Jochan EmbleyFri, 26 March 2021, 8:17 am
In 2020, the pandemic made our hopes of hopping from festival to festival throughout the summer little more than a fantasy.
But now, with the arrival of the Government’s roadmap for exiting lockdown, published on February 22, there is hope that we could return to something close to normality this year
The roadmap laid out a number of rule changes for the country over the coming weeks and months, and there are a few key dates regarding festivals:
- From May 17 at the earliest, indoor venues will be allowed to host performances with a capacity of either 1,000 people or half-full, whichever is lower. At outdoor venues, the capacity increases to 4,000 or half-full, whichever is lower. In “the largest outdoor seated venues, where crowds can be spread out”, up to 10,000 people will be able to attend, or quarter-full, whichever is lower.
- From June 21 at the earliest, all social distancing rules are set to be removed, which seemingly signals a green light for festivals of all sizes to return.
There are still some question marks though: will festival organisers have to provide Covid tests for all attendees? Or will only vaccinated people be allowed to go? Many organisers have also raised the need for a government-backed cancellation insurance programme, which would let them plan their events without fear of losing money if the pandemic doesn’t recede as hoped, and they’re forced to cancel. There were hopes that such a thing would be included in Rishi Sunak’s Spring Budget, but it didn’t materialise.
Here, we’ve rounded up the biggest festivals to have confirmed a line-up for 2021. Some of the events are set to take place before the rule changes on May 17 and June 21, so we’ll update this page once more info on them arrives. The latest major event to confirm its cancellation for 2021 is Download, which was due to take place from June 4 to 6, but has now postponed itself until 2022.
Otherwise, tickets are on sale now, and if you’re wondering whether or not to buy, remember that you’ll be entitled to a refund if the event no longer goes ahead as planned, or if the dates are changed, which they may well be. Just make sure you buy from the official retailer, otherwise your consumer rights might be jeopardised.
With fingers crossed, here’s the best of the bunch.
Hampton Court Palace Festival
A concert series that runs within the beautiful grounds of Hampton Court Palace — there are few more impressive places to watch live music within the M25.
When? Various dates, June 2021 (awaiting confirmation after the roadmap announcement)
Where? Richmond-upon-Thames, London
Who’s on the line-up? Tom Jones, Bastille Reorchestrated, Rick Astley, Lionel Richie, George Benson, Björn Again.
Tickets: Various prices, hamptoncourtpalacefestival.com
BST Hyde Park
One of London’s biggest concert series, you can always count on the line-up here to deliver some big names from the worlds of rock, pop and beyond.
When? Various dates, July 2021
Where? Hyde Park, London
Who’s on the line-up? Duran Duran, Pearl Jam, Idles, Pixies, Grace Jones, Nile Rodgers and Chic and more to be announced.
Tickets: Various prices, bst-hydepark.com
Love Supreme
The jazz-centric festival has locked a number of the artists set to appear on its 2020 line-up for next summer’s edition too.
When? July 2-4, 2021
Where? Glynde, Sussex
Who’s on the line-up? TLC, The Isley Brothers, Tom Misch and Yussef Dayes, Sister Sledge, Candi Staton, The Brand New Heavies and more.
Tickets: from £179.30, lovesupremefestival.com
Kew The Music
This series of “picnic concerts” offers the chance to listen to some big-name artists while enjoying the bucolic surroundings of Kew Gardens (and nibbling on sandwiches).
When? July 6-11, 2021
Where? Kew Gardens, London
Who’s on the line-up? Van Morrison, James Blunt, James Morrison, Bananarama, Will Young and more
Tickets? Various prices, kewthemusic.org
TRNSMT
This Glasgow festival is always one of the liveliest music events north of the border, with a guitar-heavy line-up.
When? July 9-11, 2021
Where? Glasgow, Scotland
Who’s on the line-up? Courteeners, Liam Gallagher, Foals, Ian Brown, Little Simz, AJ Tracey and more.
Tickets: from £165, trnsmtfest.com
Latitude
This idyllic countryside retreat prides itself on being more than just a music festival — previous editions have brought in everything from comedy to stand-up paddleboarding.
When? July 22-25, 2021
Where? Henham Park, Suffolk
Who’s on the line-up? Lewis Capaldi, Bastille, Snow Patrol and more to be announced
Tickets: from £226.80, latitudefestival.com
Standon Calling
Returning for its 15th edition in 2021, this festival is a crowd-pleaser for all the family, with a wide-ranging line-up and plenty to keep the kids entertained too.
When? July 22-25, 2021
Where? Standon, Hertfordshire
Who’s on the line-up? Bastille, Hot Chip, Primal Scream, Craig David, De La Soul, Everything Everything and more.
Tickets: from £169, standon-calling.com
WOMAD
A festival that prides itself on the rich diversity of its line-up, drawing artists from various music scenes all over the world. Expect everything from reggae to jazz to Afrobeat to techno.
When? July 22-25, 2021
Where? Charlton Park, Wiltshire
Who’s on the line-up? First names announced on April 12, with further international acts expected around May 17.
Tickets: from £185, womad.co.uk
Naked City
This south-east London one-dayer was a very welcome addition to the capital’s festival scene back in 2019, with a strong focus on the relationship between new-age jazz and electronic music.
When? July 24, 2021
Where? Beckenham, London
Who’s on the line-up? Hunee, Sherelle, Joe Armon-Jones, LTJ Bukem, Awesome Tapes From Africa and more.
Tickets: from £31, nakedcityfestival.com
Kaleidoscope
This multi-arts one-dayer is blessed with one of the best festival sites in London, set within the grounds of Alexandra Palace and offering panoramic views of the capital.
When? July 24, 2021
Where? Alexandra Palace, London
Who’s on the line-up? Groove Armada, The Coral, Norman Jay MBE, Matt Jam Lamont, Irvine Welsh and more.
Tickets: £44.95, kaleidoscope-festival.com
Camp Bestival
One for the family-sized festival-goers, this one caters to all ages with a programme of events to keep the kids occupied, as well as the adults.
When? July 29-August 1, 2021
Where? Lulworth Castle, Dorset
Who’s on the line-up? Fatboy Slim, Groove Armada, Becky Hill, Kelis, Friendly Fires, Sophie Ellis Bextor feat. Sink The Pink and more.
Tickets: from £185 for adults, from £62.50 for kids, campbestival.net
Gala
A dance music celebration down on Peckham Rye Park, the broad focus here is on house and disco, but expect a fair few curveballs chucked into the mix too. It expands to two days for the first time in 2021.
When? July 31-August 1, 2021
Where? Peckham Rye Park, London
Who’s on the line-up? Jayda G, Gilles Peterson, Horse Meat Disco, Motor City Drum Ensemble, DEBONAIR and more.
Tickets: £TBC, thisisgala.co.uk
South Facing
A new concert series taking place within the newly revived Crystal Palace Bowl, it will spread across almost the entire month of August.
When? August 5-31, 2021
Where? Crystal Palace Bowl, London
Who’s on the line-up? Dizzee Rascal and the Outlook Orchestra, The Streets, Max Richter, Supergrass, English National Opera and more to be announced.
Tickets: from £35, southfacingfestival.com
51st State
The house music favourite, which always draws in some of the biggest names of the genre, returns to north London for 2021.
When? August 7, 2021
Where? Trent Park, London
Who’s on the line-up? Louie Vega, Kenny Dope, Francois K, Joe Claussell, Danny Krivit, Roger Sanchez, Derrick May, Dimitri From Paris, Todd Edwards and more.
Tickets: from £35, 51ststatefestival.com
We Out Here
The brainchild of DJ and label boss Gilles Peterson, this festival does what he’s been doing for much of his career: connecting the dots between jazz and club culture with electrifying results.
When? August 19-22, 2021
Where? Abbots Ripton, Cambridgeshire
Who’s on the line-up? Ezra Collective, Gilles Peterson, Greentea Peng, Moses Boyd, Steam Down and more.
Tickets: from £130, weoutherefestival.com
Creamfields
Always one of the biggest dance music festivals on the calendar, Creamfields is a sure-fire gathering of some of the best-known DJs on the world circuit.
When? August 26-29, 2021
Where? Daresbury, Cheshire
Who’s on the line-up? Peggy Gou, Carl Cox, Martin Garrix, Deadmau5, Carl Cox, Scooter, Tiesto, Anna, Andy C and more.
Tickets: from £240, creamfields.com
Victorious Festival
Down on the south coast, this Portsmouth festival always draws in some big names, covering rock, britpop, indie rock, and more.
When? August 27-29, 2021
Where? Portsmouth, Hampshire
Who’s on the line-up? Madness, The Streets, Royal Blood, The Kooks, Richard Ashcroft, Supergrass, Fontaines D.C. and more
Tickets: from £30, victoriousfestival.co.uk
Reading and Leeds
A rite of passage for British festival-goers, these dual-running festivals will rejig themselves slightly for 2021, with two main stages hosting six headliners from the worlds of rock, rap and beyond.
When? August 27-29, 2021
Where? Reading, Berkshire and Leeds, West Yorkshire
Who’s on the line-up? Stormzy, Catfish and the Bottlemen, Post Malone, Disclosure, Liam Gallagher, Queens of the Stone Age and more.
Tickets: from £232, readingfestival.com/leedsfestival.com
All Points East
One of the biggest festivals in London, with consistently impressive line-ups across a range of genres. It will take place across just one weekend in 2021, instead of the usual two.
When? Saturday August 28, with other dates TBC
Where? Victoria Park, London
Who’s on the line-up? Jamie xx, Kano, Slowthai, Little Simz, Arlo Parks, Nubya Garcia and more.
Tickets: from £59.95, allpointseastfestival.com
Maiden Voyage
Another new arrival on the London scene, this one is run by the same people who helm the Jazz Cafe in Camden. The venue’s focused eclecticism is matched on the festival’s line-up.
When? August 29, 2021
Where? London (exact location TBC)
Who’s on the line-up? Biig Piig, Habibi Funk, Moses Boyd, Roy Ayers, Donna Leake and more.
Tickets: from £10, maiden-voyage.co.uk
Field Day
Originally set to take place at The Drumsheds in north London this July, the one-day festival will move back to its “spiritual home” in Victoria Park on the August bank holiday weekend.
When? August 29, 2021
Where? Victoria Park, London
Who’s on the line-up? Bicep, The Blessed Madonna, Floating Points, Mount Kimbie, Josey Rebelle, Ross From Friends and more.
Tickets: from £65, fielddayfestivals.com
Wide Awake
A new festival that was meant to make its debut on the London festival scene last year, this one-dayer returns with a blend of cutting-edge sounds from leftfield indie to jazz.
When? September 3, 2021
Where? Brockwell Park, London
Who’s on the line-up? Black Midi, Daniel Avery, Lena Willikens, Erol Alkan, Tropical F*** Storm and more.
Tickets: from £29.50, wideawakelondon.co.uk
Mighty Hoopla
The LGBTQ-friendly festival always has one of the best vibes in London with a line-up that never takes itself too seriously. It’s shifted to this slightly later date than usual for 2021.
When? September 5, 2021
Where? Brockwell Park, London
Who’s on the line-up? Cheryl, Becky Hill, En Vogue, Eve, Gabrielle, Atomic Kitten and more.
Tickets: £49.50, bookings.kaboodle.co.uk
Cross The Tracks
The third in a trio of Brockwell Park festivals on this September weekend, Cross The Tracks takes us on a journey through jazz, soul, funk and beyond.
When? September 5, 2021
Where? Brockwell Park, London
Who’s on the line-up? Lianne La Havas,The Cinematic Orchestra, Sister Sledge, Nubya Garcia, Jordan Rakei, Yussef Dayes, Greentea Peng and more.
Tickets: from £39.50, xthetracks.com
Wireless
Moving away from its usual home in Finsbury Park for the first time since 2014, the festival moves down south to Crystal Palace Park.
When? September 10-12, 2021
Where? Crystal Palace Park, London
Who’s on the line-up? TBC
Tickets: from £82.50, ticketmaster.co.uk
The Cambridge Club
This family-friendly festival is expanding to the full weekend experience for the first time in 2021, offering up a wide spread of music, comedy, talks, food and more.
When? September 10-12, 2021
Where? Childerley, Cambridgeshire
Who’s on the line-up? Van Morrison, Nile Rodgers and Chic, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Beverley Knight, Jack Savoretti and more.
Tickets: from £56, thecambridgeclub.com
Parklife
Manchester’s biggest festival is also one of the biggest in the UK, boasting huge names from both sides of the Atlantic on its line-up.
When? September 11-12, 2021
Where? Heaton Park, Manchester
Who’s on the line-up? Dave, Megan Thee Stallion, Disclosure, Skepta, Mabel, Jamie xx, Burna Boy, Peggy Gou, AJ Tracey and more
Tickets: from £84.50, parklife.uk.com
Isle of Wight
Traditionally one of the first big blowouts of the summer, Isle of Wight has moved itself to later on in the year, with hopes to “see out the summer in spectacular fashion”.
When? September 16-19, 2021
Where? Seaclose Park, Isle of Wight
Who’s on the line-up? Liam Gallagher, Snow Patrol, David Guetta, Duran Duran, Tom Jones, Sam Fender and more.
Tickets: from £185, isleofwightfestival.com
Hospitality Weekend in the Woods
Spread across eight stages in this south London park, the two-dayer will bring together a stellar cast of drum’n’bass favourites.
When? September 18-19, 2021
Where? Beckenham Place Park, London
Who’s on the line-up? Netsky, Camo & Krooked, A.M.C, Noisia, Kings of the Rollers + Inja, My Nu Leng and more.
Tickets: £TBC, hospitalityinthewoods.com
Strawberries and Creem
Spanning hip-hop, grime, dancehall, drum’n’bass and beyond, this two-day festival is always a lively one.
When? September 18-19, 2021
Where? Childerley, Cambridge
Who’s on the line-up? PARTYNEXTDOOR, Bugzy Malone, Honey Dijon, Koffee, Pa Salieu, Denis Sulta and more.
Tickets: from £62, strawberriesandcreem.com
Waterworks
Making its inaugural appearance on the London scene after a postponed arrival in 2021, this new one-dayer will draw in various strands of electronic music.
When? September 25, 2021
Where? Gunnersbury Park, London
Who’s on the line-up? Ben UFO, Shanti Celeste, Call Super, Moxie, Craig Richards, Midland and more.
Tickets: £TBA, waterworksfestival.co.uk
Brixton Disco Festival
A festival that very much does what it says on the tin: lots of excellent disco, with a few deviations into its related genres, in various venues around Brixton.
When? October 9, 2021
Where? Brixton, London
Who’s on the line-up? Dimitri From Paris,Crazy P, Dave Lee, Jocelyn Brown, House Gospel Choir, John Morales and more.
Tickets: from £33.30, brixtondiscofestival.com
