Hip Hop & Urban Festivals in United Kingdom

SXSW London is a festival that brings together technology, film, music, education and culture and takes place at various venues in Shoreditch, East London. It extends the spirit of the original Austin, Texas festival to London, offering a cross-industry platform for collaboration, emerging trends, and creative expression.

AnExperience Festival is a grassroots multi-genre weekender at Grange Farm in the Cambridgeshire countryside, on the same lakeside grounds that usually host Secret Garden Party. It’s a DIY, Bristol-rooted gathering where dub, jungle, Afrobeat and lovers rock roll out on heavy sound systems beside swim-friendly water, trees to climb and a cosy on-site pub instead of VIP areas.

Glasgow International Jazz Festival is an annual event that takes place at various venues in Glasgow, Scotland. The festival distinguishes itself by combining international jazz traditions with local innovation and by supporting Scottish jazz musicians.

Meltdown Festival is an annual contemporary arts and music event held at London's Southbank Centre, uniquely curated each year by a different influential guest director. Since its debut in 1993, the festival has become one of the UK's most prestigious events, featuring diverse lineups handpicked by icons like David Bowie and Grace Jones.

The Eden Festival is an independent, family-friendly boutique event held annually at Raehills Meadows in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. It features diverse musical performances across multiple hand-built stages alongside immersive arts, workshops, and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.

Belsonic is a premier outdoor music festival series held annually in Belfast, featuring high-profile international headliners across various genres. Set in the scenic Ormeau Park, the event hosts individual large-scale concerts throughout the month of June.

Lido Festival is a multi-day music event debuting in June 2025 at London's Victoria Park, featuring artist-curated lineups and a strong emphasis on sustainability. The festival spans two weekends and showcases globally established headliners alongside emerging talent through a program designed to engage the local community.

Forest Live Thetford Forest is a series of live music performances taking place in High Lodge, Thetford Forest, near Brandon in England. These concerts are held in natural woodland arenas, creating a relaxed atmosphere and allowing attendees to connect with nature while enjoying the music.

Forest Live Delamere Forest is a series of live music concerts that take place in a natural amphitheatre within Delamere Forest in Northwich, England. Ticket sales help to support the nation's forests.

Secret Garden Party is an independent arts and music festival renowned for its immersive, participatory atmosphere set within a picturesque landscape of lakes and gardens. Attendees are encouraged to engage with diverse music programming, creative themes, and interactive experiences, including art installations and woodland parties.

TRNSMT is a major three-day, non-camping music festival held annually at Glasgow Green in the heart of Glasgow, Scotland. Established in 2017, it has become one of the UK's premier urban music events, showcasing a diverse lineup of world-renowned rock, pop, and indie artists.

Africa Oyé is the United Kingdom's largest free celebration of African and Caribbean music and culture, held annually in Liverpool's Sefton Park. The festival features a vibrant program of international live music, DJs, and workshops, complemented by authentic food and craft stalls.

Parklife is the UK's largest metropolitan music festival, held annually at Heaton Park in Manchester. The event features a diverse, world-class lineup spanning electronic, dance, hip-hop, and pop music across more than a dozen stages.

Forest Live Cannock Chase is a summer concert series held in Cannock Chase Forest in Staffordshire. It is known for its intimate atmosphere within a natural woodland venue, with profits supporting forest conservation.

Bristol Sounds is an annual open-air concert series held at the iconic Canons Marsh Amphitheatre on Bristol's Harbourside. The festival features a diverse lineup of world-class rock, indie, and pop acts performing across several consecutive summer evenings.

Dreamland Margate is a music festival that takes place in Dreamland amusement park in Margate, United Kingdom. The festival combines live music events with vintage rides and art installations.

Outbreak Fest is the UK's leading independent festival for hardcore punk and alternative music, primarily held in Manchester. It celebrates underground counterculture by showcasing a diverse lineup of international artists across genres including emo, hip-hop, and metalcore.

Voodoo Festival is a boutique music and street art festival that takes place at the Bishop Otter Campus of University of Chichester. It distinguishes itself by celebrating underground dance music heritage and showcasing live street art, creating a community-focused atmosphere.

Lytham Festival is a premier five-day music event held annually on the picturesque Lytham Green along the Lancashire coast in England. It showcases a diverse array of international headliners across genres such as pop, rock, and classical, attracting thousands of music lovers each summer.

Glasgow Summer Sessions is a major annual series of outdoor concerts held at Bellahouston Park in Glasgow, featuring headline performances from world-class artists. Established in 2013, the event attracts thousands of music fans each summer for a diverse program of rock, pop, and indie music.

The Brit Fest is a major cultural celebration in Cheshire that showcases the best of British music, heritage, and entertainment across a massive 100-acre site. The family-friendly event features a diverse lineup of iconic UK artists alongside artisan food markets, classic car displays, and a traditional vintage fairground.

Stendhal Festival is Northern Ireland's multi-award-winning independent music and arts festival, celebrating its 16th anniversary in 2026. Held at the scenic Ballymully Cottage Farm, it offers a diverse program of live music, comedy, and visual arts across eight distinct stages.

The Kelburn Garden Party is an immersive multi-arts festival set within the psychedelic grounds of Scotland's Kelburn Castle, famous for its vibrant Graffiti Project. The event features a diverse blend of music, interactive art installations, and creative performances tucked away in a lush, magical glen.

Love Supreme is Europe's largest outdoor jazz festival, held annually at Glynde Place in East Sussex. It combines a world-class lineup of jazz, soul, and funk with the unique atmosphere of a classic British camping festival.

Sounds of the City is a premier annual series of outdoor summer concerts held at iconic venues like Manchester's Castlefield Bowl and Leeds' Millennium Square. The event showcases a diverse lineup of high-profile indie, rock, and pop artists in an atmospheric, amphitheatre-style setting.

Roundhay Festival is a major music and cultural event launching in 2026 at Leeds' iconic Roundhay Park, featuring international headliners and a focus on sustainability. The festival combines large-scale performances with a midweek program of free community arts, culture, and wellbeing activities.

Paisley Alive Festival is a community-focused event held in Barshaw Park, Paisley. It combines live music with fitness, wellness, and family activities, promoting healthier lifestyles and celebrating local culture.

Blenheim Palace Festival is a music and arts festival held in the Great Court of Blenheim Palace in Woodstock, West Oxfordshire. The festival combines contemporary music with cultural experiences within the grounds of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a unique concert atmosphere.

Godiva in the City is a two-day event taking place in Coventry city centre. Organised by Coventry City Council, it forms part of a new programme of free and low-cost summer events replacing the Godiva Festival.

Also Festival is an immersive ideas and arts event held in the Warwickshire countryside that brings together leading thinkers, musicians, and chefs in a unique lakeside setting. The weekend offers a blend of intellectual talks, live performances, and nature-based activities like wild swimming and creative workshops.

Wireless Festival is a premier annual music event held in London, United Kingdom, recognized as the country's leading celebration of hip-hop, grime, and R&B. Since its debut in 2005, it has evolved into a major urban music showcase featuring world-renowned international headliners and rising talent at its primary home in Finsbury Park.

Doune the Rabbit Hole is an independent music and arts festival held at the scenic Cardross Estate in Stirling, Scotland. The family-friendly event features an eclectic mix of international and local talent alongside workshops, comedy, and a dedicated kids' zone in a community-focused woodland setting.

Splendour in Nottingham is a large music festival held annually in Wollaton Park, Nottingham. It distinguishes itself with a mix of well-known headliners, emerging artists, comedy, and family-friendly entertainment, creating a broad appeal.

Tramlines is a major annual music and arts festival held in Hillsborough Park, Sheffield, featuring a diverse lineup of indie, rock, and pop artists alongside comedy and family entertainment. Originally a city-wide event, it has grown into one of the UK’s premier metropolitan festivals, attracting approximately 40,000 attendees each day.

Discovery Festival Dundee is a multi-genre music festival held at Slessor Gardens in the heart of Dundee, United Kingdom. It is known for its diverse lineup of British artists and offers a city-centre, non-camping experience on the waterfront.

Lazydays Festival is an independent craft drink and music event held at Priory Park in Southend-on-Sea, United Kingdom. It combines a curated selection of over 50 craft beverages and local street food with a diverse lineup of live musical performances and family-friendly activities.

Together Again Festival is a major family-friendly music event held at Bolesworth Castle in Cheshire, featuring a diverse lineup of over 100 artists across six themed stages. The multi-day festival offers a vibrant blend of live music, camping, and over 50 free family activities ranging from workshops to circus acts.

KISSTORY on Blackheath is a music festival held in Blackheath, London, featuring old skool and anthems music. It is known for multiple stages, KISSTORY karaoke, and appearances from favourite DJs and live performers.

Callander Jazz and Blues Festival is a music festival held in Callander, Scotland. It is known as the largest rural jazz and blues festival in Scotland, drawing music lovers from across the UK.

Valley Fest is a family-friendly food and music festival set on an organic farm overlooking the scenic Chew Valley Lake near Bristol. The event combines a diverse lineup of live performances with gourmet local feasts, wellness activities, and workshops centered on community and sustainability.

Kendal Calling is an award-winning independent music and arts festival held annually at Lowther Deer Park in the Lake District, Cumbria. The event features a diverse lineup of rock, indie, and dance acts alongside immersive art installations and family-friendly activities in a picturesque parkland setting.

Green Gathering is a UK festival exploring low-impact living, sustainability and creativity, and it takes place in Piercefield Park near Chepstow, Wales. What makes it special is that it is the UK's original off-grid festival, being entirely powered by renewable energy and promoting environmental education.

Y Not Festival is an independent music festival held annually in the heart of the Peak District in Derbyshire, England. It features a diverse lineup of indie, rock, and alternative artists alongside comedy, family-friendly entertainment, and panoramic country views.

Camp Bestival Dorset is a multi-award-winning family festival held at Lulworth Castle, featuring an eclectic music lineup alongside extensive activities like comedy, theatre, and creative workshops. Curated by Rob da Bank, the event is specifically designed for families, offering a unique "festi-holiday" experience with entertainment tailored for all ages from toddlers to grandparents.

Stowaway Festival is a boutique, family-friendly event set in the ancient woodlands and lakes of Buckinghamshire, offering an eclectic mix of live music, comedy, and wellness activities. This independent festival provides a relaxed, "hidden-gem" atmosphere with artisan food, wild swimming, and curated experiences designed for all ages.

Poole Harbour Festival is a family-friendly music and food event held annually at Baiter Park, featuring over 50 live acts including top tribute bands and local talent. The festival offers a vibrant atmosphere with diverse street food, craft stalls, and extensive children's entertainment set against the backdrop of the scenic harbour.

Pride On The Park is the flagship music festival and official fundraiser of Brighton & Hove Pride, held annually in Preston Park to celebrate LGBTQ+ culture and diversity. The event features international headliners, community stalls, and inclusive performances, serving as a centerpiece of one of the UK’s largest pride celebrations.

Boardmasters is the UK's premier surf and music festival, held annually across the stunning coastal sites of Fistral Beach and Watergate Bay in Newquay. The event combines world-class professional surfing competitions with a multi-stage music festival featuring international headliners and a vibrant wellness program.

Garage Nation Outdoor Festival is the UK's biggest outdoor celebration of UK garage music, featuring a blend of old skool and new skool sounds across multiple stages. This high-energy event showcases over 100 artists, creating a vibrant atmosphere for electronic music enthusiasts.

Timescape Festival is an immersive electronic music event held in the scenic countryside of Abbots Ripton, Cambridgeshire. The multi-day festival features four unique stages showcasing a curated blend of trance, techno, and house music to celebrate electronic sounds from the past, present, and future.

Boomtown is an immersive five-day music and theatrical festival held near Winchester, England, famous for its elaborate city-like set designs and interactive narrative storyline. The event features a diverse array of musical genres across multiple themed districts, ranging from reggae and punk to electronic dance music.

The Orchard Party is a summer weekend festival held at Manor Farm in Pylle, Somerset. DJ sets run around the pool, in the barn and in the cellar, alongside laser and projection shows in the barn and a healing area with holistic treatments and yoga.

Curated by Gilles Peterson, We Out Here is an award-winning festival celebrating the dots between jazz, soul, hip hop, and club culture. It offers an immersive experience of music, wellness, and family activities in the scenic Dorset countryside.

Green Man is an independent music, science, and arts festival held annually in the scenic Brecon Beacons of Wales. It features a diverse lineup of indie, folk, and electronic music alongside dedicated areas for literature, film, comedy, and family-friendly activities.

Camp Kindling is a unique family adventure festival held in Kent that blends traditional summer camp activities with forest parties and live entertainment. Guests can earn badges through over 100 diverse workshops including bushcraft, sports, and crafts, followed by evenings of live music and comedy.

Rewind Festival South is a premier 80s-themed music festival held annually at Temple Island Meadows in Henley-on-Thames, United Kingdom. The event features a nostalgic lineup of iconic retro artists alongside themed entertainment, vibrant fancy dress, and family-friendly activities.

Rock N Roll Circus is an immersive three-day festival at Earlham Park that combines live music from major headliners with spectacular circus acts and aerial displays. Set within an iconic big-top environment, the event features multiple stages, interactive workshops, and a vibrant food and drink village.

Field Maneuvers is a tiny, no-frills queer-friendly rave hidden in a wooded lakeside field somewhere in rural Norfolk. Expect 100-decibel euphoria, hay bales and mirror installations, political banners and flags, DIY darts tournaments and U-Haul Dyke Bar arm-wrestling between blasts of bassline, dub, jungle and ambient drone drifting out over the water.

The Just So Festival is an award-winning family arts festival held annually at Rode Hall Estate in Cheshire, England. It offers an imaginative array of literature, music, theatre, and workshops designed to immerse children and their families in a world of creative wonder.

Tunes in the Park is a family-friendly music festival held at the historic Port Eliot Estate in Cornwall, featuring a diverse lineup of major pop and rock artists alongside comedy and wellness activities. Set against a scenic riverside backdrop, the event offers a relaxed atmosphere with on-site camping, local food vendors, and entertainment for all ages.

Creamfields is one of the world's premier electronic dance music festivals, held annually over the August Bank Holiday weekend in Daresbury, Cheshire. Celebrating its 20th year at this iconic location in 2026, it features a massive lineup of global DJs and cutting-edge production across multiple stages.

Shambala is a fiercely independent and radically sustainable festival in Northamptonshire that offers a diverse program of music, workshops, and performance art. Renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere and eco-conscious ethics, the event is completely meat and fish-free and powered by 100% renewable energy.

Leeds Festival is a major annual music event held at Bramham Park during the August Bank Holiday weekend, featuring a diverse lineup of rock, indie, and hip-hop artists. It operates simultaneously with its sister event, Reading Festival, sharing the same roster of international headliners across two sites.

Lost Village is an immersive music and arts festival set within a secluded forest in Lincolnshire, offering a unique blend of electronic music, gourmet food, and surreal performance art. The event invites attendees to explore an 'abandoned' woodland village featuring world-class DJs, interactive theatre, and wellness workshops.

Reading Festival is the UK's longest-running popular music festival, held annually in Reading over the August bank holiday weekend. It showcases a diverse lineup of rock, indie, and hip-hop artists, sharing its bill with the simultaneous Leeds Festival.

The Big Feastival is a premier food and music festival held annually at Alex James' farm in the Cotswolds, featuring Michelin-star chefs and top musical acts. This family-friendly event offers a unique blend of gourmet dining experiences and live performances in a scenic rural setting.

Camper Calling is a family-friendly music festival held annually at Ragley Hall in Warwickshire, celebrating the spirit of camping and outdoor adventure. The event features a diverse lineup of live music, award-winning street food, and various workshops and lakeside activities for all ages.

Manchester Pride is a prominent annual LGBTQ+ festival held in Manchester, UK, featuring a massive parade and celebrations centered around the city's historic Canal Street area. The event includes a diverse program of live music, cultural activities, and advocacy initiatives dedicated to promoting equality and celebrating queer life.

Victorious Festival is a major three-day music event held annually on Southsea Common in Portsmouth during the August Bank Holiday weekend. It features a diverse lineup of popular indie and rock artists alongside family-friendly attractions and a picturesque seafront setting.

Found Festival is an independent micro-festival at Buckinghamshire's Claydon Estate that blends Americana, folk, and roots music with wellness and creative workshops. The event prioritizes discovery and community, providing an intimate setting for attendees to connect through music, dance, and arts.

All Points East is a premier multi-day music festival held in London's Victoria Park, showcasing a diverse array of global headliners across rock, indie, and electronic genres. The event features two weekends of major concerts and a free midweek community program called In The Neighbourhood.

CarFest is the UK's largest family fundraising festival, founded by presenter Chris Evans to combine a passion for motoring with live music and celebrity entertainment. The event raises significant funds for various British children's charities while featuring high-octane track action, chef demonstrations, and performances from top music artists.

Forwards Festival is a contemporary music and social action event held annually at Clifton Downs in Bristol, United Kingdom. It features a diverse lineup of international artists alongside a dedicated space for discussions on urgent social and political issues.

Rally Festival is a community-driven music and arts event inspired by DIY culture, celebrating London's diverse artistic communities with a focus on alternative, electronic, and experimental sounds. This one-day festival, known for its grassroots vibe and collaborative curation, integrates a range of artistic disciplines and features a blend of live acts and DJs.

Lindisfarne Festival is an independent, adult-only music and arts event held on the spectacular Northumberland coast overlooking Holy Island. The festival features over 200 acts across multiple stages, offering an eclectic mix of live music, comedy, and holistic wellness workshops.

The British Country Music Festival is a premier indoor event held at Blackpool's Winter Gardens, dedicated to showcasing contemporary UK country and Americana artists. The festival features over 100 performers across multiple stages, providing a significant platform for both established stars and emerging homegrown singer-songwriters.

Rock N’ Roll Circus Sheffield is a multi-day festival at the Don Valley Bowl that uniquely blends high-profile live rock and indie music with immersive circus performances. The event features a big-top atmosphere where world-class headliners share the stage with aerialists, fire breathers, and acrobatic entertainers.

Mucky Weekender is an intimate boutique music festival in Winchester curated by Barry Ashworth of the Dub Pistols, featuring a genre-spanning lineup of electronic, dub, and ska. The event is set across themed stages in the Hampshire countryside and is celebrated for its vibrant community spirit and grassroots atmosphere.

Boundary Brighton is the city's largest electronic music festival, held annually in Stanmer Park to celebrate the end of the summer season. The event features an electrifying mix of house, drum and bass, and jungle across multiple stages, attracting thousands of fans with its vibrant atmosphere and funfair attractions.

No Bounds Festival is an annual multi-venue event in Sheffield, UK, that explores the intersection of electronic music, art, and technology. It is distinctive for its focus on club culture, fostering spontaneous and sensory-rich experiences through an eclectic lineup of electronic, techno, and experimental sounds, complemented by diverse performances, workshops, and immersive installations.

Sŵn Festival is an award-winning, multi-venue contemporary music festival held annually in Cardiff, Wales, that focuses on showcasing emerging talent and new music. Established in 2007, the event transforms various city-center spaces into a vibrant hub for discovering both homegrown Welsh artists and international acts.

Hockley Hustle is a music and arts festival that takes place across multiple venues in the Hockley area of Nottingham. It is unique for raising money for local charities while showcasing a diverse range of local talent.

FearFest is an electronic music event that takes place annually in Rotherham, UK, at the Magna Science Adventure Centre. Known as one of the UK's biggest Halloween parties, the festival is set across multiple arenas and features fairground rides and scare actors.

Pitchfork Music Festival London is an annual multi-venue event showcasing a curated selection of indie, electronic, and alternative music across iconic stages throughout the city. As a UK extension of the renowned Chicago festival, it features a diverse lineup of established icons and emerging talent in various intimate settings.

Simple Things Festival is a critically acclaimed multi-venue event in Bristol, celebrated for its commitment to innovative and forward-facing music culture across electronic, indie, alternative, and experimental genres. This one-day celebration transforms the city into a playground of cutting-edge sounds, blending intimate venue hops with immersive sets from diverse local and international artists.

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.

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.