Don't fancy the big, classic festivals this summer? One of these alternative festivals may be right up your street!
The impending doom of exams is a distant memory and as you leave your revision slum of a bedroom you’re met by the sight of dads in socks and sandals drinking lukewarm pints. Yes, the good old British summertime has arrived. That time of year where our nation’s youth flock to Parklife, T in the Park and Reading to name but a few, in their finest Hunter wellies and floral headbands.
But what if, this year, you just don’t fancy portaloos or camping out in Tesco tents, sipping strangers’ dodgy homebrews? What else is out there for you if you’re seeking a grander gig? Here’s a look at some upcoming August Festivals – both musical and otherwise - that might just be the ticket.
Edinburgh Fringe Festival – All of August
If ringing ears and a sore back from camping aren’t what you’re hoping to get out of a festival then look no further. The Ed Fringe is an annual comedy celebration that comes to Scotland’s capital every August for all to enjoy. Edinburgh’s cultured cobbles play host to street performers, amateur troupes and celebrity headliners with shows running all day, every day on a variety of budgets.
You won’t be short of options with entertainers filling every available venue.
Green Man Festival, Wales – August
Head in to the valleys for a folksy three days in (touch wood) dreamy mid-Summer weather. See the Brecon Beacons play host to an eclectic line up of bands you’ve probably never heard of, alongside a whole host of other treats; ranging from a cider fest, to an all-day cinema and indulgent massage tents.
Sounding bohemian enough for you yet?
Rock en Seine, Paris – August
Another festival which takes place in a beautiful capital city, Rock en Seine is the French opportunity to blow British tent pitching standards halfway across the Channel. With croissant breakfasts, complimentary clean showers and grand gardens to explore before the main acts start, you’ll be questioning all the hours you’ve spent kicking through the mud at V Fest.
All acts begin at a leisurely 3pm, leaving plenty of time to go skipping through the Arc du Triomphe.
Tribfest, East Yorkshire – August
If you’re the sort of person who considers waxworks in Madame Tussauds as close to stardom as you ever need be, then Tribfest is the event for you. As the name suggests, it’s three days of the best tribute bands in town strutting their stuff, with performances from acts such as The Cheatles, Kings Ov Leon and The Killerz.
To add a bit of flavour, the self-proclaimed “World’s biggest tribute band music festival” has a comedy marquee, retail stalls and a silent disco.
Sziget, Budapest – August
Voted ‘Best European Major Festival’ earlier this year, Sziget’s line up is certainly one that’ll please the Brits with headliners such as Foals, Robbie Williams and Florence and the Machine. For five days in mid-August, the isolated yet stunning Danube island of Obuda is transformed into an artsy retreat of mini stages and tents honouring genres catering to all.
Boardmasters, Cornwall – August
Sometimes, we want to go to a festival that doesn’t feel like a Duke of Edinburgh expedition, but how can this be done when they all come served with a side-dish of that farm living feeling? The answer is Boardmasters – the closest an English festival gets to looking like American spring break.
Coupling surfing, BMX and skate comps with radio one-esque music at three coastal venues, you’ll leave feeling like one of those cool surfer kids you dreamed of being when you were thirteen.
Wilderness festival, Oxfordshire – August
For years your parents have been hounding you not to stray down the hedonistic path often followed by festival goers, in a bid to keep you wholesome (what they don’t know won’t hurt them). Festivals don’t come much more wholesome or delightfully hippy than Wilderness festival, but you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re tripping when you see how pretty it scrubs up. A cornucopia of workshops, performances, outdoor activities and holistic healing, you won’t be able to tell the ‘rents that it’s anything but good for you.
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