Festival Fever: How to Plan Your Trip Around the UK’s Best Local Events
There’s no better way to soak up the spirit of a place than arriving just as it’s throwing a party. From charming village fêtes to quirky cultural traditions and world-class arts festivals, the UK is brimming with local events that bring colour, character, and unforgettable moments to any trip.
Planning your travels around these events isn’t just a fun way to enjoy music or food — it’s a brilliant way to connect with communities, uncover heritage, and see places at their most vibrant. Here’s how to make local festivals the heart of your UK adventure.
Why Build a Trip Around a Festival?
Festivals offer more than just a packed schedule of entertainment — they provide a window into the soul of a place. Whether it’s a centuries-old fire procession or a modern mashup of music and street food, these events reflect local pride, creativity, and tradition.
They also help you structure your travels. Struggling to pick a region or decide when to visit? Let a festival be your guide. Travel in spring for literary gatherings, summer for outdoor music and arts, or autumn for cosy harvest and heritage celebrations.
6 UK Festivals Worth Travelling For
1. Hay Festival, Hay-on-Wye (May–June)
Known as “the Woodstock of the mind,” Hay Festival is one of the world’s most renowned literary events. Set in a small Welsh town famed for its bookshops, it brings together authors, thinkers, and artists for inspiring conversations — all framed by scenic countryside and cosy cafés. Perfect for culture lovers and curious minds.
2. York Viking Festival, York (February)
History buffs, take note: this immersive festival celebrates York’s Norse heritage with battle reenactments, craft demonstrations, and street performances. It’s family-friendly, educational, and great fun — all set in one of England’s most historic cities.
3. Celtic Connections, Glasgow (January–February)
This winter festival showcases folk, roots, and world music through concerts, ceilidhs, and storytelling events across Glasgow. It’s a fantastic way to experience Scottish culture in a warm, welcoming atmosphere — proving that festival season isn’t just for summer.
4. The Great Estate, Cornwall (June)
Held on the grounds of Scorrier House, this festival blends live music, theatre, art, and eccentric attractions like Victorian fairgrounds and secret gin gardens. Playful, a little surreal, and set in the stunning Cornish countryside, it’s a feast for the senses.
5. Bluedot Festival, Cheshire (July)
Science, music, and cosmic wonder collide at this unique festival held beneath the Lovell Telescope at Jodrell Bank Observatory. Expect cutting-edge talks, immersive art, and performances by big-name bands in a truly stellar setting.
6. Porthcawl Elvis Festival, South Wales (September)
A seaside town transformed by sequins and sideburns? Absolutely. Each year, thousands of Elvis fans flock to Porthcawl for tribute acts, karaoke, and an atmosphere that’s pure joy. Wonderfully weird and surprisingly heartwarming, it’s a must-see for fans of The King.
Top Tips for Festival-Focused Travel
- Plan ahead: Accommodation near popular festivals fills up quickly, especially in smaller towns or rural areas.
- Check accessibility: Some festivals are walk-in friendly, while others require tickets, wristbands, or transport planning.
- Be flexible: Stay an extra day or two to explore the destination beyond the event itself.
- Pack smart: British weather is famously unpredictable — bring layers, waterproofs, and comfy shoes.
Make It a Trip to Remember
Festival travel isn’t just about attending an event — it’s about immersing yourself in a moment. Whether you’re dancing at a summer music festival, browsing books at a rural fair, or joining a torchlit parade through an ancient town, it’s a chance to experience the UK in full colour.
At Great British Trips, we make it easy to weave these experiences into a custom travel plan. Whether you’ve already got a festival in mind or need help finding one that suits your interests, we’ll help you craft the perfect itinerary — with hand-picked routes, local tips, and all the logistics sorted.
Start planning your next adventure around the UK’s most memorable events. Your perfect festival is waiting.