As we edge into January, concert goers and festival lovers will be starting to look at their calendars for 2026, anxiously planning for what their work leave or Christmas money can accommodate. No doubt some will be aiming to camp in their usual patch at Donington, or be taking deep breaths in preparation for the trauma of the Glastonbury ticket sale (it’s okay, you’ve got another year to brace for that one!). But some might be looking for a new experience or their first festival trip. This is what you can expect from the biggest festivals next year.
Glastonbury – oh have a year off will you?
Owing to the fact that the site at Worthy Farm works a day job as a dairy farm, it requires a fallow year every so often to give the fields time to recover from all the trampling. Glastonbury 2027 has been announced to fall between the 23 and 27 of June, with the first wave of acts being revealed some time in March 2027.
Download – this one’s for the Millenials
This year’s Download Festival is sure to delight fans of 00’s “nu metal”, with sets from both Limp Bizkit and Linkin Park. This will be the latter’s first UK festival appearance since singer Emily Armstrong picked up the microphone from Chester Bennington, who passed away in 2017. The top billing is rounded off by Guns N’ Roses, who are very familiar to the Midlands festival. Other highlights include German party mob Electric Callboy and an unprecedented appearance from rap legends Cypress Hill. It runs from the 10 to 14 of June.
Reading and Leeds – another year of testing boundaries- and our patience?
For the uninitiated, Reading and Leeds run the same lineup on alternating days across both sites. Historically they have booked a diverse assortment of music, from the biggest names in the charts, to rock royalty, to underground hiphop and grime. In recent years however, the diversity has been sacrificed in pursuit of a younger audience, rabid for only the latest trends. One of the things they always do well is championing British music, and 2026 is a landmark year for that. In lieu of any legacy act, all but one of their 6 headliners is from the UK, with that one being Ireland’s Fontaines D.C. Expect huge performances from Raye, Charli XCX, and drum ‘n’ bass icons Chase And Status on their dual main stages, from the 27 to 30 of August.
Isle of Wight – a great all-rounder for anyone
Held by the water near Newport on the Isle of Wight, this one can often be overlooked in favour of its more extravagant competition. But the next lineup is very robust, sporting big headliners from Scotland in the ever-endearing Lewis Capaldi, electronic chart-topper Calvin Harris, and England’s darlings, The Cure. A fantastic mix of old and new for families and all ages, including Rick Astley, and current favourites The Last Dinner Party. Runs 18 to the 21 of June.
TRNSMT – who needs vowels when you’ve got big acts?
Scotland’s biggest summer festival has been making statements in recent years, and in 2026 they’re looking to draw fans to Glasgow with the promise of Richard Ashcroft, formerly of The Verve, and Kasabian. Our friend Lewis Capaldi will also be headlining in his home city. While it may not be the sunniest place in the British Isles, people won’t miss a chance to dance to the likes of Nile Rogers & Chic or CMAT. Runs 19 to 21 June.
Wireless – radio silence?
Taking place in London’s Finsbury park, Wireless Festival is typically a big deal. However there have been no confirmed dates or acts for July 2026. Watch this space if you enjoy contemporary rap and electronic music.
