Now that the weather is warming up and the sun is finally out, festival season is upon us – bringing with it sweaty mosh pits and the joys (and challenges) of close-proximity camping. Part of me wants to reflect on how COVID reshaped everything from clubbing to festival culture, but that’s far in the past. With so many festivals happening, I’ve put together a list of some of the most exciting ones in Edinburgh, Scotland, and across the UK that you might want to check out this spring.
Taking place at the Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh on 19 and 20 April, Terminal V has established itself as one of the UK’s most significant techno festivals, featuring 80 techno artists and drawing 20,000 attendees per day. There’s something almost hypnotic about hearing techno through massive speakers, so whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious, it would be the perfect Easter weekend escape. I’ve watched DJ sets from past Terminal V festivals, and now I’m more eager than ever to go.
Link to tickets.
Out of all the festivals, jazz festivals are my favorite. While it may not be as large-scale as the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival, Brick Lane Jazz Festival showcases some of London’s finest underground artists and is easily the best music festival the city has to offer this spring, running from 25 to 27 April. With over 100 artists performing across 12 venues, the lineup spans jazz, hip-hop, R&B, and more, all of which can be enjoyed with a pint in hand. If you’re open-minded and eager to discover new, underground music, this festival is for you.
Link to tickets.
The second jazz festival to feature on this list is the City of Derry Jazz Festival, running from the 1 to 5 of May . Now Ireland’s premier jazz festival, it features over 450 performances by local and international artists across 70 venues throughout the city. From intimate club settings to grand concert halls- there’s a space for every kind of jazz lover. Best of all, many performances take place in public spaces for free, so you can wander through Derry’s historic streets while jazz is in the air.
Link to tickets.
The Big Retreat Festival has been recognised as one of the top five adventure and wellness festivals by The Guardian. Set in the lush landscapes of Pembrokeshire, it runs from 23 to 26 May and offers more than 300 activities designed to refresh your mind, body, and spirit. From wild swimming and yoga to cooking demonstrations, the festival provides a restorative escape. If you’re tired of high-energy music festivals that leave you drained, this one will have you feeling actively better by the time you leave. It’s also the only camping festival on this list, so be sure to bring your own gear.
Link to tickets.
The Hay Festival takes place in Hay-on-Wye, a charming town in Powys, Wales, on the edge of Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. Running from 22 May to 1 June, it’s a gathering place for writers, philosophers, musicians, and audiences to celebrate creativity. With more than 600 events including author talks, panel discussions, debates, readings, and performances, it serves as a global stage for intellectual and artistic exchange.
Link to tickets.
Whether you’re looking for live music, a restorative retreat, or intellectual stimulation – there’s a festival out there for you. So, take a break, grab your friends or family, and make the most of festival season this spring.
“Hay-on-Wye” by Anita363 is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.