Soul, Funk & Jazz Festivals in United Kingdom

The Southport Weekender Festival is a legendary UK music event celebrated as the world's friendliest party, featuring a diverse mix of soul, house, disco, and garage. It attracts a dedicated global community for immersive weekend experiences led by world-class DJs and live performers across multiple arenas.

The BBC 6 Music Festival is an annual multi-venue event curated by BBC Radio 6 Music that showcases a diverse lineup of alternative and indie artists. Now permanently based in Greater Manchester, the festival features unique live performances, DJ sets, and exclusive artist collaborations reflecting the station's eclectic musical spirit.

The Brick Lane Jazz Festival is a multi-venue event in East London that showcases a diverse line-up of emerging and established artists across jazz, hip-hop, neo-soul, and electronic music. Hosted primarily at the Truman Brewery and surrounding sites, the festival celebrates the vibrant underground music scene and fosters a strong sense of community in one of the city's most iconic cultural hubs.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Tunes In The Dunes is a vibrant three-day music festival set directly on the golden sands of Perranporth Beach in Cornwall, England. It features a diverse lineup of international headliners and local talent against the scenic backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean.

Good Life is an immersive music and arts festival in the United Kingdom known for its elaborate themed production and diverse lineups spanning house, disco, and global beats. The event creates a theatrical atmosphere through creative installations, performers, and highly curated venue transformations.

The Hampton Court Palace Festival is a prestigious annual summer concert series held in the intimate, historic setting of the palace's Tudor Base Court. It features performances by world-class musical artists and offers guests the unique opportunity to picnic in the magnificent palace gardens before the shows.

Moovin Festival is a boutique, independent music event held at the scenic Whitebottom Farm, known for its intimate atmosphere and eclectic mix of bass, house, soul, and reggae. Set within a lush countryside park, it offers a creative and free-spirited experience across multiple stages with a strictly limited capacity.

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.

Glorious Day Festival is a boutique music event held on the Hove Lawns in Brighton, featuring an eclectic mix of house, disco, funk, and soul. The festival provides a sun-soaked atmosphere with scenic seafront views and a curated lineup of world-renowned DJs and live performers.

On the Waterfront is an annual four-day music festival held at Liverpool’s iconic Pier Head, featuring a diverse lineup of high-profile artists and DJs. The event showcases live performances against the scenic backdrop of the River Mersey and the city's historic Three Graces.

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.

Blackbird Festival is an inaugural rock music event created by the band Alter Bridge, scheduled to debut at Cardiff Castle in June 2026. The festival features a curated lineup of prominent rock and metal acts, including Skindred and Bush, set within the grounds of the historic Welsh landmark.

51st State Festival is a vibrant celebration of house, soul, and garage music, exploring the genre's roots and its connections across the US, UK, and Caribbean. This event features multiple state-of-the-art arenas, a large open-air courtyard, and a curated lineup of legendary artists and emerging talent.

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.

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.

Westival is an intimate, independent music and arts festival set against the scenic coastal backdrop of Pembrokeshire, Wales. The event features an eclectic mix of electronic and live performances alongside wellness workshops, local food, and community-focused creative activities.

Bedford Summer Sessions is a premier outdoor concert series held in the historic Bedford Park, featuring a diverse lineup of world-class musical headliners and legendary performers. Formerly known as Bedford Park Concerts, this multi-day summer event transforms the Victorian green space into a major live music destination attracting thousands of fans from across the region.

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.

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.

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.

Guilfest is an independent music and arts festival held in Guildford, Surrey, featuring a diverse lineup of international artists and local talent. The family-friendly event offers a multi-genre experience with multiple stages, comedy performances, and various entertainment activities for all ages.

Country On The Common is a Nashville-inspired outdoor music festival held in London that features a diverse lineup of country, Americana, and roots artists. The family-friendly event offers an immersive cultural experience including line dancing, axe throwing, and authentic BBQ food stalls.

The Henley Festival is an exclusive five-day black-tie boutique event held annually on a floating stage along the River Thames in Henley-on-Thames, England. It features a diverse program of international music, comedy, and fine dining, all set against a backdrop of contemporary art installations and nightly fireworks.

Freerotation is an intimate, members-only electronic music festival in the United Kingdom, renowned for its roots as a musician's free-party collective and its not-for-profit ethos. It offers a highly curated audio-visual experience with diverse electronic music programming, fostering a unique atmosphere and a loyal community.

The Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul Festival is an annual three-day event held in the scenic woodland glade of Moseley Park in Birmingham, UK. It showcases a diverse lineup of world-class jazz, funk, and soul artists alongside emerging local talent in a vibrant outdoor setting.

Kaleidoscope Festival is a vibrant one-day event held at London's Alexandra Palace, featuring a diverse mix of live music, comedy, and immersive performances. Set against panoramic city views, the family-friendly festival offers creative workshops and entertainment for all ages within the palace's historic grounds.

Boogietown is an annual music festival held at Apps Court Farm in Surrey, UK, dedicated to celebrating disco, funk, and soul music across multiple stages. The event features a diverse lineup of legendary artists and contemporary DJs, complemented by camping options and a vibrant countryside atmosphere.

Maid of Stone is an annual three-day rock and blues music festival held in Mote Park, Maidstone, featuring a mix of world-renowned bands and emerging UK talent. The event offers a family-friendly atmosphere with multiple stages, camping facilities, and a diverse range of rock sub-genres from classic to southern rock.

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.

Folk By The Oak is an uplifting one-day music festival held annually in the historic parkland of Hatfield House, Hertfordshire. It features a curated blend of award-winning folk and acoustic artists across two stages, complemented by family activities, heritage crafts, and a relaxed picnic atmosphere.

Latitude Festival is an annual multi-arts event held at Henham Park in Suffolk, England, featuring a diverse lineup of music, theatre, comedy, and poetry. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere and iconic pink-dyed sheep, it offers a broad cultural experience beyond traditional music stages.

WOMAD is an international arts festival co-founded by Peter Gabriel that celebrates global culture through a diverse program of music, dance, and art from around the world. Held annually in the UK since 1982, the festival serves as a vibrant melting pot of international talent, workshops, and cross-cultural exchange.

Campo Sancho is an intimate, family-friendly boutique festival in the Hertfordshire countryside that celebrates underground dance music, arts, and community. Founded by the Sancho Panza crew, it features world-class sound systems, diverse workshops, and activities for all ages in a picturesque woodland setting.

Rock Oyster Festival is a premier food and music celebration held annually at the Dinham Estate overlooking the Camel Estuary in North Cornwall. The event features a unique blend of Michelin-star chef demonstrations, local seafood, and high-profile musical performances in a family-friendly coastal setting.

The Blue Reef Festival is a boutique music and arts event held at Loddington Farm in Maidstone, Kent, featuring an eclectic mix of live bands and DJs. This family-friendly festival offers multiple stages, creative workshops, and local food vendors set against the backdrop of the scenic Kent countryside.

Deer Shed Festival is an independent, family-friendly event held annually at Baldersby Park in North Yorkshire, featuring a diverse lineup of live music, comedy, and theater. It is highly regarded for its inclusive atmosphere and extensive programming dedicated to science, crafts, and activities for all ages.

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.

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.

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.

The Cambridge Rock Festival is an annual volunteer-run music event in the United Kingdom that showcases classic rock, blues, and progressive genres across multiple covered stages. It features a diverse lineup of established national acts and emerging talent, offering a community-focused atmosphere with a real ale bar and on-site camping.

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.

The Cambridge Folk Festival is one of the world's longest-running and most prestigious folk music events, held annually since 1965 at Cherry Hinton Hall in Cambridge. It features a diverse blend of traditional folk, contemporary acoustic music, and roots genres, attracting international stars and thousands of enthusiasts each summer.

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.

Lakefest is a family-friendly music and arts festival held annually at Eastnor Castle Deer Park in Herefordshire, United Kingdom. The event features a diverse lineup of popular musical acts alongside activities such as workshops, fairground rides, and entertainment for all ages.

Deva Fest is an award-winning family music and lifestyle festival held at Cholmondeley Castle in Cheshire, featuring a diverse lineup of live music, comedy, and free fairground rides. The event showcases local food and drink alongside a vibrant atmosphere that includes camping options and activities for all ages.

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.

Eastern Electrics is a leading underground electronic music festival that brings world-class house and techno DJs to London's scenic outskirts. The event features multiple stages hosted by iconic clubbing institutions for a high-energy day of dancing.

Belfast Vital is a major annual music festival held at the Boucher Road Playing Fields in Belfast, Northern Ireland, featuring high-profile international headliners. Established in 2002, the event has become one of the city's premier outdoor concert series, attracting tens of thousands of music fans each summer.

Beautiful Days is an award-winning independent music festival organized by the Levellers and held annually at Escot Park in Devon. The event is renowned for its family-friendly environment and grassroots ethos, featuring diverse musical acts, site art, and entertainment across six stages without corporate sponsorship.

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.

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.

Between the Trees is a unique festival set in the Merthyr Mawr National Nature Reserve in South Wales, blending indie-folk music with natural science, art, and wellbeing. The family-friendly event focuses on reconnecting people to the natural world through a mix of live performances, educational talks, and creative workshops within an ancient coastal woodland.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

End of the Road Festival is an independent music event held annually at Larmer Tree Gardens on the Wiltshire and Dorset border, known for its curated alternative, indie, and folk lineups. The festival offers an intimate atmosphere with diverse programming that includes comedy, workshops, literature talks, and a hidden library set within the scenic woodland.

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.

Brighton Psych Fest is a multi-venue music festival in England that celebrates psychedelic culture with a diverse lineup of psych-rock, post-punk, and experimental artists. The event takes over various independent venues across Brighton to showcase both established international acts and emerging underground talent.

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.

Equinox Festival is a multi-genre, grassroots gathering in the Lincolnshire Wolds, renowned for its inclusive "gathering of the tribes" atmosphere and celebration of creative freedom. This not-for-profit event features over a hundred bands and DJs across six stages, complemented by immersive light shows, fire performances, and diverse workshops.

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.

The London Jazz Festival is an annual ten-day event held every November, recognized as Europe's largest pan-city music festival. It showcases over 300 live performances across numerous venues throughout the capital, featuring a diverse lineup of global stars and emerging talent.

Celtic Connections is a premier winter music festival held annually in Glasgow, Scotland, celebrating traditional folk, roots, and world music through hundreds of diverse performances. It features over 2,000 international artists across various venues, making it the largest festival of its kind in the United Kingdom.