Best Low-Key Music Festival
When it comes to music festivals, don’t believe the hype. Sure, Glastonbury has hosted some of the biggest names in the industry (David Bowie, The Smiths, Beyoncé, Jay-Z), and this year controversially made headlines with Kanye West, but there’s more to festival season than Worthy Farm and wellies. The UK is a treasure trove of boutique and niche festivals, featuring the best new and established artists. With that in mind, here are our top five picks.
1. Festival No. 6
The 6th edition of the festival, based in the pastel-coloured, Italianate-style tourist village of Portmeirion in Wales, is a mecca for those seeking a more creative experience. It’s been called a “bespoke feast of music, art and culture” and it really lives up to its hype: this year’s line-up includes the likes of Grace Jones, Belle & Sebastian and Kate Tempest on the music stage, and Irvine Welsh and Maxine Peak leading the discussion. Be sure to see Josie Long in the comedy tent, and explore Gwyllt Forest, home to the rave parties and a floating dance floor on China Lake. Great food and a range of accommodation options mean this isn’t just a festival for avid campers.
when: September 3-6, 2015.
Where: Portmeirion, Wales.
price: Weekend tickets (including camping) are priced at £170.
2. The End of the Road
Laura Marling, Sufjan Stevens and the Sleaford Mods headline this country music festival – but music isn’t the only attraction. With a comedy stage, film screenings, literary readings, healing sessions and workshops, there’s something for even the most discerning festival-goer. The food and drink line-up is also strong, with many stalls offering a range of beers, ciders and hot meals. Six camping areas, including a campervan area and a designated ‘quiet’ zone, offer something for everyone.
when: September 4-6, 2015. Where: Larmer Tree Gardens in Wiltshire. price: Weekend tickets cost £195.
3. Wilderness
Don’t let the name fool you – Wilderness is anything but a rural experience. If you want a high-end festival, look no further than Wilderness: top acts headlining the music (Björk, Ben Howard and George Clinton) and the food (Angela Hartnett, Mark Hicks), not to mention a programme dedicated to ‘wellness’ – lakeside spas and yoga classes. You can also go horse riding, wild swimming and even learn butchering techniques. Wilderness may look a bit like the East London countryside, but it’s actually every bit as beautiful and bucolic as it sounds.
when: August 6-9, 2015. Where: Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire. price: Weekend tickets are £175
4. The Great Escape
If you like music, you’ll have heard of The Great Escape: it’s the place to go for new music. Held at various venues in Brighton, the vibe is more ‘weekend party’ than ‘mud party’. It’s also very cheap for a festival, with weekend tickets costing just £55 – great value, given that Alabama Shakes, Kate Tempest, Skepta and Dutch Uncles are the hot bands. However, it’s not about the big names, but about discovering bands before they become famous. The seaside and all the perks (fish and chips, and late night drinking on the beach) are an added bonus. when: May 14-16, 2015. Where: Various venues in Brighton. price: Weekend tickets cost £55.
5. Tram
Tramlines is a massive festival named after Sheffield’s tram network, covering more than 20 venues in the city (including four outdoor stages). This year’s line-up is packed with big names, with Wu Tang Clan, Basement Jaxx and Martha Reeves heading the bill, with Honeyblood, Ekka and The Charlatans also set to perform. The festival focuses on value for money (weekend tickets cost up to £30) and variety – you can discover music you never thought you’d like in a unique urban setting.
when: July 24-25, 2015. Where: Sheffield, various venues. price: Weekend tickets cost £30.
