Play Hard

13 Music Festivals Going Ahead This Summer – High Life North

From lit local line ups to cross-country carnivals, here’s the best of the fests…

Written by Becky Hardy
Published 01.05.2021

WOMEN ARE MINT

When? 14th–16th May

Where? Livestream from Cobalt Studios, Newcastle

Who? Local female talent? Woman Are Mint is right up our street! Cortney Dixon, Gerogia May, Kay Greyson and Beccy Owen are some of the headliners.

LIVE AT WORTHY FARM

When? 22nd May

Where? Livestream from Worthy Farm, Glastonbury

Who? Glastonbury has gone digital this year, but can clearly still pull in the big names – Coldplay, Haim, Wolf Alice and Jorja Smith have all been confirmed.

BLACK DEER FESTIVAL, KENT

When? 25th–27th June

Where? Eridge Park, Kent

Who? Everyone’s favourite Americana and Country music festival is set to deliver once again. We’re most excited to catch Frank Turner, Jade Bird, Van Morrison, Jake Bugg and Saving Grace (new outfit of Led Zepplin’s Robert Plant).

FREEDOM ALL-DAYER

When? 26th June

Where? NE Volume Music Bar, Stockton

Who? Local talent is the name of the game here – check out performances from up and coming artists Glass Caves, Komparrison, The Balcony and Charlotte Grayson.

KUBIX FESTIVAL

When? 2nd–3rd July

Where? Herrington Country Park, Sunderland

Who? Get ready for some cheesy, cheeeesy bangers on the Friday! Vengaboys are headlining, with the likes of b*witched and East 17 also on the line up. Saturday is a slightly cooler affair, with our standout artists being Geordie sextet Holy Moly and the Crackers and Levellers.

LATITUDE

When? 22nd–25th July

Where? Henham Park, Suffolk

Who? First Aid Kit, Bastille and Snow Patrol are the big draws here.

HARDWICK LIVE

When? 21st–22nd August

Where? Hardwick Hall, Sedgefield

Who? Rag’n’Bone Man, Nile Rogers & CHIC, Maximo Park, Razorlight, and local lass Becca James are the big names at this North East festival stalwart.

CREAMFIELDS

When? 26th–29th August

Where? Daresbury,Cheshire

Who? Jax Jones, David Guetta, Charlotte De Witte, Armin van Buuren, deadmau5, Jonas Blue, Martin Garrix, Sigma and Tiesto promise to get the party well and truly started.

END OF THE ROAD

When? 2nd–5th September

Where? Larmer Tree Gardens, Wiltshire

Who? Aldous Harding, The Comet Is Coming, Big Thief and Bright Eyes… arguably one of the coolest line ups going.

MIGHTY HOOPLA

When? 4th September

Where? Brockwell Park, London

Who? Arguably London’s most fabulous and flamboyant festival, pop acts converge at Mighty Hoopla – look out for Cheryl, Becky Hill, En Vogue, Atomic Kitten and Gabrielle.

PARKLIFE

When? 11th–12th September

Where? Heaton Park, Manchester

Who? Expect some of the most exciting names across pop, hip-hop and electronica at Parklife this year – we’re most excited for Mabel, Megan Thee Stallion, Celeste, Annie Mac and Disclosure.

ISLE OF WIGHT FESTIVAL

When? 16th–19th September

Where? Seaclose Park, Newport

Who? Sam Fender, David Guetta, Ella Henderson, You Me At Six, Duran Duran, Tom Jones, Liam Gallagher, All Saints, The Snuts, Sophie Ellis-Bextor… the list goes on.

LONG DIVISION FESTIVAL

When? 25th September

Where? Across Wakefield city centre

Who? The Futureheads and She Drew The Gun are some of the biggest names here, although we’re just as excited for Newcastle rock band Lanterns On The Lake and Teeside singer-wongwriter+ Jodie Nicholson.

Other stories by Becky Hardy
22.11.2023

Your ultimate North East theatre guide to Christmas 2023

Becky Hardy
Northumberland stargazing spots
18.11.2023

A beginner’s guide to Northumberland stargazing

Becky Hardy
Christmas light trails in the North East
15.11.2023

7 Christmas light trails across the North East in 2023

Becky Hardy
Christmas events in the North East
11.11.2023

11 of the North East’s best family Christmas events 2023

Becky Hardy
Fenwick Christmas Window 2023
08.11.2023

Fenwick’s window through the ages

Becky Hardy
24 Doors of Desk Delights – £120.00 
08.11.2023

8 of the best alternative advent calendars 2023

Becky Hardy