ADRIAN THRILLS: Get ready for a summer of parties. Yes, the festival is back!
After two years of lockdown restrictions, the UK’s festival scene is once again firing on all cylinders. From big-name spectaculars to the smaller, bespoke events, this summer’s calendar has something for everyone.
DOWNLOAD
Donington Park, Leicestershire; June 10-12
After a Government-sanctioned test event last June, the festival that cranks the volume up to 11 returns to full capacity for the first time in three years.
It’s back with a bang, too, with Kiss playing the only UK show of their farewell tour and Iron Maiden topping the bill on Saturday.
The Darkness, Skindred and Sunday headliners Biffy Clyro also appear at a hard-rocking party that’s guaranteed to get this summer’s open-air season off to a noisy start.
The Isle of Wight festival became known as the ‘English Woodstock’ after Bob Dylan, The Who, Jimi Hendrix and The Doors played its opening soirees in 1969 and 1970
HAMPTON COURT PALACE
East Molesey, Surrey; June 9-25
Staged against the backdrop of Henry VIII’s Tudor home, this boutique event offers plenty of variety with a series of stand-alone, outdoor concerts.
With bars in the surrounding gardens, the 3,000-capacity shows kick off on June 9 with UB40, featuring singer Ali Campbell.
Among this year’s other treats are Elbow, George Benson, The Human League, Jack Savoretti and country star Kacey Musgraves. Crowded House bring down the curtain on June 25.
ISLE OF WIGHT
Seaclose Park, Newport; June 16-19
It became known as the ‘English Woodstock’ after Bob Dylan, The Who, Jimi Hendrix and The Doors played its opening soirees in 1969 and 1970, but the former enfant terrible of UK festivals has settled into middle-aged respectability.
Few traces of its hippy heritage remain, but this year’s bill is typically well-balanced, with headliners Kasabian and Muse ready to rock, and Griff, Mimi Webb and local favourites Wet Leg adding youthful exuberance.
GLASTONBURY
Worthy Farm, Somerset; June 22-26
After sitting out its 50th birthday in 2020, and falling by the wayside again last year, the jewel in the UK’s festival crown returns.
With the strongest back catalogue in pop, Sir Paul McCartney will be hoping to repeat his triumphant 2004 appearance, while rapper Kendrick Lamar and Billie Eilish headline for the first time.
Haim, Lorde, Noel Gallagher and the Pet Shop Boys are also on the bill, with Diana Ross taking the Sunday teatime ‘legends’ slot. If the rain holds off, it should be memorable.
BRITISH SUMMER TIME
Hyde Park, London; June 24- July 10
Now a fixture in London’s music calendar, BST is seen as an event for those who crave the festival experience but baulk at muddy boots.
With its giant video screens and premium VIP tickets, it’s closer to a big stadium show, but this year’s season of stand-alone concerts is mighty impressive.
Elton John, the Eagles, Adele, Pearl Jam and Duran Duran all headline, while the Rolling Stones return (on June 25 and July 3) for the first time since 2013.
The Rolling Stones are one of the big names at British Summer Time this year, returning for the first time since 2013
Adele, Elton John, the Eagles, Pearl Jam and Duran Duran will also be headlining at British Summer Time this year
LOVE SUPREME
Glynde Place, East Sussex; July 1-3
Launched in 2013 and named after a classic John Coltrane album, Love Supreme is Europe’s biggest outdoor jazz festival — and this year’s line-up shows why.
Gregory Porter, who also curates this month’s Cheltenham Jazz Festival, headlines alongside nu-soul queen Erykah Badu. Candi Staton and Sister Sledge add funky, disco-era glitz, and there are relaxing walks across the South Downs for those who fancy a break from the dance floor.
TRNSMT
Glasgow Green, Scotland; July 8-10
Despite its silly aversion to vowels, TRNSMT (pronounced ‘transmit’) has assumed the place that T In The Park once occupied in Scotland’s music calendar.
With its city centre location, close to the banks of the River Clyde, it feels like a more raucous version of London’s BST.
It also has a strong local flavour, with Lewis Capaldi, The Snuts and Nina Nesbitt all on the bill. The Strokes, Wolf Alice and Ella Henderson also appear.
Known affectionately as ‘Latte-tude’, this most middle-class of festivals returns with an eclectic music, comedy and theatre line-up
LATITUDE
Henham Park, Suffolk; July 21-24
Known affectionately as ‘Latte-tude’, this most middle-class of festivals returns with an eclectic music, comedy and theatre line-up.
Lewis Capaldi, Foals and Snow Patrol headline, while Little Simz, the breakout star of the 2022 BRIT Awards, leads a strong supporting cast that includes Phoebe Bridgers, Maggie Rogers, Nilufer Yanya and dance duo Groove Armada. Russell Howard tops the comedy bill.
KENDAL CALLING
Lowther Deer Park, Cumbria; July 28-31
A four-day gem in the picturesque heart of the Lake District, Kendal Calling celebrates its 15th staging with a quality mix of rock, pop and dance.
Headliners Bastille, Stereophonics, Supergrass and Hacienda Classical are joined by Craig David, The Wombats, Tom Grennan and Gabrielle. Faithless play a DJ set, while Sophie Ellis-Bextor, a musical star of lockdown, brings her kitchen disco to the stage.
This year’s Reading and Leeds line-up includes six headliners: Dave, Arctic Monkeys, Rage Against The Machine, Megan Thee Stallion (pictured), Bring Me The Horizon and Halsey
ALL POINTS EAST
Victoria Park, London; August 19-28
Held over two weekends, All Points East was another of the festivals to sneak in an appearance, between lockdowns, last year.
It returns this summer with a line-up of stand-alone gigs aimed at lovers of fashionable indie and alternative rock.
Gorillaz get the ball rolling on August 19, while Tame Impala, Michael Kiwanuka and Nick Cave all play. The event has also absorbed the electronic Field Day festival, with The Chemical Brothers and Kraftwerk performing on August 20.
VICTORIOUS
Southsea Common, Portsmouth; August 26-28
Overlooking The Solent, Portsmouth’s well-established Victorious Festival has put together another first-rate bill. The onus is on indie-rock with a side dish of dance and pop.
The Stereophonics, Paolo Nutini and Sam Fender all headline, with James, Suede and the Sugababes also on the bill. Anne-Marie plays on Sunday, with Masked Singer host Joel Dommett headlining the comedy line-up.
READING & LEEDS
Richfield Avenue, Reading & Bramham Park, Leeds; August 26-28
Parents should brace themselves for lost phones and beer-stained revellers as thousands of the nation’s teenagers digest their GCSE and A-level results at the traditional late- summer wingding.
A music first festival, with the foodie and wellness elements taking a back seat, this year’s line-up includes six headliners: Dave, Arctic Monkeys, Rage Against The Machine, Megan Thee Stallion, Bring Me The Horizon and Halsey. Friday and Saturday tickets for Leeds are still available.
- ALL ticket prices include booking fees