Festivals were hit hard in 2020, with most, if not all, major events forced to cancel. And while a few did manage to go ahead in 2021, there was still an air of uncertainty. However, now, in 2022, it doesn’t feel quite so risky to look forward to a restriction-free summer, which means festivals are well and truly back and we have a jam-packed schedule to look forward to.
Of course, the Big One, aka Glastonbury, is already sold out, as ticket holders for the cancelled 2020 festival had their tickets automatically rollover. However, there are plenty of other brilliant festivals around the UK that are well worth your money this summer. Here are some of the best that still have tickets available…
UK summer festivals 2022
Latitude
When: 21-24 July
Where: Henham Park, Suffolk
2022 headliners: Lewis Capaldi, Foals, Snow Patrol
What is it: If your heart is set on Glastonbury but you just keep missing out on tickets, Latitude is sort of the next best thing. As family-friendly as a festival can get, Latitude is known for its inclusive and relaxed atmosphere. As well as multiple music stages featuring a range of indie and pop acts, there’s live comedy, theatre, literary readings and activities to get stuck into such as wild swimming, paddle boarding and yoga.
Rewind
When:Â 22-24 July (Scotland), 5-7 August (North), 19-21 August (South)
Where:Â Scone Palace (Scotland), Capesthorne Hall (North), Henley-on-Thames (South)
2022 headliners:Â Holly Johnson, The Human League, Wet Wet Wet
What is it: Celebrating the best of the 80s, Rewind Festival pops up in three different locations throughout the summer: Rewind Scotland, Rewind North and Rewind South, with mostly the same (albeit slightly varied) musical line-up, but all are an absolute blast. Another particularly family-friendly affair, there’s also a fun fair and kidzone – and 80s dress up is definitely encouraged.
Wilderness
When: 4-7 August
Where: Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire
2022 headliners: Underworld, Years & Years, Jungle, Peggy Gou
What is it:Â You might go to Wilderness festival for the big name indie headliners, but you’ll stay for the myriad alternative performances, activities and workshops on offer. With a definite magical, otherworldly vibe, you’ll find all sorts at Wilderness, from circus skills workshops and lakeside hot tubs to willow weaving and secret off-menu parties.
Henley Festival
When:Â 6-10 July
Where:Â Henley, Oxfordshire
2022 headliners: The Script, Craig David, Tom Jones, Pete Tong, Katherine Jenkins
What is it:Â If the scruffy, wellies-and-face glitter vibe isn’t really your thing, you’ll appreciate Henley Festival’s slightly more refined atmosphere. Described as an ‘exclusive boutique black-tie festival’, the five-day event embraces a vibrant musical program of pop, classical, jazz and world music, and art and gastronomy share equal billing with the music.
Camp Bestival
When: 28-31 July (Dorset), 18-21 August (Shropshire)
Where: Lulworth Castle, Dorset and Weston Park, Shropshire
2022 headliners: Fatboy Slim, Rag’n’Bone Man, Becky Hill, Rudimental, Sister Sledge
What is it: The original Bestival may be defunct, but it’s little sister festival Camp Bestival luckily lives on. There’s lots of family fun to be had at both locations, with a huge amount of activities for children – the family silent disco and farmyard circus always prove to be big hits with all ages.
Boardmasters
When: 10-14 August
Where: Newquay, Cornwall
2022 headliners: George Ezra, Disclosure, Kings of Leon
What is it: Perfect for beach bums, Boardmasters combines surfing and music into one big festival. Situated right on famous Fistral Beach, there’s a mix of indie, rock, hip hop and dance music alongside loads of outdoor activities including kayaking, coastal running and, of course, surfing lessons. Surf pros and complete beginners alike will find something to do here, but make sure you catch some of the Open competition to witness the best of UK surfing.
Love Supreme
When: 1-3 July
Where:Â Glynde Place, East Sussex
2022 headliners:Â Erykah Badu, Gregory Porter, Tom Misch, TLC, Lianne La Havas
What is it: AÂ festival ‘where music comes first’, Love Supreme celebrates all things jazz, with a healthy side helping of soul, funk, blues, reggae and R&B. Big name hitters rub shoulders with up-and-coming artists, and there’s also a wellbeing and yoga area, film screenings and a pop-up record shop from legendary Rough Trade.
