As summer festival season draws to a close, music lovers reminisce about lost festivals and hope for their revival. Explore the top 9 UK festivals fans want to see brought back.
Memories along aren't good enough—here's the UK music festivals fans want to see make their triumphant returns. Take a moment to reflect on those music festivals we have lost over time. Be it mismanagement, cost of living, or local noise complaints, some of those that disappeared still live in the minds and hearts of UK festival goers.
The nine UK music festivals fans want to see return
What music festivals lost to mother or father time do UK music lovers want to see return over the course of the next few UK summer festival seasons?
Witcombe Festival (2012 - 2024)
Witcombe Festival began in 2012 and ran successfully for 12 years. The ongoing cost of living crisis forced its closure in 2024.
Black Deer Festival (2018 - 2025?)
Rising production costs led to the cancellation of Black Deer Festival for 2025, with plans for a return in 2026.
Bestival (2004 - 2018)
Debts and logistical issues ceased Bestival in 2018 after 15 successful years.
V Festival (1996 - 2017)
Changed audience tastes and operational costs resulted in V Festival discontinuing in 2017.
T in the Park (1994 - 2016)
Severe issues like logistical problems and anti-social behavior led to T in the Park's break in 2016.
The Big Chill Festival (1994 - 2011)
Financial difficulties and competition caused The Big Chill Festival to go on hiatus in 2011.
Sundown Festival (2012 - 2024)
Rising production costs led to the cancellation of Sundown Festival's 2025 event.
Lovebox (2002 - 2020)
The COVID-19 pandemic halted Lovebox's annual run, and its return remains uncertain.
All Tomorrow’s Parties (ATP) (2001 - 2016)
Financial difficulties and debts ended the unique curated format of ATP after around 15 years of operation.
Published on 15 August 2025 by Ben Robinson
