The Five Biggest UK Music Festivals – 2019 Edition
The line-ups for the various summer festivals are pretty much complete, and so we take you on a quick trip through five of the biggest music festivals to grace the UK this summer.
The festivals in this article are sorted by date, and the first one is for everyone who likes their music loud, heavy and fast!
Download Festival
Where: Near Donnington Park, Leicestershire
When: 14th – 16th of June
More info about Download Festival
The line-up poster for Download Festival 2019 could make a diehard metal fan’s heart skip a beat – It’s that good. Ever since its inaugural festival in 2003, Download has become the U.K.’s most popular festival for heavy music by far, attracting 110,000 attendees in 2018. Let’s take a look at three of the festival’s top names for 2019.
Tool
It’s been 13 years since the last Tool album, so fans are justifiably excited at the news that the band will be breaking their studio silence this year. If you enjoy your metal with progressive tendencies and intelligent (if a bit cryptic) lyrics, then Tool will be the show for you.
Slipknot
These masked madmen are famous for their intense live shows, which blur the line between concert and transcendental experience. Though the band play very heavy music, they share a special bond with their fans, and lead singer Corey Taylor knows how to whip any crowd into a frenzy.
Smashing Pumpkins
Smashing Pumpkins may not be the heaviest band on the docket, but while they do dabble in everything from classic rock to dream pop to indie, there is a heavy undercurrent running through all of their music. If you’re looking for something more nuanced with massive choruses that you can pump your fists to, the Pumpkins are a must-see.
Isle of Wight Festival
Where: Seaclose Park, Newport, Isle Of Wight
When: 13th – 16th of June
More info about Isle Of Wight Festival
The Isle Of Wight Festival originally ran from 1968 to 1970 but was shut down by parliament after it attracted too many people. Luckily, the festival was revived in 2002 and has been going strong ever since. The festival highlights some of the biggest names on the U.K. music scene. Here are three recommendations if you decide to take the trip:
Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds
Noel Gallagher needs little introduction. He was the main songwriting force in Oasis, and has already given the world songs like Wonderwall, Live Forever, Don’t Look Back In Anger and Some Might Say. He hasn’t let the break-up of Oasis slow him down, however, and with his High Flying Birds he is sure to play a great mix of both new and old songs.
Biffy Clyro
The Scottish power trio to rule them all, Biffy Clyro have been teasing a new album for release in 2019 and fans are understandably excited. Their mix of hard rock, big choruses and progressive tendencies have won them legions of fans, and their live shows are legendary. Don’t miss this one.
George Ezra
Singer-songwriter George Ezra may be only 25 years old, but his two albums, Wanted On Voyage and Staying At Tamara’s have both been huge hits. Add to this his natural charm (As heard on his podcast George Ezra And Friends) and you’ve got a recipe for success. This could well be the feel-good concert of the summer.
Glastonbury Festival
Where: Pilton, Summerset
When: 26th – 30th of June
More info about Glastonbury Festival
The largest and most famous music festival in Europe. You’d be hard-pressed to name a famous musician in the realm of popular music who has not played here at one time or another. The festival is known for not only its excellent line-ups, but also for featuring all sorts of other attractions. It is commonly said that you could easily go to Glastonbury, not see a single band, and still have the greatest weekend of your life. That being said, we would advise you to see as much music as you can fit in!
The Cure
The undisputed kings of romantic goth rock. The Cure have been around since the late 1970s, and they have got the back catalogue to prove it. Boys Don’t Cry, The Lovecats, Lullaby, Friday I’m In Love, Just Like Heaven and Inbetween Days are just a few of the legendary songs that tend to make their setlists, and luckily The Cure are not known for playing short gigs.
Stormzy
The reigning king of UK Grime has long been known for his energetic live performances, and this is sure to be no exception. From the banging street anthem Big For Your Boots, to the mosh-inducing Know Me From and the almost spiritual pean Blinded By Your Grace pt. 2, a Stormzy gig is one that you are going to remember.
Janet Jackson
One of the biggest names in pop and R’n’B of the 1980’s and 1990’s, Janet Jackson is set to put on a blinder of a set at this year’s Glastonbury Festival. Get on your dancing shoes and get ready for one of the biggest dance parties that the festival has ever hosted.
Creamfields Festival
Where: Daresbury, Cheshire
When: 22nd – 25th of August
More info about Creamfields Festival
Perhaps you’re looking for a festival with more of a focus on big beats and big drops? The electronic music festival Creamfields has got you covered. Initially, a one-day event when it launched in 1998, today it spans four days, and features some of the biggest electronic acts on the planet. 70,000 people attend every year, making it one of the largest dance parties on earth.
Fatboy Slim
A legend behind the decks, Norman Cook (A.K.A. Fatboy Slim) has been active on the U.K. music scene since the early 80s, but he truly came into his own when he adopted the Fatboy Slim moniker. His 1998 album You’ve Come Along Way, Baby features massive hits like The Rockafeller Skank, Praise You and Gangsta Trippin’, and he’s known for being a peerless live act.
Deadmau5
Deadmau5 (pronounced “dead mouse”) may have kickstarted a wave of masked DJs looking to imitate his notorious mouse mask, but few of them have Deadmau5’s ear for hooks and melodies. A massive name in electronic music for over a decade, Deadmau5 knows how to start a party.
Calvin Harris
Calvin Harris has topped the list of the best-paid DJs in the world several times, and for good reason. He’s been delivering massive hits for over a decade and is in particular known for his collaborative bangers. Whether he’s working with Florence Welch on bleeding heart banger Sweet Nothing, or Rihanna on the euphoric come-up anthem We Found Love, Calvin Harris always reigns supreme.
Reading and Leeds
Where: Reading and Leeds
When: 23rd – 25th of August
More info about Reading Festival
More info about Leeds Festival
Reading Festival and Leeds Festival take place on the same weekend. Why are they on this list as one entry, then? Well, they have the exact same line-up, only they switch days. The concept has proved incredibly popular, and although Reading is the world’s oldest popular music festival still in existence, it’s not just the history that keeps guests coming back – It’s the wonderful atmosphere and the rock-solid line-ups.
Foo Fighters
When Dave Grohl released the first Foo Fighters album in 1995, it seemed unlikely that he would ever escape the shadow of Nirvana. Today, Foo Fighters are one of the biggest rock bands in the world, in no small part thanks to having an arsenal of excellent songs including Everlong, Best of You, All My Life, Learn To Fly and My Hero. If you’re looking to pump your fists and sing along, this is the gig for you.
The 1975
The 1975 have become one of the biggest names in U.K. indie over the last few years, and they are likely to draw one of the biggest crowds of this year’s festival season. The band’s blend of guitar rock and sugary melodies have proven irresistible in a live setting, and you’ll want to show up early if you want to be anywhere close to the stage for this show.
Charli XCX
Charli XCX is the connoisseur’s pop singer-songwriter. She’s the genius behind hit songs like Icona Pop’s I Love It and Iggy Azelea’s Fancy, and although she has yet to attain the superstardom she deserves, she has not slowed down. She is currently working on her third studio album, so hopefully, this summer performance will include new songs to accompany her tried and true classics.