The Carouser’s UK Festival Guide
Despite mud slinging, body odor and leaky tents, festivals are the best excuse for a 3 day binge. When summer spanks us like the sexy beast it is, we are more than ready to book up a weekend away armed with crates of beer and our favourite bands. With the current rise in festival popularity there’s more of a choice than just Glasto’. Now we can find the perfect place to grab a drink and indulge in some inappropriate behaviour. So here’s our UK Rock Festival Guide.
May
Camden Rocks
http://camdenrocksfestival.com/
Taking rock music to the heart of London’s music scene, this one day festival sees over 150 bands scattered over many of Camden’s live music bars. It is one of the best ways to see what the London rock scene and the Camden nightlife has to offer in one big gulp.
£20
June
Isle Of Wight Festival
http://isleofwightfestival.com/
It used to be considered the Woodstock of Europe in the late ’60s and famously hosted The Who, The Doors and Jimi Hendrix but was shortly banned. After Isle Of Wight’s reboot in 2002, it still continues to host the biggest names in rock like The Sex Pistols, Fleetwood Mac and The Rolling Stones.
£195
Download Festival
http://downloadfestival.co.uk/
What began as Monsters Of Rock Festival turned into a three day weekend of moshpits, heavy metal and mayhem. Now one of the most popular rock festivals in Europe has cemented itself as the champion by hosting the likes of KISS, Iron Maiden and The Stooges.
£180
Glastonbury
http://www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk/
The big daddy of Festivals have brought in some big names over the years and has a reputation as one of the largest in Europe. But it’s been a long time since hippies and peace have taken center stage here. It now attracts a more mainstream crowd of supermodels and pop artists.
£220
July
Sonisphere
Knebworth began hosting rock music since the early ‘70s by hosting legendary concerts with the likes of Queen, The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin. In 2009, Sonisphere Festival was born with a heavier lineup that rounded up Metallica, Rammstein and Slipknot. They continue to celebrate hard rock on this 3 day festival.
£170
Calling Festival
http://www.callingfestival.co.uk/
What used to be a two day event, has now been squeezed into a one day classic rock festival that changes from location to location in London. So when the concert is over, you don’t have to fear the confines of a plastic tent.
£60
Ramblin Man Fair
http://www.ramblinmanfair.com/
TeamRock and The Rock Collective joined forces to create this classic rock & blues festival that are hosting the likes of Scorpions and Greg Allman. Another draw is that they host a beer festival on campus too. Truly the best of both worlds.
£115
Rebellion Festival
http://www.rebellionfestivals.com/
T’up north, Blackpool hosts the annual 4 day punk festival that has become increasingly popular every year. It’s more than just about the music though with tattoo conventions, literary stages and a punk arts exhibitions. Prepare to grab the hair dye and pierce your face.
£140
August
Boardmasters
http://www.boardmasters.co.uk/
Fairly unique to the English festival circuit for it’s focus on surfing, skating and music. Located on the shores of Newquay sporty types come together to drink and wait for people to hurt themselves. The bands can be quite varied and have been known to host anyone from The Subways to Bastille.
£120-135
Reading & Leeds
http://www.readingfestival.com/
R&L became so good that they had to split it into two sell out festivals hosting the biggest names in rock. Now after being supported by NME and the BBC, it has become a little chart-heavy at times but still a must-see. Previous acts have included Nirvana, The Libertines and Queens Of The Stone Age.
£200
Bloodstock
The metal mobilya takes over Catton Park and breathes fire into their headbanging line-up. The heaviest festival in the UK has seen the likes of Megadeath, Slayer and Lamb Of God.
£142
All prices are based on with Camping if offered and are subject to change.
Photo Credit: Andrew Whitton Download 2015.