Summer 2016 – Guide to UK Beach Festivals

The UK might not play host to the hottest summers or the most famous beaches in the world, but our beach festivals are some of the greatest

Festivals will probably put you in mind of wide muddy fields as far as the eye can see, but it doesn’t always have to be that way. If you’d prefer to check out some of the planet’s most popular acts while taking advantage of fresh surf and sand instead of mud and grass, think about attending one of these four outstanding beach fests.

Boardmasters

Boardmasters takes place from August 10th to 14th for 2016. Heading down to Trebelsue Farm in Newquay will let you take part in the 25th year of one the country’s most exciting beach festivals.

Four days of action-packed fun by the sea will let you hear acts such as Wolf Alice, James Bay, Catfish and the Bottlemen, Craig David TS5, and Deadmau5. When you aren’t treating your eardrums, take in the exploits of top surfers, wakeboarders, skaters, and BMXers.

Festival No.6

Maybe you’d like to spend your festival break this year with your toes in the sand but don’t fancy heading all the way down to Newquay for Boardermasters. Don’t worry, there are still plenty of other options, including Festival No. 6.

Bringing artists such as Bastille, Lucy Rose, Blossoms, and Django Django to the laid-back tourist village of Portmeirion, Wales from September 1st to 4th, this is one charming boutique festival.

Glass Butter Beach

Wales might not be the first place you’d think of for beaches, but it’s home to more than one great beach fest. If Festival No.6 doesn’t seem like your cup of tea, just head to Abersoch from August 19th to 21st for the Glass Butter Beach surfing festival.

You’ll be able to catch up with a string of indie and alternative acts, including Mystery Jets, Coasts, Jamie Lawson, Kodaline, and The Amazons, all while chilling out on one of North Wales’ finest stretches of sand.

Electric Beach

Wales might have its own gems, but Newquay stills comes out on top if you’re looking for something a little larger. From July 8th to 9th, Fistral Beach became packed with excited crowds thanks to the Electric Beach Festival.

This was only the festival’s 5th year, but it’s already become intensely popular. From New York hip-hop groups like De La Soul to UK festival favourites like the Levellers, this was their biggest event yet.

8 Festival Essentials to Pack This Summer

8 Festival Essentials to Pack If You’re Heading to Any Music Event This Summer

Festival season is finally upon us, bringing with it the promise of long summer nights spent chilling in campsites and roaring for your top acts. That said, there’s still a little preparation that needs taking care of before you head out.

For starters, make sure you pack these festival essentials.

Makeup

Keeping style on-point after pouring rain and ferocious raving is the mark of a true festival pro, and it all starts with packing smart. Head to Boots for lip and cheek stain to highlight your cheek bones and add a splash of colour. Add some tinted moisturiser to prevent breakouts and caked-on foundation.

Four-Man Tent

You could go for a smaller tent, but that precludes midnight gatherings and makes for some cramped sleeping conditions. Argos sell a great range starting at just £14.99; the ProAction 5 Man Dome Tent is our personal pick of the litter.

Toiletries

Wet wipes are worth their weight in gold – you can remove makeup and give yourself an ersatz shower. Next up, long-lasting deodorant and some sunscreen. Superdrug and Boots are ideal.

Rain Jacket

The UK hosts some of the best festivals in the world, plus some of the wettest weather. Pack a cheapy rain mac with a hood. You should be able to find one for £4 at ASDA.

Sleeping Bag

Don’t forget this one if you want to stay warm and sleep well. No need to splash out for a four-season expedition bag – a simple £10 job from Argos is fine for hitting a fest. Avoid feather sleeping bags, because they’re very hard to get dry.

Flannel Pillow

You’d be amazed how many people remember the sleeping bag and forget the pillow. Unless you fancy propping your head up on your wellies, grab a Eurohike flannel pillow from Millets.

Wellies

Wellies are essential, and kinda part of the whole festival-chic look. Most importantly, mud and grime will pull your trainers to pieces and freeze your feet if you aren’t completely protected. Try looking in Blacks or Millets for a decent pair. These will last, so think of them as an investment for future events.

Portable Charger

Maybe 10 years ago this would sound ridiculous, but that was before videoing your favourite acts and posting to Facebook and Twitter was part of the fun. Not much worse than being stuck at 1% with no help in sight.