Biggest UK Festivals By Attendance: A Comprehensive Guide

Discover the Most Popular Festivals in the United Kingdom and Attend Them like a Pro

Summer in the United Kingdom is the time for festivals, and they come in all shapes and sizes. From music and arts to food and drink, there’s something for everyone. But which events are the biggest? In this article, we’ll take a look at the most popular festivals in the UK by attendance. Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or a first-timer, our guide will help you discover the best events to attend this year.

🎉 Glastonbury Festival

With over 200,000 attendees, Glastonbury is the biggest festival in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1970, the festival is a five-day event that takes place at Worthy Farm in Somerset. It features some of the biggest names in music, as well as a diverse range of other activities, including theatre, comedy, and circus performances.

🤔 What is the history of Glastonbury Festival?

Glastonbury Festival was first held in 1970, when Marc Bolan and T. Rex performed to a crowd of around 1,500 people. The festival grew in popularity throughout the 1970s and 1980s, and by the 1990s, it had become a major event in the UK’s cultural calendar. Today, Glastonbury is an iconic festival that attracts visitors from all over the world.

🤔 How much does it cost to attend Glastonbury Festival?

Tickets for Glastonbury Festival cost £265 per person (plus a £5 booking fee). This includes access to the festival site, camping facilities, and all entertainment. However, tickets are notoriously difficult to get hold of, and they usually sell out within minutes of going on sale.

🎉 Reading and Leeds Festivals

The Reading and Leeds Festivals take place simultaneously at two sites in England over the August bank holiday weekend. Together, they attract over 170,000 attendees. The festivals feature a mix of rock, indie, and electronic music, as well as comedy, film, and other activities.

🤔 What is the history of Reading and Leeds Festivals?

Reading Festival was first held in 1955 as a jazz and blues event. It has since evolved to include a wider range of music genres. Leeds Festival was added as a sister event in 1999, and the two festivals now share the same lineup over the same weekend.

🤔 How much does it cost to attend Reading and Leeds Festivals?

Tickets for Reading and Leeds Festivals start at £232.20 per person (plus a £16.50 booking fee). This includes access to the festival site, camping facilities, and all entertainment. VIP packages are also available for an additional cost.

🎉 Download Festival

The Download Festival is a rock music festival that takes place at Donington Park in Leicestershire. It attracts over 100,000 attendees and is one of the biggest rock festivals in the world. The festival features some of the biggest names in rock and metal, as well as up-and-coming bands.

🤔 What is the history of Download Festival?

The Download Festival was first held in 2003 as a replacement for the Monsters of Rock festival. It has since become one of the most popular rock festivals in the world and has featured some of the biggest names in music, including Metallica, Iron Maiden, and AC/DC.

🤔 How much does it cost to attend Download Festival?

Tickets for Download Festival start at £232.20 per person (plus a £16.50 booking fee). This includes access to the festival site, camping facilities, and all entertainment. VIP packages are also available for an additional cost.

🎉 Creamfields

Creamfields is a dance music festival that takes place in Cheshire over the August bank holiday weekend. It attracts over 70,000 attendees and features some of the biggest names in electronic dance music.

🤔 What is the history of Creamfields?

Creamfields was first held in 1998 as a one-day event in Liverpool. It has since grown to become one of the biggest dance music festivals in the world and has expanded to other countries, including Spain, Brazil, and Australia.

🤔 How much does it cost to attend Creamfields?

Tickets for Creamfields start at £195 per person (plus a £10 booking fee). This includes access to the festival site, camping facilities, and all entertainment. VIP packages are also available for an additional cost.

🎉 Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is a beer festival that takes place in Munich, Germany. However, there are also several Oktoberfest events in the UK, including in London, Birmingham, and Manchester. These events attract thousands of attendees each year.

🤔 What is the history of Oktoberfest?

Oktoberfest was first held in Munich in 1810 to celebrate the marriage of Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. The festival has since become a worldwide celebration of German culture and beer.

🤔 How much does it cost to attend Oktoberfest?

Tickets for Oktoberfest events in the UK vary in price depending on the location and the package. However, they typically cost between £10 and £50 per person. This includes access to the event site and some amount of food and drink.

🎉 Notting Hill Carnival

The Notting Hill Carnival is a street festival that takes place in London over the August bank holiday weekend. It celebrates Caribbean culture and attracts over 2 million visitors each year.

🤔 What is the history of Notting Hill Carnival?

The Notting Hill Carnival was first held in 1964 as a way for the West Indian community in London to celebrate their culture. It has since become one of the biggest street festivals in the world and is a major event in London’s cultural calendar.

🤔 How much does it cost to attend Notting Hill Carnival?

Attendance at the Notting Hill Carnival is free. However, visitors should expect to spend money on food, drink, and souvenirs.

🎉 Edinburgh Festival Fringe

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the largest arts festival in the world, attracting over 3 million visitors each year. It features a wide range of performances, including theatre, comedy, dance, and music.

🤔 What is the history of Edinburgh Festival Fringe?

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe was first held in 1947 as an alternative to the Edinburgh International Festival. It has since become a major event in the arts calendar and has inspired similar festivals around the world.

🤔 How much does it cost to attend Edinburgh Festival Fringe?

Tickets for Edinburgh Festival Fringe performances vary in price depending on the show and the venue. However, many shows are free or pay-what-you-want. Visitors can also purchase a Fringe Membership for £30, which gives them access to discounted tickets and other benefits.

🎉 London New Year’s Eve Fireworks

The London New Year’s Eve Fireworks is an annual event that takes place on the banks of the River Thames. It attracts over 100,000 attendees and features a spectacular firework display.

🤔 What is the history of London New Year’s Eve Fireworks?

The London New Year’s Eve Fireworks were first held in 2003 as a replacement for the traditional New Year’s Eve celebrations in Trafalgar Square. They have since become a major event in London’s cultural calendar, attracting visitors from all over the world.

🤔 How much does it cost to attend London New Year’s Eve Fireworks?

Tickets for the London New Year’s Eve Fireworks cost £10 per person and must be purchased in advance. However, there are several free viewing areas along the River Thames.

🎉 Pride in London

Pride in London is an annual celebration of the LGBTQ+ community that takes place in the capital. It attracts over 1 million attendees and features a parade, performances, and other activities.

🤔 What is the history of Pride in London?

Pride in London was first held in 1972 as a protest march. It has since evolved into a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community and its achievements.

🤔 How much does it cost to attend Pride in London?

Attendance at Pride in London is free. However, visitors should expect to spend money on food, drink, and souvenirs.

🎉 RHS Chelsea Flower Show

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is an annual event that takes place in London. It attracts over 150,000 visitors and features