It’s shaping up to be another exciting summer, with warm weather and good tunes on the way. Grab your sunnies, your flower crowns and your best pal, because this is going to be a festival season to remember.
LOVEBOX
12-13 JULY
Gunnersbury Park, London
Who’s playing: Chance the Rapper, Solange, 2 Chainz, Brockhampton, Lizzo
Following its move to Gunnersbury Park in 2018, Lovebox is back with all the best musical talent from around the UK and the international music community. What started as a humble club night in London’s Brick Lane has become one of the hottest festivals the UK has to offer, and this year’s line-up is not to be missed. Beginning as a dance festival, it has expanded to include a range of different genres including hip hop, grime, pop and world music.
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BENICÀSSIM
18-21 JULY
Benicàssim, Spain
Who’s playing: Kings of Leon, Lana Del Rey, Franz Ferdinand, Jess Glynne
If you’re heading abroad on your sixth-year holiday, why not hit up a festival at the same time? A stone’s throw from Valencia on the east coast of Spain, Benicàssim promises the best of both worlds: a sunny trip to remember with your friends, and great tunes to boot. Spend the mornings on the beach topping
up your tan, before getting ready and heading to the festival in the evening. This literally is sun, sea and music! One thing’s for sure: it’ll be a trip you won’t forget.
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EDINBURGH FRINGE
2-26 AUGUST
Various locations, Edinburgh
Who’s playing: Al Murray, Basil Brush, Daniel Sloss, Ed Byrne, Francis Boulle
The most diverse Scottish festival is back for another year, with comedians, musicians, actors and dancers lining the bill. For three weeks every summer, Edinburgh is transformed into the core of Scottish culture and art, with millions coming from around the world to see it for themselves. So, whether you’re looking for a drag show or want to enjoy Game of Thrones in musical form, there’s always something exciting to discover.
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SUMMER SESSIONS
7-25 AUGUST
Bellahouston Park, Glasgow/PrincesStreet Gardens, Edinburgh
Who’s playing: Florence + the Machine, Lewis Capaldi, Courteeners, The Cure
After expanding to Princes Street Gardens last year, Summer Sessions is back, bringing not just one, but two sold-out nights by #FriendOfSource and cover star, Lewis Capaldi. Supporting the Lewis Capaldi Show, sorry, Summer Sessions is a range of bands: throwbacks that your parents played in the car, and your favourite acts that you’ll be listening to for years to come. Tickets are selling fast, so make sure to head to the website and get yours ASAP.
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READING AND LEEDS
23-25 AUGUST
Richfield Avenue, Reading/Branham Park, Leeds
Who’s playing: The 1975, Post Malone, Foo Fighters, The Wombats, Twin Atlantic
Closing the festival season is the iconic Reading and Leeds festival; a favourite from all around the world. As always, you have your choice of two locations, with a range of chart- topping acts and emerging talentsfilling the line-up. Grab your tent, ticket and enjoy music the way it was meant to be enjoyed: screamed by thousands of fans in a field in the middle of nowhere.
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TRNSMT SPECIAL
TRNSMT
12-14 JULY
Glasgow Green, Glasgow
Who’s playing: Stormzy, Catfish and the Bottlemen, Gerry Cinnamon, Sam Fender
Glasgow’s very own TRNSMT is gearing up for another year of sun and great tunes. Sam Fender played the King Tut’s Stage last year, and is taking it one step further to open the Main Stage this summer… and we were pleased to break the good news!
“It’s wild that I’m opening the Main Stage,” Sam enthuses shocked at the main stage revelation.
“I love Scotland, it’s kind of like my second home. I have a soft spot for the place, and I can actually understand what people are saying, which helps.”
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The North Shields native shot to fame after the release of his first single, Play God, in 2017. Not only will Sam be playing TRNSMT this summer, but he’s also releasing his debut album, Hypersonic Missiles,in August.
“The day I played TRNSMT 2018 was probably the hottest day of that summer,” Sam reminisces. “It’s one of the hottest days I can remember. It was a good gig, we had a good laugh.”
One thing’s for sure, the Scottish crowds are some of the best in the business, which is just one of the many reasons TRNSMT has been such a success since its launch in 2017.
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