Festival season is so close we can almost taste the tepid cans of lager and feel the dreaded tent hangover creeping in. All being well, with all the fantastic festivals that are on the horizon, summer 2022 is shaping up to be one to remember. To get you into the spirit, we've selected ten essential live events that you simply cannot miss.
Glastonbury Festival
When: 22nd - 26th June
Where: Worthy Farm, Pilton
Line-up: Billie Eilish, Diana Ross, and more TBA.
The iconic festival makes its highly-anticipated return to Worthy Farm this year with the first confirmed headliner Billie Eilish along with Diana Ross, who will be taking over the legends slot, plus many more to be announced. Glastonbury is always an instant sell-out, so if you were lucky enough to bag a ticket you're definitely in for a treat! If not, don't sweat it, you can catch all the highlights on BBC from the comfort of your own couch.
Reading & Leeds Festivals
When: 26th - 28th August
Where: Reading Richfield Avenue and Leeds Bramham Park
Line-up: Arctic Monkeys, Rage Against The Machine, Dave, Fontaines D.C, Wolf Alice, Little Simz, Circa Waves
The annual August Bank Holiday belter is back this year and better than ever with a whole host of acts to get you pumped for a weekend of live music. This year's festival has not one, not two, but six headline acts alongside a lengthy list of some of the hottest artists around. Headling acts across the weekend include Sheffield's finest Arctic Monkeys, LA legends Rage Against The Machine, Dave, Halsey, Megan Thee Stallion, and Bring Me The Horizon.
Isle Of Wight Festival
When: 16th - 19th June
Where: Seaclose Park, Newport
Line-up: Muse, Kasabian, Lewis Capaldi, Lionel Richie, Nile Rodgers & CHIC, The Vaccines, Blossoms, Happy Mondays
The legendary Isle Of Wight Festival returns to Newport on 16th June 2022. This iconic event first took place in 1969 and has seen the likes of Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, and David Bowie perform, to name a few. This year's line-up doesn't disappoint with appearances from Muse, Kasabian, Lewis Capaldi, Lionel Richie and more.
Bearded Theory's Spring Gathering
When: 26th - 29th May
Where: Catton Hall, Derbyshire
Line-up: Placebo, Patti Smith & Band, The Flaming Lips, The Selecter, Peter Hook & The Light, Amy Macdonald, Working Men's Club
The multi-award-winning creative arts festival returns to the beautiful grounds of Catton Hall this summer with headliners Placebo, Patti Smith, and The Flaming Lips. The weekend will also see performances from the likes of Peter Hook & The Light, Amy Macdonald, The Hives, plus sets from must-see up-and-coming bands.
TRNSMT Festival
When: 8th - 10th July
Where: Glasgow Green
Line-up: Paolo Nutini, The Strokes, Foals, DMA's, Sam Fender, Alfie Templeman, Jamie Webster
TRNSMT is bringing back the annual party to Glasgow Green this July with a whole bunch of acts from Scottish treasures to indie icons. Repping the Scots are Paolo Nutini and Lewis Capaldi and for your indie fix, The Strokes, Foals, and DMA's will be there amongst others.
Mighty Hoopla
When: 3rd - 4th June
Where: Brockwell Park, London
Line-up: Steps, Sugababes, Anastacia, Jessie Ware, Eve, Jamelia
The UK's most inclusive and fabulous pop festival is back with a line-up bursting with pop and pride. Not only does the festival boast a diverse array of acts but offers club nights, cabaret collectives and unique performances from a variety of acts. Acts you can catch across the weekend include the one and only Steps, the original Sugababes and American singer-songwriter Anastacia, plus many more.
Download Festival
When: 10th - 12th June
Where: Donington Park Circuit
Line-up: KISS, Iron Maiden, Biffy Clyro, The Darkness, Boston Manor, Deftones, The Pretty Reckless
Dust off your wellies and get ready for the pit! Rock festival Download returns to its spiritual rock home, based at Donington Park Circuit, with some big names: KISS, Iron Maiden, Biffy Clyro and The Darkness, to name a few. The line-up has an extensive list of mega bands to rising stars that you won't wanna miss.
Neighbourhood Weekender
When: 28th - 29th May
Where: Victoria Park
Line-up: The Courteeners, The Fratellis, Inhaler, Brooke Combe, The Lathums
This year's Neighbourhood Weekender sees the return of previous headliners The Courteeners for the first time since the inaugural event in 2018, alongside Stockport's finest Blossoms, Tom Greenan, Inhaler, and more. The 2-day event will take place across 3 stages this May at Warrington's Victoria Park.
Kendal Calling
When: 28th - 31st July
Where: Lowther Deer Park, Lake District
Line-up: Stereophonics, Supergrass, The Streets, The Kooks, The Wombats, Sophie Ellis Bextor, The Sherlocks
Kendal Calling finally returns after 2 years away with a line-up stronger than ever. The Lake District festival will see headline performances from Welsh rockers Stereophonics, Supergrass, and The Streets. Across the weekend there will be sets from The Wombats, along with The Kooks, Declan McKenna, Sea Girls, and much more. If you're attending the festival lookout for the Tim Peaks dinner, the brainchild of Tim Burgess of The Charlatans, where they serve coffee, tea and secret sets from some brilliant artists.
Tramlines
When: 22nd - 24th July
Where: Hillsborough Park, Sheffield
Line-up: James, Shed Seven, Madness, The Lottery Winners, Do Nothing, Brooke Combe
Former multi-venue festival Tramlines is set to return to its now-home Hillsborough Park.
This line-up looks like a guaranteed good-time, bringing James, Shed Seven, Sam Fender, The Lottery Winners and more indie favourites to Steel City.