Perfect pitch: the 2024 UK music festivals you can still book now
We may not be able to guarantee the sunshine, but British summer time always means great live music. Grab your spangly cowboy hat – these are the best fests to visit this year
December 2023
Festival organisers sound alarm as big-name artists shun their events
Industry says with global headliners doing their own tours there are not enough stars to fill festival line-ups in UK and Ireland
November 2023
Fred Again, Lana Del Rey and Gerry Cinnamon to headline Reading and Leeds for first time
Trio of newcomers are joined by veterans Liam Gallagher, Catfish and the Bottlemen and Blink-182
August 2023
No sleep, meltdowns and Billie Eilish: my first music festival as an autistic person
I took the plunge at this year’s Reading festival, where sensory overload and mobility issues posed problems. Could I make it to the headline acts?
Reading and Leeds festival review – Billie Eilish and the Killers thrill at bucket-hatted blowout
The post-GCSE audience is suitably boisterous at a festival that is keeping its remit admirably broad, from Foals’ intense rock to Bicep’s beautiful techno
Kids going to Reading? Don’t panic! It’s a rite-of-passage for UK teenagers
It may have become a lightning rod for parental anxiety but this very British festival is still the dream gig for 16-year-olds fresh from GCSE hell
June 2023
Festivals now feel like a cross between a spa and a gastropub – what about the music?
Daniel Dylan Wray
With fancy food, political talks and curated experiences becoming the norm, music – and working class fans – could become an afterthought. It’s time to go back to basics
May 2023
UK music festivals: how to save money on your summer fix
From cheaper tickets to secondhand camping equipment or working some shifts, there are ways to save money
April 2023
Give it some welly: the 30 best UK music festivals still available to book
The summer’s big events sell out sooner every year but, whether you like gnarly moshpits, banging dance tents, kid-friendly jazz retreats or gastro entertainment, there’s still time to take your pick and get looking for your camping gear
September 2022
The Guardian view on BookTok: a welcome disruptor of the status quo
Editorial: The social media platform is revolutionising bookshops and galvanising publishers. Enjoy it while it lasts
Reading festival review – vibrant pop takeover leaves rock in the shade
Dominated by the likes of PinkPantheress, Little Simz and Megan Thee Stallion, it’s left to Arctic Monkeys and Wolf Alice to remind revellers of Reading’s still-beating rock heart
Reading festival final day marred by violence and tent burning
Videos show several tents set on fire on Sunday, and police say about 50 people ejected from site after disorder
Tents set on fire at Reading music festival – video
Videos shared online show several tents being set on fire on Sunday evening, the final night of the three-day Reading music festival
June 2022
UK summer music festivals forced to close as cost of living crisis hits home
Flatlining ticket sales and rising production outgoings have led to many events being postponed
April 2022
Festival finance: five days in a cold, muddy field for £25,000?
Be it a tent or a tipi, a yurt or a pop-up suite, UK summer events cater for budgets large and small
December 2021
Reading and Leeds festival 2022 announce lineup with Arctic Monkeys, Dave and more
Megan Thee Stallion and Halsey are first female headliners since 2014, with Rage Against the Machine and Bring Me the Horizon rounding out the top billings
August 2021
Reading and Leeds festival review – Stormzy and Liam Gallagher unite the masses
With thoughts of Covid banished in a blitz of teenage hugging, there are some terrific moments amid this disappointingly male-heavy lineup
February 2021
Reading and Leeds festival set to go ahead this year in boost for live music
Organisers say young people are desperate for freedom – but admit they haven’t yet been able to get insurance
August 2020
Reading and Leeds festival announces 2021 lineup
Stormzy and Liam Gallagher roll headline appearances over from 2020, but Rage Against the Machine no longer feature
May 2020
Reading and Leeds festival cancelled due to coronavirus
Ticket holders can choose to get refunds or roll tickets over to 2021 event
