Best music festivals for students this summer

Music festivals make up the vibes of a UK summer. There’s plenty going on in cities across the country, so we’ve put together a list of some of the hottest festivals that you can throw yourself into – with nearby iQ sites giving you the best spot to walk into the crowd like a boss.

 

Music festivals in Birmingham

Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul Festival

Where is it?

Moseley Park, Birmingham

When’s the festival?

7-9th July

Who’s playing?

Headliners at Mostly Jazz include Ezra Collective, KC and the Sunshine Band, and Kokoroko. Plus, you can expect live sets from Jungle, Goldie and Emma Jean Thackray.

Why go?

Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul Festival is set in a very insta-worthy woodland, plus you’ll get to see a nice mix of new artists and well-known trailblazers.

Where should you stay?

If you’re looking for summer student accommodation in Birmingham,  iQ Broderick House is just a 24-minute journey to the Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul Festival by bus.

 

Birmingham Mela

Where is it?

Victoria Park, Smethwick

When’s the festival?

22nd-23rd July

Who’s playing?

The line up hasn’t yet been released, but 2022 headliners includes Arif Lohar, Kaur B, Singaa and Young Sxngh.

Why go?

Birmingham Mela is the largest South Asian music festival in Europe, so It’s a great opportunity to see some huge stars while indulging in the best food and art that the culture has to offer.

Where should you stay?

For a great-value summer stay in Birmingham, iQ Broderick House is a 33-minute bus ride to Birmingham Mela in Victoria Park.

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Music festivals in Brighton

The Great Escape

Where is it?

Over 30 venues across Brighton

When’s the festival?

10-13th May

Who’s playing?

There are spotlight shows from Maisie Peters and Arlo Parks, with a core programme made up of rising acts like C.O.F.F.I.N, Grove and Yonaka.

Why go?

Over 500 up and coming artists will play at The Great Escape, so it’s the best place to find your new favourite act.

Where should you stay?

If you're looking for student accommodation in Brighton during The Great Escape festival, you’ve got a few choices, including iQ Abacus House, iQ Sawmills, and iQ Brighton. These student accommodation sites are conveniently located to many of the festival’s venues, with iQ Abacus House just a 20-minute walk from Brighton Beach.

 

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Music festivals in Edinburgh

Connect

Where is it?

Royal Highland Showgrounds, Edinburgh

When’s the festival?

25-27th August

Who’s playing?

Big acts include Primal Scream, Franz Ferdinand, Fred Again.. MUNA and Raye.

Why go?

Connect’s lineup is sure to have something for everyone with an eclectic mix of international and homegrown stars.

Where should you stay?

Enjoy well-priced summer accommodation in Edinburgh at iQ Fountainbridge, where you’ll be a 44-minute bus journey from the Royal Highland Showgrounds.

 

FLY Open Air

Where is it?

Hopetoun House, Edinburgh

When’s the festival?

20th-21st May

Who’s playing?

Denis Sulta and KILIMANJARO lead the pack, and there’ll be a FLY Open Air debut from Scotland’s rising star Hannah Laing.  

Why go?

What better way to enjoy a lineup of great international and Scotland-based DJs than in a stunning location against the backdrop of Edinburgh castle?

Where should you stay?

Enjoy your summer in Edinburgh with accommodation at iQ Fountainbridge, where you’ll be a 30-minute bus journey from Hopetoun House. 

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Music festivals in Glasgow

TRNSMT

Where is it?

Glasgow Green, Glasgow

When’s the festival?

7-9th July

Who’s playing?

There’s a range of guitar-heavy acts, including Pulp, George Ezra, Sam Fender, Kasabian, The 1975 and Royal Blood.

Why go?

Even though it’s a little pricier than some other festivals on this list, TRNSMT boasts a huge lineup that’s sure to be worth its weight.

Where should you stay?

A summer stay at our Glasgow student accommodation, iQ Elgin Place, helps you to reach Glasgow Green in under 30 minutes by either bus or train.

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Music festivals in Leeds

Leeds Festival

Where is it?

Bramham Park, Leeds

When’s the festival?

25-27th August

Who’s playing?

As usual, you can expect some big names at Leeds Festival, including Sam Fender, Foals, Billie Eilish, Declan Mckenna and Becky Hill.  

Why go?

Leeds Festival is one of the biggest in the UK, and for good reason. Big names, big crowds and big vibes. Don’t forget to check out Reading too.

Where should you stay?

Choose student accommodation in Leeds this summer at iQ Altus House is the closest site to Bramham Park, getting you to the heart of Leeds Festival in under an hour by bus.  

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Music festivals in London

City Splash

Where is it?

Brockwell Park, London

When’s the festival?

29th May

Who’s playing?

Headliners include Chronizz, Koffee and Skillibeng, with supports such as Ayra Starr, Max Romeo and Uncle Waffles.

Why go?

City Splash is London’s biggest festival dedicated to Caribbean & African music and culture. Expect big carni vibes with great reggae and afrobeats to keep you dancing all day long.

Where should you stay?

There are plenty of iQ sites to stay with when looking for student accommodation in London, with great transport links to Brockwell Park. 

 

Mighty Hoopla

Where is it?

Brockwell Park, London

When’s the festival?

3rd-4th June

Who’s playing?

The weekend’s headliners are Kelly Rowland and Years & Years, supported by the likes of pop legends Kelis, Natasha Bedingfield, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Vengaboys.

Why go?

Mighty Hoopla is an LGBTQ+ friendly event guaranteed for some cheesy good vibes. With big pop names and old school legends, dance through time without feeling guilty.

Where should you stay?

Choose from a range of iQ sites for great-value student accommodation in London this summer with ideal transport links to Brockwell Park. 

 

All Points East

Where is it?

Victoria Park, London

When’s the festival?

18-28th August

Who’s playing?

There’s a range of big names this year, including Stormzy, The Strokes, Jungle and Haim, with supports by Tove Lo, Erykah Badu and Kehlani.

Why go?

All Points East has something for everyone, from rock acts to RnB icons. Plus, they’re all about having a positive impact on the community with their commitment to sustainability.

Where should you stay?

Stay close with a 22-minute bus journey to Victoria Park from your student accommodation in London at iQ Magenta House. 

 

Wireless

Where is it?

Finsbury Park, London

When’s the festival?

7-9th July

Who’s playing?

Playboi Carti, Travis Scott and D-Block Europe headline, with a special appearance from 50 Cent on the Sunday.

Why go?

If you’re into grime, hip hop and RnB, then Wireless is the place to be this summer for huge crowds and the best vibes while listening to some of your faves.  

Where should you stay?

Roll out of bed onto the dancefloor with just a 5-minute walk to Finsbury Park from your London summer student accommodation at iQ Highbury 

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Music festivals in Manchester

Parklife

Where is it?

Heaton Park, Manchester

When’s the festival?

10-11th June

Who’s playing?

Huge names in a range of genres – The 1975, Aitch, Wu-Tang Clan, Skrillex, Raye and Self Esteem.

Why go?

Parklife is a party in the park like no other, with some huge names to get you dancing around with your mates – or on your own. A wide range of genres really means there’s something for everyone.

Where should you stay?

Reach Heaton Park in 41 minutes with a bus journey from your student accommodation in Manchester at iQ Fairfield & Lambert House. 

 

Manchester Psych Fest

Where is it?

Albert Hall, O2 Ritz, Gorilla, Canvas, YES and the Deaf Institute, Manchester

When’s the festival?

2nd September

Who’s playing?

Get your groove on with sets from The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Ezra Furman, Los Bitchos and Bodega.

Why go?

The Manchester Psych Fest is spread out across six venues in Manchester, making your search for the best in psychedelic music an adventure.

Where should you stay?

Reach whichever venue you need with a city-centre summer stay in Manchester at iQ Fairfield & Lambert House.

 

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Need a place to stay this summer?

Stay in the heart of it all with a summer stay at an iQ site. With great transport links and short journeys to some of the top music festivals in the UK, you’re bound to find the place that’s right for you. Choose the site that’s right for you and enjoy a stay from as little as a week. Check out summer stays with iQ and get ready for a smash hit summer .