Your guide to the best happy-making music festivals 2018
Here are the top picks of this year's festival season, the perfect Brexit antidote
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.All Points East
Kick-starting the season is this new 10-day music event, culminating in three huge headliner shows.
Location: Victoria Park, London
Dates: 25 May - 3 June
Line-up: The XX, LCD Soundsystem, Bjork, The National, Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds
Tickets: From £50, some events free
GALA Festival
Some of the biggest names in disco and house alongside need-to-know breaking acts.
Location: Peckham Rye Park, London
Dates: 27 May
Line-up: Derrick Carter, Midland, Norman Jay MBE, Horse Meat Disco
Tickets: From £30
Field Day
An eclectic line up for the day festival’s 12th year, the first in its new south east London home.
Location: Brockwell Park, London
Dates: 1 - 2 June
Line-up: Erykah Badu, Fever Ray, Four Tet, Nils Frahm, Thundercat, Loyle Carner
Tickets: From £50.45 per day
Isle of Wight
Celebrating its 50th year with huge headliners and pop favourites on the island.
Location: Newport, Isle of Wight
Dates: 21 - 24 June
Line-up: Kasabian, The Killers, Depeche Mode, Nile Rodger & Chic
Tickets: From £209
British Summer Time
Now in its sixth year, British Summer Time sees some of the planet's biggest names perform in one of London's most iconic parks.
Location: Hyde Park, London
Dates: 6 - 14 June
Line-up: Paul Simon, Bruno Mars, Michael Bublé, Roger Waters, The Cure and Eric Clapton
Tickets: From £65.95
Latitude Festival
As well as a reliably solid music offering there’s comedy, culture and heaps of family-friendly fun.
Line-up: The Killers, Solange, Alt-J, The Vaccines, Rag’n’Bone Man, Wolf Alice
Where: Southwold, Suffolk
When: 13 - 15 July 2018
Tickets: From £197.50
Electric Castle
Uniting music, technology and art in uniquely visually stunning festival to delight party-goers
Line-up: London Grammar, Damian Marley, The Horrors, Wolf Alice
Where: Cluj-Napoca, Romania
When: 18 - 22 July 2018
Tickets: From £89
Wilderness
Balancing heated debate and hedonism for grown-ups, with enough magic for kids.
Line-up: Bastille, Nile Rodgers & Chic, Jon Hopkins, Kasami Washington
Where: Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire
When: 2 - 5 August 2018
Tickets: From £168.50
Sziget
The continent’s answer to Glastonbury, this seven day music and arts experience is Europe's largest cultural encounter.
Line-up: Arctic Monkeys, Kendrick Lamar, Mumford & Sons, Lana Del Rey
Where: Budapest, Hungary
When: 8 - 15 August 2018
Tickets: From £65
Green Man
Another impressive line-up to enjoy in the stunning surroundings of the Black Mountains.
Line-up: The War on Drugs, Fleet Foxes, John Grant, Joan As Policewoman,
Where: Brecon Beacons, Wales
When: 18 - 22 August 2018
Tickets: From £180
On Blackheath
As summer draws to a close, enjoy a varied line-up at one of the most chilled out festivals going.
Line-up: Squeeze, Paloma Faith, The Divine Comedy, Craig Charles,
Where: Blackheath, London
When: 8 - 9 Sep 2018
Tickets: From £65 per day
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments