With festivals like Glastonbury and the Isle of Wight taking centre stage, it’s time to shine the light on some of the small but perfectly formed summer festivals that may not be on your radar. From jazz and indie to folk and pop, map out your summer with Emma Harrison’s handy festival guide
Eden Sessions – 12, 16, 17, 24 June, 24, 27 June, 9, 17 July, Eden Project, Cornwall
With its series of one day gigs, the Eden Sessions allows you to watch top music acts against the stunning backdrop of the Eden Projects biomes. The Observer likens the experience to ‘watching a gig on the moon’.
Check out: Elton John, Paloma Faith, Paulo Nutini and Spandau Ballet
Smoked and Uncut – 21 June, 12 July, 2 August, 6 September, Dorset, Hampshire and Somerset.
Enjoy four mini festivals at The Pig and Lime Wood hotels which are all located in stunning locations of the New Forest, Studland Bay and Bath. Admire the beautiful surroundings with a glass of NyeTimber English sparkling wine.
Check out: I am Kloot, Jake Isaac and Ed Harcourt
Love Supreme – 3 – 5 July, Sussex
Located in the glorious setting of Glynde Park in Sussex, Love Supreme is a joyful festival that specialises in jazz, blues, soul, funk and hip hop
Check out: Van Morrison, Candi Staton, Chaka Khan and Neneh Cherry
Larmer Tree Festival – 14 – 19 July, Larmer Tree Gardens, Dorset
This five-day family festival in the Dorset countryside celebrates music and arts. The name is derived from the festivals locations which is an ancient landmark tree on the ancient boundary between Wiltshire and Dorset.
Check out: Tom Jones, Levellers, The Magic Numbers and comedian Bill Bailey
Latitude – 16-19 July, Suffolk
Latitude has a very European feel to it, with an impressive line-up and its impressive green credentials, this is one festival not to be missed.
Check out: Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Seasick Steve, Years & Years and Manic Street Preachers
Secret Garden Party – 23 – 26 July, Cambridgeshire
This is a colourful and magical festival which allows you to escape and enjoy the ten-acre landscaped garden which borders a tranquil lake.
Check out: Public Service Broadcasting, Angus & Julia Stone, Caravan Palace and Roots Manuva
Somersault – 23 – 27 July, Devon
This innovative new festival promises ‘five days of stripped-back happiness and blissful outdoor life’, Somersault is a visually stunning festival set against the magnificent backdrop of the Castle Hill Estate.
Check out: Passenger, Bombay Bicycle Club, Imelda May and The Shires
The Wickerman – 24 – 25 July, Scotland
Taking its name from the association of a certain horror film, The Wickerman is a fast-growing alternative music festival in East Kirkcarswell and has been likened to a ‘mini Glastonbury’.
Check out: Julian Cope, Tom Odell, Squeeze and The Waterboys
Underneath the Stars – 24 – 26 July, Yorkshire
This boutique festival in the Yorkshire countryside is the brainchild of folk singer Kate Rusby and celebrates music, food and arts.
Check out: Kate Rusby, Eddi Reader and Flatville Aces
Kendal Calling – 30 July – 2 August, Lake District
Located in the picturesque Lowther Deer Park in the heart of the Lake District, Kendal Calling has an impressive line-up in a truly magnificent setting.
Check out: James. The Vaccines, Elbow and Ella Eyre
Camp Bestival – 30 July – 2 August, Dorset
With possibly the best view of any festival, Camp Bestival overlooks the beautiful Lulworth Castle in Dorset. This is one of the most family-friendly festivals in Britain and every effort is made to welcome kids, both big and small.
Check out: Clean Bandit, Kaiserchiefs, Bob Geldof and Underworld
Farm Festival – 31 July – 1 August, Somerset
What initially started as a intimate party for friends has evolved impressively over the last ten years, but their ethos has stayed the same; enjoying great music in an beautiful setting in the glorious Somerset countryside.
Check out: Lonelady, The Lovely Eggs, and Pardon my French
Standon Calling – 31 July – 2 August, Hertfordshire
Held in the grounds of a 16th-century mansion, Standon Calling with its varied line-up, offers a fantastic atmosphere in a stunning setting.
Check out: Basement Jaxx, The Cuban Brothers, Ella Eyre and The Dandy Warhols
Wilderness – 6 – 9 August, Oxfordshire
In the heart of the Oxfordshire countryside, this boutique festival is often referred to as the ‘world’s biggest dinner party’.
Check out: Ben Howard, Bjork, Roisin Murphy and They Say Jump
Beautiful Days – 21 – 23 August, Devon
This independent festival is one of the UK’s best-kept secrets, held annually in Devon. This sponsorship-free festival was founded by the indie-folk band The Levellers.
Check out: Happy Mondays, Levellers and Wilko Johnson
The Green Man – 22 – 23 August, Wales
In the breathtaking beautiful surroundings of the Brecon Beacons, The Green Man with its cool line-up is a Welsh wonder.
Check out: Public Service Broadcasting, St Vincent, Super Furry Animals and Hot Chip
Victorious – 29 – 30 August, Hampshire
Located in Castle Field in Southsea, Victorious has an impressive line-up including former Kinks frontman Ray Davies and singer-songwriter and former guitarist of The Smiths, Johnny Marr
Check out: Ray Davies, Texas, Laura Mvula, The Flaming Lips and Johnny Marr
Festival No 6 – 3 – 6 September, Wales
With its unique bill of iconic artists, Festival No 6 is described as a ‘bespoke banquet of music, arts and culture’. We couldn’t agree more.
Check out: Belle & Sebastian, Mark Ronson, Grace Jones and Badly Drawn Boy
End of the Road – 4/5/6 September, Larmer Tree Gardens, Dorset
Focusing on alternative and folk music, the End of The Road festival celebrates its 10th anniversary and it’s bound to pack a punch. It also prides itself on using local produce to sell to festival-goers at a fair price.
Check out: Laura Marling, The War on Drugs, Saint Etienne and Flo Morrissey
Reload – 11th – 13th September, Norfolk
With a line-up that will evoke many memories, Reload celebrates retro pop acts from the 70s, 80s and 90s which creates a wonderful sense of nostalgia.
Check out: The Boomtown Rats, Marc Almond, Billy Ocean and UB4O
Main Image: The Wilderness Festival
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