Festival Road Trips


Festivals. Remember them?

After a difficult year for the country’s live music sector, the UK’s vibrant festival scene has made a triumphant return!

With restrictions easing, the vaccination programme well underway and mass testing available, music fans can rejoice in the knowledge that they can return to their hallowed festival fields.

While some have made the difficult choice to cancel earlier in the year – most notably Glastonbury – others moved to safer dates later in the summer and are preparing to welcome thousands of eager festival-goers over the next few weeks.

So, if you’re ready to camp under the stars, take in some live bands and indulge in good food – then it’s time for a road trip! Dust off your wellies and flower crowns, get out your camping gear and jump in the car. And, if you need a little extra help choosing your festival destination, then look no further as we’ve got you covered.

End Of The Road (2nd – 5th September)

End of the Road festival is named this way for a reason – its location in the south of England makes it the perfect destination if you’re looking for a big road trip. Held in Larmer Tree Gardens in Wiltshire, the event is known for its alternative line-ups and excellent organic food offering. As small as this festival may be though, it packs a punch with circus skills workshops, an arts and crafts grotto, a comedy tent and more. If Hot Chip, King Krule, Sleaford Mods, Jonny Greenwood and Little Simz sounds like your ideal line-up this year, then secure your ticket and prepare for the journey – it’s just 90 minutes south of Bristol.

Find out more here.

Wellnergy (4th – 5th September)

Of course, festivals aren’t always about partying and loading up on toxins - Wellnergy Festival in Oxfordshire can testify to that. One for the health hedonists, Wellnergy is all about enhancing the health of your mind, body and soul through fitness, food, mindfulness, sound and laughter. With over 100 unique fitness classes, workshops, activities as well as a live music bill and extensive food offering, it’s a more laid-back affair that promotes healthy balance. If you’re ready for some post-pandemic healing, then Wellnergy could be for you.

Find out more here.

TRNSMT (10th – 12th September)

Scotland’s premier music festival has been rescheduled to September this year, but don’t let the unpredictable Glasgow weather put you off. Recently named the ‘cultural and creative capital of the UK’ by the European Commission, visitors can make the most of the city’s well-known tourist spots and thriving food and drink scene during TRNSMT – the three-day, non-camping event takes place right in the middle of the city on Glasgow Green. Known for its party atmosphere and for attracting the biggest names in pop and rock, the likes of Liam Gallagher, The Chemical Brothers, Courteeners, Primal Scream and more are all set to take to the stage at Glasgow Green alongside an array of homegrown stars such as The Ninth Wave, Joesef and Lucia & the Best Boys.

Find out more here.

Parklife (11th – 12th September)

If you’re looking for a big party in the middle of a field with all your friends, then it doesn’t get much bigger than Parklife. Manchester’s biggest festival boasts names from both sides of the Atlantic this year with the likes of Megan Thee Stallion, Kaytranada and Peggy Gou rubbing shoulders with Skepta, Dave, Disclosure and Jamie XX on the heavyweight line-up. If you’re a fan of hip-hop or dance music, you’ll be in your element.

Find out more here.

Isle Of Wight (16th – 19th September)

Steeped in musical history dating back to the 1970s, Isle of Wight is one of the biggest names on the UK festival calendar. Known for attracting massive, stadium-filling artists, this year’s line-up features the likes of Tom Jones, Liam Gallagher, Snow Patrol and Duran Duran.

If this varied bill takes your fancy, then take a road trip via ferry to the Isle of Wight this September. If you’re worried about packing all your camping gear in the car, then you may want to think about investing in a ticket for the ‘Boutique Camping’ field, which offers a range of accommodation and home comforts to enhance your festival weekend.

Find out more here.

Playground Festival (24th – 27th September)

Situated in the leafy suburbs of Glasgow, Playground Festival is fairly new to the circuit, having hosted its first event in 2019. Now it’s back in Rouken Glen Park for its second edition with an expanded arena and a brand-new stage to boot. Described as a ‘boutique wonderland’, this year’s line-up features a mix of indie, dance and funk artists with timeless classics like The Libertines, Boy George, Chic & Nile Rogers and Roisin Murphy all featuring on the line-up alongside up-and-coming DJs and local indie bands. With acrobatic air shows, an artisan food area and a craft beer village, there’s something for all the family.

Find out more here.

Liverpool Sound City (1st – 3rd October)

With all the travel issues associated with the pandemic, Liverpool Sound City have turned the problem into a positive by putting their focus on smaller, newer artists from the UK. Headlined by Beabadoobee, Red Rum Club and Rejjie Snow, there will also be performances from some up-and-coming indie names like The Snuts, The Lathums and The Mysterines – it’s fair to say you may find your new favourite artist somewhere in the new music-focused bill. Held in various venues around Liverpool, the weekend could be a great opportunity to get in touch with the city’s strong musical heritage – from the Beatles Experience to the Cavern Club, there’s plenty to check out for the seasoned music fan.

Find out more here.

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