Biggest Festivals In The UK

Discover the top festivals in the UK and join the fun! 🎉

From music and arts to food and culture, the UK is home to some of the world’s most exciting festivals. Whether you’re looking for a weekend of partying or a family-friendly event, there’s something for everyone. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the biggest festivals in the UK and what makes them so special. So, get ready to dance, sing, eat, and have a great time!

1. Glastonbury Festival 🎵

The Glastonbury Festival is one of the most famous music festivals in the world, attracting over 200,000 people every year. The festival takes place in Somerset and features some of the biggest names in music, from Beyoncé to Coldplay. With a mix of rock, pop, and alternative music, Glastonbury is an experience like no other.

When is Glastonbury Festival?

The festival usually takes place in June, but it was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The next Glastonbury Festival is scheduled for June 2022.

What can you expect at Glastonbury Festival?

Aside from the music, Glastonbury offers a range of activities, from circus performances and theatre shows to art installations and food markets. There’s also a Kidz Field for children, a Healing Field for wellness activities, and an area dedicated to LGBTQ+ performers and events.

2. Notting Hill Carnival 🎭

The Notting Hill Carnival is Europe’s largest street festival, celebrating Caribbean culture and traditions. The carnival takes place in London and attracts over 2 million visitors every year. With colourful costumes, delicious food, and energetic music, the Notting Hill Carnival is a vibrant and diverse celebration of London’s multiculturalism.

When is Notting Hill Carnival?

The carnival takes place on the last weekend of August every year.

What can you expect at Notting Hill Carnival?

The carnival features a parade of floats and performers, as well as live music stages and street food vendors. There’s also a children’s day on the Sunday before the main event, with activities and entertainment for families.

3. Edinburgh Festival Fringe 🎭

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the largest arts festival in the world, showcasing theatre, comedy, dance, and music performances. The festival takes place in Edinburgh, Scotland, and attracts over 2 million visitors every year. With thousands of shows to choose from, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is a cultural extravaganza.

When is Edinburgh Festival Fringe?

The festival usually takes place in August, but it was cancelled in 2020 and took place online in 2021. The next Edinburgh Festival Fringe is scheduled for August 2022.

What can you expect at Edinburgh Festival Fringe?

The festival offers a range of shows, from established acts to up-and-coming performers. There’s also a street theatre program, a children’s program, and a range of food and drink stalls.

4. RHS Chelsea Flower Show 🌺

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is one of the most prestigious flower shows in the world, showcasing the best in gardening and horticulture. The show takes place in London and attracts over 150,000 visitors every year. With stunning displays of flowers, plants, and landscape design, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show is a must-see for gardening enthusiasts.

When is RHS Chelsea Flower Show?

The show usually takes place in May, but it was cancelled in 2020 and postponed to September 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The next RHS Chelsea Flower Show is scheduled for May 2022.

What can you expect at RHS Chelsea Flower Show?

The show features a range of displays, from show gardens and artisan gardens to floral marquee exhibitions and garden products. There’s also a range of talks and workshops on gardening topics.

5. Hay Festival 📚

The Hay Festival is a literary festival that takes place in Hay-on-Wye, a small town in Wales. The festival attracts over 250,000 visitors every year and features talks, readings, and performances by some of the world’s best writers and thinkers. With a mix of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry, the Hay Festival is a celebration of the written word.

When is Hay Festival?

The festival usually takes place in May or June, but it was cancelled in 2020 and took place online in 2021. The next Hay Festival is scheduled for May 2022.

What can you expect at Hay Festival?

The festival offers a range of talks, debates, and readings, as well as workshops, music, and comedy performances. There’s also a children’s program and a food and drink market.

6. Brighton Pride 🏳️‍🌈

Brighton Pride is the UK’s biggest LGBTQ+ event, celebrating diversity and equality. The festival takes place in Brighton and attracts over 400,000 visitors every year. With live music, drag acts, and a parade through the city, Brighton Pride is a joyous and inclusive celebration.

When is Brighton Pride?

The festival usually takes place in August, but it was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The next Brighton Pride is scheduled for August 2022.

What can you expect at Brighton Pride?

The festival features a parade through the city, as well as live music stages, dance tents, and cabaret shows. There’s also a Village Party in the heart of Brighton’s LGBTQ+ community, with food and drink stalls and community groups.

7. Royal Ascot 🐎

Royal Ascot is one of the most famous horse racing events in the world, attracting thousands of visitors every year. The event takes place in Ascot, Berkshire, and features some of the best horses and jockeys in the sport. With a strict dress code and a royal presence, Royal Ascot is a glamorous and exciting event.

When is Royal Ascot?

The event usually takes place in June, but it was cancelled in 2020 and took place behind closed doors in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The next Royal Ascot is scheduled for June 2022.

What can you expect at Royal Ascot?

The event features a range of races, from the prestigious Gold Cup to the Queen Anne Stakes. There’s also a fashion show, where attendees can show off their extravagant outfits, and a range of food and drink options.

8. The Great Yorkshire Show 🐄

The Great Yorkshire Show is one of the largest agricultural shows in the UK, showcasing the best in farming and livestock. The show takes place in Harrogate, Yorkshire, and attracts over 130,000 visitors every year. With a range of competitions, demonstrations, and exhibitions, the Great Yorkshire Show is a celebration of rural life.

When is The Great Yorkshire Show?

The show usually takes place in July, but it was cancelled in 2020 and took place as a virtual event in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The next Great Yorkshire Show is scheduled for July 2022.

What can you expect at The Great Yorkshire Show?

The show features a range of competitions, from livestock breeding and show jumping to cheese and beer tastings. There’s also a food hall, craft fair, and a Garden Show.

9. Bath Christmas Market 🎄

The Bath Christmas Market is one of the most popular Christmas markets in the UK, attracting over 400,000 visitors every year. The market takes place in Bath’s beautiful Georgian streets and offers a range of festive stalls, food and drink, and entertainment.

When is Bath Christmas Market?

The market usually takes place from late November to mid-December.

What can you expect at Bath Christmas Market?

The market features over 200 stalls selling a range of crafts, gifts, and festive foods. There’s also live music, street performers, and a Santa’s Grotto.

10. Leeds Festival 🎸

Leeds Festival is one of the UK’s largest music festivals, taking place in Bramham Park, Leeds. The festival attracts over 80,000 visitors every year and features a range of rock, indie, and electronic music acts.

When is Leeds Festival?

The festival usually takes place in August, but it was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The next Leeds Festival is scheduled for August 2022.

What can you expect at Leeds Festival?

The festival features a range of live music stages, as well as