Last But Not Least: 6 Festivals to Finish Off Your UK Fest Season

Article by: Jenni Poi

Wed August 26, 2015 | 00:00 AM


Just when you thought the summer fun was coming to an end, Fest300 comes to your rescue with a list of our favorite UK festivals to keep your feet stomping right into Autumn.

Festival Number 6, Portmerion, Wales

Festival Number 6 Festival Number 6   22

Photo by: Festival No. 6

With seven UK Festival Awards under their belt, including "Most Unique Festival Site" and "Lineup of The Year," Festival Number 6 will delight the senses of even the most seasoned festival-goer. You may be camping but don't expect to be roughing it. Not only is there boutique camping available but you can dine at Michelin Star Long Table Banquets hosted by some of the world's leading chefs.

There is also a theater on site, numerous inspiring art installations and 70 acres of exotic woodland to explore. The Gwylt Woods will become home to pop-up raves, secret storytelling walks, and a floating dance floor in the middle of a breathtaking Chinese lake – not to mention a plethora of happy, bimbling festival-goers.

All this and we haven't even mentioned the lineup! Belle & Sebastian, 808 State Live, James, Badly Drawn Boy, Metronomy, Mark Ronson and 194 other amazing musicians will ensure your dancing shoes don't come off all weekend. Takes place September 3-6. For more information and tickets visit festivalnumber6.com

One Love Festival, Tewkesbury, England

One Love Festival Mackab

Created in honor of Bob Marley's One Love Concert in 1978, One Love Festival explores everything roots, reggae and dub with all the sub-genres in between. Featured artists include Mad Professor, Mykal Rose, Third World, Little Roy and Dawn Penn. Don't miss the epic Battle of the Dubplates where the kings of the sound system battle it out to take the title of Battle of The Dubplate Champion.

One Love Festival is a family-friendly event and has both family and boutique camping on offer. This festival very much focuses on the music but there is a chill-out area on site where you can go and experience holistic massage, yoga, and laughter workshops. There are also plenty of water sports to enjoy including kayaking and canoeing. Takes place September 4-6. For more information and tickets visit onelovefestival.co.uk

Electric Picnic, Co Laois, Ireland

Electric Picnic 2013 Jamie Tanner   22

Photo by: Jamie Tanner

Electric Picnic began life in 2004 as a one-day boutique festival, but its success soon led to it becoming a three-day event the next year and earned the affectionate title of "The Festival With Good Intentions."

There is so much to do and see at Electric Picnic! You can attend the theater, learn a host of ancient green crafts including roof thatching and how to silversmith (you make your own silver ring). There is also a varied choice of talks and discussions on offer, and even a Science Gallery where you can take part in live science experiments. The lineup features performances from artists such as Blur, Underworld, Jurassic 5 and Tame Impala. Takes place September 4-6. Unfortunately this year's event has sold out but if you can try get tickets on their official resale page, just follow the links at electricpicnic.ie

Bestival, Robin Hill Country Park, Isle of Wight

Bestival 2014 Victor Frankowski   16

The brainchild of Radio One DJ Rob Da Bank, Bestival is on a mission to change the face of the independent music festival. You can enjoy the luxuries of a Bollywood cocktail bar and even have a skate at the roller disco. Fancy dress is encouraged and this year's theme is the Summer Of Love. There are new stages making an appearance this year including The Commune. Programmer Bobby Lost says, "The commune is a place where you can just be you, whether that's dancing like no one is watching, hugging, connecting with others and becoming nourished or sharing deep experiences with strangers."

The lineup features some great artists such as Missy Elliot, The Chemical Brothers, Shy FX and The Skints, and with a wide pallet of music to choose from, there is something to suit every musical whim. Takes place September 10-13. For more information and tickets visit bestival.net

Culture Night Belfast, Belfast City, Nothern Ireland

Culture Night Belfast Ireland Hoodnwolf

Culture Night Belfast may only be a single day event but it manages to incorporate everything you would expect from a major festival. Attracting over 55,000 people, Belfast springs to life with over 250 events city wide. The streets are packed with circus performance, live art, live music, DJs, food tasting and a bike race where the last to cross the finish line is the winner. Several stages are erected throughout the city as well as live gigs in a range of venues.

As this is not a camping event you have the chance to spoil yourself with a real bed! Belfast has an impressive range of hotels, hostels and B&Bs so there is something to suit every pocket. Make sure you book ahead to avoid disappointment. Takes place September 18, and is free. For more information visit culturenightbelfast.com

Alchemy Festival, Lincolnshire, England

Alchemy Festival 2014 Guy Beresford

Non-corporate, non-sponsored and non-commercial is the mantra at Alchemy Festival. Well respected in the festival world, Alchemy hold the banner up for grassroots arts, culture and music. There are eight stages in total throughout the wildlife reserve that houses the festival; one is solar powered and another bicycle powered!

Among the array of music acts performing you will find the Inner Terrestrials, Asian Dub Foundation, R.D.F., Firepit Collective and the Funkliners. There are also a wide range of workshops and discussions on hand, and families are more than welcomed. Alchemy has stuck strongly to the roots and ethos of the old-style festivals and is held as close to the Autumnal equinox as possible. Takes place September 18-20. For more information visit alchemyfestival.co.uk