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Top 10 Electronic Music Festivals in UK

When it comes to electronic music, the United Kingdom boasts a rich music scene. The genre is immensely popular in the UK and has many fans across its isles for whom they have held a large number of electrifying and thrilling music festivals all over the country. The excitement of festival season is basically equivalent to the cheer and joy felt throughout the holiday season.

With festivals that are both dance giants like Creamfields, Parklife, We Are FSTVL, and South West Four, to festivals that are more so hidden gems like Houghton and Junction 2, there are electronic music festivals in UK that will suit people with all levels of fervor and excitement for the music and dance. Here is a list of what we consider to be the top ten electronic music festivals in the UK currently.

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Creamfields in Daresbury, England

Creamfields first made its debut to the festival scene in 1998, in recent years however, the festival has taken place in the village of Daresbury. Considered by many to be the UK’s oldest and most prestigious dance event, it sure backs up those claims with a lineup year after year that features some of the biggest electronic music acts in the world. From Deadmau5, Martin Garrix, and David Guetta, to the likes of Tïesto, Avicii, Steve Aoki, and Calvin Harris, you’d be hard-pressed to name a famous DJ who hasn’t played at the Creamfields festival at some point in their career. The program features well over 200 artists every festival and is always a stunning event, creating for a memorable experience with mind-blowing stages such as Arc, Horizon, Generator, and Steel Yard.

Parklife in Manchester, England

An independent music festival that was created by the brilliant mind of Sacha Lord, Parklife Festival is one of the UK’s most popular and famous weekend music festivals. The event hosts a spectacular program of diverse and cutting-edge music inside Manchester’s Heaton Park and features a large number of popular artists thanks to the efforts of The Warehouse Project and LiveNation. The two-day festival is a non-camping festival so attendees will have to spend the night elsewhere before going to the grounds to enjoy music and stages from stars like Khalid, Charli XCX, Cardi B, and Lauv. The 2020 festival was cancelled due to covid, but there is no doubt that the weekender that is Parklife will return in 2021 with an even better roster of performers than the ones they had slated for this year.

Junction 2 Festival in London, England

Junction 2 Festival in London takes its name from its setting – quite literally underneath a motorway – but the industrial car park setting is the perfect accompaniment to Junction 2’s gritty, but alternative, sound. An A-list techno lineup heads to West London’s Boston Manor Park each summer for a day party. Friday’s lineup explores a wide range of the electronic music spectrum with a particular focus on house, techno, electro, and breakbeats, whilst Saturday retains the festival’s original style of full-throttle four-to-the-floor techno as well as spacey minimal. Slated to return in June 2021, Junction 2 has promised to have as close as a replica to the cancelled 2020 lineup as they can manage. With the 2020 lineup having artists such as Adam Beyer, Amelie Lens, Ben Klock and Dax J, you won’t want to miss next year’s festival.

Southport Weekender in Bognor Regis, England

Normally held in Crystal Palace Park in London, the Southport Weekender will be returning to Bognor Regis in 2021 to throw the ultimate music festival, with a weekend of parties across the town’s Butlin’s Resort, including inside its theatres, cinemas, pubs and even swimming complex. In addition to big names in the electronic music scene like DJ Swerve and SOULDYNAMIC, the Southport Weekend will also have many popular Jazz artists like Ronnie Laws and Lonnie Liston Smith.

Field Day in London, England

A relatively new festival that had its debut in 2019, Field Day solidified its position as one of the capital’s most loved music festivals due to their excellent lineup,stellar stages, and live performances. Field Day is curated by a collection of clubs and promoters from the London music scene to celebrate the full spectrum of electronic music with both live and DJ performances across one day with three outdoor stages of music, indoor stages, and running as late as 3am, which is considered to be a novelty when it comes to London music festivals.

Houghton Festival in Houghton, England

Despite only two editions under their belt, Houghton Music & Arts Festival has established itself as one of the UK’s leading electronic festivals. Curated by British electronic music veteran Craig Richards and produced by another firm favorite Gottwood, the festival has won praise on basically all counts – lineup, scheduling, sound quality, location, and atmosphere. With extended set times and a knowledgeable crowd, artists have the freedom to showcase sounds they wouldn’t normally explore, and this is where magic moments are created. 

We Out Here in Cambridgeshire, UK

A festival curated by DJ Giles Peterson and named after the UK jazz compilation Peterson’s label Brownswood Recordings released in 2018, We Out Here is a festival celebrating musical eclecticism from across the spectrum. The music that can be heard over the Cambridgeshire countryside during the festival will be a mixture of jazz, funk, soul, and hip hop, with a strong focus on electronic music. With a jam-packed program of DJs and live performances as well as incredible food, wellness activities, and art installations, We Out Here is a family-friendly festival that should be on everyone’s calendar. Where other music scenes might have capitulated to branded commercialization, the diversity of this new jazz generation, matching and continuing the legacy of their forebears, creates the genuine, communal movement that defies commodification at the We Out Here festival.

Lost Village in Lincolnshire, England

Beautifully tucked away inside a forest in Lincolnshire, Lost Village transforms the magical woodland into an enchanted electronic haven, taking festival goers on a journey through house and techno to their utopia of the freshest electronic sounds in the scene today. The intimate size of the festival further creates a space where magic seems possible and reality seems distant. Mixed into the adventure is comedy, theatre, art and of course music for three days during the summer.

We Are FSTVL in London, England

Growing bigger and bigger year after year, We Are FSTVL has festivals in multiple countries. The brand attempts to add a fun and creative aspect to its wide-ranging style of partying and revelry at the festival that always brings in droves of excited festival goers from new fans of dance music to enthusiasts. Featuring DJs and artists that specialize in techno, house, and bass, the festival is able to create some of the most stunning and amazing stages. And the party doesn’t stop at We Are FSTVL, long after the entertainment at the venue dies down, there are still afterparties for those who want to keep dancing till the sun rises.

SW4: South West Four in London, England

Since launching in 2003, South West Four has grown into one of London’s leading festivals, consistently drawing in international talent and crafting humongous line-ups that share their performances for audiences over ten large stages at the festival. Carving out space for itself in central London, South West Four can go head to head with some of the biggest dance festivals in the world. The festival has grown famous for its unexpected back-to-back sets that often take place. With more than 100 artists over two days, you’re bound to find someone who you’ll enjoy seeing perform. After all, industry heavyweights like Marshmello, Armin Van Buuren, Dizzee Rascal, and others have headlined at the event in past years.

tomorrowland main stage

Best EDM (Electronic Dance Music) Festivals in Europe

Growing bored of doing your rounds at the same few music festivals and want a change of scenery? Give these EDM festivals in Europe a go. Check these destinations off your rave and travel bucket lists at the same time; now that’s what I call a win-win situation!

Tomorrowland  (Boom, Belgium) – July

Yes, there’s more than just delicious chocolate to seduce you over to Belgium! Held in Belgium’s Boom, and crowned ‘The World’s #1 Festival’ back in 2015, Tomorrowland is arguably the continent’s most well-known and well-loved EDM festival. With hundreds of artists from around the world vying for a coveted spot on its fancy, futuristic floating stages, Tomorrowland promises to rather ironically have you wishing that the day never ends and tomorrow never comes so you can just keep dancing your heart out whilst basking in this high-quality music. From The Chainsmokers to Martin Garrix, you’ll be sure to spot your favorite EDM idols here. I mean David Guetta’s been performing here every year and if he doesn’t grow tired of it, I’m sure you won’t either.

Barcelona Beach Festival  (Barcelona, Spain) – July 

Not that you needed another reason to add Barcelona to your travel bucket list, but Barcelona Beach Festival has earned its name as one of the wildest dance music festivals in Spain. Polish up your Espanyol because the likes of EDM powerhouses like Don Diablo, Armin van Buuren and Alan Walker are about to set the Mediterranean coast on fire and it’d be a crime to miss it. So round up your BFFs, and head over to BBF this July for a summer to remember!

Mysteryland (Haarlemmermeer, Netherlands) – August

Netherland’s oldest and largest dance music festival, Mysteryland has been around since ’93 and leveled up each year to earn the title of the longest running dance festival in the whole world. Watch out for the star-studded line-up which boasts big names like Swedish House Mafia, Yellow Claw and Afrojack! Its elaborate sets, creative lighting and stellar camping facilities are sure to win you over as soon as you set foot on its grounds in Haarlemmermeer. And with attendees from over 100 different countries, it’s no mystery that Mysteryland is a true fan-favorite amongst EDM lovers!

Airbeat One (Neustadt-Glewe, Germany) – July

Looking to party the German way? Well luckily you don’t have to go much further than the airport (at Neustadt-Glewe)! Sporting an enticing line-up of some of the biggest EDM who’s who such as Salvatore Ganacci, Charlotte De Witte and NERVO, this dance festival will leave you with some major withdrawal symptoms once the four days of non-stop insanity are up. If dazzling visuals and ornate sets are what you crave, then head over to Airbeat One this July! And yes, the abundance of German craft beer doesn’t hurt either.

Ultra Europe (Split, Croatia) – July

Unfolding in the beautiful city of Split in the heart of Croatia, this multi-venue music festival promises to take your breath away with elaborate firework displays and the best beach parties to cool off in between performances. Set aside a week to soak in the festivities and make the most of your time here because Ultra Europe is guaranteed to be the largest international dance party you’ll ever find yourself invited to. Dance it out to sick tunes courtesy of Marshmello, Steve Aoki, Alesso, and every other household name in EDM because Ultra Europe is undeniably ultra cool.

Balaton Sound (Zamardi, Hungary) – July

Hung(a)ry for a rave experience you’ll never forget? Then head over to Zamardi, Hungary because Balaton Sound will certainly deliver! Although slightly smaller than some of the other names on this list, Balaton Sound earns its name as one of the best EDM music festivals in Europe for offering up breath-taking views and truly diverse line-up. Plus, Hungary’s a lot gentler on the wallet too, so don’t miss out on making a whole trip of it.Build up a luscious summer tan in this beachy wonderland sitting pretty on Europe’s largest lake whilst listening to the likes of DJ Snake, Moksi and Jonas Blue.

Creamfields (Cheshire, UK) – August

I bet you don’t think of Britain when you think of EDM, but Creamfields is about to change your mind. Held in Daresbury, Cheshire, Creamfields has effortlessly tripled in size since its birth in 1998 and reminds us why it continues to be the UK’s most renowned EDM festival since with legends like Avicii and Tiesto gracing its stage yearly. Savour every moment of this musical bonanza from the belly of the Steel Yard – one of the largest superstructures in the world, crafted solely to enhance the experience of festival attendees – and party to your heart’s content. The annual DJ Awards named Creamfields the ‘Best International Dance Music Festival’ back in 2014 because even a spell of the notoriously unpredictable English showers won’t be able to dampen your spirits here.

Untold Festival (Cluj-Napoca, Romania) – July

End July on a high note with a tonne of unspeakable fun – ya know, ’cause it’s untold? – in the heart of Romania. Yes, Untold Festival provides the perfect opportunity for you to explore the picturesque city of Cluj-Napoca as you indulge in a generous buffet of EDM perfection, ranging from Stormzy to David Guetta and every musical legend in between. Crowned ‘Best Major Festival’ thrice in a row at the esteemed European Festival Awards, Untold has established itself as a frontrunner in the scene.

Electric Love Festival (Salzburgring, Austria) – July

Follow the sound of music over to Austria’s Salzburgring, to be (von-)trap-ped by the enchanting combination of breathtakingly beautiful European countryside and groovy EDM music of every possible sub-genre over at Electric Love Festival. Annually unfolding in July, this gram-worthy EDM fest is known for putting Austria on the rave map with riveting performances from internationally-acclaimed artists like Axwell, Sebastian Ingrosso and Timmy Trumpet.

Sonar Barcelona (Barcelona, Spain) – June

Sónar is the 3 days and 2 nights International Festival of Advanced Music and New Media Art that takes place at various venues in Barcelona (Spain) in the third week of June since 1994. It’s first class reputation as a leading reference for international festivals is by virtue of a carefully balanced cultural offering, combining a playful nature, the avant-garde, and experimentation with electronic dance music’s newest trends. Sónar activities are divided into two main locations: the recently premiered Sónar by Day, located from 2013 in Fira Montjuïc, with concerts and dj’s, showcases as well as the new Sónar+D, the professional activities areas; and the larger shows at Sónar by Night, in Fira Gran Via de L’Hospitalet, where the leading names in the current international music scene are staged.

Amsterdam Music Festival (Amsterdam, Netherlands) – October

Amsterdam is basically the Mecca of EDM, so it’s only fitting that Amsterdam Music Festival sees fans pouring in from every corner of the world. Taking place every October in Johan Crujiff Arena, the largest indoor stadium Netherlands has to offer, AMF boasts a legendary line-up featuring the likes of Coone, Lost Frequencies and  Jonas Blue. It also holds the honour of announcing the annual list of Top 100 DJs as ranked by DJ Mag, thereby setting the tone for the rest of the year and playing a pivotal role in catapulting EDM artists to fame. Basically, this festival is a must-attend for every avid raver, and it’s sure to have you saying Amster-dayumm.

11 magnificent destinations, 11 unforgettable music festivals, but only one stop to book your tickets!