The roadmap out of lockdown recently announced by the government has ignited a fire under the live music industry - and it’s good news for music fans across all four nations.
Upon hearing the Prime Minister announce June 21st as a provisional date on which normality might resume - provided all vaccine targets are met and COVID concerns addressed – festival organisers around the UK quickly sprang into action, announcing brand-new dates, venues and headliners across social media platforms.
From the UK’s largest inner-city music event, Parklife to mammoth dance spectacle Creamfields – the vast majority of Britain’s most sought-after music events have confirmed their plans to return throughout the summer this year.
With this recent and hopeful news so fresh in everyone’s minds, now seemed the most suitable and appropriate time to review the festival choices on offer. We’ve collated five of the best into one digestible list, to assist you in choosing the right event to welcome back live music in 2021.
Take a look at out our must-attend festivals selection below, and click on the titles for tickets…
Playground
When: Friday 30th July - Sunday 1st August 2021
Where: Rouken Glen Park in Glasgow
Headliners: Kraftwerk, Gary Numan, Hot Chip, Kelis, Nile Rodgers & Chic
A boutique music wonderland nestled within the heart of Glasgow, Playground Festival offers one of the best inclusive, family-friendly festival experiences in Scotland.
Bringing together yet another huge lineup to celebrate the grand return of the event this year, Playground will host a long list of heritage names and festival favourites - the likes of electronic pioneers Kraftwerk and Gary Numan, and native party starters, Colonel Mustard & The Dijon Five.
Explore the festivals stunning location, sample locally sourced artisan delicacies, be amazed by acrobatic performers and dance like no one’s watching this year at one of Scotland’s best music festivals.
Junction 2
When: Friday 4th - Saturday 5th June 2021
Where: Boston Manor Park in Brentford
Headliners: Amelie Lens, Nina Kraviz, Four Tet, Adam Beyer, Jon Hopkins
Showcasing some of the most widely acclaimed names in the electronic dance scene, alongside the next generation of world conquering DJs and producers - Junction 2 Festival has become a recognised go-to event for devout fans of dance music.
Returning to Boston Manor Park in Brentford this June, this mammoth techno celebration promises to make up for time lost in 2020. Appearing underneath the iconic motorway bridge in front of over 10,000 revellers each day, punters can expect to see world class performances from the likes of prominent electronic producer Four Tet, techno queen Amelie Lens, Leon Vynehall, Dixon, Honey Dijon, Octa Pcta, Skee Mask and many more…
Bluedot
When: Thursday 22nd - Sunday 25th July 2021
Where: Jodrell Bank Observatory in Macclesfield
Headliners: Bjork, Groove Armada, Metronomy…
Renowned for its unique setting, situated at the foot of the Lovell Telescope at the Jodrell Bank Observatory - the UK’s largest radio telescope - Bluedot Festival is an astronomical crossover experience, combining live music with science, immersive art exhibitions and more.
With a heavy emphasis on presenting some of the world’s most culturally important and genre defining names – the likes of this year’s headliners Groove Armada, Metronomy and experimental visionary, Bjork – the festival has become a mecca for fans of alternative music and science boffins alike, welcoming over 20,000 fans through its gates each day.
Creamfields
When: Thursday 26th - Sunday 29th August 2021
Where: Creamfields in Cheshire
Headliners: Carl Cox, Adam Beyer, ANNA, Eric Prydz, Peggy Gou
An absolute must-attend festival for those who love to rave – Creamfields is one of the world’s biggest and best dance music events, both in terms of attendance and lineup.
Born out of Liverpool club night - Cream, back in 1998, the festival brand has since expanded its influence across the globe, staging events in 24 other countries with more events scheduled to take place in new destinations over the coming years.
Set to perform infront of 70,000 dance fans, across 30 stages, over 4 days this August, are more than 300 dance music legends - including Carl Cox, Eric Prydz, Darren Styles, Armin Van Buuren, Chase & Status, Pete Tong, Tiesto and current favourites Bicep, Peggy Gou, Nina Kraviz, Hybrid Minds… the list goes on.
Experience this global festival phenomenon in 2021. You won’t be disappointed.
Parklife
When: Saturday 11th – Sunday 12th September 2021
Where: Heaton park, Manchester
Headliners: To be announced
Welcoming up to 160,000 revellers over two days and boasting some of the world’s biggest acts year after year - previous headliners include the likes of Mark Ronson, The Chemical Brothers, Wu Tang Clan, Disclosure, Snoop Dogg, The XX and Liam Gallagher to name a few – this colossal inner-city event is regarded by many northerners as one of the most outrageous parties in the summer calendar.
Set on the expansive grounds of Manchester’s Heaton Park, those who are fortunate enough to secure entry to this highly sought-after event can expect to see numerous world class performances on some of the most impressive stage structures in Europe - armed with lasers, lights and explosive pyrotechnics.
Lineup announcements are expected imminently. Watch this space.
