After 2017’s explosive year of Festivals it’s easy to be excited for what 2018 will hold. We all know the feeling of waking up at dawn to empty our pockets for a weekend filled with bands, art and comedy. We’ve only just entered into 2018 yet festivals across the world are readily announcing their dates, ticket sales and headliners for the summer festivals. Here we list our guide to the top UK boutique festivals this summer.

Kelburn Garden Party, North Ayrshire

Located just on the outskirts of Glasgow, Kelburn Garden Party is a colourful festival which is help in the colourful castle grounds featuring the work of Brazilian Street artist duo OSGEMEOS. Hidden in the corners of the garden you can discover art, performances and intimate stages that complete the festival. The “Neverending Glen” is a trail that leads you through the forest to discover art installations, sculptures and secret events. Last year’s artists included Akala, The Hot 8 Brass Band and Jayda G. This is also a very family friendly festival with plenty of events and entertainment for kids.

Field Maneuvers, South-East England

This club sized festivals is created by clubbers for clubbers. The festival fills with around 700 people descending to a secret rural spot just on the outside of London. The weekend is filled with underground DJ’s and has a respectful party atmospgere. The staging is very simple and fully focused on the music. The main stage is located inside a dome filled with smoke and incredible lighting. Proving to be an amazing festival to experience.

Festival No 6, Portmeirion

Escape to this Italianate village of Portmeiron, in Wales. The toy-town-like village comes to life with concerts in Castell Park and intimate performances in smaller venues such as the town hall. Enjoy a range of free workshops and lectures in a Jacobean venue or catch film screenings and live re-scores in the Gatehouse. In the Dome gallery you will find acoustic gigs, talks and DJ sets. This festival is true cultural experience in the broad arts.

 

End of the Road, Wiltshire

Created a year after the Secret Garden Party comes End of The Road which is a well-respected festival with a strong folk, indie and Americana leaning bill. Previously featuring indie beloveds Father John Misty, Lucinda Williams and Bill Callahan this festival also comes with a programme of films, comedy, literature and workshops. Holding around 11,000 it is the perfect size for those who want to avoid the hustle and bustle of the much larger festivals.

 

Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival, Beauly

Hidden in the West Coast of Scotland, enveloped in the beautiful iconic Scottish views comes the perfect Scottish festival. Located in the small village of Beauly on the Beauly estate comes Belladrum that is filled with music to suit all tastes, poetry, yoga, workshops, comedy and fun for all. Take a break from the busy main Garden Stage that has hosted Tom Jones, Sister Sledge, Kaiser Chiefs and Two Door Cinema Club and wonder through the Walled Garden. Take a sit in the tented cinema or watch the showings from various drama groups. There’s never a dull moment from when you wake up to a yoga session then waltz through the arena to see open stages with young musicians performing. This is a family friendly festival and has plenty to offer children including infants.