Explore a variety of vibrant festivals in the West of England as alternatives to Glastonbury, featuring diverse music line-ups and family-friendly experiences.
Missed out on Glastonbury? Check out these festivals instead
If you did not manage to bag a ticket to Glastonbury this year, there is still plenty to look forward to. The West of England is home to a vibrant line-up of festivals offering everything from live music to arts and family fun - perfect for curing those Glastonbury blues. And while some events have folded due to tough economic conditions, many others are still going strong, showcasing incredible local and international talent across the region.
Shindig, 22 May - 25 May 2025
A festival that had announced 2024 would be its final year - citing the challenging economic climate - is making a triumphant return. Shindig Festival is back, now set in a new location at Charlton Park Estate, Wiltshire. Dubbed a "pint-sized Glastonbury" and even recommended by Emily Eavis as a great alternative for those who missed out on Glastonbury tickets, Shindig will celebrate its 11th year in style.
Love Saves the Day, 24 May - 25 May 2025
Bristol's biggest party starter returns this May, blending house, drum and bass, pop, and live performances across two high-octane days. Overmono and Nia Archives will headline Saturday and Sunday, with a strong supporting cast that includes Groove Armada, Andy C, Ghetts, and Girls Don't Sync.
Wychwood, 30 May - 1 June 2025
Cheltenham Racecourse, Gloucestershire. Capacity: 10,000. Wychwood Festival is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. It was launched in 2005 by a group of festival enthusiasts wanting to create an intimate and thrilling weekend festival experience.
Bristol Sounds, 25 June - 29th June 2025
Bristol Amphitheatre. Capacity: 5,000. Bristol's much-loved open-air series of concerts returns to the harbourside for five nights of back-to-back music.
Nowadaze, 17 July - 20 July 2025
Oxwick Farm in Yate, Bristol. Capacity: 1,000. Nowadaze is an intimate, grassroots event that blends underground music, art, and community spirit.
2000trees, 9 July - 12 July 2025
Upcote Farm, Cheltenham. Capacity: 15,000. Set in the Cotswolds, 2000trees is an independent rock music festival with a focus on upcoming and underground acts.
The Godney Gathering, 18 July - 19 July 2025
Garslade Farm, Glastonbury. Capacity: 5,000. Just down the road from Worthy Farm, The Godney Gathering is a micro-festival packed with local charm and major acts.
Homestead Festival, 18 July - 20 July 2025
Clevedon, North Somerset. Capacity: 1,500. Homestead Festival is a boutique, over-25s event set in the Mendip Hills of North Somerset.
Lake Paradiso, 1 August - 3 August 2025
The team at Valley Fest are hosting a new festival this year. Lake Paradiso says it will offer a weekend of music, movement and moments of restoration.
ArcTanGent, 13 August - 16 August 2025
Fernhill Farm, near Bristol. Capacity: 5,000. ArcTanGent is a three-day rock festival held at Fernhill Farm in Somerset. Founded in 2013, it has grown into the UK's premier summer festival for math rock, post-rock, progressive metal, and experimental music.
Forwards Festival, 23 August - 24 August 2025
Clifton Downs, Bristol. Capacity: 60,000, no camping. Forwards Festival returns to Clifton Downs for its fourth year, blending cutting-edge music with thought-provoking social commentary.
Outcider Festival, 31 July - 3 August
Fernhill Farm, Somerset. Capacity: 500. Outcider Festival returns to Fernhill Farm for another lively weekend of music and cider.
Published on 12 August 2025 by UKFG