UK Festivals 2010
- By: Clayton Truscott
- Published: 26 March 2010
- Tags: events, technology
The UK's festival season has become enviably diverse in recent years. Try three of the best below, or, if festivalling in the UK sounds altogether too risky (weather wise), try the foreign options in our Ten Summer Music Festivals Abroad... good weather, good food, good music. How can it go wrong?
The Big Chill Festival (Aug 5-8)
Though tagged as a fest for former ravers (thirtysomethings with kiddies in tow), The Big Chill is so much more than a giant creche. The rolling hills of Eastnor Castle Deer Park make for a peaceful setting (if tricky camping situation) and the plot isn't so big that you'll lose your friends for days. Organisers favour dance acts (with a funk, jazz, experimental bent) over superstar headliners, and throw in some big name comedy acts too.
Ones to catch? The line up hasn't been announced yet, but previous acts have included Four Tet, Fink, Mr Scruff, Norman Jay and Bassment Jaxx.
Same but different: If Big Chill is for chilled out has been ravers, then Global Gathering (Jul 30-31) is for those still larging it like it's the '90s.
Camp Bestival (Jul 30-Aug 1)
Bestival may be over subscribed but it's little sister, Camp Bestival, isn't. Also kid friendly, this festival is more family-orientated than Bestival proper with a sort of summer camp feel. Non musical entertainment is strong with workshops, spoken word performers and lively theatre all on the grounds of the beautiful Lulworth Castle in Dorset.
Ones to catch?The Human League, Friendly Fires, Calvin Harris and The Fall.
Same but different: The winner of the Family Festival of the Year in 2008, the Larmer Tree Festival (Jul 14-18) in Wiltshire is packed with activites, non-musical workshops and performers.
Latitude (Jul 15-18)
Henham Park in Suffolk is where to head if you're after a more artsy festival. Latitude has built a reputation as one of the most exciting multimedia festivals in the UK. Theatre companies, comediens, dancers and spoken word performers pitch up to entertain the crowds.
Ones to catch? Florence & The Machine, The National, Vampire Weekend, Belle & Sebastian
Same but different: The Secret Garden Party (Jul 22-25) relies on your creativity rather than invited acts. One for expressive, arty types with a love for experimental antics.
