Tents and Tunes: Stereoboard's Ultimate Guide To Festival Season 2023
Wednesday, 24 May 2023
Written by Maddy Howell and Emma Wilkes
If you’re young (curse you, your time will come) then festival season might present itself as a wonderful unknown, full of days that might become the best days of your life. If you’re old (be honest, how are the knees today?) then it might awaken the grizzled warrior inside you, steeling you for one more warm beer under the summer sun (or summer rain) as human waste simmers (or dilutes) in an adjoining field.
Knitting these two states into one gelatinous wad of possibility is the music: loud, vibey, classic, or cutting edge. There’s no other moment in the calendar quite like the tipping point into another festival summer, so pop that aspirational bottle of sun cream into your rucksack next to the bag of crisps you forgot to take out last year and let us guide you through the events that will soundtrack the next few months.
// Slam Dunk Festival //
If you’re a fan of all things pop-punk, metalcore, emo, and everything in between, there’s no better way to kick off festival season than Slam Dunk. Taking over Hatfield and Leeds during the last bank holiday weekend in May, it promises a day full of singalongs and mosh pits courtesy of the alternative scene’s finest. Combining the nostalgia of bands such as Yellowcard and Bowling For Soup with exciting up-and-coming names in Holding Absence and ZAND, there’s something for every generation of rock fan here. Plus, you’ve got Enter Shikari headlining fresh off the back of a number one album. For those who like things a little heavier, check out Portals in Hackney on the same weekend, where MONO and And So I Watch You From Afar are set to top a bill of experimental noise. // Maddy Howell
When? South, May 27 / North, May 28
Where? Hatfield Park / Leeds Temple Newsam
Headliners: Enter Shikari and The Offspring
Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: Holding Absence, Fireworks, NOAHFINNCE, SeeYouSpaceCowboy, Higher Power
// Glastonbury //
The world’s largest music festival is bringing the revelry back to Worthy Farm, as ever, during the last week of June. Arctic Monkeys are set to return to the Pyramid Stage for their third headline outing, while Guns N’ Roses will be making their Glasto debut, as is Elton John in his final ever UK performance. Other highlights include Lana Del Rey topping The Other Stage bill, Yusuf/Cat Stevens playing the coveted Legends slot and the debut of the new Woodsies area, which replaces the John Peel Stage and will play host to Måneskin, Christine and the Queens and more. // Emma Wilkes
When? June 21-25
Where? Worthy Farm, Pilton, Somerset
Headliners: Arctic Monkeys, Guns N’Roses, Lizzo, Elton John
Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: Lana Del Rey, Christine and the Queens, Yusuf/Cat Stevens
// Outbreak Fest //
After celebrating its 10-year anniversary in 2022, Outbreak Festival returns to Manchester with a huge line up, celebrating the worlds of punk, hardcore, rap, and more. Growing into one of the most important independent hardcore and punk festivals in the world over the last decade, it aims to showcase the diversity within the community. Welcoming everyone from technically dextrous MCs to straight edge hardcore outfits to its stages, it’s set to be a unique celebration of everything the culture has to offer, and with a skate jam, an art and photography exhibition, and an independent market also taking place throughout the weekend, there’ll be no need for lengthy breaks at the bar. // Maddy Howell
When? June 23-25
Where? Depot Mayfield, Manchester
Headliners: Converge, Bane, Death Grips and Denzel Curry
It’s been two decades since Download brought riffs back to Donington Park, formerly home to the annual hard rock extravaganza Monsters Of Rock. To celebrate, this year’s festival is taking place over four days as opposed to the usual three, playing host to two unique headline sets from Metallica and Bring Me The Horizon’s first turn at the top of the bill. Slipknot will then close out Download’s supersized birthday celebration, which will also welcome Architects, Parkway Drive, Evanescence, Ghost, Halestorm and Alter Bridge onto its main stage. // Emma Wilkes
When? June 8-11
Where? Donington Park, Castle Donington, Leicestershire
Headliners: Metallica, Bring Me The Horizon, Slipknot
Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: Ghost, Architects, Bring Me The Horizon
// TRNSMT //
Returning to the heart of Glasgow in 2023, TRNSMT promises a weekend packed full of the biggest and best names in pop and indie. The line-up boasts everything from a headline performance by the freshly reformed Pulp to viral TikTok queen Mae Stephens. Whether you’re there to sing along to George Ezra in the summer sun with a pint in hand or explore the River Stage and its brilliantly curated selection of rising stars, it’s going to be hard to find a festival with better vibes than this. // Maddy Howell
When? July 7-9
Where? Glasgow Green
Headliners: Pulp, Sam Fender and The 1975
Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: Hot Milk, The Big Moon, Lauran Hibberd, Bob Vylan, Crawlers
// Reading and Leeds //
Thousands of fans in bucket hats and vest tops are set to descend upon Richfield Avenue and Bramham Park once again for summer’s last hurrah. This year’s line-up is arguably the most pop and indie-oriented to date, bringing chart-toppers Billie Eilish, Sam Fender and Lewis Capaldi to the twin festival’s dual main stages, as well as repeat headliners Foals and The Killers and newcomers Imagine Dragons. Meanwhile, there are performances to look forward to from big names like Rina Sawayama, Holly Humberstone and Wet Leg, as well as further down the line-up with The Murder Capital, Sleep Token and The Last Dinner Party all set to appear. // Emma Wilkes
When? August 25-27
Where? Richfield Avenue, Reading; Bramham Park, Leeds
Headliners: Sam Fender, Foals, The Killers, Lewis Capaldi, Billie Eilish, Imagine Dragons
Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: Rina Sawayama, Sleep Token, The Last Dinner Party
// Wireless Festival //
Founded in 2005 as a rock and pop event, over the years Wireless Festival has undergone an identity transformation into Europe’s biggest celebration of hip-hop, grime and R&B. Bringing a cavalcade of stars to Finsbury Park this summer, its line up combines pioneering artists with the freshest new talent. Alongside a trio of UK exclusive headliners, a special guest performance from 50 Cent is lined up for 2023, and with surprise appearances from the likes of Drake, Jay-Z, and Rihanna at past festivals you should expect the unexpected. // Maddy Howell
When? July 7-9
Where? Finsbury Park, London
Headliners: Playboi Carti, Travis Scott and D-Block Europe
Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: Joey Bada$$, Lil Uzi Vert, Ken Carson, Bisola, Flo
// 2000Trees //
Are riffs better in the forest? Trees would certainly have you think so. A little bit indie, a little bit metal, and a little bit of everything in between, the Cheltenham mid-week party has been hailed as one of the UK’s best medium-sized festivals. This year boasts an all-British set of headliners, with Soft Play (formerly known as Slaves), Bullet For My Valentine and Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes all set to top the bill. Be sure to wander down to the Forest Stage too, to catch acoustic sets and performances from the best up-and-coming artists in a tree-hut like stage in the middle of the woods. // Emma Wilkes
When? July 5-8
Where? Upcote Farm, Cheltenham
Headliners: Soft Play, Bullet For My Valentine, Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes
Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: Skindred, The Wonder Years, Empire State Bastard
// Dot to Dot Festival //
Bringing emerging talent from around the globe to local venues across Bristol and Nottingham, Dot to Dot takes a huge line-up of artists on tour from city to city over the weekend. It’s set to fill the best venues across each locale with the finest newcomers over the May bank holiday weekend. From hotly tipped singer-songwriter Nell Mescal to Kofi Stone, whose brilliantly introspective brand of hip-hop has been making waves recently, with over 160 artists performing throughout the day this is your chance to see some of next year’s biggest names in some very intimate venues. // Maddy Howell
When? Bristol, May 27 / Nottingham, May 28
Where? Various venues
Headliners: Yard Act, Alvvays and The Murder Capital
Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: Finn Foxell, Kofi Stone, Opus Kink, High Vis, Nell Mescal
// ArcTanGent //
2000Trees’ heavier, weirder sister festival is back again for another electrifying year. Located just a little further down the M4, it’s got an appetite for post-metal, black metal, hardcore and anything of the loud, experimental variety. Leading its eclectic line-up for 2023 are Converge, Heilung and Devin Townsend, while further down the bill, Deafheaven are set to deliver an unmissable UK exclusive set, playing landmark album ‘Sunbather’ in full for its 10th anniversary. Other notable sets include the return of the recently reunited Yourcodenameis:Milo and one of the first UK shows from emerging mathcore sextet The Callous Daoboys. // Emma Wilkes
When? August 16-19
Where? Fernhill Farm, Compton St. Martin, Bristol
Headliners: Converge, Heilung, Devin Townsend
Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: Deafheaven, Yourcodenameis:Milo, The Callous Daoboys
// End of the Road //
One for the adventurous listener, End of the Road is a festival centered on experimentation and discovery. With a unique atmosphere, held within a woodland wonderland strewn with art installations and surreal decorated spaces, it’s a carefully curated event with music as its guiding force. Favouring local, organic food vendors, offering a wide range of local ales at its bars, and expanding upon its musical offerings with a rich literary and film programme, it’s a one-of-a-kind festival experience. Plus, with no VIP areas and musicians often wandering around the site to watch other bands’ performances, you never know who you might bump into over the weekend. // Maddy Howell
When? August 31-September 3
Where? Larmer Tree Gardens, Dorset
Headliners: King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, Future Islands, Wilco and Unknown Mortal Orchestra
Bristol’s “festival for forward thinkers” made its debut in the heart of the city last September. For its second year, it’s delivered an equally diverse and contemporary line-up, with Erykah Badu and Bonobo co-headlining the Friday and Aphex Twin headlining the Saturday. Meanwhile, Raye, Confidence Man, Primal Scream, Arlo Parks and Jockstrap are among the names set to play essential sets across the weekend. On top of that, the socially-conscious festival is bringing back The Information, its series of “hard-hitting and powerful talks”, featuring debates and discussions about the city’s most pressing issues. // Emma Wilkes
When? September 1-2
Where? Clifton Downs, Bristol
Headliners: Erykah Badu, Bonobo, Aphex Twin
Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: Confidence Man, Arlo Parks, Raye
// Green Man //
Looking for something a little different? Green Man may just be the festival for you. Held in the picturesque Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales with a strong ethical and environmental focus, it boasts a line-up of unmissable artists across alt-folk, indie, electronica, dance, Americana, and beyond, alongside areas dedicated to literature, film, comedy, science, theatre, wellness, family, and more. With endless wonder to explore, spend four days soaking up the music, culture, and laughs with a pint of local Welsh beer, then witness the burning of a giant wooden sculpture of the Green Man on the final night, a mythological symbol of rebirth. // Maddy Howell
Billed as a countercultural celebration, Wide Awake is one of the UK’s newer crop of proudly independent festivals, beginning life just as pandemic restrictions eased and the new wave of post-punk was properly in bloom. Now in its third year, the all-dayer is expanding more into other genres, from indie to techno to electronica. Caroline Polachek will be headlining a 50/50 gender-balanced line-up, while the south east London festival will also feature Black Country, New Road, Shygirl, Daniel Avery, Viagra Boys and more. // Emma Wilkes
When? May 27
Where? Brockwell Park, London
Headliner: Caroline Polachek
Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: Caroline Polachek, Shygirl, Black Country, New Road
// All Points East //
Spread across two weekends in August, with a free community programme stretching until early September, All Points East is a firm favourite amongst London festival goers. Hosting everything from soul to dance to grime to indie, it boasts some brilliant headliners from all around the globe, but the magic truly lies in its wicked line-up curation. From Stormzy’s handpicked roster of musical talent who will grace the stage on the festival’s opening night, to the closing night billing of top female artists led by the electrifying Haim, each day of All Points East has a distinctly different vibe, but each is set to showcase the best in music right now. // Maddy Howell
When? August 18-28
Where? Victoria Park, London
Headliners: Stormzy, Aphex Twin, The Strokes, Jungle, Dermot Kennedy and Haim
Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: Kehlani, Black Midi, Girl in Red, Rachel Chinouriri, Confidence Man
// Creamfields //
Creamfields went supersized for its 25th anniversary last year, launching a southern version in Chelmsford across the Platinum Jubilee weekend. A year later, and the new twin site set-up looks to have become permanent, meaning even more dance fans can come and join the party (particularly as the 2023 edition has been confirmed as the best-selling Creamfields to date). Set to headline Creamfields this year are Tiesto, Calvin Harris and Swedish House Mafia, while other heavyweights including Chase & Status, Fatboy Slim, Example, Becky Hill and Annie Mac will also grace its stages. // Emma Wilkes
When? August 24-27
Where? Daresbury, Cheshire/Hylands Park, Chelmsford
Headliners: Tiesto, Calvin Harris, Swedish House Mafia
Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: Chase & Status, Example, Fatboy Slim
// Isle of Wight Festival //
One of the earliest festivals in the summer season, there’s nothing like a sail across the Solent to get those holiday feelings flowing. Steeped in history, many refer to the Isle of Wight Festival’s beginnings as Europe’s equivalent of Woodstock, and much of that spirit remains. A site of blissful escapism that even enjoys its own microclimate, it’s a must visit festival for music lovers young and old, with a line-up that combines pop and rock legends with up-and-coming talent. With more than 90,000 fans flocking to Seaclose Park each year, and Robbie Williams set to close out affairs with his only UK festival appearance of 2023 it’s a truly unmissable weekend. // Maddy Howell
When? June 15-18
Where? Seaclose Park, Newport
Headliners: Pulp, George Ezra, The Chemical Brothers and Robbie Williams
Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: The Enemy, Courteeners, Sam Ryder, The Reytons, Blondie
// Y Not //
The recently independent indie festival brings a plethora of big name guitar bands to the hills of the Peak District every July, and its 2023 edition promises not to disappoint. Topping the bill on the festival’s opening night will be Royal Blood, while Kasabian and Paul Weller will headline on the Saturday and Sunday nights respectively. Also appearing are The Wombats, James, The Charlatans, Everything Everything and more. In addition, for any punters who want to pitch their tents a bit earlier, Bombay Bicycle Club will be around to entertain on Thursday night. // Emma Wilkes
When? July 28-30
Where? Pikehall, Derbyshire
Headliners: Royal Blood, Kasabian, Paul Weller
Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: The Wombats, The Charlatans, Everything Everything
// Truck Festival //
Nestled in the Oxfordshire countryside, Truck Festival is the underdog event of the summer. Founded as a response to the commercialisation of mainstream festivals like Glastonbury in 1998, it’s a great way to experience all the joy and chaos of festival life without the stress of losing your friends in a sea of 210,000 people. With a focus on giving up-and-coming artists their first shot at a festival performance, it has a unique community spirit that’s backed by its ethos of respect, safety, and inclusivity. Expect wacky entertainment as you wander through the grounds, great food, and a vibrant atmosphere. // Maddy Howell
When? July 21-23
Where? Hill Farm, Oxfordshire
Headliners: Two Door Cinema Club, alt-J and Royal Blood
Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: The Vaccines, Pale Waves, The Beths, Lambrini Girls, Other Half
// Latitude //
Latitude is promising another summer of adventures down at Henham Park for 2023. While the line-up, naturally, boasts an array of big names alongside headliners Pulp, Paolo Nutini and George Ezra, perhaps the biggest talking points are further down the bill. In a UK exclusive, James will be performing with a full orchestra, while Siouxsie Sioux is set to take to the stage for her first live show in the UK for a decade. Alongside these acts, names such as Metronomy, Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott, The Proclaimers, Yard Act, Black Midi, Dry Cleaning and more will also be heading down to Suffolk to put on a show. // Emma Wilkes
Click here for tickets and more information on all of this summer's must-attend festivals through Stereoboard.
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