Festivals are an integral part of a true British summer. I'm already getting excited for warm beer, baby wipe showers, and wellies with shorts. I hope you’re ready with outfits planned, a list of which sets you’re going to, and tents secured (if not head to Decathlon and get one now)!
Plus, if you saw the recent headlines from the Download Festival in mid-June, you’ll understand the importance of planning for the worst…
If you’re looking to experience some of British culture at its finest, please read on to discover JustPark’s top recommendations for the UKs best festivals of 2024.
Isle of Wight Festival
- Basics: Taking place on the 20th-23rd of June in Seaclose Park, Newport, Isle of Wight.
- Why attend: If you’re into 90s and 00s classics, with a sprinkling of Eurovision talent then this is the festival for you.
- Acts to watch: Scouting for Girls, The Prodigy, Pet Shop Boys, Green Day, and Loreen.
- What to wear: What to wear: The weather looks like it could be a mixed bag for this one, so make sure you bring along a waterproof jacket - I recommend a see through poncho so that people can still see your ‘fit, but also some sunnies in the hopes of some nicer weather.
- How to get there: Drive (or catch a Big Green Coach) to one of the four mainland ferry ports at Southampton, Portsmouth, Lymington, or Southsea. There are also trains which can take you to the terminal and you can catch a bus on the other side. If you’re driving, there could be parking on the official campsite but it might be congested or pricey; have a look on JustPark to find nearby spaces.
Glastonbury
- Basics: The festival which needs no introduction is happening on the 26-30th of June at Worthy Farm in Somerset.
- Why attend: We all know why you would attend Glastonbury. It has every genre you could possibly want and I’m really jealous of you if you've got tickets - if any reader has 2 spare tickets I know of a good home that they can go to ;)
- Acts to watch: Oliva Dean, Dua Lipa, Little Simz, SZA, Rachel Chinouriri, Jungle, Remi Wolf, Peggy Gou…
- What to wear: Wellies 100%, and anything from a vintage market
- How to get there: Glastonbury encourages attendees to travel to the festival using public transport as a way to reduce emissions. If you are arriving by train there is a free shuttle bus from Castle Cary station. However, if you are travelling by car you will need a car parking pass in order to park on site, if you do not have this then have a look on JustPark to find nearby driveways that you can park in during the festival.
Wireless
- Basics: Wireless takes place on the 12-14th of July at Finsbury Park.
- Why attend: If you’re a fan of rap and hip-hop, this is the one for you. Plus, since the festival takes place in Finsbury Park, it’s a great event if you’re not a natural camper as you can easily head back home or to a hotel for some ‘home comforts’ (ie. a toilet and shower — real luxuries).
- Acts to watch: Ice Spice, Nicki Minaj, 21 Savage, Doja Cat, and Tyla.
- What to wear: A classic with jorts and a cute top, but I would recommend something your mates can find you in so you don’t get lost in the crowd.
- How to get there:To get to wireless you can either come by Big Green Coach, Tube, Bus, Train, or Uber. They have partnered with the festival to make getting in/ out of the site easier. There is no car parking available at the festival, and so if you’re travelling by car make sure that you pre-book your parking beforehand as you don’t want to miss out on any sets looking for a space!
Somerset House Summer Series
- Basics: Taking place for 11 nights in July between the 11th and 21st of July at Somerset House.
- Why attend: This is a slightly more chill festival for those who are there for the music, and not so much the camping. If you’re a fan of finding underground artists and cutting edge music then this is the event for you.
- Acts to watch: Pip Millett, Corinne Bailey Rae, Smino, The Big Moon, Hak Baker, The Patti Smith Quartet.
- What to wear: Something more classy, Somerset house is stunning and you want to match the vibes of the buildings. The venue also asks for no rucksacks and bags must be kept to a small handbag size, so an outfit with lots of pockets could also be a shout.
- How to get there: You can get the tube to either Embankment, Charing cross, or Temple stations and walk from there. Alternatively you can get the bus, national rail, cycle, or even get the boat to the venue! There is no parking on site, therefore if you are thinking of going by car I would recommend finding parking nearby using JustPark as you can reserve your space for some peace of mind.
Reading & Leeds Festival
- Basics: Taking place in not one but two cities between the 21st-25th of August. In both Richfield Avenue Reading, and Bramham Park Leeds.
- Why attend: Reading festival is the best place to go if you’ve just finished your A-Levels and are ready to let your hair down! It is best if the type of music you’re into is alternative, rock, hip hop, dance, or pop.
- Acts to watch: Liam Gallagher, Fred Again.., Lana Del Ray, Raye, Two Door Cinema Club, Rene Rapp, BEABADOOBEE
- What to wear: Tight and Bright tends to be the general theme for the festival. But in general I would wear a crop top and cargos, and bucket hats are a must.
- How to get there: Big Green Coach is the festival’s official travel partner. Reading train station is not far from the festival (about a 15 minute walk), and there is a shuttle bus which can take you from Leeds station to the site. If you are driving, then all tickets include parking spaces at Leeds festival, although things get a little more complicated with Reading festival. You need to make sure you display an official car park pass in order to park on the site. Alternatively the festival recommends parking at the Q-Park Chatham Place.
Boardmasters
- Basics: In Newquay, Cornwall Boardmasters takes place between the 7-11th of August.
- Why attend: Boardmasters is great if you’re into a more beachy vibe, don’t mind the wind, and love indie, alternative rock, and dance music.
- Acts to watch: Corella, Cat Burns, Maisie Peters, Sam Fender, Declan McKenna, Katy B, Dick & Dom, Chase & Status, Holly Humberstone, Kate Nash, and Stormzy
- What to wear: Beachy vibes are a must for a festival in Cornwall, anything vintage, colourful, and flowy is the key to Boardmasters. However, I would also say layering is a must, as it can get pretty chilly on the cliffs.
- How to get there: Like most festivals in the UK, the Big Green Bus seems to be the way to go, however you can also book a weekend car-park pass for £79.50 if roadtripping is more your style. There are also shuttle buses available from both the airport and train station.
All Points East
- Basics: The festival takes place between the 16-25th of August at Victoria Park in London.
- Why attend: A good event for if you don’t like camping, as well as if you’re into alternative, indie, house, and dance music.
- Acts to watch: Mitski, Ezra Collective, Loyle Carner and Pink Pantheress,
- What to wear: Leopard print, jorts, bum bags, and cutting edge London fashion
- How to get there: Tube/ Overground, Bus, Cycling and Taxis, there is no car parking at the venue, and therefore it is best if you pre-book your parking beforehand if you’re thinking of driving.
