04 April 2023 , 10:46
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Festivals have it all - the music, the entertainment, the food and drink, and most importantly, the fun.
They're the ultimate activity, and with the warmer weather on it's way, it's time to plan which epic festivals you'll be visiting this year so you don't miss out.
We've found eight UK festivals taking place in 2023 which will give you an epic experience - so get your groove on, spend time with family and friends, indulge in delicious food and have a time you'll never forget.
Bloodstock Open Air
(Bloodstock)On August 10 to 13, 2023, the metal hordes will thunder through the gates of Catton Park in Derbyshire, pitch their tents, crack some beers, and kick off the best heavy metal weekender of the year at Bloodstock.
It's the party of all parties if you love your music loud, whether you're after a brilliant time with your mates, some family time, or to make new friends! Bloodstock prides itself on welcoming every type of headbanger (and mini moshers under age four get in free).
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Headlining are metalcore masters Killswitch Engage, legends Megadeth, and the epic Meshuggah, alongside established heavyweights such as Helloween, Sepultura, In Flames, and Royal Republic, and some of the hottest rising bands in metal such as Employed To Serve, Zeal & Ardor, Knocked Loose, and Gatecreeper – plus a Celtic Frost set from Triptykon. There’s something for everyone of the heavy persuasion with well-over 100 bands performing!
The fest also offers fairground rides, gaming arena, heavy metal art gallery, signing tent, Viking battles, after hours entertainment, real ales/cocktails, and alternative-friendly shopping, plus a wide range of food stalls and campsites including a quiet option (without a long walk from the car park).
Snap up weekend camping tickets (just £165 + fees for four days of heavy metal fun) with day and child tickets also available.
Where to go: Catton Park, Walton-On-Trent, Derbyshire, DE12 8LN
Find out more: visit bloodstock.uk.com, buy tickets at the ticket store and watch the trailer here.
Leopallooza
(Matthew Hawkey)Held at unique north Cornwall venue, The Wyldes, from July 21-23, Leopallooza is a true grassroots festival with music, arts, theatre, comedy and family fun.
Known for its independent feel, passionate eco-credentials and roguish party spirit, you’ll be well-looked after with a warm Cornish welcome at this house party in a field.
Electronic heavyweights Orbital will bring their iconic dance sounds on Friday night, while indie legends Bloc Party’s trademark stomping floor fillers will get the field on its feet for the Saturday night. Norwegian electro-pop star AURORA will set the scene for a dreamy Sunday night, perfect for wrapping up the weekend.
Also on bill are energetic indie popsters The Mystery Jets, explosive lyricist Billy Nomates and 14-piece jazz/heavy bass Dutty Moonshine Big Band.
For littler festival fans, iconic UK animation studio, Aardman, will be running workshops. You’ll find lovingly curated stages among the trees, immersive theatre winding its way through woodland, comedy, family-friendly activities and art workshops to get stuck into.
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There are camping options for all budgets and tastes, from fully kitted-out bell tents with flushing toilets and hot showers, to BYO camping and everything in between.
Where to go: The Wyldes, Lower Exe Farm, Week St Mary, Cornwall, EX22 6UX
Find out more: visit leopallooza.com and thewyldescornwall.com
Black Deer
(Black Deer)Black Deer is a festival born from passion and built from experience. The independent, award-winning Americana festival takes place in the stunning surroundings of Eridge Park.
Showcasing the amazing roots artists across multiple stages, expect unforgettable performances, rowdy roof-lifting sets and intimate song writer sessions.
Alongside the music you’ll find high quality food and drink, artisan wares, custom built motorcycles and décor paying homage to Americana culture. Get ready to experience everything Black Deer has to offer.
Where to go: Eridge Park, Tunbridge Wells TN3 9JT
Find out more: visit tickets.blackdeerfestival.com
Teddy Rocks
(Teddy Rocks)Teddy Rocks is an independent festival taking place on the beautiful Charisworth Farm in Dorset. 100% of profit goes directly towards charities that support children with cancer and research.
More than 100 acts play across six stages. You’ll find international headliners, established performers, up-and-coming artists and brand-new acts.
An intimate, safe and friendly festival with production to rival the largest, expect the Friday night to be full of nostalgia, Saturday rocking alongside awesome pyrotechnics and surprises and Sunday filled with classic festival favourites.
Besides the amazing music, experience fantastic food and supported bars stocked with award-winning Badger Beers. There's fun activities for all the family, from fairground rides to comedy tents. Set in a breath-taking valley, for the ultimate festival camping experience.
Get ready to “join the fight”, have an incredible weekend and help some remarkable causes.
Where to go: Charisworth Farm Cottage, Blandford Forum, DT11 9AL
Find out more: visit teddyrocks.co.uk and get tickets at premier.ticketek.co.uk
Tokyo World
(Tokyo World)Legendary Bristol festival, Tokyo World is back for it's 2023 edition! Previously hosting a series of iconic artists from the rave, grime and hip-hop scenes over the years, such as Lethal Bizzle, Busta Rhymes, Little Simz, Sub Focus, Craig David and more, this is not one to be missed!
Tokyo World is established as a staple in the Bristol rave and dance scene. Guaranteed to have an incredible lineup, with killer light and laser shows, and a chance to cram in the last festival of 2023! Get those gun fingers ready!
Where to go: Eastville Park, Fishponds Road, Bristol, BS5 6XA
Find out more: visit tokyoworld.org and get tickets at ticketek.co.uk
Bingo Wonderland
(Bingo Wonderland)Bingo Wonderland is an ABBA-solutely amazing bingo experience from the team behind Disco Wonderland.
Its the ABBA themed bingo event for 18 to 80s that’s been sweeping the UK!
Expect a colourful extravaganza full of themed décor, performers, shed loads of confetti and the biggest ABBA hits mixed by DJs with timeless singalong classics from the 70s, 80s and 90s.
The winners take it all, with fabulous prizes to be won and mini games galore to let you flash your fancy dress, bring out your disco diva and strut your stuff, to be crowned the Dancing King or Queen! It’s a night packed full of things to see and do, perfect for that big night out for you and yours.
So get ready to dance the night away, sing your hearts out and have the time of your lives as Bingo Wonderland brings all the good vibes and unadulterated fun to a Buzz Bingo near you!
Where to go: find your closest event here
Find out more: exclusive deal for Mirror readers - 10% discount with code ''GimmeGimmeGimme” via fixr.co/organiser/bingowonderland
Alfold Rock & Blues and A New Day Festival
(©John Bull - Rockrpix Images)Alfold boasts a host of world-renowned rock and blues stars. plus many young up-and-coming stars of the future.
Held in the relaxed atmosphere of Springbok Estate, Alfold, Surrey, from June 29 to July 2, there's camping and glamping available, along with excellent and varied food and drink on offer. The festival kicks off with ‘party night’ on Thursday, then the main festival Friday – Sunday.
A New Day at on August 18 to 20, leans more towards the classic and prog-rock genres, with several nods to folk, blues, jazz and more.
Known as the small festival with the big bands, past headliners include Jethro Tull, Hawkwind, The Stranglers, Uriah Heep, Feeder, Glenn Hughes.
This year sees another amazing, eclectic line-up, including The Zombies, Ozric Tentacles, System 7, Caravan, Pentangle, Lindisfarne, Nine Below Zero, From The Jam and The Glenn Miller Orchestra! Two main stages running alternately, so there are no clashes, you can see every band.
Of course, it’s not just about the music: A New Day has amazing bars stocked with award-winning ales, ciders and lagers, and the food on offer is exquisite.
Where to go: pringbok Estate, Alfold, Surrey and Mt Ephraim, Faversham, Kent
Find out more: tickets and info at alfoldrockblues.com and anewdayfestival.com
Witcombe Festival
(Witcombe Festival)Witcombe Festival is one of the UK’s best kept secret - af estival with incredible line-ups and a huge local following that is rightfully gaining recognition across the country.
Over the August Bank Holiday weekend, the event offers an unreal mix of incredible, hot new talent (Bru-C, 2022 and Raye, 2021) and unbelievable superstar headliners (Sean Paul and Craig David, 2022 and Tinie Tempah, Basement Jaxx and John Newman, 2021). Set in the beautiful Gloucestershire countryside, just 20 minutes from Gloucester train station, this unique festival has grown into a must-see event on the UK festival calendar.
With humble beginnings, Witcombe started as one man’s cider festival and has since gone from strength-to-strength. Witcombe offers unbelievable star-studded lineups and weekends that fans never forget, all whilst remaining local, independent and true to its roots.
This year Witcombe aims to deliver its biggest ever line-up and event as it promises something unforgettable for its tenth anniversary special. Chart topping superstar headliners and a whole host of unreal performers, DJs and acts that will make for a very special weekend of music, cider and good vibes for all this August Bank Holiday.
Where to go: Witcombe Festival Fields, Brockworth Road, GL3 4RA
Find out more: visit witcombefestival.co.uk