I remember the first time I attended a festival in 2009; Micheal Jackson had just died and the music world collapsed into mourning. I was at Glastonbury and we all fell silent, how could we ‘go on’ and let the other artists take their moment in the ‘spotlight’ when one of the greats had passed before our own eyes? We wept and we cheered, celebrating a music legends accession into death the only way we knew how… to revel in good music of course! I might have only been sixteen at the time but in that one moment-where life and death were celebrated in equal harmony- I realized that music was going to be the ‘one thing’ that would help us ‘feel whole again’. It might sound cheesy but music got me through some dark s**t.
Glastonbury taught me that music is ‘therapeutic’ , ‘cohesive’ and above all ‘game changing’. After all what other art than music can both heal and inspire, perform and reform and allow us to be both ‘individualistic’ and ‘collaborative’ all at the same time? Asides from writing, festivals would inspire me to still sing behind closed doors, to dance like noone was watching and live life in the moment, without a care in the world. Since 2009, I have been to my fair share of festivals and 2017 is no exception. While I might not have been invited to Coachella, I am attending Wireless, among other less mainstream festivals and cannot wait to get back into the festival saddle. Like I said, it is no exaggeration to say that music festivals are life changing and can inspire you to be more creative and open minded. At festivals the boundaries between the real and unreal are blurred and in this thinly veiled world gender ceases to exist. At some festivals there are even ‘colour paint parties’ circuses and ‘club kids’ among other more obscure concepts. Question is, are you ready to delve into the world of Faded Spring’s ‘Top 5 Uk Music Festivals’?
Wireless
The first time that I attended Wireless was in 2014, when Drake was meant to be headlining and pulled out due to illness. Instead we had Kanye West, who while undeniably egocentric, put on a god damn good show. As he took to the stage in a caged mask, he snarled and grimaced, spitting out lyrics with passion and determination. The rising chorus of ‘Stronger’ merged into POWER and Kanye reminded us how he rose from the ashes to cement his status as one of the ‘rapping greats’. Love him or loathe him, Kanye symbolized all that Wireless stood for ‘passion, creativity and raw, unharnessed talent’. Wireless embraces both the ‘new’ and the ‘old’ and deftly puts a musical novice next to a ‘music legend’ not to humiliate or to embarrass but to encourage the new music maven to ‘fight for their spot in the limelight’. No matter whose name is ‘on the bill’ or what stage a musician headlines, all of the artists chosen are representative of ‘performative talent’ on an international and national level. Rudimental energetically waved the flag for Britain with renditions of hits ‘Waiting all night’ and ‘Not Giving In’ blasting across the field, while internationals like YG and B.O.B were spitting transatlantic rhymes into speakers.
To this day I still have not managed to see Drake, as he has cancelled every single festival or concert that I have booked tickets to see him perform. While most people would be put off and refuse to pay anymore money to see an artist who is ‘known to pull out last minute’ perform, I believe that the third time is the charm. Besides I might have just found my lucky charm; Contact Numbers UK has a ‘See Tickets’ customer service number that can help me see Drake perform. After all, there have been times where I have tried to attend festivals like Wireless last minute and not been able to secure a ticket. In some instances, notably Glastonbury a few years back, there was an issue where my tickets had not arrived and I had lost the tracking number and was unable to ‘resolve the situation’ without stress. Yet using Contact Numbers Uk, helped me with my 2017 summer festival agenda and secured me peace of mind. So if you are up for a festival that features ‘talent’ and encompasses musical genres like ‘R&B, Hip-Hop and House Music then Wireless is for you.
Glastonbury
While known as the ‘dinosaur’ or the ‘rocker’ of the music festival world, Glastonbury could teach a few ‘younger festivals’ a thing or two. Not only has the lineup moved beyond the ‘alternative/rock/ indie ‘tag’ that it was often stereotyped as but it has also revolutionized the music festival scene. Creating a show to remember, international and national artists are invited to perform across all stages, while those who crave some escapism from ‘mainstream reality’ can enjoy ‘Trash City’, an apocalyptic dream sequence of surrealism,. Trash City-created in 2008 by Joe Rush- is a night area dedicated to the aesthetics and the science of the Mutoids legendary parties. While Trash City might appeal to those who want their ‘fantasies played out’ before their very own eyes, for those who attend festivals for the music, there is a stage that is suitable for all tastes. So whether you are a hard core rock fan or like me prefer house, Hip Hop and Chart Music, Glastonbury is the one festival that has something for everyone.
Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park
While technically more a ‘series of extended concerts’ as opposed to a festival, the energy and the atmosphere felt at British Summer Time Hyde Park is un-apologetically ‘festival-like’. This year I managed to secure tickets to see Justin Bieber- yes I like Justin Bieber, get over it- Tove Lo, Anne Marie and more perform at Hyde Park and I am beyond excited to see how the fusion of pop and house play out against each other. With many of the acts still remain a ‘secret’, the build up to the big day is coming ever closer and I can’t wait to see who they announce will play next. While many of us festival goers may love the pop up tents, the circus shows and the mad ad-libs that many festivals like Glastonbury provide, for those who like shows without gimmicks and are purely there for the music, then Hyde Park is the festival/concert for you.
Bestival
If there was ever a festival that you would attend where music was secondary and the entertainment was ‘key’, it would be Bestival. While artists like ‘A Tribe Called Quest’ and ‘The XX’ are set to perform in September, it is the late night entertainment that is the biggest draw to music goers across the world. From mass fancy dress to random pianos popping up in the woods and theatre and comedy sessions to discover, Bestival offers more than your typical UK summer festival. I remember when I went in 2015 and was blown away by both the acts that performed- FKA Twigs, Missy Elliot, Chemical Brothers and more- and the late night antics that popped up during my festival stay. The flower of fire to celebrate Bestival’s ‘Summer of Love’ theme was a memorable gimmick, as was the surprise ‘late night UV underwear parties’ but perhaps the best memory was the ‘sober morning rave’ which proved to be more fun than getting drunk out of my mind.
Lovebox
After the craziness of the other festivals mentioned, you are probably expecting me to choose a festival where you can camp out in the forest and sing songs of praise. Well… not today Satan because Lovebox is as much a ‘carousel of creativity’ as the other four festivals. From rainbow sheep strolling peacefully through the fields to fairground rides, Lovebox showcases a wealth of creative as well as musical talent.Created by ‘Groove Armada’ Lovebox is headlined this year by ‘Frank Ocean’ and ‘Chase and Status’ both artists who I am big fans of and are finally communing on the same stage. The headlining acts are always strong, especially when I attended in 2014 and artists like M.I.A, Katy B and Maverick Sabre took to the stage.
What Is Your Favourite Music Festival?
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We’re heading to Bestival spin-offs Common People and Camp Bestival this year. In fact our first festival is next week and we love attending them as a family. We’ve never been to Wireless or the Hyde Park one but are hoping to expand out next year. Love Bestival and IOW festival too x My mummy goes to Download and Reading on her own usually x
Haven’t attended any music festivals in the UK, still haven’t had the chance. But I am planning to go to a concert in the near future and hope to have a great time.
I have to admit I’ve never really been to one of the big music festivals I would love to make it to download one day and we can hear some of bloodstock from where we live.
Had been in the UK for 6 months mostly Belfast and Reading but never heard of the music festivals you’ve mentioned. Good brief description about the music festivals..!
I have to admit i have never been to a festival – they always look amazing though and i really hope we can make at least one this year!
I need to head to some music festivals soon. Your outfit is so cool!
I love music festivals . It’s fun being around tons of different bands with like-minded people by your side. I agree that music is a very powerful thing!
Music festival is really a thing now. It’s so great that we have this to celebrate music. I love your dress though!!
I haven’t been to a Music Festival, can you imagine? I bet it would be quite an experience to go to one of these.
I so want to come again to London and see a concert! A festival would be awesome too!
I would say Glastonbury is probably my favourite just for the musical diversity and the site in general. But I do Download and Slamdunk every year and they’re great for the actual music x
Blues fest in Chicago has been along Navy Pier for eons. In the early days, the pier wasn’t gentrified, so it was basically an industrial alley sticking out into the lake.. Which it was!
It felt like walking between shady blues bars in a sad neighborhood. But the music was so infectious that the bluesy good mood penetrated to everyone.
Years go by, the thing is more like an amusement park and the cleanliness (and prices) go up, but the down home bluesy appeal is still there. Fun time all around.
My older husband has tales from even earlier times when the rattiness competed more vigorously with the music, but that’s for him to tell…
It’s awesome to know where to go for good music when you’re in the UK. I have been there but I’ve never seen any of these shows.
I really haven’t been to any music festivals. I am sure they are awesome. You have a great funky look and I love it, perfect for a festival.
We like food festivals! As well as music and went to the Great British Food Festival recently at Hardwick Hall! Was awesome x
I do love going to music festivals but it has been quite some time since I have been to one. I can’t imagine still trying to see Drake despite his penchant for canceling out on them. I don’t know that I would be able to keep waiting for an artist who did that. And I know I should turn in my man card, but I actually am impressed with the more recent Bieber music. I’m not saying it’s my favorite music. I just see that he seems to be growing as an artist and his music is much richer and more mature than in his Baby Baby faze. I would love to go to Coachella sometime. I have heard great things about it but I haven’t been yet. Anyway, if I am out your way anytime soon I will have to check out some of these festivals.
I have been to the UK several times in the past, however, I did not make it to any of the music festivals you’ve mentioned. Hopefully we will make it there again next summer and attend those music festivals!
glastonbury is the one festival i would love to go. I’m sad that i can’t attend bestival this year 🙁
I haven’t been to any of these festivals. I do love my music but prefer it from the comfort of my home or car as I can’t cope being around so many people it’s a bit to overwhelming.
I have never been to a music festival, but I can imagine, the buzz and the atmosphere must be electrifying.
I remember my teenage and early 20s years when I went to music festivals. Though mostly I just go to gigs since it has lesser crowd :).
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I love your post. Music definitely gets me through my lows as well. I love your outfit!
XOXO //SINCERELY OPHELIA | NYC Petite Fashion Blogger
i haven’t attended even a single one and i so want to specially Glastonbury! so love this all embroidered look too ana!
I’m not a festival go-er but I hope you have fun this Summer!
I was at Glastonbury ’09 as well and I remember that surreal feeling as news of Michael Jackson’s passing spread through the fields and tents.
I have never been to UK! I would love to visit some day!
Love that body suit! Stunning!
These all sound like very fun to go to. I hope I can attend a Music Festival soon. I haven’t been to one!
I still haven’t managed to attend any festival yet and I am still sad about that because I really want to experience it. Anyone of the 5 you’ve listed would be awesome
I love going to music festivals. Sadly, now that I am a mom I don’t have the chance to go to many anymore. You guys have some good ones over there 🙂
I’ve been to Lovebox many a time and had such an awesome time but still dying to get to Bestival!!!
Although I don’t really go to festivals as such anymore, my favourite is definitely Glastonbury 🙂 x
The last festival I went to was a classic rock festival in Bulgaria. Headliners were Alice Cooper, Manowar and In Flames (not actually classic rock but still awesome)
Sexy top 🙂 Sorry off topic a little I know but you look amazing. Right festivals. I’ve only ever really been to V festival. There’s so many I’d love to go to. I’m going to try and get a few on the calendar for next year as I’m getting older and they need ticking off our list. Thank you for the ideas and inspiration.
I love the sound of Bestival! I’ve never been to any music concerts or festival, if I’m honest! x I feel like I’m missing out big time!
Lots of love,
Marina Rosie xx
I love going to festivals, my yearly calendar is pretty much arranged around them all! Leeds festival is my absolute favourite and one I always go to.
I have to admit, I’m not much of a music festival person. I think the only one I’ve ever been to was when the Radio 1 Big Weekend came to Dundee.
I’m not hugely into festivals, camping is not my style! I’ve always wanted to stop in at V festival though!
I’ve never been to a festival but would love to! I’d like to take the kids but not sure if there might be bad language at some of them (based on some live music I’ve seen)
I have not been to a music festival in ages. Would love to some day.
I am wearing the very same skirt today, great minds hey! And please can we go to some festivals together?
Haha oh my fashionistas minds definitely think alike. I miss you please say we can meet up again soon, we have a lot to catch up on! Of course, I love festivals lets go asap xx
My eldest daughter saw Rihanna at Wireless a few years ago. We are off to Camp Bestival this summer – it is an awesome family festival.
Kaz
Neither been to the UK nor to the music festival. This summer, maybe. Sounds exciting
I love music festivals! And that is a killer outfit. Those shoes!
I don’t have a favorite music festival. I really have a lot to do during the summer.
The only festival I’ve ever been to was Sonisphere in 2011, it was awesome but I moved back home that summer and have been to the U.K. Since. Always thought I should go back for another festival but no sure which to choose!
OMG i love your Shoes !!! you really drag me to think about these shoes !!! ITs a fabulous combination
There are so many festivals, I really can’t wait for Summer!
Oh how I would love to go to some music festival this summer! Shame the tickets are usually sold out within minutes and they aren’t necessarily what you call affordable either. Good there are still smaller gigs to attend locally though. P. S. Absolutely love that embroidered skirt of yours!