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The United Kingdom, known for its cultural diversity, is home to festivals rooted in heritage and traditions. From world-renowned music festivals to quirky food festivals, the festivals in UK are a unique experience for tourists and locals alike. These festivals give their audience a platform to learn and enjoy the country’s historical legacy and ever-evolving cultural milieu. Some of these famous festivals in the UK are a mix of fun and tradition, and thus offer something for everyone to appreciate.
Top 10 Festivals In UK That You Must Can’t Miss
Here are some of the popular festivals in the UK that you can take part in the next time you visit.
1. May Day
Photo: JuliaC2006 / Wikimedia Commons
The May Day festival in UK marks the beginning of summer. It has its roots in old Pagan traditions and the modern version of the festival includes parades and dancing. Jack in the Green or Jack o’ the Green is a folk custom that is part of the May Day parade where a person covered in foliage and wicker frame leads a group of Morris dancers and folk musicians. The other attractions of May Day include the setting up of a Maypole, the crowning of the May Queen, and weaving flower garlands.
Location: Throughout the UK, especially in Oxford
When To Visit: 1st of May every year
2. Glastonbury Festival
Photo: Czampal / Wikimedia Commons
Glastonbury Festival is one of the most important festivals in the UK. This music festival is world-renowned and attracts over 200,000 attendees from all over the world. This 5-day event features famous artists and musicians from across the globe. Apart from music, other attractions include theatre, comedy, art and activism, which makes this festival a pilgrimage for many. Glastonbury Festival started in the early 1970s and has grown in popularity, making it a global phenomenon. If you are planning to partake in this musical extravaganza, you will need to book your tickets almost a year in advance from their official website.
Location: Somerset, England
When To Visit: Mid-June
3. Cheese-Rolling And Wake
Photo: Dave Farrance / Wikimedia Commons
If you are looking to take part in something quirky and fun, Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling and Wake is the place for you. Cheese-rolling, as its name suggests, is not a simple feat. You have to chase a literal block of cheese, usually a Double Gloucester cheese, weighing almost 4 kg, down a 180-meter hill. If you manage to finish first in the race, the cheese is all yours to take home. You would aim to catch the cheese; however, owing to the 1-second head start for the cheese, it is impossible to catch hold of this high-speed dairy delight.
Location: Gloucestershire, England
When To Visit: Last Monday of May
4. Hay Festival
Photo: Andrew Lih / Wikimedia Commons
The Hay Festival is a literature and arts festival celebrated annually in Wales. The main attraction of the Hay Festival is its elaborate bookshops that attract writers, cultural figures, scientists and philosophers from around the world. This festival offers a stage for diverse political, artistic, and scientific voices, making it a cultural melting pot. You can also find local vendors and try out authentic dishes from them for the complete experience. The Hay Festival has a mostly laid-back atmosphere and suits you perfectly if you are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Location: Powys, Wales
When To Visit: Late May
5. Camp Bestival
Photo: mat Walker / Wikimedia Commons
If you want to enjoy a one-of-a-kind getaway with your family, then Camp Bestival is your best bet. It is an eventful adventure designed by families for families. The main attractions of Camp Bestival include camping, a Pyjama party, a music festival, and a well-being retreat. This famous festival in the UK provides entertainment to kids and adults alike and attracts some of the most prominent national and international artists. The street food offered by the local vendors is a must-try when you visit Camp Bestival.
Location: Lulworth Castle, Dorset, England
When To Visit: Late July
6. Notting Hill Carnival
Photo: Diliff / Wikimedia Commons
Notting Hill Carnival is one of the biggest cultural festivals in the UK. This carnival is a celebration of Caribbean culture and features flamboyant parades, diverse music, and different bands. Notting Hill Carnival attracts over 2 million people, raising a dynamic statement on equality and inclusion. The main attractions include competitions, children’s and adults’ parades, steel bands, and food and drinks. The carnival is accessible as well, providing disabled toilets and wheelchair viewing platforms.
Location: West London, England
When To Visit: August
7. Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Photo: Festival Fringe Society / Wikimedia Commons
Edinburgh Festival Fringe, or simply The Fringe, is one of the UK’s main festivals. This 3-week-long festival is the world’s biggest performance arts festival, attracting more than 2 million people worldwide. The main attractions include theatre, opera, circus, comedy and much more. If you wish to participate and showcase your talent in the Fringe, it is easy to do so as the festival works on an open-access basis, meaning there is no selection committee, and anyone is free to participate.
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
When To Visit: August
8. Hogmanay
Photo: Robbie Shade / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
If you are looking to celebrate your New Year’s Eve with some extra excitement, you can partake in the Hogmanay festival of Scotland. The main custom during Hogmanay is “first-footing” which starts closely after midnight when you visit your neighbour and give them a symbolic lucky gift, usually salt, coal or even a strong whiskey. Another famous custom is the fireball swinging, where balls of chicken wire stuffed with flammable materials are lit when the clock strikes midnight, marking the New Year.
Location: All over Scotland
When To Visit: 31st December
What To Wear: Warm clothes suitable for the weather
9. Jorvik Viking Festival
Photo: Jennifer Petrie / Wikimedia Commons
If you are a Viking aficionado, you must not miss the Jorvik Viking Festival. This festival offers a one-of-a-kind dip into the history of Vikings by featuring workshops, lectures, and traditional crafts. The major attractions include a story performance of the Tale of Tryfing, mead tasting and the march of people dressed in Viking attire to Coppergate. The boot camp featured in this festival gives children an opportunity to dress up as little Vikings and battle with a jolly Berserker.
Location: York, England
When To Visit: February
10. Guy Fawkes Night
Photo: Peter Trimming / Wikimedia Commons
Guy Fawkes Night, also known as Bonfire Night, pays homage to the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. This celebration is rooted in Great Britain’s history when King James I escaped the assassination plot by Guy Fawkes. This celebration is marked by bonfires, a display of fireworks and the burning of Guy Fawkes’ effigy. The festival later developed into a day where people burn the effigies of popular hate figures. Guy Fawkes Night brings about a community spirit among Britons by creating an atmosphere of warmth and solidarity. Toffee apples are as important a part of Guy Fawkes Night as bonfires.
Location: All over England
When To Visit: 5th November
What To Wear: Warm, layered clothes suitable for the weather
The festivals in UK are as unique as its diverse community of people. From cheese-rolling to Viking marches, there is something exciting for everyone in the UK. These festivals, rooted in history and traditions, make visiting the UK a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Book your ticket to the UK now with TripXL and make sure you make the best out of your favorite festival, celebrating music, arts and fun.
Cover Photo: anna-m. W. / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
