JUNE 07
JUNE -
Castleward Opera
The festival revisits its own 20-year history with a revival of La bohème, and there’s a new production of Verdi’s Un Ballo in Maschera, set in 1930s Europe. Highlights: Tom Hawkes, staging Ballo. Jun 1-24, Castle Ward, N Ireland (www.castlewardopera.com 028-9263 9545), £40-£55
Homefires IV
Since 2004, this antifestival has been showcasing “the best in leftfield quiet music” in the meditative surroundings of the Conway Hall in London. Featuring: Bat for Lashes, Richard Swift, Fionn Regan. Jun 2-3, Conway Hall, London WC1 (www.eatyourownears.com 020-7242 8032), £22.50
Hampton Court Palace Festival
Wildly popular, and star-studded with classical and crossover stars. Highlights: Julian Lloyd Webber, José Carreras. Jun 5-23, Hampton Court Palace, Surrey (www.hamptoncourtfestival.com 0870 8900147), £40-£100
Opera Holland Park
Now with an acoustically enhanced theatre, it’s the country house opera set in the middle of West London. Highlights: Nabucco, Jenufa, L’amore dei tre Re. Jun 5-Aug 27, Holland Park, London W11 (www.operahollandpark.com 0845 2306769), prices TBC
Download Festival
This year, Download has gone green, but the lineup again offers a neat balance of rockers. Featuring: My Chemical Romance, Linkin Park, Iron Maiden. Jun 8-10, Donington Park (www.downloadfestival.co.uk), prices vary
Isle of Wight Festival
The resurgence of this long-dead dinosaur continues, with an appropriately crinkly headliner. Featuring: the Rolling Stones, Snow Patrol, Muse. Jun 8-10, Newport, Isle of Wight (www.isleofwight festival.com), prices vary
Wimborne Folk Festival
Based in venues throughout the Dorset town. Featuring: Back of the Moon, Megson, Swarb’s Lazarus. Jun 8-10, Wimborne, Dorset (www.wimbornefolkfestival.co.uk 01202 623740), prices vary
Aldeburgh Festival
The theme is Venice, for Aldeburgh’s 60th anniversary. Highlights: Yoshi Oida, Anna Dennis. Jun 8-24, Aldeburgh, Suffolk (www.aldeburgh.co.uk 01728 687110), £8-£55
Garsington Opera
One of the highlights of this year’s season at Garsington will be Richard Strauss’s Ariadne auf Naxos. Another will undoubtedly be having a picnic in the extensive gardens. Highlights: Ariadne, Il re pastore. Jun 9-Jul 9, Garsington, Oxford (www.garsingtonopera.org 01865 361636), prices TBC
Freedom Rocks
Mark the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade at a weekender whose proceeds will go towards abolishing modern-day slavery. Featuring: Keane, Groove Armada. Jun 9-10, East Park, Hull (www.freedomrocks festival.com), prices vary
Rock Ness
Owing to its popularity last year, this lochside bash has increased its capacity to 35,000, with 60 main acts across five stages. Featuring: the Chemical Brothers, Manic Street Preachers, the Charlatans. Jun 9-10, Loch Ness, Inverness (www.rockness.co.uk), prices vary
Xuberance Extreme Sports and Music Festival
A new event showcasing music alongside demonstrations of BMX, skateboarding, mountain biking, and freestyle motocross. Featuring: TBC. Jun 9-10, Royal International Pavillion, Llangollen (www.xuberanceweekend.co.uk 0870 2324256), £25-40
Chelsea Festival
With the elegant Cadogan Hall at its disposal, there is a broad and impressive lineup. Highlights: Vikram Seth, Sir Andrew Davis. Jun 14-24, Chelsea, London SW3 (www.chelseafestival.org.uk 020-7351 1005), prices TBC
O2 Wireless Festival
One of the latest additions to the two-site festival, Wireless has a blue riband bill for both its London and Leeds events. Featuring: Kaiser Chiefs, White Stripes, Daft Punk. Jun 14-17, Hyde Park, London W2 / 15-17, Harewood House, Leeds (www. wirelessfestival.co.uk), £40-£135
Big Session Festival
A second big Leicester fest to go with August’s Summer Sundae Weekender. Here, the focus shifts to folk. Featuring: Oysterband, Alabama 3 and Kris Drever. Jun 15-17, De Montfort Hall, Leicester (www.bigsession festival.com 0116-233 3111), £60
Oceanfest
Surfing, beach volleyball, paddle races and an “aquathon”, plus conservation events and music. Featuring: TBC. Jun 15-17, Croyde Bay, North Devon (www.goldcoastoceanfest.co.uk 01271 817000), £18-£45
Escape Into the Park
Another enormous sweaty dance-fest from Godskitchen. Featuring: Eric Morillo, Fedde Le Grande, Lisa Lashes. Jun 16, Singleton Park, Swansea (www.escapefestival.com), £34.50
Africa Oye Festival
One of the largest showcases of African music in Britain. Featuring: Colombian salsa band, the Gladiators, the Ghana Allstars. Jun 16-18, Sefton Park, Liverpool (www.africaoye.com 0151-708 6305), prices TBC
St Magnus Festival
This year the festival is running a composer’s course. Highlights: Viktoria Mullova, Lisa Milne. Jun 22-27, Orkney, Scotland (www.stmagnus festival.com 01856 871445), free£15
Glastonbury
This is in my opinion the most amazing experience! Spirituality, togetherness and some great LIVE MUSIC!! Although this is less for the "HARDCORE FESTIE" and more about being in search of the modern day WOODSTOCK, just so you can say "I WAS THERE!!! Very friendly towards the "FIRST TIME FESTIE" and less music elitist than Leeds or Reading!! Featuring: the Killers, Arctic Monkeys, The Who. Jun 22-24, Glastonbury, Somerset (www.glastonburyfestival.co.uk), sold out
Knowsley Hall Music Festival
A two-day rock festival from the people behind Creamfields, who have evidently twigged that people like guitars again. Featuring: The Who, Keane, the Coral. Jun 23-24, Knowsley Hall, Liverpool (www.knowsleyhallmusicfestival.co.uk 0151-707 1309), prices vary
Hyde Park Calling
A rare festival appearance from Peter Gabriel, who is joined by a bevy of anthemic crowd-pleasers. Featuring: Peter Gabriel, Aerosmith, Crowded House, the Feeling. Jun 23-24, Hyde Park, London W2 (www.hydeparkcalling.co.uk festivals@livenation.co.uk), £45-£80
The Outsider
Set deep in the Cairngorms National Park, this is that rare thing – a healthy festival – with mountain biking, gorge walking, rafting, canoeing and astronomy – plus the odd bit of music. Featuring: KT Tunstall, Idlewild, Guillemots. Rothiemurchus, Cairngorms National Park, Scotland (www.outsiderfestival.co.uk), £20-£65
City of London Festival
A long-running event in the classical calendar, taking advantage of some of the Square Mile’s most beautiful venues. Highlights: Steven Osbourne, Nash Ensemble. Jun 25-Jul 12, London E1 (www.colf.org 0845 1207502), £10-£30
East Neuk Festival
The exceptional pianist Christian Zacharias returns to the festival that he inaugurated. Highlights: Alexander Janiczek, Janos Lang. Jun 27-Jul 1. East Neuk, Fife (www.eastneukfestival.com 01334 475000), £10-£25
Manchester International Festival
Britain’s newest festival is dedicated to promoting new music and arts. Highlights: Mikhail Rudy, Smokey Robinson. Jun 28-Jul 15, Manchester (www.manchesterinternationalfestival.com 0161-238 7300), £10-£45
The Tower Music Festival
The Tower of London is transformed into a “musical haven” for a series of individual concerts. Featuring: Gypsy Kings, Elvis Costello, Seal, Bryn Terfel. Jun 28-Jul 14, Tower of London, London EC3 (www.towermusicfestival.co.uk0870 169687), prices vary
Wild in the Country
Renaissance, throwers of opulent clubbing extravaganzas for15 years, mark their birthday with a homecoming for Sasha and Digweed, the two DJs who made them famous. Featuring: Sasha, John Digweed, Justice. Jun 30, Knebworth House, Herts (www.wildinthecountry.co.uk 0115-910 1111), £35
Wildchild
Monster dance music all-day session. Highlights: Hed Kandi, Secretsundaze, Chew the Fat, Ministry of Sound, Extreme Euphoria and Sundissential, Pushca. June 30, Shoreditch Park, London (www.wildchild.tv) £25
JULY 07
JULY -
Concert for Diana
A charity concert organised by Princes William and Harry to commemorate the tenth anniversary of their Diana's death. Featuring: Elton John, Pharrell Williams, Duran Duran. Jul 1, Wembley Stadium, London (www.concertfordiana.com), sold out
The Eden Sessions
A series of concerts staged within the Eden Project. Featuring: Amy Winehouse, James Morrison, Lily Allen. Jul 2-21, Eden Project, Cornwall (www.edenproject.com 01726 811972), £30 a show
York Early Music Festival
A festival bringing together Church and State, to include illustrated talks as well as concerts. Highlights: Choir of Kings College, Geoffrey Webber. Jul 5-14, York (www.ncem.co.uk 01904 658338), £5-£35
Cheltenham Festival
Martyn Brabbins says his farewells as artistic director with a festival devoted to America. Highlights: Graham Johnson, Brodsky Quartet. Jul 6-21, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire (www.cheltenhamfestivals.com 01242 227979), £15-£30
Buxton Festival
A refreshing and exquisite celebration of music in the Peak District. This is Andrew Greenwood’s first season at England’s most civilised opera festival. Highlights: Dame Felicity Lott, John Dryden. Jul 6-22, Buxton, Derbyshire (www.buxton festival.co.uk 0845 1272190), £7-£45
Antiworld070707
An anti-establishment weekend of trance, techno and chill-out in a secret location near London. Featuring: Astrix, Infected Mushroom and Psy Craft. Jul 6-8, secret location nr London (www.antiworld070707.com 020-8365 8918), £70
Blissfields
Intimate, family-friendly retreat focusing on unsigned bands and important green issues. Featuring: Subgiant, Nigel Clarke, Plastic Toys. Jul 6-8, Bradley, Hampshire (www.blissfields.co.uk), prices vary
Ely Folk Festival
Morris-dancing displays, a real-ale bar and pastoral crooning galore. Featuring: Ezio, Battlefield Band, Vin Garbutt. Jul 6-8, Ely Outdoor Centre, Cambs (www.elyfolk.co.uk 01353 614164), prices vary
T in the Park
Scotland’s premier music festival – a great line-up not to be missed. Featuring: Arctic Monkeys, Brian Wilson, Snow Patrol. Jul 6-8, Kinross, Scotland (www.tinthepark.com), sold out
Live Earth
The British leg of a series of Live 8-style concerts around the world promoting action on climate change. A chance for big names to lend support and help it gain momentum. Featuring: Madonna, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Genesis, Keane. Jul 7, Wembley Stadium, London (www.liveearth.org), sold out
Picnic Concerts
Summer long series with start names such as Bryan Ferry, Jools Holland, Belinda Carlisle and Lulu, plus many more, performing at this year’s English Heritage Picnic Concerts. Jul 7 - Aug 26, Audley End, Saffron Walden and Marble Hill, Twickenham (www.picnicconcerts.com), from £25
Cornbury Music Festival
Well worth considering for the unusual line up alone. Family friendly and good festival to cut your teeth on. Featuring: David Gray, Blondie, Suzanne Vega. Jul 7-8, Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire (www.cornbury park.co.uk 0871 4720420), £45-£90
Oxegen
Spend time in the beautiful Emerald Isle and watch some amazing Bands, from the organisers of Ireland’s leading music festival! Probably the best line up so far (do I get a free case of beer for the free add Carlsberg??). Featuring: Muse, the Killers, Scissor Sisters, Arcade Fire, Razorlight. Jul 7-8, Kildare, Ireland (www.oxegen.ie), sold out
Hebridean Celtic Festival
This year, the four-day celebration is dedicated to the memory of the poet Murdo MacFarlane. Featuring: the Proclaimers, Moving Hearts, Seth Lakeman. Jul 11-14, Stornaway, Outer Hebrides (www.hebceltfest.com 01851 621234), prices vary
Larmer Tree Festival
Folk and world music dominates at one of the most blissfully laid-back dates in the calendar. Featuring: Jools Holland and the Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, Los De Abajo, Show of Hands. Jul 11-15, Larmer Tree Gardens, Wilts (www.larmertreefestival. com 01725 552300), £46-£167
Henley Festival
The classical festival that’s all about spectacle, and rarely without fireworks, is 25 years old this year. Highlights: Katherine Jenkins, Mark Padmore. Jul 11-15, Henley, Oxon (www.henleyfestival.co.uk 01491 843404), £31-£140
Latitude
The organisers of this European-style jamboree in the setting of Suffolk have given this festival a good chance of long lasting memories, taking the welcome step of adding a fourth day this year. Featuring: Damien Rice, the Good the Bad and the Queen, Arcade Fire. Jul 12-15, Beccles, Suffolk (www.latitudefestival.co.uk 0870 0603775), £45-£112
Somerset House Series
The magnificent 18th-century courtyard will once again play host to a series of open-air concerts. Featuring: Lily Allen, Mika and Hot Chip. Jul 12-21, Somerset House, London WC2 (www.somerset-house.org.uk 020-7845 4600), £25
Mostly Mozart
Violinists galore in the Barbican’s salute to all things Wolfgang. Highlights: Nicola Benedetti, Lisa Batiashvili, Harry Christophers. Jul 13-Aug 4, Barbican, London EC2 (www.barbican.org.uk 020-7638 889), £14-£30
BBC Proms
Not just Britain’s biggest classical music festival, but the biggest in the world. Highlights: Boston Symphony Orchestra, Claudio Abbado. Jul 13-Sept 8, Royal Albert Hall, London SW7 (www.bbc.co.uk/proms 020-7589 8212), £6-£73
Fflam
With a crowd of 30,000 expected for this excellent line up. well worth a visit. Featuring: Keane, Placebo, Manic Street Preachers, Feeder. Jul 13-15, Singleton Park, Swansea (www.fflamfestival.co.uk), £100
Guilfest
Surrey’s contribution to UK's festival extravaganza, sponsored by Radio 2. This I guarantee will be a great time for all with a line-up including: Supergrass, Madness, Magic Numbers, Squeeze. Jul 13-15, Stoke Park, Guildford (www.guilfest.co.uk 01483 454159), prices vary
Indian Summer
“Scotland’s prettiest park” is the venue for one of the more intimate summer festivals. Solid line-up, go and have fun!! Featuring: the Flaming Lips, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, the Rapture. Jul 14-15, Victoria Park, Glasgow (www.indiansummerglasgow.com), £65
Rise: London United
Europe’s largest antiracist festival returns to Finsbury Park. A celebration of community and diversity via a range of music. Featuring: TBC. Jul 15, Finsbury Park, London (www.london.gov.uk 020-7983 4081), free
Glade Festival
From the organisers of Glastonbury’s ever-popular Glade Stage, promoting electronic music in a southern location to be revealed only to ticket holders. Acts: UNKLE. Jul 20-22, secret location in Southern England (www.gladefestival.com), prices vary
Dartington International Summer School
The top summer school in the country, performing at least three (public) concerts a day. Simon Rattle has conducted here, so this is a good festival for tipping future stars. Featuring: Emma Kirkby, Stephen Kovacevich. Jul 21-Aug 25, Dartington Hall, Devon (www.dartingtonsummerschool.org.uk 01803 847077), prices TBC
Lovebox Weekender
Groove Armada are the ringmasters of this musical circus, which covers every base from reggae to Latin, hip-hop to pop. Featuring: Toots and the Maytals, the B52s, Scratch Perverts, Ojos de Brujo. Jul 21-22, Victoria Park, London E9 (www.loveboxweekender.com 0870 0400058), £35-£60
The Secret Garden Party
Lakeside bliss and a "Brave New Worlds" theme. Will never disappoint!! Featuring: Noisettes, Rilo Kiley . Jul 26-29 (www.secretgardenparty.com), price £110
Global Gathering
Hot on the heels of Creamfields and in the running for top dance festival, Global Gathering will welcome 45,000 people in this, its seventh year. Can be music elitist but friendly to the FIRST TIME FESTIVAL GOER and great if this is your music!! Featuring: Basement Jaxx, Faithless, Paul Van Dyk. Jul 27-28, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warks (www.globalgathering.co.uk), £105
Bath International Guitar Festival
Head here for some of the finest guitar playing in all genres. The event has a range of performances from classical to flamenco. Highlights: Tom Kerstens Luis Quintero SantamarÍa. Jul 27-Aug 11, Bath, Somerset (www.igf.org.uk 01225 875552), prices TBC
Acoustic Festival of Britain
Rock, folk and blues – all unplugged. Featuring: Jethro Tull, Midge Ure, Hazel O’Connor. Jul 28-29, Nantwich, Cheshire (www.acousticfestival.co.uk 01269 596056), £60
Jazz on a Summers Day
Attracting a bigger crowd than any other single Jazz event in the UK. Set in the beautiful location of princes street gardens, under the shadow of the castle. Featuring: Ginger Pig, Big Al Carson, City of Edinburgh Schools Jazz Band, Mart Rodger Manchester Jazz and Gum Nut Trio. Jul 29, Princes St Gardens West, Edinburgh (www.edinburghjazzfestival.co.uk 0870 169 0100), £Various
St Endellion
An intimate Cornish festival in the fantastic acoustic setting of St Endellion’s church, led by the conductor Richard Hickox. Highlights: Susan Bullock and Richard Berkeley Steele in Tannhäuser. Jul 31-Aug 10, St Endellion, Cornwall (www.endellion.org.uk01840 212954), prices TBC
August 07
AUGUST -
The Big Green Gathering
Billing itself as “Europe’s biggest gathering”, the BGG has stages powered by solar, wind and pedal power. Featuring: TBC. Aug 1-5, Cheddar, Somerset (www.big-green-gathering.com 01458 830281), prices vary
Snape Proms
30 days of concerts in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Highlights: TBC. Aug 1-31, Snape, Suffolk (www.aldeburgh.co.uk01728 687110), prices TBC
The Rhythm Festival
Second time round for this family friendly festival set at the Twinwood Arena near Bedford. Featuring Hothouse Flowers, Levellers, Joe Bonamassa and Alabama 3. Aug 3-5, Twinwood Arena, Clapham, Nr Bedford (www.rhythmfestival.net 01234 350413) Day Tickets £35/£45 Weekend £89, Camping Tents £20, Caravans/Campers £30
The Big Chill
One of the most civilised festivals returns and promises a great time for the FIRST TIME FESTIE. Easy going and no hard work involved. Featuring: Isaac Hayes, Mika, Norman Jay. Aug 3-5, Eastnor Castle, Herefordshire (www.bigchill.net 020-7684 2020), prices vary
Three Choirs Festival
One of the oldest music festivals in the world devotes itself to Elgar to celebrate the composer’s 150th birthday year. Highlights: Philharmonia Orchestra, Andrew Nethsingha. Aug 4-12, Gloucester (www.3choirs.org 01452 381638), £3-£35
Tapestry Goes West Festival
One of the few festivals in the old free spirit. No sponsorship!! – It’s medieval 1970s hippy meets 2007 indie cool. Featuring: Circulus, Archie Bronson Outfit, Misty’s Big Adventure. Aug 10-11, Margam Park, Port Talbot, Wales (www.myspace.com/tapestrygoes west 07887 924950), £50
Bloom Festival
A bigger location this year, but Bloom remains an event for connoisseurs, with a cultured lineup of electronica and hip-hop. Featuring: Dub Pistols, Crazy P, Cagedbaby, The Nextmen. Aug 10-12, Dyrham Park, Glos (www.bloomfestival.com), prices TBC
Glastonbury Abbey Musical Extravaganza
The splendid medieval abbey hosts this late-summer festival! Michael Eavis has announced a great line-up for the more appreciative music enthusiast!! Featuring: Van Morrison, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Charles Hazlewood and Ray Davies. Aug 10-12, Glastonbury Abbey, Somerset (www.glastonburyabbeyextravaganza.co.uk 01458 834596), £28 - £30
Summer Sundae Weekender
Leicester’s top music festival goes from strength to strength with an impressive bill well worth the treck. Featuring: the Magic Numbers, Divine Comedy, Spiritualized. Aug 10-12, De Montfort Hall, Leicester (www.summersundae.co.uk 0116-2333 111), £85
Edinburgh Festival
A world famous festival that includes arts, music and literature. Jonathan Mills takes over as festival supremo with a programme inviting you to make links between genres. Highlights: Furio Zanasi, Marie-Nicole Lemieux. Aug 10-Sept 2, Edinburgh (www.eif.co.uk 0131-473 2000), free£20
Field Day/Underage
Two fun packed one-dayers over one weekend, including the world’s first “credible” under18only event. Featuring: Andrew Weatherall, the Aliens, Absentee, Mystery Jets. Aug 10-11, Victoria Park, London E9 (www.fielddayfestivals.com), £22.50
Green Man Festival
Folk duo It’s Jo and Danny lead their pilgrimage to the Brecon Beacons with a clutch of countercultural taste-makers in their ranks. Featuring: Joanna Newsom, Robert Plant, Gruff Rhys. Aug 17-19, Glanusk Park, Brecon Beacons (www.thegreenmanfestival.co.uk), £98
Gwyl Pontardawe Festival
A popular festival in its 29th year, with a good mix of music genres from Traditional Welsh Music to World Music, from Blues to Jazz. Broaden your musical tastes. Featuring: Ffynnon, The Baghdaddies, Never Mind the Boc & many more. Aug 17-19, Pontardawe (ticket_sales) Weekend tickets £50
V Festival
Once again V promises to be one of the best yet. Always well organised and both sites are very well organised. Great line up and great for the FIRST TIME FESTIVAL GOER!! If your wanting to let the missus in on the magic of festivals, but not scare her off with LEEDS or READING then this is the one to christen her with. Featuring: the Killers, Foo Fighters, Kasabian, Snow Patrol. Aug 18-19, Hylands Park, Chelmsford/Weston Park, Staffs (www.vfestival.com), £63.50-£130
T on the Fringe
A series of three amazing GIGS for 25,000 people, each headlined by one of indie rock’s greatest. A personal recommendation from me here!!! Featuring: Razorlight, Foo Fighters, Kaiser Chiefs. Aug 21-26, Meadowlark Stadium, Edinburgh (www.tonthefringe.com 0870 1690100), £28.50-£37.50
Presteigne Festival
This small festival is performing 15 concerts this year to celebrate its Silver Jubilee. Highlights: Andrew Carwood, Sally Pryce, Huw Watkins. Aug 23-28, Presteigne, Wales (www.presteignefestival.com 01544 267800), prices TBC
Reading/ Leeds Festival
In my opinion the most amazing live music experience of the year. These 2 festivals are purely about LIVE MUSIC!! Don't expect the magic of Glastonbury or the togetherness of global gathering...Not that there isn't both magic and togetherness, but, ITS ALL ABOUT THE MUSIC!!!!!! Featuring: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins, Razorlight, Arcade Fire, Klaxons. Aug 24-26, Little Johns Farm, Reading/Bramham Park, Leeds (www.readingfestival.com /www.leedsfestival.com0870 0603775), £145
Solfest
Workshops and activities for all ages and three stages of music. Great family fun!! Featuring: Chumbawamba, Show of Hands, the Levellers. Aug 24-26, Aspatria, Cumbria (www.solwayfestival.co.uk 01900 602122), £59
Greenbelt Festival
A family festival focusing on arts and faith with music, talks, workshops and activities. Featuring: Billy Bragg, Chas & Dave, Rosie Thomas. Aug 24-27, Cheltenham, Gloucs (www.greenbelt.org.uk 020-7374 2760), £60-£90
Cardiff Calling
A contender for Wales’s finest lineup. Featuring: the Streets, the Automatic, Super Furry Animals. Aug 25, Bute Park, Cardiff (www.cardiffcalling.com 0870 0601801), £30
Creamfields
The North West’s leading music festival continues its policy of combining whopping DJ arenas with even bigger live names. Featuring: Kelis, Chemical Brothers, Mark Ronson. Aug 25, Halton, Cheshire (www.creamfields.com 0151-707 1309), £57
South West Four/Get Loaded in the Park
With a line up of DJ's only previously dreamt about, South West Four arrives in South London on Aug 25 and Cardiff the following day. You really have got to make this one!! Featuring: Paul Van Dyk, Sasha, Pete Tong, Plump DJs. Aug 25, Clapham Common, London SW4 (www.southwestfour.com 0870 0601801), £35 On Aug 26, the Clapham site hosts the more eclectic Get Loaded in the Park. Featuring: the Streets, 2 Many DJs, Dizzee Rascal. Aug 26, Coopers Field, Cardiff (http://www.southwestfour.com 08700 601801), an absolute bargain @ £35
Notting Hill Carnival
Knock yourself out and get lost in the atmosphere with floats, dancers and mass of soundsystems, including Gaz’s Rockin Blues, Sancho Panza and Norman Jay’s legendary Good Times at Europe’s largest street party. Aug 27-28, Notting Hill, London W11 (www.rbkc.gov.uk/NottingHill06/general), free
Connect
The organisers of T in the Park dip their toes in the more luxurious end of the market with a boutique festival on the shores of Loch Fyne. Featuring: Björk, Primal Scream, Beastie Boys. Aug 31-Sept 2, Argyll, Scotland (www.connectmusicfestival.com), prices vary
Electric Picnic
The numbers have risen to more than 30,000, but the Picnic remains one of Ireland’s most enjoyable rave-ups. Featuring: Jarvis Cocker, Iggy and the Stooges, the Good, the Bad and the Queen. Aug 31-Sept 2, Co Laois, Ireland (www.electricpicnic.ie), €200
SEPTEMBER 07
SEPTEMBER -
Jersey Live
With an impressive line-up of Indie and electronic greats promised and all set in the best of locations. Featuring: Mika. Sept 1-2, Jersey, Channel Islands (www.jerseylive.org.uk), prices TBC
Moseley Folk Festival
A strong acoustic lineup set in Moseley Park. Well worth the journey from wherever you live! Featuring: Fairport Convention, Kate Rusby, Davey Graham, Tunng. Sept 1-2, Moseley, Birmingham (www.moseleyfolk.co.uk 07789 440026), prices TBC
Retrofest
This one's not just for those of us who grew up during the 80's, should be fun for everyone!! Dedicated to all things 1980s, and with an ageing but highly talented bill of 80's babes. Featuring: Bananarama, ABC, Human League. Sept 1-2, Ayrshire, Scotland (www.retrofest.co.uk), prices vary
Bestival
Sounds like this could well be one not to miss!! One of the summer’s most outragous festivals. Saturday night will see fancy dress on a terrifying scale. This year’s theme: kings, queens, pirates and wizards. Featuring: Beastie Boys, the Gossip, Chemical Brothers. Sept 7-9, Robin Hood County Park, Isle of Wight (www.bestival.net 0870 0667753), £115
Thames Festival
A great family festival hosted by the one and only Ken Livingstone. London’s largest open-air arts event, a free-to-enter programme of music, installations and children’s activities. Featuring: TBC. Sept 15-16, South Bank, London SE1 (www.thamesfestival.org) 020-7928 8998, prices TBC
Brighton Live
Venues such as Brighton Library and Record Shops host a series of concerts that aims to represent everything great from the music industry. Featuring: TBC. Sept 24-29, Brighton, Sussex (www.brightonlive.net), free
End of the Road
A Scandinavian-style festival with bigger band slots! Great line up featuring: Super Furry Animals, the Young Republic, Viking Moses. Sept 14-16, Salisbury, Wiltshire (www.endoftheroadfestival.com 01342 892664), £95
Off the Tracks Late Festival
Set to be sightly calmer than Mays "Off the Tracks", but no less enjoyable! featuring acoustic sessions and two stages. Featuring: TBC. Ends Sep 2, Donington Park, Leics (www.offthetracks.co.uk 01332 384518), prices TBC
Scarborough Jazz Festival
After a £3.75m make over, Scarborough Spa should be the perfect venue for this, the fifth SJF. Featuring: Martin Taylor, Anita Wardell, Alan Barnes Band. Sep 28-30, South Bay, Scarborough (www.scarboroughjazzfestival.co.uk) 01723 376774), prices TBC
Brick Lane Festival
A chance to relive the magic of Notting Hill in East London. Get down and have fun!! Featuring: TBC. Dates TBC, Brick Lane, London E1 (www.bricklanefestival.com), free
Riverfront Jazz Festival
22 years strong 3 day festival @ various locations throughout Greenwich. Featuring: Barbara Widmer’s New Revival Band. Sept 20-22, Greenwich, London SE10 (www.riverfrontjazz.co.uk 01689 875683), prices vary
Isle of Wight Folk and Blues Festival
A new event inspired by Bob Dylan’s historical performance on the Isle in 1969. Featuring: Salsa Celtica, Guy Davis, Coal Porters. Sept 21-23, Isle of Wight (http://www.iowfolkblues.co.uk/) 01983 856206), prices vary
The Creetown Country Music Festival
A rare treat for the country and western fans and a good old knees up. Featuring: Boots’n’Gun, Westride. Sept 22-23, Creetown, Scotland (www.creetown-countrymusic-festival.com), £15-£40
North Wales International Music Festival
35 years on and still going strong! Classical music from around the globe, a great way to end the summer. Featuring: Catrin Finch, Llyr Williams. Sept 22-29, St Asaph Cathedral, Wales (www.northwalesmusicfestival.co.uk 01745 584508), prices vary