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It’s that time of year once again: Festival Season! The sun is shining and there’s music in the air. We can already feel the buzz of festival season around us and we can’t wait to get out there. This summer is proving to be one of the best with some of the biggest and best names in the rock and roll scene gracing the UK stages.

Following the spate of cancelled and rescheduled festivals in 2021, this year's line-ups can’t be missed! Take a look at our favourite upcoming festivals and the bands we think you should check out!

Download Festival: 10th-12th June

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Headliners

  • Kiss
  • Iron Maiden
  • Biffy Clyro

Download Festival is set to be one of the biggest so far with big names such as Kiss and Iron Maiden taking centre stage. Icons of the rock & metal genre, these guys are veterans of the stage when it comes to live performances.

We can’t forget about the almighty Biffy Clyro too! These Scottish rockers are for sure going to put on a show at Donnington Park, with this year being their second ever time at Download.

We can't talk about Download 2022 without mentioning some of our favourites! This year welcomes Korn to Sunday's main stage and it's sure to be epic. You can expect to hear some new songs from their most recent album Requiem as well as fan favourites such as Freak on a Leash and Blind.

Who You Should See:

Whilst we're sure you'll want to see the big names on the main stage, there's plenty of talent to check out on the other stages at Donnington. Here are some of the bands we think will steal the show in June!

  • Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes: those who love a punk vibe are sure to want to check these guys out. Be prepared for some crowd surfing and mosh pits!
  • The Ghost Inside: following a devastating crash in November 2015. The Ghost Inside has battled injury and setbacks to make it back to the stage and we're delighted to see them in the line-up for Download 2022.
  • Ice Nine Kills: horror fans are going to want to check out this band! Their Silver Scream Album was a truly fantastic homage to popular horror movies and is guaranteed to give one hell of a show!

Up & Coming Favourites:

  • Meet Me @ The Altar: the pop-punk queens from the US have landed! Check these guys out for an energetic and uplifting performance.
  • Spirit Box: this Canadian metal band has been making huge waves in the UK metal scene and is definitely one to watch!
  • grandson: this alt-rock solo act has been on our radar since their debut album was released in December 2022. Mixing styles of rock and hip-hop, grandson knows how to work a crowd and you'll want to be front and centre!

Reading & Leeds: 26th-28th August

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Headliners

  • Dave - Megan thee Stallion
  • Arctic Monkeys - Bring Me The Horizon
  • Rage Against The Machine - Halsey

Reading & Leeds has become one of the leading UK festivals in the last decade with some huge names gracing the main stages and this year is no different! With acts like Arctic Monkeys, Bring Me The Horizon and Rage Against The Machine, you wouldn't want to miss out.

202. will mark the first time that Rage Against The Machine has played together as a quartet since 2011; who would want to miss that?! Expect some big crowds at this set and hopefully some familiar favourites such as Killing in the Name and Bulls On Parade.

Who you should see:

If there's one band that you can count on to provide a good time it's Enter Shikari! This foursome always gives an electric performance and we can't wait to see the circle pits in this crowd!

Up & Coming favourites:

  • Fever 333: powerful, explosive and awesome; the only way to describe this hardcore band. Frontman Jason Aalon Butler gives it everything he's got when performing on stage which is why Fever 333 is one to watch!
  • Fontaines D.C: this Irish band have opened up for several big names in the scene including Liam Gallagher, Franz Ferdinand and IDLES and recently won Best Band In the World Award at NME. Check out their new album Skinty Fia at Reading & Leeds fest.

Glastonbury: 22nd-26th June

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  • Billie Eilish
  • Paul McCartney
  • Kendrick Lamar
  • Diana Ross

Glastonbury Festival is one of the biggest English festivals around and this year has brought some huge acts with it. From Billie Eilish to Paul McCartney, they couldn't be any more different; that's the great thing about music festivals, there is so much variety! Whether you're a fan of classic 80s or love a bit of indie music, you can find it all at Glastonbury.

Who you should see:

Sam Fender: with the recent release of his second studio album Seventeen Going Under, you can expect to see some big crowds when Sam Fender hits the stage. This indie rocker is not short of accolades including his recent win at the Brit Awards for Best British Alternative/Rock Act. His heartfelt lyrics and belting vocals will make for a powerful yet memorable performance.

Foals: Foals are the epitome of upbeat indie tunes and we can't get enough. This British band are sure to get you dancing all night long with their catchy beats and guitar riffs.

Blossoms: whilst Blossoms might not look like your typical indie rockers, don't let their 70s style deceive you. This band can put on a show-stopping performance and their chill vibes go hand in hand with those sunny summer days. 

Our Favourite UK Festivals

We can't write a festival blog without mentioning some of our favourites from right here in the UK. If you're looking for a good time this summer, check out these awesome music festivals:

  • Slam Dunk: 3-4th June

  • Isle of Wight: 16-19th June

  • 2000Trees: 7-9th July

  • TRNSMT: 8-10th July

  • Bloodstock: 11th-14th August

Make sure to tag us in your festival pictures for a chance to feature on our socials!