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The ultimate guide to Britain's music scene in 2024

Dance the night away at one of these unforgettable music festivals this summer.

Getty Images/E+/SolStock

Group of friends taking a selfie at a music festival.

Liverpool Sound City, Liverpool

4 – 5 May 2024

Sound City plans to return with a bang in 2024! Promising to showcase the finest talent from around the globe, this unforgettable three-day event will bring together established stars and rising artists, capturing the essence of the city’s musical spirit. Don’t miss out on this incredible journey through the world of new music, which has seen the likes of Ed Sheeran, Florence and the Machine, Stormzy and Lizzo in the past and will certainly see the stars of the future.

Park Life Festival, Manchester

8 – 9 June 2024

Experience the ultimate music extravaganza in the heart of Manchester. This annual two-day event showcases an impressive line-up of genres, from dance to rock and electric to grime. Now a non-camping event, this festival has quickly developed the reputation of showcasing music legends such as The 1975, George Ezra, the Wu Tang Clan and many more!

Glastonbury, Somerset

26 – 30 June 2024

With multiple stages and a huge variety of entertainment from different genres over five days, Glastonbury is the most famous festival in Britain and one of the best. The first festival was a small get together held at the farm in 1970, from which the festival has grown into the UK’s biggest with a capacity of around 200,000 people. The sought after tickets will go on sale in early November for those first to apply.

Hampton Court Palace Festival, Richmond, London

June 2024

Set in the magical Tudor Courtyard of the historic Grade I listed royal palace, the festival holds a series of music concerts from top artists across two weeks every summer. Bastille, Lionel Richie, Elton John and Katie Melua were some of the top performers that have featured at the festival since its inception in 1993.

Isle of Wight Festival, Newport

20 – 23 June 2024

The Isle of Wight continues to attract top talent and festival fanatics from all over the world. Renowned for its line-up of iconic legends and incredible atmosphere, the festival continues to smash the bar every year. Expect stunning views, glamping options, engaging artists and the chance to form unforgettable memories.

TRNSMT, Glasgow

12 – 14 July 2024

Scotland’s biggest music festival welcomes 50,000 festival goers each day to Glasgow for three days of the latest rock, pop and indie sounds including international acts, in addition to local heroes. The festival takes place in Glasgow Green Park within walking distance of the city centre and has been awarded a gold standard for accessibility.

Mela Festival, Birmingham

13 – 14 July 2024

Mela is Britain’s biggest South Asian music festival held each summer in the Midlands. This colourful extravaganza of an event features more than 150 top tier international and local artists, including some of the biggest names on the scene for a celebration of dance, live music and fabulous food.

Kendal Calling, Lake District

1 – 4 August 2024

Set in the picturesque Lowther Deer Park in the Lake District, the annual arts and music festival features over 250 artists across 13 stages. The festival is known for its friendly crowd and its warm Cumbrian hospitality. The event has been sold out year-after-year and is known as ‘the Glastonbury of the North’.

Boardmasters Festival, Newquay

7 – 11 August 2024

Head to Cornwall for five days of live music and world-class surfing during the annual Boardmasters Festival in August. With the backdrop of the Cornish coast at Britain’s surfing mecca, the festival has arguably the most stunning location of any music festival in Britain.

 

Deep dive experiences of Britain’s music scene


British Music Experience, Liverpool 

Discover the ultimate history of British pop and rock at the British Music Experience. The not to be missed attraction showcases the story of British music from 1945 to present day with a series of immersive installations. Activities include exploring an unrivalled collection of memorabilia, playing instruments live and choreographing a unique dance routine.

Manchester Music Walkabout Tour, Manchester (book here)

Discover Manchester’s music scene by taking a trip through seven decades of pop music from the 60s to the present day. Hear the best stories and anecdotes about the bands, places and personalities of Manchester which include Oasis, the Bee Gees, The Smiths, Happy Mondays, New Order, Joy Division, 10cc, The Hollies, James, The Fall and Elbow. Sample tunes of the city’s music legends, while you visit iconic musical locations around the city.

David Bowie London Tour, Brixton, London (book here)

Join Brit Music Tours on a sensational David Bowie walking route to uncover the truth about the Brixton boy who became a global superstar and music icon. Discover David Bowie’s roots, see venues where he performed and the studio where he recorded two of his albums. Stand in the spot featured on the album cover of ‘The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars’ and visit the sites where David Bowie fans gathered to mourn his passing in 2016.

West End Musical Tour, London (book here)

Discover the magic of musical theatre by singing and dancing around the West End with the soundtrack of some of the greatest show hits. Visitors will be provided with their own ‘Silent Disco’ headphones to hear top tunes along the way. Explore London’s most fabulous venues and key locations including Shaftesbury Avenue, the beating heart of the capital’s theatre district. Highlights on the tour include the legendary Theatre Cafe, a paradise for theatre lovers in Covent Garden and stops throughout Soho where theatre stars have appeared. Visitors may even spot some present-day stars along the way!

The Beatles Story Exhibition, Liverpool (book here)

Visit the world’s largest permanent Beatles exhibition at the Royal Albert Dock in Liverpool. Be transported to the swinging 60s and learn how the Fabulous Four became a global music sensation. Embrace an immersive journey through the boys’ lives and careers with replicas of the Casbah Coffee Club rock venue and the Cavern Club where you can put on your very own show on the karaoke stage.

 

Plan a visit to the innovative, music-first venue opening in Britain next year

Co-Op Live, Manchester

Opening in April 2024

Britain’s foremost pioneering, purpose-driven arena Co-op Live is opening its doors in April next year. Partnering with Manchester-born Harry Styles the remarkable venue will have sustainability at its core and will be fully accessible ensuring that all attendees can comfortably enjoy their events. The venue is set to welcome audiences with a world-class and diverse lineup during its opening season from spring through summer. Prepare to be captivated by the performances of internationally acclaimed artists such as the Jonas Brothers, Eric Clapton and Olivia Rodrigo.

Notes for editors:

Dates are correct at the time of publication; however, dates are subject to change after the time of posting. 
Supporting assets can be found in the VisitBritain image library. Please register to get access. 
For further information contact the Visit Britain press team at pressandpr@visitbritain.org

Key destinations

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Liverpool is a UNESCO City of Music with more museums and galleries than any city outside of London.

Oh Me Oh My

Rooftop of Oh me oh my restaurant in Liverpool
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Home to Manchester United and music legends, Manchester is one of Britain’s most dynamic cities, with an industrial history matched by its modern-day appeal.

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Group of friends walking by the canal in Castlefield
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Discover world-leading museums and galleries, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and a city brimming with history and culture.

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Picadilly Circus underground station