In the blinking dawn of the new year, many of the festivals announced their line-ups. They dropped exciting news about headliners, and some early-bird tickets went on sale, but in the wave of resolutions and starting fitness regimes, it seemed inconceivable to think about the indulgences of Summer. Now the season is finally kicking off it is time to air out the tents, dust off the outdoor clothing and check out some line-ups. In order of occurrence, here is a summary of the festivals, their headliners, why we want to go, and where tickets can be bought.
Red Rooster:
Dates: 1-3rd June
Location: Euston Hall, Suffolk
Headliners/acts announced so far: Christone ”Kingfish” Ingram, Fantastic Negrito, His Lordship, Chuck Prophet & The Mission Express.
Why we want to go: Unbelievable value and incredibly intimate; the smallest big festival.
The line-up details can be found at https://www.redrooster.org.uk/live-music-lineup.
Tickets start from £65.45 for a day ticket or £142.45 for the weekend and can be bought here.
Black Deer Festival:
Dates: 16th-18th June
Location: Eridge Park, Kent
Headliners/acts announced so far:
Friday: Nathaniel Rateliff and the Nightsweats
Saturday: The Pretenders, Bonnie Raitt
Sunday: Richard Hawley, Bear’s Den, Steve Earle
Why we want to go: Not only is it a music festival with the best acts in Americana, the BBQ is incredible. The sideline in desert rock at The Roadhouse is worth the admission price.
More Line up details are available here: https://blackdeerfestival.com/line-up/
Tickets start from £87.50 for a day ticket or £194.75 for the weekend and can be bought here.
Cambridge Folk Festival:
Dates: 27-30th July
Location: Cherry Hinton Hall, Cambridge
Headliners/acts announced so far: Rufus Wainwright, Imelda May, Judy Collins
Why we want to go: Late night open mic at The Den where you’ll sit next to Richard Hawley in a small tent while he covers Bob Dylan. They allow folding chairs on site.
More information about the lineup can be found here: https://www.cambridgelive.org.uk/folk-festival/line-up.
Tickets start from £83 for a day ticket or £205 for the weekend and can be bought here.
Under the Stars Festival:
Dates: 4th-6th August
Location: Cinderhill Farm, Cawthorne, Yorkshire
Headliners/acts announced so far: Scouting for Girls, Kate Rusby, The Shires
Why we want to go: Everything you need is in one field. I can take Grandma and my kids.
More information on the lineup can be found here: https://underneaththestarsfest.co.uk/
Tickets start from £60 for a day ticket or £153 for the weekend and can be bought here.
Sidmouth Folk Festival:
Dates: 4th-11th August
Location: Sidmouth, Devon
Headliners/acts announced so far: Seth Lakeman, Fisherman’s Friends
Why we want to go: A whole week by the sea!
More information on the lineup can be found here: https://sidmouthfolkfestival.co.uk/lineup/.
Tickets start from £30 for a day ticket and £529 for the whole week can be bought here – a very large variety of choices for camping, individual gig tickets, bus passes and more are available.
Cropredy Festival:
Dates: 10-12th August
Location: Cropredy, Oxfordshire
Headliners/acts announced so far: Toyah Wilcox and Robert Fripp, 10cc, Fairport Convention
Why we want to go: Hippy AF and we will definitely get to drink beer with Richard Thompson.
More information on the lineup can be found here: https://www.fairportconvention.com/
Tickets start from £85 for a day ticket or £175 for the weekend and can be bought here.
The Long Road Festival:
Dates: 26th-28th August
Location: Stanford Hall, Leicestershire
Headliners announced so far:
Friday: Jim Lauderdale
Saturday: The Sheepdogs
Sunday: Tommy Prine
Why we want to go: Like no other festival. If you enjoy the Nashville sound, these guys bring it. Festival with the most impressive cowboy boots and hats.
More information on the lineup can be found here: https://www.thelongroad.com/lineup-poster/.
Tickets start from £70 for a day ticket or £160 for the weekend and can be bought here. Various options for accommodation are available.
Maverick Festival:
Dates: 30th June – 2nd July
Location: Easton Park Farm, Suffolk
Headliners announced so far: Robert Vincent, The Hello Darlin’s,
Why we want to go: Goats! The festival is on a goat farm. Cheapest glamping of any festival BY FAR.
More information on the lineup can be found here: https://maverickfestival.co.uk/line-up/.
Tickets start from £45/£60/£25 for a day ticket or £150 for the weekend and can be bought here.
Huh?? Have I missed a meeting?? I thought the Maverick Festival was 1st & 2nd of JULY. Where did 3 – 5th Sept come from?? …Just asking….
Apologies Alan, corrected.