Festivals in United Kingdom in May
45 festivals waiting for you
Curated by Sarah Pagel · Last verified 2 April 2026
The United Kingdom pioneered many aspects of modern festival culture and continues to host some of the world's most iconic music events, from massive greenfield festivals to urban electronic gatherings and legendary club events that have influenced global dance music for generations. British festivals benefit from decades of experience, sophisticated production capabilities, and deep cultural connections to music that run through the country from London's world-famous club scene to regional cities with their own distinctive musical identities.
From the rolling countryside of England to Scottish highlands and Welsh valleys, UK festivals take advantage of diverse landscapes and a culture that genuinely understands and appreciates music in all its forms. British festivals range from traditional camping festivals to cutting-edge urban events, united by high production standards, diverse and carefully curated lineups, and the kind of professional execution that comes from a country where festival culture is deeply embedded in the national consciousness.
May Festivals
Tunes On The Bay 2026
May 1, 2026 - May 3, 2026
Tunes On The Bay is a three-day music festival held on the sands of Swansea Bay, showcasing a diverse lineup of major headliners, tribute acts, and local talent. The family-friendly event offers a coastal party atmosphere complete with beach yoga, silent discos, and a variety of food and drink vendors.
Teddy Rocks 2026
May 1, 2026 - May 3, 2026
Teddy Rocks is an annual three-day charity music festival in Dorset, England, dedicated to raising funds for children's cancer research and support. The family-friendly event features a diverse lineup of rock and pop acts across multiple stages, with all profits donated to the Teddy20 charity and its partners.
Liverpool Sound City 2026
May 2, 2026 - May 3, 2026
Liverpool Sound City is a premier multi-venue international music festival and industry conference that showcases emerging talent across the city of Liverpool. It serves as a vital platform for artistic discovery, connecting new musicians with global industry leaders through live performances and professional workshops.
Pavilion Festival 2026
May 2, 2026 - May 3, 2026
Pavilion Festival is an electronic music seaside weekender in Ayr, Scotland, founded by Ewan McVicar and the STREETrave team. It brings world-class house and techno DJs to the picturesque Low Green at Ayr Beach.
Breakin' Convention 2026
May 2, 2026 - May 2, 2026
Breakin' Convention is an international hip-hop theatre festival that takes place annually at Sadler's Wells in London. Curated by Jonzi D, the festival showcases a range of hip hop dance styles and hip hop culture, featuring both UK and international artists.
Queen's Yard Summer Party 2026
May 2, 2026 - May 2, 2026
Queen's Yard Summer Party is a multi-venue electronic music festival celebrating UK underground sounds and local talent across Hackney Wick. This distinctive event transforms the area into a dynamic hub of music, art, and culture, integrating local food and drink experiences.
Mint Festival 2026
May 2, 2026 - May 3, 2026
MiNT Festival is a leading electronic music event in Leeds, showcasing top-tier house, techno, and UK bass music at Newsam Green Farm. It traditionally opens the summer festival season with high-spec production and an intimate boutique atmosphere.
Skye Live Festival 2026
May 7, 2026 - May 9, 2026
Skye Live Festival is an annual music event held on the Isle of Skye that fuses traditional Scottish folk with contemporary electronic and indie music. Set at the scenic Lump in Portree, the festival offers world-class performances against the breathtaking backdrop of the Cuillin mountains and Portree Harbour.
FOCUS Wales 2026
May 7, 2026 - May 9, 2026
FOCUS Wales is an international multi-venue showcase festival held annually in Wrexham, featuring over 250 bands alongside a dedicated industry conference. The event highlights emerging talent from Wales and around the world, showcasing a diverse program of music, film, and interactive arts.
Liquicity London 2026
May 9, 2026 - May 9, 2026
Liquicity London is a drum & bass music event that takes place in London, United Kingdom, at Village Underground. It offers a curated drum & bass experience focused on creating a memorable night with familiar faces.
The Great Escape Festival 2026
May 13, 2026 - May 16, 2026
The Great Escape is an annual four-day music festival in Brighton, UK, that showcases over 450 emerging artists across more than 30 walkable venues. It serves as a global platform for talent discovery and features a major industry conference with panels and networking events.
Desertfest London 2026
May 15, 2026 - May 17, 2026
Desertfest London is the UK's premier multi-venue festival dedicated to stoner rock, doom, psych, and sludge metal, held annually across iconic venues in Camden Town. The event draws a global community of fans to experience a diverse lineup of legendary headliners and emerging underground talent within London's historic music scene.
Highways Festival 2026
May 15, 2026 - May 17, 2026
Highways Festival is an annual country and Americana music event held at London's iconic Royal Albert Hall. It showcases a diverse lineup of established stars and emerging artists through main-stage performances, songwriting rounds, and interactive family sessions.
Bearded Theory Festival 2026
May 20, 2026 - May 24, 2026
Bearded Theory is a multi-award-winning independent music and arts festival held at Catton Park in Derbyshire, known for its non-corporate atmosphere and eclectic multi-genre lineup. This family-friendly event features nine stages, a dedicated Children's Village, and a unique Ofsted-registered school that operates on-site during the festival.
Shindig Festival 2026
May 21, 2026 - May 24, 2026
Shindig Festival is a boutique four-day celebration in the United Kingdom known for its eclectic mix of electronic, funk, and soul music combined with a unique house party atmosphere. The family-friendly event features art installations, circus performances, and creative workshops set within beautiful country estates like Charlton Park.
Glastonbudget 2026
May 21, 2026 - May 24, 2026
Glastonbudget is a music festival held annually at Turnpost Farm in Wymeswold, Leicestershire. It is known as the "Daddy of Tribute" festivals, showcasing tribute bands alongside new acts and special guests.
In It Together Festival 2026
May 22, 2026 - May 24, 2026
In It Together Festival is a multi-genre music and arts event held annually at Old Park Farm in Margam, Wales, featuring a diverse lineup of international headliners and local talent. The family-friendly festival offers immersive experiences including music, comedy, and wellbeing activities, creating a vibrant community atmosphere for all ages.
Soul Revolution Festival 2026
May 22, 2026 - May 26, 2026
Soul Revolution Festival is a transformational and holistic health festival that takes place in Weston Park, Weston-under-Lizard, Shifnal, in the UK. This alcohol-free event is unique due to its blend of live music, workshops, ancient ceremonies, and holistic healing practices, fostering a family-friendly environment centred on connection, consciousness, and celebration.
Gala Festival 2026
May 22, 2026 - May 24, 2026
Gala Festival is an independent, community-focused music event held in London's Peckham Rye Park that celebrates club culture and dance music history. Spanning three days, the festival showcases a diverse lineup of house, disco, and electronic artists alongside high-quality sound production and local food vendors.
HowTheLightGetsIn 2026
May 22, 2026 - May 25, 2026
HowTheLightGetsIn is the world's largest philosophy and music festival, hosted annually in the United Kingdom across locations in Hay-on-Wye and London. The event features an eclectic mix of intellectual debates, live music, and comedy, bringing together world-leading thinkers and artists to explore provocative ideas.
FLY Open Air Fest 2026
May 22, 2026 - May 24, 2026
FLY Open Air is a biannual electronic music festival held in Edinburgh, Scotland, across iconic locations such as Hopetoun House and Princes Street Gardens. The event is celebrated for its high-energy curation of house and techno, showcasing international legends alongside local Scottish talent.
Radio 1 Big Weekend 2026
May 22, 2026 - May 24, 2026
Radio 1's Big Weekend is a major annual music festival organized by BBC Radio 1 that travels to a different location across the United Kingdom each year. The event features a diverse lineup of world-famous headliners and emerging artists, making it one of the most anticipated highlights of the UK festival season.
Bournemouth 7s Festival 2026
May 22, 2026 - May 24, 2026
Bournemouth 7s Festival is the world’s largest sport and music festival, combining elite and social tournaments across multiple sports with a diverse lineup of live music. Held annually over the May Bank Holiday, it features themed arenas and a vibrant atmosphere that has earned it the nickname 'Sporting Glastonbury'.
Wide Awake Festival 2026
May 22, 2026 - May 22, 2026
Wide Awake is an independent one-day music festival in London's Brockwell Park, focusing on alternative music, leftfield indie, post-punk, and electronica. The event is celebrated for its commitment to musical discovery, featuring a mix of established artists, emerging talent, and political workshops.
Wanderlust Festival UK 2026
May 23, 2026 - May 24, 2026
Wanderlust Festival in the UK is a premier wellness celebration featuring a 'mindful triathlon' that combines a 5k run, large-scale outdoor yoga, and guided meditation. The event fosters a community of mindful living through world-class instruction, live music, and workshops focused on personal growth and sustainable health.
A Stone's Throw Festival 2026
May 23, 2026 - May 23, 2026
A Stone's Throw Festival is a multi-venue music discovery event along the North East coast of England, showcasing emerging talent and established artists across North Shields and Tynemouth. The festival creates a unique coastal music trail, connecting independent venues with a dedicated open-top bus service for attendees.
Neighbourhood Weekender 2026
May 23, 2026 - May 24, 2026
Neighbourhood Weekender is a major indie and alternative rock festival held annually at Victoria Park in Warrington, England. The event showcases a mix of legendary headliners and emerging talent across multiple stages, establishing itself as a premier destination for UK music fans.
Slam Dunk Festival 2026
May 23, 2026 - May 24, 2026
Slam Dunk Festival is a premier UK alternative music event specializing in pop-punk, rock, and metal, held annually across sites in Leeds and Hatfield. The festival features multiple stages showcasing international headliners alongside emerging talent during the May bank holiday weekend.
LeeStock Music Festival 2026
May 23, 2026 - May 24, 2026
LeeStock Music Festival is an annual charity event in Suffolk, England, held at Kentwell Hall in memory of local musician Lee Dunford. The family-friendly festival features a diverse lineup of live music and activities, raising significant funds for the Willow Foundation to support seriously ill young adults.
Dot To Dot UK 2026
May 23, 2026 - May 24, 2026
Dot To Dot is an award-winning metropolitan music festival held across multiple venues in Bristol and Nottingham, dedicated to showcasing emerging talent alongside established acts. The event takes place over the May Bank Holiday weekend and is renowned for its history of featuring future global stars early in their careers.
Love Saves the Day 2026
May 23, 2026 - May 24, 2026
Love Saves the Day is Bristol's premier multi-genre music festival, held annually over the May Bank Holiday weekend at the historic Ashton Court Estate. The event showcases a diverse lineup of electronic, hip-hop, and indie artists across multiple creative stages, celebrating the city's vibrant underground culture.
Field Day Festival 2026
May 23, 2026 - May 23, 2026
Field Day is a premier electronic music festival in London that showcases a curated mix of underground electronic, techno, and house artists. Recently relocated to Brockwell Park, it remains a cornerstone of the UK's early summer festival calendar.
Land Beyond Festival 2026
May 24, 2026 - May 24, 2026
Land Beyond: Origins 2026 is a massive one-day electronic music celebration returning to Brighton's East Brighton Park on the May Bank Holiday. This special edition features three high-production stages hosting leading names in house, drum and bass, and garage.
Cross the Tracks 2026
May 24, 2026 - May 24, 2026
Cross The Tracks is London's premier jazz, funk, and soul festival, held annually in the scenic Brockwell Park. The event features a diverse lineup of heritage legends and emerging artists alongside a rich selection of street food and craft beer.
City Splash 2026
May 25, 2026 - May 25, 2026
City Splash is London's premier one-day celebration of Caribbean and African culture, featuring a massive lineup of Reggae, Dancehall, and Afrobeats artists. The festival takes place annually in Brockwell Park, offering multiple stages of music alongside over 60 Black-owned food vendors.
Red Rooster 2026
May 28, 2026 - May 30, 2026
Red Rooster is an annual boutique music festival held at Euston Hall in Suffolk, England, specializing in Rhythm and Blues, Americana, and Soul. The event offers a relaxed Deep South atmosphere with live performances, authentic BBQ, and family-friendly activities in a picturesque parkland setting.
Call of the Wild 2026
May 28, 2026 - May 31, 2026
Call of the Wild is an award-winning independent rock and metal festival held at the Lincolnshire Showground in the United Kingdom. The event showcases a diverse lineup of international headliners and emerging breakthrough talent across multiple stages in a family-friendly environment.
Trance In The Woods 2026
May 29, 2026 - May 30, 2026
Trance In The Woods is a premier outdoor electronic music festival in the United Kingdom, featuring international trance DJs across multiple stages in a scenic woodland setting. The event offers an immersive experience with high-end production, camping, and glamping options, currently hosted at Thoresby Park.
Baltic Weekender 2026
May 29, 2026 - May 30, 2026
Baltic Weekender is an urban festival that transforms Liverpool's creative Baltic Triangle district into a high-energy street party, celebrated for its diverse electronic music programming. This distinctive event blurs the lines between club culture and community, featuring a blend of renowned DJs and local talent across multiple venues.
Lovebox Festival 2026
May 29, 2026 - May 30, 2026
Lovebox Festival is a prominent annual music event in London, founded by the electronic duo Groove Armada in 2002. It features a diverse, high-energy lineup ranging from electronic and hip-hop to R&B and pop within a vibrant urban park setting.
Wychwood Festival 2026
May 29, 2026 - May 31, 2026
Wychwood Festival is an award-winning family music and arts event held annually at the Cheltenham Racecourse in Gloucestershire, England. It features a diverse range of indie, folk, and world music across four stages, complemented by over 100 creative workshops, comedy, and children’s literature programs.
The Great Estate Festival 2026
May 29, 2026 - May 31, 2026
The Great Estate Festival is a boutique event held at Scorrier House in Cornwall, described as a rambunctious garden fête that blends music, comedy, and arts. This family-friendly festival features eccentric attractions like Victorian sports, a secret gin garden, and hidden woodland stages.
AVA Festival 2026
May 29, 2026 - May 31, 2026
AVA Festival is a premier electronic music and visual arts festival based in Belfast, celebrating the best of local and international talent. The event is renowned for its high-energy atmosphere and cutting-edge production within industrial urban settings.
Anjunadeep Open Air Manchester 2026
May 30, 2026 - May 30, 2026
Anjunadeep Open Air Manchester 2026 is a one-day electronic music event in Manchester, taking place at Square One at Progress. It transforms an inner-city space into an open-air dancefloor, featuring Anjunadeep's production and a line-up of Anjunadeep artists.
Mighty Hoopla 2026
May 30, 2026 - May 31, 2026
Mighty Hoopla is a premier pop music festival held annually in London's Brockwell Park, renowned for its inclusive atmosphere and celebration of LGBTQ+ culture. The event features a diverse lineup of pop icons, drag performers, and club collectives, drawing thousands for a high-energy day of music and performance.
Explore Festivals in United Kingdom in April (7 festivals)
Explore Festivals in United Kingdom in June (33 festivals)
An independent electronic music & festival researcher with 10+ years in the global dance scene.
Last verified 2 April 2026