, Hard-Fi, Levellers, and more
Why: Nottingham’s Wollaton Park holds a Splendid little festival.
Web: www.splendourfestival.com
What: Cambridge Folk
Where: Cambridge, England, U.K.
When: July 26-29
Who: Billy Bragg, Nanci Griffith, John Prine, The Proclaimers, Seth Lakeman, Dry the River, Anais Mitchell, Keb Mo Band, 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 26-29
Who: Happy Mondays, Hot Chip, Kool & The Gang, Jimmy Cliff, LIttle Dragon, Frankie Rose, Duke Special, and more
Why: The “baby sister” of Bestival (see below), Camp Bestival hosts some older acts and some newer electronica at Lulworth Castle.
Web: www.campbestival.net
What: Kendal Calling
Where: Cumbria, England, U.K.
When: July 27-29
Who: Dizzee Rascal, James, Maxïmo Park, Feeder, We Are Scientists, Shed Seven, Inspiral Carpets, Tribes, The View, Various Cruelties, Islet, King Charles, Sound of Guns, Benga, Hatcham Social, Admiral Fallow, Lucy Rose, and more
Why: The lake district is calling… See much more in our photo gallery here
Web: www.kendalcalling.com
August
What: Meltdown
Where: London, England, U.K.
When: August 1-12
Who: Anthony & The Johnsons, Lou Reed, Elizabeth Fraser, Marc Almond, Laurie Anderson, CocoRosie, William Basinki, Light Asylum, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Matmos, Hercules & Love Affair, 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, Anthony of Anthony & The Johnsons.
Web: meltdown.southbankcentre.co.uk
What: Rebellion
Where: Blackpool, England, U.K.
When: August 2-5
Who: Rancid, Public Image Limited, Social Distortion, Buzzcocks, U.K. Subs, Stiff Little Fingers, Subhumans, Star Fucking Hipsters, Agnostic Front, 7 Seconds, The Slackers, Citizen Fish, The Enemy, Viv Albertine, Franz Nicolay, and more
Why: The punks (including ska-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 3-4
Who: Travis, The Wombats, We Are Scientists, Frightened Rabbit, Buzzcocks, Willy Mason, Slow Club, Lanterns On the Lake, Smoke Fairies, and more
Why: That’s pretty far north…
Web: www.tartanheartfestival.co.uk
What: Y Not
Where: Derbyshire, England, U.K.
When: August 3-5
Who: The Wombats, We Are Scientists, The View, British Sea Power, The Pigeon Detectives, The Subways, Pulled Apart By Horses, Reverend & The makers, Frightened Rabbit, Summer Camp, Future of the Left, Frankie & The Heartstrings, King Charles, Slow Club, Various Cruelties, Sound of Guns, Lucy Rose, The Cast of Cheers, and more
Why: Why not Y Not? Why not indeed…
Web: www.ynotfestivals.co.uk
What: Sheftival
Where: Sheffield, England, U.K.
When: August 4-5
Who: Stooshe, Toots and The Maytals, Lemar, Macka B, The Lightning Seeds, Dodgy, Marcus Collins, The Beat, Selecter, Noisettes, The Crookes, Misha B, Kanda Bongo Man, Laura Steel, Balkan Bandits, and more
Why: Forget the Olympics – get your Sheft together for Sheftival, a crazy good deal at only ten pounds a ticket for music, sports, and much more. See much more in our photo gallery here
Web: www.sheftival.com
What: Beacons
Where: Skipton, England, U.K.
When: August 17-19
Who: Wild Beasts, Toots & Maytal, Mount Kimble Roots Manuva, Patrick Wolf, The Felice Brothers, Factory Floor, Junior Boys, Errors, Frankie & The Heartstrings, Clock Opera, Cloud Nothings, Willy Mason,D/R/U/G/S, Star Slinger, 2:54, Cass McCombs, King Krule, The Wave Pictures, Still Corners, Mazes, Weird Dreams, Japandroids, Post War Glamour Girls, Wot Gorilla, Lanterns On the Lake, Admiral Fallow, Veronica Falls, and more
Why: Funkirk Estate shines like a Beacon. Read and see much more in our recap here
Web: www.greetingsfrombeacons.com
What: Beautiful Days
Where: Devon, England, U.K.
When: August 17-19
Who: Public Image LTD, Frank Turner, Levellers, Midlake, Richard Thompson, The Waterboys, New Model Army, Inspiral Carpets, Alabama 3, Reel Big Fish, Billy Bragg, Toots & The Maytals, Duke Special, and more
Why: What a Beautiful Day(s)…
Web: www.beautifuldays.org
What: Green Man
Where: Brecon Beacons, Wales, U.K.
When: August 17-19
Who: Van Morrison, Feist, Mogwai, The Walkmen, Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks, Metronomy, The Tallest Man On Earth, of Montreal, The Felice Brothers, Yann Tiersen, tUnE-yArDs, Junior Boys, Jonathan Richman, Field Music, Cate Le Bon, Willy Mason, MegaFaun, Slow Club, Michael Kiwanuka, Cass McCombs, Friends, Lucy Rose, King Charles, Bowerbirds, Damien Jurado, Lower Dens, Cashier No. 9, Dark Dark Dark, The Wave Pictures, Islet, Alt-J, and more
Why: Head to Glanusk Park in Wales because Green Man is totally saving your life right now, bro.
Web: www.greenman.net
What: Summer Sundae
Where: Ledbury, England, U.K.
When: August 17-19
Who: Public Image Limited, Adam Ant, Billy Bragg, Katy B, Ocean Colour Scene, tUnE-yArDs, Patrick Wolf, The Twilight Sad, Speech Debelle, Deer Tick, Loney Dear, Bowerbirds, Dan Mangan, Django Django, Clock Opera, Gold Panda, Team Me, and more
Why: Having expanded to multiple days, a Sundae would go down nice.
Web: www.summersundae.com
What: V Festival
Where: Chelmsford & Staffordshire, England, U.K.
When: August 18-19
Who: The Stone Roses, The Killers, Snow Patorl, Noel Gallagher, Nicki Minaj, David Guetta, Tinie Tempah, Ed Sheeran, Tom Jones, Keane, Madness, Nero, Madness, Friendly Fires, Happy Mondays, LFMAO, Noah & The Whale, Frank Turner, The Enemy, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Gossip, The Human League, Shed Seven, Frank Ocean, The Proclaimers, The Ting Tings, Reverend & The Makers, The Stranglers, Inspiral Carpets, Childish Gambino, The Twang, and 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. See more in our Staffordshire photo gallery here
Web: www.vfestival.com
What: Shambala
Where: Northamptonshire, England, U.K.
When: August 23-27
Who: Billy Bragg, Roots Manuva, Vieux Farka Toure, The Selecter, Shackleton, Laura J Martin, and more
Why: A varied & green line-up.
Web: www.shambalafestival.org
What: Leeds
Where: Leeds, England, U.K.
When: August 24-26
Who: Foo Fighters, The Cure, Kasabian, The Black Keys, Paramore, Florence & The Machine, Justice, The Maccabees, At the Drive-In, Kaiser Chiefs, Bombay Bicycle Club, The Vaccines, Two Door Cinema Club, Foster the People, The Cribs, Less Than Jake, Social Distortion, Metronomy, The Horrors, Mastodon, Anti-Flag, The View, Sleigh Bells, Feeder, The Shins, Crystal Castles, SBTRKT, Graham Coxon, The Futureheads, The Subways, 2:54, Alberta Cross, Alt-J, The Gaslight Anthem, OFWGKTA, Mark Lanegan, Passion Pit, Miike Snow, Bouncing Souls, Veronica Falls, Eagles of Death Metal, Mystery Jets, The Joy Formidable, Santigold, Saves the Day, Blood Red Shoes, The Hives, Tribes, Dry the River, Iceage, Los Campesinos!, Django Django, Grimes, King Charles, Howler, Of Monsters and Men, Dead To Me, Oberhofer, We Are Augustines, and more
Why: Indie meets mainstream at co-festivals Leeds & Reading (see below) with a stacked line-up.
Web: www.leedsfestival.com
What: Reading
Where: Reading, England, U.K.
When: August 24-26
Who: Foo Fighters, The Cure, Kasabian, The Black Keys, Paramore, Florence & The Machine, Justice, The Maccabees, At the Drive-In, Kaiser Chiefs, Bombay Bicycle Club, The Vaccines, Two Door Cinema Club, Foster the People, The Cribs, Less Than Jake, Social Distortion, Metronomy, The Horrors, Mastodon, Anti-Flag, The View, Sleigh Bells, Feeder, The Shins, Crystal Castles, SBTRKT, Graham Coxon, The Futureheads, The Subways, 2:54, Alberta Cross, Alt-J, The Gaslight Anthem, OFWGKTA, Mark Lanegan, Passion Pit, Miike Snow, Bouncing Souls, Veronica Falls, Eagles of Death Metal, Mystery Jets, The Joy Formidable, Santigold, Saves the Day, Blood Red Shoes, The Hives, Tribes, Dry the River, Iceage, Los Campesinos!, Django Django, Grimes, King Charles, Howler, Of Monsters and Men, Dead To Me, Oberhofer, We Are Augustines, and more
Why: Indie meets mainstream at co-festivals Leeds & Reading (see above) with a stacked line-up. Read & see much more in our 2011 recap here
Web: www.readingfestival.com
What: Greenbelt
Where: Prestbury, England, U.K.
When: August 24-27
Who: Nitin Sawhney, Bruce Cockburn, The Proclaimers, Speech Debelle, Franz Nicolay, Abigail Washburn, and more
Why: This arts, faith and justice festival is coming up on its fortieth anniversary.
Web: www.greenbelt.org.uk
What: Underage
Where: London, England, U.K.
When: August 31
Who: Devlin, Dry the River, Friends, Iceage, Pulled Apart By Horses, Tribes, Spector, Summer Camp, Zulu Winter, and more
Why: Shoreditch Park has a unique festival: open to 14-18 year-olds only.
Web: www.underagefestivals.com
What: Bingley Music Live
Where: Bradford, England, U.K.
When: August 31 – September 2
Who: The Charlatans, Razorlight, Nero, White Lies, The Pigeon Detectives, King Charles, Hard-Fi, The Jim Jones Revue, The Chevin, and morre
Why: The City of Bradford Council holds an affordable fest. Read & see much more in our recap here
Web: www.bingleymusiclive.com
What: Electric Picnic
Where: Stradbally, Ireland
When: August 31 – September 2
Who: The Cure, The Killers, Elbow, Sigur Rós, Orbital, Hot Chip, The xx, Patti Smith, Explosions In the Sky, The Vaccines, Bombay Bicycle Club, Crystal Castles, SBTRKT, Grandaddy, The Maccabees, The Roots, Azealia Banks, Wild Beasts, Grizzly Bear, Metronomy, Ed Sheeran, Bat For Lashes, The Horrors, Glen Hansard, Roots Manuva, The Jezabels, Bell X1, Michael Kiwanuka, The Antlers, Grimes, Patrick Watson, Alabama Shakes, Lanterns On the Lake, Baxter Dury, Milagres, and more
Why: Ireland lights up in September thanks to Electric Picnic.
Web: www.electricpicnic.ie
What: End of the Road
Where: Salisbury, England, U.K.
When: August 31 – September 2
Who: Grizzly Bear, Patti Smith, Grandaddy, Midlake, Beach House, Dirty Three, Mark Lanegan Band, Van Dyke Parks, The Low Anthem, Graham Coxon, Anna Calvi, Villagers, The Antlers, Alabama Shakes, First Aid Kit, Jonathan Wilson, Patrick Watson, Woods, Justin Townes Earle, Jeffrey Lewis, Robyn Hitchcock, Perfume Genius, 2:54, Alt-J, Cashier No 9, Deer Tick, Delicate Steve, Dirty Beaches, I Break Horses, Islet, King Charles, Lanterns On the Lake, Leif Vollebekk, Mountain Man, Porcelain Raft, Still Corners, Veronica Falls, and more
Why: The end of August sees the End of the Road.
Web: www.endoftheroadfestival.com
September
What: Bingley Music Live
Where: Bradford, England, U.K.
When: August 31 – September 2
Who: The Charlatans, Razorlight, Nero, White Lies, The Pigeon Detectives, King Charles, Hard-Fi, The Jim Jones Revue, The Chevin, and morre
Why: The City of Bradford Council holds an affordable fest. Read & see much more in our recap here
Web: www.bingleymusiclive.com
What: Electric Picnic
Where: Stradbally, Ireland
When: August 31 – September 2
Who: The Cure, The Killers, Elbow, Sigur Rós, Orbital, Hot Chip, The xx, Patti Smith, Explosions In the Sky, The Vaccines, Bombay Bicycle Club, Crystal Castles, SBTRKT, Grandaddy, The Maccabees, The Roots, Azealia Banks, Wild Beasts, Grizzly Bear, Metronomy, Ed Sheeran, Bat For Lashes, The Horrors, Glen Hansard, Roots Manuva, The Jezabels, Bell X1, Michael Kiwanuka, The Antlers, Grimes, Patrick Watson, Alabama Shakes, Lanterns On the Lake, Baxter Dury, Milagres, and more
Why: Ireland lights up in September thanks to Electric Picnic.
Web: www.electricpicnic.ie
What: End of the Road
Where: Salisbury, England, U.K.
When: August 31 – September 2
Who: Grizzly Bear, Patti Smith, Grandaddy, Midlake, Beach House, Dirty Three, Mark Lanegan Band, Van Dyke Parks, The Low Anthem, Graham Coxon, Anna Calvi, Villagers, The Antlers, Alabama Shakes, First Aid Kit, Jonathan Wilson, Patrick Watson, Woods, Justin Townes Earle, Jeffrey Lewis, Robyn Hitchcock, Perfume Genius, 2:54, Alt-J, Cashier No 9, Deer Tick, Delicate Steve, Dirty Beaches, I Break Horses, Islet, King Charles, Lanterns On the Lake, Leif Vollebekk, Mountain Man, Porcelain Raft, Still Corners, Veronica Falls, and more
Why: The end of August sees the End of the Road.
Web: www.endoftheroadfestival.com
What: In the Woods
Where: Kent, England, U.K.
When: September 1
Who: Alt-J, Dog Is Dead, Kwes, Stealing Sheep, and more
Why: Laurel Collective hosts a small festival at secret woodland location in Kent.
Web: www.inthewoodsfestival.co.uk
What: The 1234
Where: London, England, U.K.
When: September 1
Who: Iceage, Buzzcocks, Minny Pops, The Duke Spirit, Citizens!, Crocodiles, Let’s Wrestle, Dirty Beaches, JEFF: The Brotherhood, Porcelain Raft, Eagulls, and more
Why: One-two, one-two-three-four!
Web: the1234shoreditch.com
What: Jersey Live
Where: Jersey, England, U.K.
When: September 1-2
Who: Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Chase & Status, Primal Scream, The Stranglers, Friends, 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 6-9
Who: Stevie Wonder, Florence & The Machine, New Order,, Sigur Rós, The xx, Friendly Fires, Nero, Justice, Two Door Cinema Club, Hot Chip, Miike Snow, Bat For Lashes, Orbital, SBTRKT, Warpaint, De La Soul, Roots Manuva, Major Lazer, Gary Numan, The Horrors, Spiritualized, Azealia Banks, Alabama Shakes, Kate Nash, Grimes, King Charles, Django Django, Little Dragon, Gold Panda, Chairlift, Summer Camp, Iceage, Delilah, First Aid Kit, Zulu Winter, Friends, King Khan & The Shrines, Factory Floor, Charli XCX, Errors, King Krule, El-P, BEAK>, Dirty Beaches, Field Music, 2:54, Frankie Rose, Porcelain Raft, Milagres, Alt-J, Clock Opera, and many, many more
Why: The biggest truly indie festival is still the Bestival.
Web: www.bestival.net
What: Festival No. 6
Where: Portmeiron, England, U.K.
When: September 14-16
Who: New Order, Primal Scream, Spiritualized, Gruff Rhys, Local Natives, British Sea Power, King Creosote, Summer Camp, Field Music, Beth Jeans Houghton, Alt-J, Clock Opera, The Whip, Cate Le Bon, The Wave Pictures, and more
Why: The home of The Village from The Prisoner – including a real-life castle – welcomes Festival No. 6. But can you ever leave?…
Web: www.festivalnumber6.com
What: Zoo Project
Where: Lympne, England, U.K.
When: September 14-16
Who: Sasha, Ostgut Ton, Louche, Josh T, Pearson Sound, and more
Why: Ibiza’s wild Zoo Project heads to the U.K. for the first time ever, at an honest-to-god zoo.
Web: www.zooproject-festival.com
What: Southsea
Where: Portsmouth, England, U.K.
When: September 15
Who: Clock Opera, Tall Ships, This Many Boyfriends, Two Wounded Birds, Eagulls, Hey Sholay, Hymns, Sean McGowan, and more
Why: Venues across Portsmouth celebrate the Southsea.
Web: www.southseafest.com
October to December
What: Shakedown
Where: Brighton, England, U.K.
When: October 6
Who: Dizzie Rascal, Professor Green, Katy B, Zane Lowe, and more
Why: U.K.’s party capitol welcomes a second year of Shakedown.
Web: www.shakedown.co.uk
What: SWN
Where: Cardiff, Wales, U.K.
When: October 18-21
Who: Liars, The Cribs, Clock Opera, Django Django, Dry the River, Errors, Gallows, Hey Sholay, Islet, Micachu & The Shapes, Pulled Apart By Horses, Scritti Politti, Tall Ships, We Were Evergreen, and more
Why: Wales welcomes the world.
Web: www.swnfest.com
What: Supersonic
Where: Birmingham, England, U.K.
When: October 19-21
Who: Body/Head, Carlton Melton, Goat, Tim Hecker, Dope Body, and more
Why: Birmingham gets Super heavy – including (newly single) Kim Gordon’s Body/Head.
Web: www.supersonicfestival.com
What: Constellations
Where: Leeds, England, U.K.
When: November 10
Who: Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti, Kindness, Haim, Hooded Fang, Hookworms, Swimming Lessons, and more
Why: Leeds University welcomes a Constellation of artists. Read & see much more in our 2011 recap
Web: constellationsfestival.com
What: ATP:The Nightmare Before Christmas
Where: Minehead, England, U.K.
When: November 30 – December 2
Who: Shellac, Neurosis, Kim Deal, Wire, Mission of Burma, Melt Banana, MONO, Future of the Left, Prinzhorn Dance School, Red Fang, Buke and Gase, and more
Why: Legendary producer Steve Albini’s Shellac curates All Tomorrow’s Parties’ ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’. See much more in our photo gallery from 2011 ATP: The Nightmare Before Christmas
Web: www.atpfestival.com/events/shellacxmas.php
What: ATPcurated by The National
Where: Minehead, England, U.K.
When: December 7-9
Who: The National, Kronos Quartet, Wild Beasts, The Antlers, Deerhoof, Owen Pallett, Menomena, Local Natives, Boris, Kurt Vile & The Violators, Tim Hecker, Perfume Genius, Sharon Van Etten, Bear In Heaven, Youth Lagoon, My Brightest Diamond, Wye Oak, Lower Dens, Hauschka, Richard Reed Parry, Suuns, Buke & Gase, This Is the Kit, Hayden, and more
Why: One of the biggest, best bands today, The National (QRO spotlight on) curate ATP at Butlins Holiday Centre late in 2012. See much more in our photo gallery here
Web: www.atpfestival.com/events/thenational.php
