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 Bournemouth

SandFest

Where is it?

Sandbanks, Dorset

When’s the festival?

14th July

Who’s playing?

Dizzee Rascal, Sigma and Kojo Funds headline with support acts to be announced soon. 

Why go?

It's a huge party on the beach - something you won't find too often elsewhere in the UK. 

Where should you stay?

If you’re looking for summer student accommodation in Bournemouth,  iQ Dorchester House is a 39 minute bus ride away.

 

 

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Music festivals near Brighton

Love Supreme Jazz Festival

Where is it?

Glynde Place, East Sussex

When’s the festival?

5-7th July

Who’s playing?

Jazz and soul artists old and new - Chaka Khan, Olivia Dean, Dionne Warwick and Mahalia are just some of the headliners. 

Why go?

It's not quite Brighton but it is in East Sussex. Love Supreme offers the best vibes with a lot calmer energy than some other festivals in the UK. It's perfect for music lovers who wanna get together to enjoy some soulful tunes. 

Where should you stay?

If you're looking for student accommodation in Brighton for the summer, you’ve got a few choices, including iQ Abacus House, iQ Sawmills, and iQ Brighton. iQ Brighton is just a 37 minute train to the venue. 

 

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Music festivals in Dundee

Dundee Fake Festival

Where is it?

Lochee Park, Dundee

When’s the festival?

20th July

Who’s playing?

Six tribute acts - The Fillers (tributing The Killers), Hullaballoo (tributing Muse), Fore Fighters (tributing Foo Fighters), Pulp'd (tributing Pulp), INXSUK (tributing INXS) and Alanish (tributing Alanis Morissette).  

Why go?

It's a chance to hear some of your favourite rock songs for a lot less money. The band on stage is having a bit of fun, so it gives you more of a chance to have fun too. It's like the ultimate karaoke sesh.  

Where should you stay?

Enjoy well-priced summer accommodation in Dundee at iQ Parker House, where you’ll be a 30 minute walk or 20 minute bus from Lochee Park.

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Music festivals in Leeds

Leeds Festival

Where is it?

Bramham Park, Leeds

When’s the festival?

21-25th August

Who’s playing?

As usual, you can expect some big names at Leeds Festival, including Fred Again, Lana Del Rey, Blink 182, Liam Gallagher, Jorja Smith and Raye.  

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?

27th May

Who’s playing?

Headliners include Capleton, Beenie Man and Shenseea, with supports including Anthony B, Black Sherif, Libianca and Lojay.

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 buildings to choose from 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?

1st-2nd June

Who’s playing?

The weekend’s headliners are Nelly Furtado and Jessie Ware, supported by the likes of pop legends En Vogues, Kim Petras, Bananarama, Alison Goldfrapp and Eve.

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 buildings 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?

16-25th August

Who’s playing?

There’s a range of big names this year, including Kaytranada, Thundercat, Nas, LCD Soundsystem and Pixies.

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?

12-14th July

Who’s playing?

Nicki Minah, 21 Savage, J Hus and Doja Cat headline, with supports from Ice Spice, Sean Paul and Future.

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?

8-9th June

Who’s playing?

Huge names in a range of genres – Doja Cat, Disclosure, Anne-Marie, Becky Hill and Kaytranada.

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 our student accommodation in Manchester. 

 

Manchester Psych Fest

Where is it?

Various venues across Manchester

When’s the festival?

31st August

Who’s playing?

Get your groove on with sets from Baxter Dury, The Horrors, Pigsx7, Goat Girl and Temples.

Why go?

The Manchester Psych Fest is spread out across multiple 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. 

 

 

Music festivals in Nottingham

Woodland Disco Festival

Where is it?

Newstead Abbey, Nottingham

When’s the festival?

6th July

Who’s playing?

Big names in disco including Sister Sledge and Jocelyn Brown, plus DJ sets from Gok Wan, Fat Tony and Dr Packer to keep the good vibes going.

Why go?

Woodland Disco Festival is set in a magical setting in Newstead Abbey. You'll experience disco music like you never have before, with epic visuals helping you really feel the music. 

Where should you stay?

We've got plenty of student accommodation in Nottingham city centre, so you can stay close to where you need to be. 

 

Music festivals in Plymouth

Summer Sessions

Where is it?

Plymouth Hoe, Plymouth

When’s the festival?

13-16th June

Who’s playing?

Big throwback stars headline including Tom Jones, Bryan Adams, Madness and Sting, with supports from Gabrielle, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Blondie.

Why go?

If you're an old soul and like throwing it back to some classics, this is a great chance to listen to some of your faves. With a cool waterfront setting, you'll feel like you're listening to some top hits in another world. 

Where should you stay?

iQ Astor House is perfect if you're looking for student accommodation in Plymouth, putting you just a 6-minute walk from The Hoe. 

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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 .