Big Love Big Love Festival

Big Love Festival Header
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Big Love Festival brings the magic of a big event to a small, friendly setting. Each summer for four fun-filled days (this year running from 16th–19th July 2026), fields near the town of Usk in Monmouthshire come alive with live music, art and community spirit. The UK’s friendliest small festival, Big Love combines the excitement of concerts and DJ sets with a relaxed, down-to-earth atmosphere. Set in the scenic Welsh countryside, the festival feels like one big backyard party: friends and newcomers dance in the sunshine and under the stars. You’ll find vibrant stages scattered through woodlands and meadows, circus tents and art installations, and plenty of cozy chill-out spots. Whether you’re a music lover, nature lover, or just looking for a memorable weekend with friends or family, Big Love Festival welcomes you with open arms.

Music is at the heart of Big Love. The festival’s lineup spans dozens of genres, so there’s always something new to discover. Over one hundred bands and DJs entertain crowds on multiple stages—from lively daytime indie and folk sets to energetic electronic, drum ’n’ bass and disco parties that keep everyone dancing long into the night. A grand Big Top tent hosts cirque-style performances and late-night cabaret shows, while a magical woodland stage hidden among the trees comes alive with spinning lights and booming beats after dusk. If you feel like discovering new sounds, the festival’s emerging talent stage and hidden nooks often surprise you with up-and-coming acts. No matter your style, you can dance barefoot in the grass or on wooden decks as the music lifts your spirit.

Big Love truly offers an artsy adventure beyond the music. You’ll encounter circus performers, comedians and fire-breathers roaming the site. Creative workshops and interactive activities take place in big bell tents – from yoga and meditation to drumming circles and craft classes. Throughout the grounds, colorful art installations and craft stalls catch your eye, and local street-food vendors serve up delicious meals from around the world. If you need a break, grab a gourmet sandwich or vegan curry and chill on a hay bale or in a hammock by a babbling brook. Even the spotlight areas have surprises: there might be a woodland disco lit by fairy lights or a converted fire engine DJ booth that keeps the party going until early morning.

Big Love’s name says it all when welcoming families and friends of all ages. There is a special children’s area called Cariad Bach (Welsh for Little Love), where kids can enjoy games, arts and crafts, and storytelling in a safe, fun environment. A family-friendly camping zone means parents and kids can stay close together, and you’ll often see toddlers dancing alongside grandparents. The vibe is completely inclusive—people often say it feels like one big positive community gathering. Even if you come alone, you’re sure to make new friends while sharing smiles and good times.

The location adds to the festival’s charm. Held on a picturesque farm just outside Usk, you might glimpse rolling green hills and an Iron Age hillfort in the distance. Trails drift between tree-lined glades and open fields as bands play nearby. Nights are lit by glowing lanterns and string lights, and headliners under the starlit sky have an enchanting vibe. All around, the beauty of the Welsh countryside mixes with thumping beats and laughter. In the evening, people gather at campfires to swap stories, enjoy late-night street food, or dance by the bar until dawn. No matter where you go on site, the atmosphere is one of joy and camaraderie. Whether you come with friends, family or solo, Big Love Festival welcomes everyone with open arms. Join us from 16th–19th July 2026 in Usk, Monmouthshire, and leave with a heart full of music, art and friendship.

Access by car is straightforward. From the M4 motorway (Junction 23, Castleton) take the A449 north towards Usk. Once in Usk, follow signs to the festival site (which uses postcode NP15 1HS). It can be easiest to first navigate to Usk town, then enter the festival postcode in your GPS, since rural maps can be tricky. There is usually on-site parking (check if passes are needed), and many people carpool or use ride-shares. Roads around the festival can be narrow and busy on event days, so allow extra travel time when planning your journey.

The nearest train station is Newport (on the main line between Cardiff and Bristol). From Newport, catch the local Newport Bus service 60 (or X60) towards Monmouth and alight at Usk town centre (Clock Tower stop). The bus ride takes about 30 minutes. Alternatively, a taxi from Newport to Usk takes around 20 minutes. From Usk town centre, local taxis or minibuses can transport you the short distance to the festival site. Keep in mind that public buses in the area may stop running late in the evening, so plan your return trip or taxi in advance.

If arriving by air, the closest airport is Cardiff Airport (around 20 miles southwest of Usk, roughly a 30-minute drive). Bristol Airport (about 45 miles east) is another option with varied international flights. From either airport you can rent a car or take public transport to Newport, then continue as above. There are no airports in Monmouthshire itself, so accounting for onward travel is important if you fly into the region.

Regarding accommodation, many festival-goers camp on-site (camping is included with weekend tickets). If you prefer not to camp, the town of Usk has a few bed-and-breakfasts and inns (for example, The Three Salmons or The New Court Inn). Nearby towns like Monmouth and Abergavenny also offer a range of hotels, guesthouses and self-catering options. Book early, as lodging fills up quickly around festival dates. If staying off-site, remember that local taxis or buses can take you to the festival farm, and some visitors enjoy walking or cycling in from nearby accommodations to soak in the Welsh countryside.

Name Distance Prices From
Three Salmons Hotel 1.5 ml £80.00 Book
The Crosskeys Inn 1.6 ml £70.00 Book
Glen-Yr-Afon Hotel 1.7 ml £120.00 Book
Clearvewe Usk Luxury eco Bed and Breakfast 2.6 ml £60.00 Book
Usk Valley B & B 2.9 ml £85.00 Book
Ramada Resort Cwrt Bleddyn Hotel & Spa 4.8 ml £60.00 Book
The Newbridge on Usk 5.0 ml £87.00 Book
Llansantffraed Court 5.1 ml £73.00 Book
Carpenters Cottages 5.3 ml £85.00 Book
BEST WESTERN Pontypool Metro Hotel 6.3 ml £45.90 Book
The Hardwick 7.4 ml £110.00 Book
New Inn by Good Night Inns 7.8 ml £30.00 Book
The Old Barn Inn 8.2 ml £79.00 Book
Coldra Court Hotel by Celtic Manor 8.2 ml £224.00 Book
The Priory Hotel 8.3 ml £60.00 Book

Usk, NP15