The Ultimate Guide to Top UK Music Festivals for Students in 2025

The United Kingdom is famous for its music festivals. The country attracts thousands of Melomaniacs every year to enjoy the biggest festivals in the UK. These festivals offer different genres and experiences including EDMs, pop music, and everything in between. The major festivals in the UK are the perfect place to meet new people and enjoy unforgettable experiences just like UK student accommodation.

Top British festivals are set to take place in 2025 with plenty of vibrant new experiences for music lovers. As the year unfolds, you can anticipate stunning performances by popular bands and artists at these exciting music festivals. In this guide, we will discover the largest festivals in the UK and tips for students attending these music festivals. 

Discover the Largest Music Festivals in the UK (2025)

Sound City - Liverpool

Sound City is one of the most awaited music festivals in the UK. It will be an auditory delight for music lovers. This festival will feature Mandrake Handshake, who recently announced their debut album titled "Earth-Sized Worlds". Additionally, Nieve Ella, Panic Shack, alongside Overpass, Siobhan Winifred, and local group The Cheap Thrills will be performing. This festival will take place at multiple venues in Liverpool city centre on the 3rd and 4th of May, 2025. People who love The Clause, Delights, Cliffords, The Stingrays, Basht, The Heavy North, Better Joy, and Mitch Saunders should not miss this big music festival in the UK.

The Great Escape - Brighton

The Great Escape Music Festival is considered the best British festival. It is the biggest new music showcase, featuring around 500 bands across different genres. This music festival offers opportunities to new and upcoming artists, both local and international to perform on a big stage. This festival takes place in Brighton and Hove every year. In addition to the main festival, the Great Escape offers one more event called Alternate Escape, which hosts unofficial shows. Rizzle Kicks will perform at The Great Escape, which has gained popularity in the UK. Additionally, artists like Kaicrewsade, Zimmer90, Ashaine White, and Marysia Osu will perform. The festival will be conducted from May 14th to 17th, 2025 in Brighton.

Parklife - Manchester

The Parklife music festival will be held in Heaton Park, Manchester. Heaton Park is one of the biggest municipal parks in Europe, covering 600 acres. The Parklife Festival is known for its thrilling atmosphere and some of the best open-air concerts and that's why it is counted among the big festivals in England. Charlie XCX is the first headliner, and other artists include Confidence Man, Interplanetary Criminal, and Salute. It will be held from June 13th and 14th, 2025. 

Glastonbury Festival - Somerset

The Glastonbury Festival is the largest festival in the UK. The festival takes place at Worthy Farm in Somerset across 1500 acres of land. The tickets for the Glastonbury music festival are highly sought after. The Glastonbury Festival attracts many individuals from around the world and tickets are sold out rapidly. This festival features not only music but also art, circus, dance, comedy, and theatre. The festival is set to be held between June 25th to 29th, 2025.

Latitude - Suffolk

The Latitude Festival takes place in Suffolk. When one thinks of big music festivals in the UK, the Latitude Festival springs to mind. It is well known for its exhilarating experience and diverse performances. Latitude Music Festival also offers a child-friendly atmosphere. The festival features poetry, science, and drama acts. Artists like Sting, Snow Patrol and Fatboy Slim will be performing for the crowd. The festival will be conducted between July 24th  to 28th, 2025.

Creamfields - Cheshire

Creamfields Festival is the best British festival. The festival is known for world-class DJs, live acts and unforgettable experiences. Creamfields features a 360° stage called HALO, with overhead video, lighting, and sound. The festival will have a special area called Downtown, which will have activities like five-a-side football, karaoke, DJ Academy and more. Creamfield Festival will take place in Daresbury, Cheshire between August 21st to 24th, 2025.

Download Music Festival - Leicestershire

The Download Festival is known as the biggest rock and metal music festival in the UK. It will feature big names like Green Day, Sleep Token, and Korn. The festival will take place at Donington Park in Leicestershire between June 13th to 15th, 2025. The festival is near East Midlands Airport and is well connected by bus and train. The festival offers multiple entertainment options and camping options for your convenience.  

Wilderness - Oxfordshire

Wilderness is one of the top festivals in England. It combines music, arts, food, and wellbeing. It is known for its variety of music, and performances across the spectrum. This festival has a family-friendly environment with different fun activities for children, dance sessions, family theatre, and a circus. The festival also includes camping as part of the experience. The headliner for the festival is Basement Jaxx. The festival will take place in Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire between July 31st and August 3rd, 2025. 

Focus Wales - Wrexham

Focus Wales Music Festival is known for its diverse lineup of music, conferences and films. The festival features more than 300 live performances of international artists. The festival also features films from Wales and around the world. The festival will take place in Wrexham between May 8th to 10th, 2025. Focus Wales is one of the biggest British festivals featuring more than 250 artists and 20 stages.

Kendall Calling - Cumbria

Kendall Calling ranks high among the major festivals in the UK. This popular festival is a major attraction among music lovers. The festival will take place in Lowther Deer Park in the Lake District between July 31st to August 3rd, 2025. Prodigy, Fatboy Slim, and Courteeners will headline the festival on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, respectively. The festival also offers entertainment for children including - magic shows and movies making it the perfect family experience.

Why do Students Love the Biggest Music Festival in the UK?

Music festivals are one of the best places to meet new people and make memories. International students can spend good quality time with their friends and loved ones at festivals and see their favourite bands perform live. Students can enjoy camping, outdoor activities, dancing and a diversity of food. Overall, attending major UK festivals allows students to enjoy the weekend while experiencing the top musical performances in the UK.

How to Plan for a Big Music Festival in England?

While planning for a music festival students should consider transportation costs, accommodation costs and ticket prices to truly enjoy the experience. Utilising public transport options using Oyster card or 16-25 Railcard can be a great way to save money. Most festivals are conducted at venues with an easy commute. Students who are booking 2 or 3 days for festivals should consider booking hotels and accommodation for students as early as possible. 

Read Also: Student Guide to London Travel Zones 1-9

You may miss out on the best accommodation options due to the high demand and limited availability. Students can pack comfortable clothing, a hydration kit and portable chargers for a smooth and hassle-free festival experience. Once you are set with all the prerequisites you can enjoy the biggest festivals in England.

Conclusion

The biggest UK festivals offer an array of experiences for everyone attending. From the Parklife Music Festival to the Wilderness Music Festival, 2025 is shaping up to be an amazing year for music lovers. With proper planning and the right friend group, music festivals will be an unforgettable experience in your student journey. Music festivals offer the perfect opportunity to escape your daily routine, and busy schedules. It offers the chance to connect with like-minded individuals. So, gather your friends, pack your essentials and make 2025 a year to cherish during your student journey.