Festivals to Visit Summer 2024
We are entering festival season: what’s on in summer 2024? We’ve gathered a list of some of this year’s best summer festivals, including some of the UK’s most famous parties.
While a lot of festival-goers will happily rough it in a tent for the weekend, some of us still like a hot shower and a comfy bed at the end of the day! If this is you, or if you’ve bought day tickets for a festival, we’ve also recommended nearby holiday cottages – the best of both worlds.
Latitude
Thursday, 25 July -Sunday, 28 July
Come here for music, dance, comedy and family fun.
This year’s music headliners at Latitude are Duran Duran, Kasabian, Keane and London Grammar, with Jo Brand, Judi Love and Sara Pascoe bringing the comedy. Add other sessions like poetry readings and live podcasts, and you’ll be spoilt for choice at this famous Suffolk festival. There’s also plenty to do with the kids, including a poetry competition.
Where to stay: https://www.handpickedcottages.co.uk/area/suffolk/
Find out more: https://www.latitudefestival.com/
Womad
Thursday, 25 July -Sunday, 28 July
Come here for music, dance and the arts.
Womad (World of Music, Arts and Dance) celebrates creativity from around the world. The six stages host top performers from around the globe, coming together in a vibrant celebration of music and song. Womad is especially good at hosting workshops and we defy you to leave without at least one new arts or music skill!
Where to stay: https://www.handpickedcottages.co.uk/area/wiltshire/
Find out more: https://www.womad.co.uk/
Edinburgh Fringe
Friday, 2 August -Monday, 26 August 2024
Come here for comedy, theatre, music and the arts.
Edinburgh’s famous performance festival takes over the city for most of August. There are around 3,000 performances in venues around the city, as well as a vibrant street arts scene. It’s lively, fun and has plenty of family-friendly options. Be open-minded when choosing what to watch, as many of our biggest comedians, actors and writers started out at the Fringe…
Where to stay: https://www.handpickedcottages.co.uk/area/edinburgh-and-lothians/
Find out more: https://www.edfringe.com/
Boardmasters
Wednesday, 7 August – Sunday, 11 August 2024
Come here for music, dance and surfing.
Newquay’s iconic festival began life as a celebration of surfing, and has grown incredibly over its 40+ years. The five-day festival attracts top headline acts (2024’s line-up includes Stormzy, Chase & Status and Sam Fender) and of course, surfing still plays a major role at Boardmasters. Add late-night partying, wellbeing sessions, cinema and fabulous Cornish food.
Where to stay: https://www.handpickedcottages.co.uk/area/cornwall/
Find out more: https://boardmasters.com/
Camp Bestival Shropshire
Monday, 12 August- Sunday, 18 August 2024
Come here for music, theatre and family fun.
If your family loves adventure, this is the one to book. Designed for families by families, the Bestival events (there’s also one in Dorset earlier in the summer) host a lively programme of kid-friendly shows, activities, workshops and food. But don’t worry – the soundtrack is one the grown-ups will enjoy too, with sets from Paloma Faith, Faithless and the legendary Rick Astley.
Where to stay: https://www.handpickedcottages.co.uk/area/shropshire/
Find out more: https://shropshire.campbestival.net/
Green Man Festival
Monday, 12 August- Sunday, 18 August 2024
Come here for music, comedy, arts and family fun.
Green Man has one of the most beautiful settings for a festival, in the stunning Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons). Like Bestival, it’s a great one for families, with all sorts of family-friendly activities on offer. Expect a bit of everything at this independent arts festival, with a diverse programme of music, comedy, literature, theatre, film, science and visual arts.
Where to stay: https://www.handpickedcottages.co.uk/area/south-coast-of-wales/
Find out more: https://www.greenman.net/
Leeds Festival
Wednesday, 21 August-Sunday, 25 August 2024
Come here for music, dance and comedy.
The Leeds and Reading festivals run simultaneously, with the Leeds event held in the magnificent grounds of Bramham Park. Rock, indie, electronic and hip hop all feature on the bill and this year’s big names include Raye, Lana Del Rey and Liam Gallagher. It’s not one for the kids, but is one of the best for those of us who are serious about live music.
Where to stay: https://www.handpickedcottages.co.uk/area/west-yorkshire/
Find out more: https://www.leedsfestival.com/
Book self-catering accommodation for your festival trip
Put that old tent away (be honest – have you used it since Glasto 1998?) and treat yourself to a luxury holiday cottage. Here at Handpicked Cottages, we have a carefully curated collection of holiday cottages across the country, offering a wonderfully comfy alternative to festival camping.
