Download and Sonisphere gave us some incredible memories, but the summer festival season is far from over. The behemoths that are Bloodstock and Reading/Leeds are fast approaching, but here are six lesser-known UK festivals well worth checking out...
*Y Not Festival *
When: August 1-3.
Where: Pikehall, Derbyshire
Line-Up: Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls (pictured), Andrew WK, The Blackout, Cerebral Ballzy, Baby Godzilla, Lonely The Brave, Turbowolf and more.
We say: Billed as ‘Small Fresh and Loud’, Y Not leans more towards indie rock (Razorlight, White Lies and The Fratellis are among the main stage attractions) but the appealingly titled Giant Squid stage boasts an impressive line-up of noisy souls.
Rebellion
When: August 7-10
Where: Winter Gardens, Blackpool
Line-Up: NOFX (pictured), Killing Joke, Stiff Little Fingers, Biohazard, DOA, Agnostic Front, SNFU, GBH, The Dickies and more.
We say: Loud, proud and snotty, Rebellion is the undoubted Daddy of UK punk festivals. Living proof that punk’s not dead.
Jabberwocky
When: August 15-16
Where: The Excel Centre, London
Line-Up: Electric Wizard (pictured), Deafheaven, Pissed Jeans, Iceage, Earth, Big Ups, Metz, The Van Pelt
We say: The fact that Jabberwocky is promoted by the people behind All Tomorrow’s Parties and Pitchfork, should give you an inkling of its more left-field, experimental feel. But can an indoor event really capture the atmosphere of a summer festival?
Alt-Fest
When: August 15-17.
Where: Boughton Estate, Kettering, Northamptonshire
Line-Up: Marilyn Manson, The Cult, Killing Joke (pictured), Arch Enemy, Paradise Lost, Satyricon, The Defiled, Amen, Front 242 and many more.
We say: A bold attempt at creating a bespoke ‘crowd-led’ festival, the goth/metal/industrial/steampunk event has pulled together a hugely impressive bill in its inaugural year. Good luck to them.
Merthyr Rock
When: August 17
Where: Cyfarthfa Castle, Merthyr Tydfil
Line-Up: Taking Back Sunday, Anti-Flag (pictured), The Blackout, Lost Alone, Reel Big Fish, Blitz Kids, Feed The Rhino, Colt 45
We say: A compact one-dayer, Merthyr Rock has a great reputation and a energetic line-up guaranteed to plaster smiles on faces.
ArcTanGent
When: August 28-30
Where: Fernhill Farm, Compton Martin, Somerset
Line-Up: Crippled Black Phoenix, MONO, God Is An Astronaut (pictured), And So I Watch You From Afar, Russian Circles, Baby Godzilla, This Will Destroy You…
We say: The UK’s only dedicated math-rock/post-rock noise festival, ArcTanGent boats 70 bands for £70, and features a host of UK exclusives from artists dedicating to pushing rock’s boundaries. A genuine alternative to the well-established festivals.
