- 2 days ago
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Niche, Glorious and Fun- Our Pick of the Festivals to Go To This Summer -July 2026
Hey hey hey, we're cool, we're young, we're hip-ish. We still want to have some joyful, exuberant experiences, drinking rosé in the sun and some oddly topped chips from some funky food trucks. Yes, I did just drop the word funky, so my credentials check out. With Glastonbury in its fallow year, yeah, we would have been stomping the ground, believe you me, but we are instead looking further afield, where you have the smaller, perhaps more niche, little festivals that might not offer the humongous landscape of Glastonbury but still offer those among us who are keen to take a break from our daily activities the chance to partake in some merriment with our fellow human beings. Perhaps you weren't even thinking you are a festival person- well, don't give up on the dream, as I feel one of the below could get even the most humdrum among us off the sofa and into a tent to either tap our foot or listen quietly to the DJ, band, or centrist speaker.
Now - 31st August
The Roman Theatre of Verulamium, Bluehouse Hill, St Albans, AL3 6AE
The OVO Roman Theatre Open Air Festival brings theatre, live music and comedy to the UK's oldest producing theatre, the Roman Theatre of Verulamium, creating an unforgettable experience in a truly historic setting. Held throughout the summer, it invites audiences to enjoy outstanding open-air performances while becoming part of nearly 2,000 years of Britain's theatrical history.
8th - 11th July
Upcote Farm, Withington, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL54 4BL
2000trees is renowned for its outstanding line-up of rock, alternative, punk and indie artists, offering an intimate festival experience where music fans can discover exciting new acts alongside established favourites. With a welcoming atmosphere and accommodation options to suit every budget, it's an unmissable weekend for anyone looking to enjoy unforgettable live music.
10th - 12th July 2026
Park Farm, Compton Verney, Warwickshire
ALSO is an award-winning festival that brings together live music, inspiring talks, comedy, wellbeing and creative experiences in the beautiful Warwickshire countryside, creating a weekend unlike any other. Set within 50 acres of picturesque parkland, it offers the perfect opportunity to discover new ideas, enjoy outstanding entertainment and relax in a truly unique setting.
10th - 12th July
Fenton House & Garden, Hampstead, London, NW3 6RT
The Idler Festival combines live music, comedy, inspiring talks, workshops and performances in the beautiful gardens of Fenton House, creating a relaxed celebration of culture, creativity and curiosity. With renowned speakers, acclaimed authors, musicians and plenty of opportunities to unwind, it's the perfect weekend escape for anyone seeking entertainment, inspiration and good company.
12th July
Garden Museum, Lambeth Palace Road, London, SE1 7LB
Neighbours Day at the Garden Museum is a free community celebration for Lambeth residents, featuring live music from the Lambeth Wind Orchestra, gardening activities, creative workshops, guided walks, Tai Chi, and family friendly experiences inspired by the museum's summer exhibition. It's the perfect opportunity to discover the Garden Museum, enjoy a fun day out and connect with the local community in a welcoming setting.
17th - 26th July
Isle of Wight, Various Locations
Ventnor Fringe transforms the Isle of Wight's southernmost seaside town into a vibrant celebration of live music, comedy, theatre, circus and the arts, with an exciting mix of ticketed performances and free events. Set against the stunning backdrop of a National Landscape and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it offers the perfect summer escape for those seeking creative inspiration in a truly unique setting.
Now in its 20th year, Latitude blends music with comedy, theatre, poetry and wellness across the woodland grounds of Henham Park. This year's headliners are David Byrne, Teddy Swims and Lewis Capaldi — but the real draw is the unhurried, cultured pace that sets it apart from bigger, brasher city festivals.
23rd - 26th July
Castle Park, Warwick, CV34 6AH
Warwick Folk Festival celebrates the rich traditions of folk music with a welcoming programme of live performances, dance, workshops and family friendly entertainment, all set in the beautiful surroundings of Warwick. With its warm community spirit and outstanding line-up of established and emerging artists, it's the perfect place to discover new music and experience one of the UK's best loved folk festivals.
30th July - 2nd August
Piercefield Park, Wales, NP16 6EH
The Green Gathering is the UK's original off-grid grassroots festival, bringing together live music, arts, spoken word, crafts and inspiring workshops that celebrate sustainability and low-impact living. With its welcoming community spirit and not-for-profit ethos, it offers a unique festival experience for those looking to enjoy great entertainment while embracing a greener way of life.
30th July - 2nd August
Near Fareham, Hampshire
Wickham Festival is a four day celebration of live music and the arts, featuring performances across four stages alongside a wide range of entertainment in the beautiful Hampshire countryside. Known for its friendly atmosphere and family appeal, it offers a relaxed festival experience that makes it a fantastic choice for music lovers of all ages.
31st July - 2nd August
Stowe, Buckinghamshire
Stowaway Festival is an intimate three-day celebration of live music, creativity and community, featuring a genre-spanning line-up, secret sets and family friendly activities in the beautiful Buckinghamshire countryside. Set among ancient woodland, lakes and open fields, it offers a unique escape where visitors can discover new music, relax and embrace a truly independent festival experience.
31st July - 9th August
Lodge Grounds, 2C East Rd, North Berwick, EH39 4HN
Fringe by the Sea is a vibrant 10 day multi-arts festival in North Berwick, bringing together world class music, comedy, literature, theatre, talks and family entertainment in a spectacular coastal setting. With its welcoming community spirit and diverse programme of performances and events, it offers an unforgettable celebration of creativity for visitors of all ages.
3rd - 30th August
Multiple Locations
Camden Fringe is a vibrant performing arts festival showcasing hundreds of theatre, comedy, music, dance, cabaret and spoken word performances across venues throughout Camden every August. With an exciting mix of established talent and emerging performers, it offers audiences the perfect opportunity to discover fresh, original entertainment in one of London's most creative festival settings.
5th - 9th August
Newquay, Cornwall
Boardmasters combines world class live music with surfing, skateboarding, wellness, food and art, creating a unique five day festival on the stunning Cornish coast. With its laid-back atmosphere, spectacular beaches, and celebration of Cornwall's culture and communities, it's the perfect summer escape for festival-goers.
7th - 31st August
Edinburgh, Scotland, Multiple Locations
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the world's largest arts festival, transforming Scotland's capital each August with thousands of theatre, comedy, music, dance and performance events from artists across the globe. Renowned for its creativity, inclusivity and exciting mix of established and emerging talent, it's an unforgettable celebration of the performing arts.
7th - 30th August
Edinburgh, Scotland, Multiple Locations
Founded in 1947, the Edinburgh International Festival presents an exceptional programme of world-class music, theatre, opera and dance, bringing together outstanding performers from across the globe each summer. Set against the backdrop of Scotland's capital, it offers an unforgettable cultural experience and is a must visit for anyone looking to enjoy the very best in the performing arts.
20th - 23rd August
Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, Wales, NP8 1LP
Green Man Festival brings together an outstanding line-up of indie, folk, rock and electronic music alongside literature, comedy and the arts, all set within the spectacular surroundings of Bannau Brycheiniog in Wales. Renowned for its welcoming atmosphere and stunning mountain backdrop, the festival offers an unforgettable experience for music lovers and families.
27th - 30th August
Lincolnshire, LN6 9HN
Lost Village is an immersive festival combining exceptional live music, world-class dining, wellness and creative experiences in a hidden woodland setting unlike any other. With its unique atmosphere, boutique accommodation and unforgettable programme of entertainment, it offers a magical escape for those looking to discover something truly extraordinary.
27th - 30th August
Estate Of Kelmarsh Hall And Gardens, Market Harborough, Northamptonshire
Shambala Festival is an independent festival celebrating live music, performance, arts, dance and wellbeing, with a diverse line-up that inspires creativity and discovery throughout the August Bank Holiday weekend. Set in the beautiful grounds of Kelmarsh Hall in Northamptonshire, it offers a fun, family friendly atmosphere and an unforgettable festival experience.
27th/28th - 30th August
Candleston Woods, Merthyr Mawr, South Wales
Between The Trees is a unique festival celebrating nature, science, indie folk music, art and spoken word, set within the spectacular Merthyr Mawr National Nature Reserve in Wales. With its welcoming community spirit and inspiring programme designed to reconnect people with the natural world, it offers a truly memorable escape for all ages.
4th - 6th September
Moseley Park, Birmingham
Moseley Folk & Arts Festival celebrates the very best of contemporary folk music alongside arts, crafts and family-friendly entertainment in the beautiful surroundings of Moseley Park. Just minutes from Birmingham city centre, it offers a relaxed and intimate festival experience in a stunning woodland setting.
5th September
Kenwood House Gardens, London
The FT Weekend Festival brings together leading thinkers, writers and cultural figures, with speakers including Mary Beard, Peter Capaldi, Tom Dixon, Matilda Goad, James Gummer, Richard E. Grant and Lauren Indvik joining a packed programme of talks, debates, performances and interactive experiences at Kenwood House. With ten stages covering everything from global affairs and technology to food, books and design.
5th - 6th September
Queen's Park, London
Queen's Park Book Festival brings together acclaimed authors, thought-provoking discussions and inspiring literary events in the heart of London, celebrating the very best of fiction, non-fiction and local talent. Set in the beautiful surroundings of Queen's Park, it offers a welcoming and enriching weekend for book lovers of all ages.
19th & 20th September
Chatsworth House, Bakewell, DE45 1PP
The Queen's Reading Room Festival returns to Chatsworth in Derbyshire with an incredible line-up of authors, including Clare Balding, Harlan Coben, Lee Child, Elif Shafak, Cecelia Ahern, Kate Atkinson, Lucy Foley, Philippa Perry and many more, for a weekend of inspiring literary talks. With book signings after every event, perfect for book lovers looking to meet acclaimed writers and celebrate the joy of reading.
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