A Place in the Sun

Without Glastonbury, al the big festivals are vying for our attention as line ups finally drop.

This year, Reading and Leeds is the one to watch. Six of the world’s biggest names - Charli XCX, Chase and Status, Dave, Florence + The Machine, Fontaines DC and RAYE share the lead credit, with UK festival exclusive sets. The joy in 2026 is having a festival for everything, and everyone. In London, Al Points East has everything from its edgy, Deftones and EsDeeKid fronted Victoria Park date to a sensational afternoon of pop featuring Lorde and Djo. With Glastonbury out of the equation, the unspoken rivalry between al other festival organisers is blown wide, wide open. Notoriously, Indie festivals avoid the huge, unprecedented stress of those bigger events.

The 20 edition of this classic folksy and alternative festival, hosted at Larmer Tree Gardens, includes era defining sets from Pulp and CMAT, and a surprise headliner who will probably, almost definitely be Geese.

For one weekend, Brighton Beach becomes a showcase for hundreds of resounding new artists, avoiding elitism or hierarchy, with ground breaking sets from Peaches, The Lottery Winners and KEO.

Jazz, Indie and electronic come together for 6 Music DJ Giles Petersons’ renowned and low-key get together that this year sees Joy Crookes take to the main stage. Here is the place to find your next big obsession.

Another one that anybody not in attendance is bound to be jealous about. David Byrne is leading with a festival exclusive performance while Teddy Swims and Lewis Capaldi appear, and Jack Dee and Lenny Henry provide comedy

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