While the UK might be a mess right now, if there’s one thing we’ve got going for us, it’s vibes, and this season’s summer EDM festival roster doesn’t disappoint. We know it can be overwhelming deciding where to put your hard-earned p’s when it comes to tickets, so we’ve made it easy and narrowed down the coolest raves happening across the UK, from top-notch lineups to unique atmospheres, whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or a first-timer, use this guide to help you decide…
BOOMTOWN FESTIVAL
We like to think of Boomtown as the final boss of EDM festivals, and that’s why it deserves first place on the list. Celebrating its 15th birthday, this year’s five-day event will transport attendees to a post-apocalyptic world filled with immersive stages, street performers and insane pyrotechnics. While the 2023 lineup is yet to be announced, expect a mix of established and underground DJs to carry you through the weekend.
LINEUP – TBA
DETONATE FESTIVAL
LINEUP – Kanine, Girls Don’t Sync, Interplanetary Criminal, KETTAMA, LUXE, Prospa, Subfocus, Holygoof & MORE
NASS FESTIVAL
NASS festival is a must-see event for any EDM fan in the UK. Held annually in Bristol, this three-day event is set to showcase over 100 artists across 8 unique stages this summer. In addition to NASS’ electrifying music lineup spanning genres like drum and bass, techno and dubstep, action and rave culture combine with on-site skateboarding, BMXing, and graffiti art. Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or a first-timer, NASS is an unmissable event that should definitely be on your festival bucket list.
LINEUP – Chase & Status, Wu-Tang Clan, Bru-C, Nathan Dawe, Girls Don’t Sync, Hedex, Sammy Virgi & MORE
GOTTWOOD FESTIVAL
Hidden in the Welsh woodlands, Gottwood offers an immersive and enchanting experience like no other, allowing attendees to escape the hustle and bustle of real life and immerse themselves in the music. Boasting a carefully curated lineup of local and international DJs across multiple stages and genres, Gottwood also comes with a holistic element bringing people down from their rhythm enduced highs through on-site yoga sessions, immersive art installations, and hot tubs.
LINEUP – B.Love, DJ Tennis, Salute, Sammy Virji & MORE
FORWARDS FESTIVAL
For those looking for a mixture of dirty beats and soulful melodies, FORWARDS in Bristol is one for you. Known to be much more than a music festival, it combines world-class music acts with a powerful platform for debate and social initiatives to drive a positive impact. This festival is for forward thinkers and is set to feature renowned international musicians such as APHEX TWIN and ERYKAH BADU. The festival has been praised by The Guardian as a progressive-minded event that not only showcases exceptional musical performances but also provides a platform for discussions and debates at ‘THE INFORMATION’ with experts, disruptors, creatives, writers, and thinkers. FORWARDS aims to go beyond the typical music concert and challenges the conventional notion of metropolitan festivals by promoting meaningful contributions to society from the inside out.
LINEUP – Aphex Twin, Erykah Badu, Bonobo, Primal Scream, Arlo Parks, Raye, Leftfield, Goldie with the Live Ensemble, Amyl and the Sniffers, Confidence Man, Olivia Dean, Biig Piig & loads more.
NOISILY FESTIVAL
Noisily is a close-knit community that has its roots in underground electronic music. We come together each year in the woods to dance, create, learn, and connect in a holistic environment that nourishes the mind, body, and soul. Our celebration is grounded in nature and guided by the environment, and we embrace both the individual and the collective as we cultivate understanding. Don’t let the holistic vibe fool you though – this is still a wild party that’s not to be missed!
LINEUP – The Mouse Outfit, Tarloak, Tounge & Groove, & loads more.