Music festivals are nothing new, despite what the millennials might think they've actually been around for thousands of years. The term 'festival' first showed up in the English language in the middle of the 16th century, derived from the word 'feast' (pub quiz knowledge, your welcome). And the origins of music festivals themselves stem from the Ancient Greeks and their Phythian Games, which featured competitions for art and dance. Music festivals nowadays, to us encapsulate hazy sunny days (or squidgy wet mud, depending on the British weather) seeing great live acts all in one place and sipping beers on the grass with friends.
Here are a few top ones to try, right here in the UK:
Bestival 7-10th September - Headline Acts: The XX, A Tribe Called Quest and Rag N' Bone Man
This award-winning boutique style festival embraces music along with a whole heap of silliness. It doesn’t take itself too seriously which we love. Think ambient forest, abstract art in the woods, yoga and holistic vibes alongside your favorite acts. Oh and the worlds biggest confetti cannon apparently. Food isn't your enemy here oh no, there is some top notch grub and fancy dress is near on compulsory.
Creamfields 24-27 August - Headline Acts: Chase and Status, Tiësto, Pete Tong and Stormzy
If you like randomly throwing your hands in the hair when dancing, then this event is for you. The Cream brand is set to celebrate it's 20th anniversary at this event so you can guarantee it will be something special. With a huge line up you can expect epic lasers and sound systems that'll make your head buzz for days afterwards. Whistles and horns at the ready.
Houghton Music Festival 11-13 August – Headline Acts: Ricardo Villalobas, Tony Allen and Seth Troxlor
If you want to try a brand new festival then this is for you. Set up by Fabric resident Craig Richards, 2017 will be the first year this event is running. Think spontaneous, back to back DJ sets and no money grabbing big headliners – just everyone on equal pegging. The festival is set in the grounds of a country house, centred around a lake, set amongst thick woodland. It you're serious about your house music then this is probably the one for you.
Latitude 13-16 July - Headline Acts: The 1975, Mumford & Sons and Fatboy Slim
This chilled out number is right up our street. Held on the Henham Park estate in Suffolk, you can expect DJ's hidden in the woods, opera and dance by the lake (which you can swim in) good food, hot tubs and fluorescent sheep. This is a very family friendly festival so expect lots of kids being pulled round in trolleys. Oh and keep your ear to the ground as there are often 'surprise guests' who aren't listed in the programmes that perform unannounced.
Wilderness 3-6 August - Headline Acts: Two Door Cinema Club, Nightmares on Wax and Laura Mvula
They say 'You are embarking on an all-guns-blazing tour of the arts and heart-stopping delights that we have chosen to import to our paradise corner of the world. Explore far and wide. It’s all for you' This isn't just a music event, oh no, this also has food under it's arty umbrella. You can listen to your favourite band then dine at a long table and eat food from a world class chef that evening, there really is a bit of everything going on here. Set in the grounds of a beautiful country estate, think rolling fields and woodland. Bliss.