We need the unbridled freedom of a music festival more than ever after the last few years we’ve had. Even if it’s just a few days, there’s something euphoric about dancing it out with your friends in a field, clad in your craziest wardrobe pieces, as strobe lights and music blare out across the crowds. And, as it turns out, festivals need us just as much – after taking a battering thanks to the pandemic, the hiatus is finally over, and the UK festival scene is bad with vengeance.
Of course, there are the big hitters when it comes to 2023 UK festivals led by the likes of Glastonbury (with Elton John having been announced as the 2023 Pyramid Stage headliner) and Creamfields, as well as the return of favourites (Secret Garden Party returned for the first time in 2022 after a break), then there are those for wellness wanderers (hello, Wilderness), for spiritual seekers (Shambala in Northamptonshire is an eco-friendly, ethereal playground) and city day festivals for the time poor, or for those just dipping their toe in (like London’s All Points East) as well as a whole clutch of others.
So, flex your vocal cords, warm up your dance moves and dig out that tent because here are the best 2023 UK festivals to buy a ticket for. Your future self will thank you!
Glastonbury
Matthew Baker
Best for: The ultimate festive vibes! If you haven’t done Glastonbury yet, then what are you waiting for? It’s a right of passage for all music lovers with its A-list performances, all-night parties and delicious pop-up food stalls. 2023 tickets have sold out, but keep an eye out for the resale in April.
2023 line-up: Yet to be confirmed.
Date and location: Wednesday 21 June – Sunday 25 June 2023. Glastonbury, Worthy Farm, Pilton, Somerset
Creamfields
Paul Harness