Best UK music festivals for students in summer
Music festivals are a guaranteed great day out, so why not add one or two to your summer bucket list? Wherever you are, there are so many UK music festivals to choose from, so you’re sure to find one near your city. Check out some of the most popular music festivals below, so you can plan your best summer yet.
At iQ, we have plenty of summer stays in central locations, so you’ll have a convenient place to come home to after a long day of dancing.
Music festivals in London
British Summer Time (BST) Hyde Park
The BST Hyde Park summer music festival has a line-up of the biggest stars throughout June and July. Book tickets now to see names like Pitbull, Garth Brooks, Lewis Capaldi and more.
All Points East
Located in Victoria Park, All Points East is one of the best London summer music festivals. It runs across various dates in August and features a line-up of celebrated artists each day, like Lorde, Jorja Smith and Tyler, The Creator.
Wireless Festival
Wireless is known for its hip-hop, rap, R&B and grime. The festival is held in July at Finsbury Park.
If you’re attending one of the London summer music festivals and need somewhere to stay, we’ve got a range of locations to choose from. Explore our London summer stays now.
Music festivals in Bristol
Love Saves The Day
If you’re looking for summer music festivals to add to your list, Love Saves the Day is not one to miss. As one of Bristol's biggest festivals, it features a jam-packed line-up of iconic artists and runs across the May bank holiday weekend (23rd-24th May).
Our centrally-located building iQ Bristol is only a 20-min drive from the festival site, so it’s the perfect place for your summer stay.
Music festivals in Edinburgh
Edinburgh Summer Sessions
Edinburgh Summer Sessions offers an unforgettable music experience, so it’s a must-see for music festivals in summer. The dates feature some of the most iconic names in music. Book tickets this August for a chance to see Florence + The Machine and Biffy Clyro, and live your summer of bests with our Edinburgh summer stays.
Music festivals in Birmingham
Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul Festival
Known for showcasing diverse UK talent, the Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul Festival is a feel-good festival held in the beautiful Moseley Park. It’s also less than 20 mins drive from our Birmingham student homes at iQ Broderick House and iQ Penworks House.
Music festivals in Leeds
Leeds Festival
Don’t forget to add Leeds Festival to your list of summer music festivals. Running from 27th-30th August, it boasts a star-studded lineup, including headliners Charlie XCX, Raye and Dave. Book your summer at iQ Leeds or iQ Altus House for a convenient and comfortable place to stay throughout the festival.
Music festivals in Manchester
Parklife Festival
Parklife Festival is a weekend filled with some of the most iconic names in the industry. One of the most famous UK music festivals, it runs from June 20th-21st, featuring artists like Calvin Harris, Sammy Virji and Zara Larsson.
If you’re heading to Manchester this summer, we have various buildings located across the city, so you can plan your perfect Manchester summer stay.
Music festivals in Sheffield
Tramlines Festival
Taking place from July 24th-26th, Tramlines offers three days of fantastic music acts, like Fatboy Slim, Courteeners, Rick Astley, Wolf Alice and Wet Leg.
Our iQ student homes in Sheffield are located close to Tramlines, with options only a 10-15 min drive from the festival site to give you an ideal base for the summer.
FAQs
How much do UK summer music festivals cost?
The cost of UK summer music festivals varies significantly depending on the event. For instance, some multi-day festivals can be priced from around £150 to £360 for the weekend. For single-day tickets, prices can range from around £60 to £140 for different UK music festivals.
What should I pack for a music festival?
It’s important to pack smartly for a music festival, particularly for UK music festivals where the weather can be unpredictable. We advise packing warm and waterproof clothing, along with comfortable shoes. If you’re staying onsite, you’ll need camping gear like a tent and a sleeping bag. Don’t forget the essentials like your festival ticket, a portable phone charger, your ID and sunscreen.
When should I buy tickets for UK summer festivals?
You should buy tickets for UK summer festivals as soon as they go on sale for the best chance of securing your spot. Release dates vary between events, but many of the popular UK music festivals sell out quite quickly. Check each festival website for specific ticket sale dates.
How can I get discounted musical festival tickets?
While many of the major UK festivals don’t offer tickets specifically discounted for students, websites like Student Beans and UNiDAYS may have student discounts for various festivals and events, so it’s worth checking those out. If you have a student railcard, you can use this if you’re travelling to festivals by train. For more tips on how to get student discounts and where to use them, read our guide here.
Having safe and convenient accommodation while you explore the best UK music festivals makes all the difference. Explore our summer stays now to have your summer of bests.
