The UK Festival Guides team is thrilled to announce the winners of the very first UK Festival Guides Awards, celebrating the exceptional festivals that defined the 2025 season.
The UK Festival Guides team is thrilled to announce the winners of the very first UK Festival Guides Awards, celebrating the exceptional festivals that defined the 2025 season.
Following an incredible surge of support from the festival community, thousands of fans cast their votes to recognize the organizers who delivered magic this year. From hidden boutique gems to legendary mainstages, these awards honor the diversity, creativity, and sheer passion of the UK festival scene.
The Winners
👨👩👧👦 Best Family Festival: Camp Bestival
Camp Bestival continues to lead the way in multi-generational festival experiences. Purpose-built for families of all ages, this festival seamlessly blends world-class entertainment with activities designed to engage everyone from toddlers to grandparents. The combination of top-tier music, comedy, immersive theatre, circus performances and creative workshops creates a magical environment where memories are made.
🎶 Best Line-Up: Reading Festival
Reading Festival's 2025 edition showcased exactly why it remains a cornerstone of the UK festival calendar. The ambitious and eclectic bill successfully bridged generations and genres, featuring rock legends alongside chart-topping pop stars and exciting breakthrough talent. The festival's ability to evolve while respecting its iconic heritage earned it this well-deserved recognition.
🌍 Festival of the Year: WOMAD
The highest accolade goes to WOMAD Festival, a truly deserving winner that embodies everything festivals should aspire to be. For decades, WOMAD has celebrated global culture through an extraordinary fusion of music, dance, art and ideas. Its commitment to inclusivity, cultural exchange and thoughtful programming creates an experience that transcends entertainment, offering festival-goers genuine enrichment and inspiration.
🌱 Best Sustainable Festival: Shambala Festival
Shambala Festival's dedication to environmental responsibility has set a benchmark for the entire industry. From comprehensive renewable energy solutions and plant-based food policies to the complete elimination of single-use plastics, Shambala demonstrates that world-class festivals and environmental stewardship are not mutually exclusive. Their innovative approach continues to inspire positive change across the sector.
💷 Best Value Festival: Truck Festival
Truck Festival proves that accessibility and quality go hand in hand. Year after year, this Oxfordshire favourite delivers impressive line-ups at prices that don't break the bank. Its welcoming atmosphere and strong indie credentials have built a loyal following, making it a must-attend event for music lovers seeking genuine value and authentic festival vibes.
🏆 Best Small Festival: FeastyFest
FeastyFest has proven that great things come in small packages. This beloved Surrey boutique festival has maintained its warm, community-focused atmosphere while growing into one of the most cherished events on the calendar. With its carefully curated mix of independent food traders, live music, engaging talks and family-friendly workshops, FeastyFest demonstrates that intimate festivals can deliver experiences that rival their larger counterparts.
Celebrating the Community
"These awards represent the voice of the festival community," said the UK Festival Guides team. "Every vote cast reflects the passion, joy and connection that festivals create. We're proud to recognise the organisers, artists, crew members and volunteers who work tirelessly to deliver these incredible experiences."
The inaugural UK Festival Guides Awards highlight the breadth and quality of the UK festival landscape. From sustainability pioneers to family entertainment specialists, from intimate gatherings to global celebrations, the winners represent the very best of what makes British festival culture world-leading.
Looking Ahead
As the UK festival community looks ahead to the 2026 season, the inaugural UK Festival Guides Awards provide an opportunity to celebrate the standout achievements of 2025 and the festivals that shaped it. By putting fan voices at the centre of the awards, UK Festival Guides seeks to support innovation, reward excellence and help drive the continued evolution of the UK festival scene.
Congratulations to all winners, nominees and everyone involved in delivering an unforgettable 2025 festival season.
Published on 16 January 2026 by UKFG
