
Missed Glastonbury? Best UK Music Festivals to Book in 2025
There’s nothing quite like a
There’s nothing quite like a British summer. One minute, you’re drenched in sunshine; the next, you’re sheltering under a stranger’s umbrella, bonding over a shared love of music and soggy chips. And nowhere is this rollercoaster of weather, music, and joy more brilliantly displayed than at the UK’s music festivals.
From intimate boutique affairs to sprawling mega-fests, the UK’s 2025 festival line-up is looking stronger than ever. But there’s one universal truth: getting there—and home again—is half the battle. No one wants to wrestle a pop-up tent onto a commuter train. That’s why we at Umbrella Transfers are here, ready to ferry you to fields, forests, beaches, and back, in comfort and style.
So let’s dive in and see which UK Music Festivals 2025 deserve a spot in your summer plans.
Picture yourself lounging on a picnic blanket, sipping a cold G&T as the sweet notes of jazz drift through the air. That’s Love Supreme in East Sussex for you—a festival that feels like a classy garden party where everyone just happens to be incredibly musically talented. From legends like Nile Rodgers & Chic to boundary-pushing jazz virtuosos, it’s a place where music lovers can geek out over solos while still keeping things fabulously relaxed.
There’s also a gourmet food village, secret late-night jam sessions, and wellness areas where you can join a yoga class before returning to your spot on the lawn. It’s the perfect escape for those who want culture, comfort, and a touch of glamour.
For sheer star power, it’s hard to top Wireless. It’s less a festival and more a jaw-dropping three-day block party, drawing some of the biggest names in hip hop, R&B, and grime. The energy is electric, with high-octane performances, booming bass, and crowds that know every word of every song.
2025 is set to be colossal, with rumours swirling about Drake dominating three nights. You’ll also spot people wearing sunglasses after sunset, glittering under festival lights, and vying for the best TikTok angles. Between sets, there’s street food from all corners of the globe and pop-up bars where you might bump into artists grabbing a quick drink.
ALSO is the thinking person’s festival. It’s where music meets ideas, and curiosity is king. You’ll wander from a tent where an indie band is tearing it up to a talk on neuroscience or mindfulness. There are immersive art installations, wild swimming sessions, comedy gigs, and some of the finest street food you’ll ever eat in a field.
It’s intimate and magical, with festival-goers chatting philosophy over craft beers as the sun sets. There’s an infectious sense of possibility—as though anything could happen next, and it usually does.
Few festivals capture the essence of British summer quite like Kendal Calling. It’s an eclectic blend of big-name acts, up-and-coming indie stars, and a hearty dose of mud (because, well, Lake District weather). The 2025 line-up includes The Prodigy, The Courteeners, and Fatboy Slim, ensuring anthems aplenty.
But it’s not just about the music. There’s a cinema tent, real ale festival, art installations, comedy stages, and dedicated kids’ areas. Families mix happily with seasoned festival-goers, creating a lovely communal vibe. The stunning scenery of Lowther Deer Park makes even the rain look poetic.
If festivals had a dress code, Wilderness would be strictly “Boho Chic.” It’s a dreamy mix of music, food, theatre, and wellness, held in the rolling landscapes of Cornbury Park. You might spend your morning paddleboarding on the lake, lunch at a long-table banquet cooked by Michelin-starred chefs, and your evening dancing under fairy lights to the beats of Orbital or Wet Leg.
Wilderness is as much about experiences as music—there’s theatre in the woods, mindfulness workshops, artisan markets, and hidden cocktail bars. It’s the festival for those who love a touch of luxury with their hedonism.
Boomtown!!! Where else can you step into a purpose-built city with winding streets, secret passageways, and actors pulling you into surreal adventures? This festival is a living, breathing world of neon lights, outrageous costumes, and an atmosphere so electric it practically crackles.
Musically, it’s a kaleidoscope: jungle, techno, ska, reggae, punk, and every genre in between. Massive stage sets, hidden micro-venues, and spontaneous performances mean no two visits are ever the same. And true to form, much of the line-up stays secret until just before the gates open. It’s pure escapism.
Surfboards by day, sound systems by night—that’s Boardmasters in a nutshell. Set against Newquay’s spectacular coastline, it’s a festival that combines world-class surfing competitions with an eclectic music line-up. Picture RAYE, The Prodigy, and Nelly Furtado performing as the sun sets over the Atlantic.
By day, you can hit Fistral Beach to watch surfers carve perfect waves. By night, DJs take over the beach bars for parties that go well past midnight. There’s also a focus on sustainability, with eco markets, beach cleans, and wellness sessions, making Boardmasters as good for the planet as it is for the soul.
Metal fans, rejoice. Bloodstock Open Air is a full-throttle celebration of all things heavy, from death metal to melodic thrash. It began as a modest one-day indoor event back in 2001 and has grown into one of Europe’s premier metal festivals.
The atmosphere is as friendly as it is intense, with passionate fans swapping stories over pints before heading into the pit for sets from the likes of Machine Head and Trivium. Expect towering flames, giant banners, and enough leather and studs to outfit an entire Viking horde.
If your idea of heaven is dancing into the dawn under a canopy of stars, then Houghton Festival is your calling. This Norfolk gem is unique in the UK for its 24-hour music licence, curated by the legendary Craig Richards. It’s an immersive experience where you might find yourself raving in a secret quarry at sunrise, surrounded by mist and mesmerising visuals.
Musically, it’s a playground for electronic music lovers, with DJs like Ben UFO and Ricardo Villalobos spinning extended sets. The festival is also famously off-grid—no phone signal, minimal branding, and a sense that you’ve left the world behind.
Curated by the incomparable Gilles Peterson, We Out Here is a love letter to global sounds. Jazz, soul, house, afrobeat—it’s all here, blending seamlessly in the stunning surroundings of Dorset. Expect artists like Michael Kiwanuka and Kokoroko, plus crate-digging opportunities at the on-site record fair.
There’s an emphasis on wellness too, with lakeside yoga sessions, wild swimming, and excellent local food. The whole festival feels like a gathering of music lovers who are equally passionate about community and connection.
Whether you’re planning a sophisticated jazz weekend, a neon-drenched rave, or a sun-soaked surf festival, getting there and back can be half the battle. That’s where we come in.
At Umbrella Transfers, we specialise in comfortable, private event transport for individuals, friends, or entire festival crews. No matter which festival has stolen your heart, we’ll make sure your journey is part of the fun — not the hassle. Forget parking stress, train chaos, or squeezing your sequin jumpsuit onto public transport. Instead, relax in style, knowing we’ll get you there safely and bring you home when the music finally fades.
So here’s to summer 2025 — may your outfits be fabulous, your feet keep dancing, and your journey be smooth from start to finish.
So whether you fancy your festival experience in a muddy field, a jazz-filled garden, or a sun-drenched beach, 2025 has you covered. And when it’s time to get there—or to crawl home after your final encore—we’re here to make the journey smooth and stress-free. Because while festivals are glorious chaos, your ride shouldn’t have to be.
Ready to plan your summer adventure? Let’s hit the road.
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