Catch the Beat This Spring: Your Guide to UK Festivals

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Pam

29 Apr 202410 min read

Spring bursts into bloom in the UK, and what better way to celebrate the blossoming season than with a fantastic music festival? From headbanging rock anthems to chilled electronica on the beach, there's a festival for every music lover.

Trains to UK music festivals

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Unveiling the Line-Up

Kicking Off the Season in April

Brick Lane Jazz Festival (London, April 26-28)

Immerse yourself in the smooth sounds of jazz at this London institution, featuring up-and-coming artists and established legends.

Address: The Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane, London, E1 6QL

Closest transport links:

    • Shoreditch High St overground station

    • Aldgate East tube station

    • Liverpool St tube station

May Mayhem: A Festival Frenzy

May explodes with a variety of festivals catering to diverse tastes. 

Teddy Rocks (Blandford, May 3-5)

Unleash your inner rockstar at Teddy Rocks! This Blandford festival is a haven for guitar riffs and electrifying energy.

Address: Teddy Rocks Festival, Charisworth Farm, Blandford Forum, DT11 9AL

Nearest train station: Travel by train to Poole station, then take the festival shuttle bus from the town centre to the festival grounds.

Land Beyond Festival (Brighton, May 3-5)

Dive into the cutting edge of electronic music at Land Beyond. Brighton's beautiful seafront provides the perfect backdrop for a weekend of pulsating beats and cutting-edge sounds.

Address: Waterhall Road, Brighton and Hove, United Kingdom

Nearest train station: Preston Park

Liverpool Sound City (Liverpool, May 4-5)

Looking for the next big thing in indie and alternative music? Head to Liverpool Sound City, a renowned showcase for rising stars and established artists.

Address: 16 Jordan Street, Liverpool, United Kingdom, L1 0BP

Nearest train station: Liverpool Central

Lost Minds Festival (Newcastle, May 4)

Immerse yourself in a day of pure electronic music bliss at Lost Minds Festival. Prepare to dance the day away to a lineup of top DJs and producers.

Address: Leazes Park, Richardson Rd, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 4BJ

Nearest train station: Newcastle

Mint Festival (Leeds, May 4-5)

Embrace the alternative music scene in the heart of Leeds at Mint Festival. Expect a diverse lineup of innovative and exciting artists across various genres.

Address: Newsam Green Farm, Leeds, LS15 9AD

Nearest train station: Travel by train to Leeds, then take the shuttle bus to the festival grounds.

FOCUS Wales (Wrexham, Wales, May 9-11)

Delve into the heart of the Welsh music scene at FOCUS Wales. This festival champions emerging artists and offers a unique opportunity to discover your new favorite band.

Address: Wrexham City Centre

Nearest train station: Wrexham General 

Skye Live Festival (Isle of Skye, May 9-11)

Experience the magic of the Isle of Skye alongside a captivating musical lineup at Skye Live Festival. Breathtaking scenery and a diverse range of music create an unforgettable festival experience.

Address: Am Meall (known locally as The Lump) in Portree, Isle of Skye. 

Closest transport links: Portree Bus

Highest Point Festival (Lancaster, May 10-11)

Combine stunning Lake District scenery with the pulsating energy of electronic music at Highest Point Festival. Get ready for breathtaking views and unforgettable beats.

Address: Williamson Park, Lancaster

Nearest train station: Lancaster

The Great Escape Festival (Brighton, May 16-18)

The Great Escape is a Brighton staple, offering a vibrant mix of indie, rock, and pop across multiple stages. Prepare for a weekend of musical discovery and electrifying performances.

Address: Brighton Dome, Church Street, Brighton, BN1 1UE

Nearest train station: Brighton

Highways Festival (London, May 17-18)

Dive into the world of experimental and underground music at Highways Festival. This London event is a must-visit for those seeking a unique and innovative sonic experience.

Address: Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP

Closest transport links: 

Tube stations:

  • South Kensington and High Street Kensington are the closest underground stations to the Royal Albert Hall. It takes approximately 10-15 minutes to walk here from either station.
  • The nearest underground station offering step-free access from street to train is Green Park – you can take the number 9 bus to the Hall from there.

Train stations: 

  • Victoria and Paddington are the nearest National Rail stations, each are an approximate 30 minute walk away but offer tube and bus connections.

Tunes In The Dunes (Perranporth, Cornwall, May 17-19) 

Escape to the idyllic Cornish coast and soak up the relaxed festival vibes at Tunes In The Dunes. Enjoy top-notch music with the stunning backdrop of the beach.

Address: Perranporth Beach, Corwnall

Nearest train station: Perranporth Bus

Desertfest London (London, May 17-19)

Calling all hard rock and heavy metal fans! Desertfest London brings together legendary bands and rising stars of the genre for a weekend of headbanging anthems and face-melting riffs.

Address: Multiple venues in Camden, London

Closest transport links: Camden Road station

Fly Open Air Fest (South Queensferry, Scotland, May 17-19)

Enjoy the beauty of the Scottish landscape while reveling in electronic music at Fly Open Air Fest. Dance the night away amidst stunning scenery.

Address: Murrayfield Ice Arena, 13 Riversdale Cres, Edinburgh EH12 5XN.

Nearest train station: Travel by train to Edinburgh or Haymarket station, then take the bus or tram to Murrayfield Ice Rink.

Shindig Festival (Somerset, May 23-26)

Looking for a family-friendly festival with a focus on folk music? Shindig Festival is the perfect choice. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, great music, and activities for all ages.

Address: Dillington Estate, Ilminster TA19 9EQ

Nearest train station: Travel by train to Taunton or Yeovil station, then take the bus or tram to Ilminster.

Bearded Theory Festival (Derbyshire, May 23-26)

A haven for alternative music lovers, featuring established artists and exciting new discoveries.

Address: Catton Hall & Park, Walton-on-Trent, United Kingdom

Nearest train station: Take the train to Lichfield or Burton-upon-Trent, then a shuttle bus to the festival grounds. 

Project 6 (London, May 24)

This one-day London festival celebrates a specific genre – keep an eye out for the lineup announcement! It's a chance to dive deep into your favorite musical style.

Address: Brockwell Park, Brixton

Nearest train station: Brixton

Gala Festival (London, May 24-26)

Immerse yourself in all things indie and alternative at Gala Festival. London comes alive with a stellar lineup of established and rising artists.

Address: Peckham Rye Park, Straker’s Road, London, SE15 3UA

Nearest train station:  Peckham Rye (1 mile / 20 minute walk) or Honor Oak Park (1.1 miles / 22 minute walk)

Radio 1 Big Weekend (Luton, May 24-26)

BBC Radio

Address: Stockwood Park, Luton

Nearest train station: Stockwood Park is approximately 1.5 miles from Luton Railway Station. Local buses are available to the park.

In It Together Festival (Port Talbot, Wales, May 24-26)

Celebrate a diverse lineup of music genres in a beautiful Welsh setting.

Address: Old Park Farm, Margam, Port Talbot, Wales.

Nearest train station: Take the train to Port Talbot Parkway station, then hop on one of the local buses to the festival grounds. 

HowTheLightGetsIn (Hay-on-Wye, May 24-27)

HowTheLightGetsIn offers a unique blend of music, talks, debates, and discussions. Explore a variety of topics alongside live music performances.

Address: The site is located just off Newport Street, HR3 5BZ. It is about a 5 minute walk from the Globe at Hay, Newport St, Hay-on-Wye, Hereford.

Nearest train station: Take the train to Hereford, then a T14 Stagecoach bus to Hay Castle, followed by an 11 minute walk to the venue.

Live at Leeds in the Park (Leeds, May 25)

Catch top music acts and experience the buzz at Live at Leeds, a renowned UK spring music festival.

Address: Temple Newsam, Leeds

Nearest train station: Take the train to Leeds, then use the shuttle bus service from Leeds City Centre directly to the festival grounds. 

We Are FSTVL (Upminster, May 25-26)

Get your dance music fix at this renowned electronic music festival.

Address: Central Park Dagenham, London

Nearest tube station: Dagenham Heathway.
Nearest train station: Romford.
Nearest bus stations: Bull Lane (S) & CU London University / Wood Lane (R)

Slam Dunk Festival (Leeds/Hatfield, May 25-26)

Calling all pop-punk and alternative rock fans!

Address: Hatfield Park

Nearest train station: Travel by train to Leeds or Hatfield, then take the the shuttle bus service or taxi to the festival grounds.

Riverside Festival Glasgow (Glasgow, May 25-26)

A celebration of indie, rock, and pop on the banks of the River Clyde.

Address: The Riverside Museum, 100 Pointhouse Place, Glasgow, United Kingdom

Nearest train station: Partick (PTK), Charing Cross (CHC) and Exhibition Centre (EXG)

LeeStock Music Festival (Sudbury, May 25-26)

Escape to the idyllic Suffolk countryside and enjoy a weekend of rock, pop, and indie music at LeeStock.

Address: High Street, Long Melford, Sudbury CO10 9BA

Nearest train station:  Sudbury train station is a few miles form the festival venue. It should take a round 5-10 minutes by taxi to get to Long Melford. 

City Splash (London, May 27)

Wrap up the festival season with a one-day extravaganza in London.

Address: Brockwell Park, London, United Kingdom

The nearest Tube is Brixton Station (10 minute walk)

The nearest National Rail is Herne Hill (5 minute walk)

There are numerous bus routes from Central London

Fuelling Your Festival Fun: Essential Tips

  • Batten Down the Hatches: Book your tickets and accommodation well in advance, especially for popular festivals. Research the lineup and festival atmosphere to find the perfect match for your musical tastes. 
  • Pack for All Weathers: Spring weather in the UK can be a right old mixed bag. Pack layers of clothing, sun cream, a cagoule (raincoat), and sturdy boots. Don't forget essentials like a phone charger, hand sanitiser, and a reusable water bottle.
  • Travel Like a Pro with Trainsplit:
    Get the app

Festival Essentials: Beyond the Music

Festivals are about more than just the music! Here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Food and Drink: Many festivals offer a variety of food and drink options, but they can be expensive. Consider packing some snacks and drinks to save money.
  • Cash vs. Card: Check the festival's website to see if they accept contactless payments. It's always a good idea to bring some cash along just in case.
  • Staying Safe: Be aware of your surroundings and look after your belongings. Stay hydrated and take breaks throughout the day, especially if the weather is hot.

Train Travel Hacks for Festival-Goers

Trainsplit can be your secret weapon for finding cheap train tickets to your favourite spring festival! Here are some tips:

  • Split Ticketing: Break down your journey into separate tickets to potentially save some money. Trainsplit helps you find the best combinations.
  • Advance Booking: Book your tickets as early as possible, especially for popular routes and festivals. 
  • Alternative Routes: Be flexible with your travel dates and consider taking slower, more scenic routes that may be less crowded and substantially cheaper. Trainsplit can help you find these alternative train journeys, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful British countryside on your way to the festival.
  • Group Bookings: Travelling with friends? Trainsplit can find the best deals for groups by combining split ticketing and alternative routes with special group discounts (Groupsave), which you won't find anywhere else! This way, you and your festival crew can travel together and save even more!
  • Digital Railcards & Savings: Don't forget about Digital Railcards! If you're eligible for a 16-25 Railcard, 26-30 Railcard, Senior Railcard, or Disabled Person's Railcard, you can save even more on your train travel. 
    Buy your Digital Railcard here:

Let the Music Begin!

With careful planning and these handy tips, you're ready to embark on an unforgettable spring festival adventure! Get ready for a weekend filled with music, good vibes, and memories that will last a lifetime.

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