Must Visit Upcoming Festival in the UK For Students in 2024

This is a student festival guide for 2024 that will give you not only the best UK music festivals to book for 2024 but many others like food, culture, and others. The United Kingdom is so populated with students of diverse cultures from all over the world. There’s so much to see and discover in the various ways each city celebrates traditions and culture through the form of these festivals. 

What’s on in 2024 UK? What is the big festival in the UK?

The Glastonbury Festival is one of the biggest music festivals in the country that’s performed by only top artists from around the world. It can accommodate up to 200,000 spectators. 

How old do you have to be to go to a festival UK?

The best part about the festivals in the UK is that you are allowed to attend these festivals at the age of 16 and above. 

How many festivals are there in the UK each year?

New Year’s Day Parade

Location: London, England

Date: 1 January

Witness one of the best parades in the New Year that’s evolved into a cultural tradition in London. The event takes place in the afternoon on the streets of London along the West End to usher joy among viewers in marching bands, acrobats, cheerleaders, and many other performances. 

Celtic Connections 

Location: Glasgow, Scotland

Date: 18th Jan – 4th Feb

The name suggests a place to get connected to the roots and culture of Celtics through music, food, folk tales, and music. It is one of the biggest annual winter festivals in Britain as it is a premier celebration of Celtic music featuring art, exhibitions, and workshops. 

Bath Rebalance Festiva

Location:  Bath, England

25 January – 18 February

If you want to start your year with a soulful one, this place calls for all who seek meditation. You can take a day off and visit this festival to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. It is a session to connect with your spirituality. 

RBS Six Nations Rugby

Location: Cardiff, London and Edinburgh

Date: 2 Feb – 16 March

There will be a match for the six national championships which will take place at the three venues in the UK. If you are a rugby fan or want to experience Rugby sport, visit this sports event that will go on till March 2024. 

Dark Skies Festival

Location: Yorkshire, north England 

Date: 9 – 25 February

It is hosted in the darkest places of England in the month of February by entertaining the crowd with various programs and activities. If your student’s student accommodation in York,

Chinese New Year Festival

London: London and around the UK

Date: 10 Feb

London and many other cities in the UK each year mark the celebration of joyous festivals and amazeballs parades. It is celebrated by the Chinese community and others who want to be part of the festival.

Glasgow Film Festival

Location: Glasgow, Scotland

Date: 28 February – 10 March

As the third-largest film festival in Britain is a festival not to be missed among those who are movie buffs. It’s an event where you can witness the best of local and international films of all genres with over 350 events. 

St. David’s Day

Location: Wales-wide

Date: 1 March

The celebration of the patron saint of Wales takes place in the city and is marked through parades of daffodils carrying the flag of Wales and the saint himself. It is held in the Capital city with more than just locals but tourists too!

Glasgow International Comedy Festival

Location: Glasgow, Scotland 

Date: 13 – 31 March

As one of its kind, the festival is lining up with big players and upcoming comedians from Britain and beyond. This year, the stage will be taken by two of the best comedians: Ed Gamble and Scottish stand-up comedian Connor Burns.

The Gemini Oxford & Cambridge Boat Race

Location: London, England

Date: 30 March

The friendly boat race started in 1829 and is still an ongoing fun, adored, and competitive race among Oxford University and Cambridge University. It is also the oldest sporting event along the Tideway banks between the two squads.

London Marathon

Location: London, England

Date: 21 April

As one of the World Marathon Majors, this is one of the best marathon events to enjoy as a participant and spectator. It is also one of the biggest fundraising events in the world. So why not participate and be part of the cause?

Cheltenham Jazz Festival,

Location: Gloucestershire, south-west England 

Date: 1 – 6 May

This festival welcomes the summer in Cheltenham with musical notes from Jazz musicians and enthusiasts across the world. It’s an event you shouldn’t miss out on if it’s close to your student accommodation in Cheltenham. 

Liverpool Sound City

Location: Liverpool, north-west England

Date: 4 – 5 May

This is more than just an annual music festival, but an industry conference too. It is a great place to seek inspiration from ordinary people who’ve made their way into fame! There will be local artists and key figures from various industries to give some key notes and inspirational speeches on the industry. This platform has led to the birth of famous figures like Ed Sheeran, Alt J, and Calvin Harris.

Brighton Festival
Location: Brighton, south-east England 

Date: 4 – 26 May

If you love everything about art, then visit Europe’s leading arts festivals that will take place across Brighton and Hove. Whether it’s arts, film, dance, music, theater, music, or all forms of artwork, it’s all accessible here at this festival! 

Hay Festival of Literature and Arts

Location: Brecon Beacons, South Wales

Date: 23 May – 2 June

Are you into arts and literature? Then this is a festival you should visit while you study in the UK.  There will be many literary speakers and authors, and even upcoming ones. For more information, check more details on our blog: Hay Festival: A Cultural Fest In the UK!

Blenheim Palace Food Festival

Location: Oxfordshire, central England 

Date: 25 – 27 May

Into food and just food? Well in the past, Raymond Blanc and MasterChef winners have attended the festival! Imagine who’s gonna be in town to surprise you with the best food, flavors, cuisines, and dishes at various food stalls held at the festival.  Alongside food, you will be entertained by music and storytellers!

Cazoo Derby Festival, Epsom Downs Racecourse

Location: Surrey, south-east England

Date:  31 May – 1 June

If you stay in student accommodation in Derby, this is one festival you shouldn’t miss! It is a horse racing event that’s the biggest and the best in town. You will witness and get the experience of the adrenalin rush of watching the top horse riders racing to win the trophy! 

TweedLove Bike Festival

Location: Tweed Valley, Scottish Borders, Scotland

Date: 14 – 16 June

If you are studying in Scotland, you get to witness one of the fastest-growing cycling festivals that’s held only once a year. It’s a great time to be there for the cyclists and the spectators too! For the last few years, this festival has boasted from eMTB to British Championship races.

Jane Austen Regency Week

Location: Hampshire, south England 

Date: 21 – 30 June

This is a great and auspicious day for literature students as it is all about Jane Austen! It is a 9-day festival that will take place in and around the town of Jane Austen’s House & Museum – Alton and Chawton. Experience regency in fine dining, dramas, talks, stories, tour guides, and even the ball!

Alice’s Day

Location: Oxford, England

Date: 2024 TBC

Who’s not a fan of Alice Wonderland right? This is the day to enjoy and experience everything about Alice in Wonderland in Oxford at the The Story Museum. You can take a guided tour and finally feel the inspiration of Lewis Carol behind this famous children’s book.

Birmingham Mela

Location: England

Date: 13 – 14 July

This is one of the country’s biggest and most famous South Asian music festivals. There will be a lineup of 150 artists all the way from Bangladesh to Birmingham, so you get the chance to experience music of all genres of music from local to international hits! There will also be food stalls and shopping stalls throughout the meal. 

The Lancashire Festival 2024

Location: Avenham and Miller Park S Meadow Ln, Preston, United Kingdom

Date: 27 July

Immerse yourself in the tapestry of Lancashire’s cultural heritage for the whole of the festival! It is an important day for the Lancahsires as it showcases the essence of Lancashire filled with joy, and creativity that will leave you with memorable experiences. 

Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Location: Edinburgh, Scotland

Date: 2 – 26 August

This is one of the largest arts festivals in the world with thousands of performers showcasing all kinds of acts ranging from top artists to aspiring artists who want to get into the entertainment business. You can choose to enjoy the circus, theaters, dance, comedy, opera, exhibition and many forms of art and entertainment. 

Art Beats Festival

Location: Lancaster University, UK

Date: 20-25 August 

For those of you studying at Lancaster University, this is not far off from your accommodation in Lancaster. This is one of the best festivals of Art, Film, Music, and Theatre for students as it is organized by the university.

Creamfields North,

Location: Liverpool, north-west England

Date: 22 – 25 August

If you have long been waiting for a dance music festival, it’s happening in Liverpool! There will be a lineup of some of the top superstar DJs burning down the stage with EDM, trans, bass, and drum! So, if you want some trippy time, this is the best one to attend in Liverpool. 

World Bog Snorkelling Championships, 

Location: Llanwrtyd Wells, mid-Wales

Date: 25 August

This is quite a unique sport held in the UK as champions from all over the world swim at two consecutive lengths in Llanwrtyd Wells in Mid Wales. It is a thrilling sport to watch attracting many visitors from all over the world. Here, food, drinks, live music, and entertainment will take place for an enjoyable time.

Blackpool Illuminations

Location: Lancashire, north-west England 

Date: 1 September 2023 – 1 January 

A free light show in the world that will illuminate you with its artwork displayed in so many forms. It is commonly known as a Festival of Lights and is participated by many artists from across the world to showcase their works of art. 

Roald Dahl Day

Location: Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire, south-east England

Date: 13 September

If you are a fan of Roald Dahl, this day marks his birthday and is well celebrated in the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre. This is his birthplace and is annually celebrated through many activities.

Jane Austen Festival

Location: Bath, south-west England 

Date: 13 – 22 September 2024

What’s a festival without remembrance of great writers like Jane Austen? If you have read her books and want to be part of the regency experience, immerse yourself in this prestigious festival held at Bath. 

Cheltenham Literature Festival

Location: Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, west England 

Dates to be confirmed

To celebrate its 75th anniversary, it will be hosted this year in an auspicious way through many literary activities. There will be a launching of books, workshops, talks, performances, music, etc. 

Leeds International Film Festival

Location: Yorkshire, north England 

Date: 1 – 17 November

Showcases some of the best and new classic films around the world. It is the biggest festival of all time in the city of Leeds.  The film festival is run in venues at Leeds Town Hall, The Hyde Park Picture House, and Everyman Leeds.

Kendal Mountain Festival

Location: Cumbria, north-west England

Date: 21 – 24 November

This festival is organized with the hope of inspiring people about the outdoors and wilderness through art, films, literature, and outdoor sports. The main feature of it all is the Mountain Film Competition where there’s fierce competition among filmmakers to win the title. 

The Great Christmas Pudding Race – 

Location: London & Brighton, England 

Date: 9 December

This is a funny and entertaining event where participants are required to carry a plate of cake through the race with many funny challenges and they have to be dressed up in various fancy dresses.