The UK is well known for its lively music festival scene and is host to a plethora of festivals that cater for just about every taste and particular musical bent. While the larger events such as Glastonbury and the Reading Music Festival often steal the limelight, there’s an amazing world of small UK music festivals for you to take your camper van to, where music lovers from all over the country can get together in mutual appreciation. So, let’s embark on a camper van journey to uncover the charm and allure of these hidden gem festivals taking place across the UK countryside.
A More Intimate Experience
Unlike their larger counterparts, small UK music festivals offer a much more intimate experience that is truly unique. Picture yourself swaying to the melodies of some great bands, surrounded by a close-knit community of fellow music lovers. Whether it’s indie folk echoing through ancient woodlands or electronic beats pulsing beneath starry skies, these festivals create an atmosphere that wakes up your spirit.
Musical Diversity
One of the best aspects about attending small UK music festivals in a camper van is the diverse range of musical offerings presented. From folk and jazz to electronica and world music, there’s always something for everyone to discover. These festivals are the best place for showcasing up and coming artists and underground talent looking to build a following and a good reputation, providing a perfect platform for creativity and innovation to flourish.
Connecting With Fellow Music Fans
At the heart of each of the numerous smaller UK music festivals lies a strong sense of community spirit and connection. Far removed from the commercialism of larger events, these gatherings foster genuine bonds among attendees. Whether you’re sharing stories in the evening around a campfire, collaborating on impromptu jam sessions with your musical instrument of choice, or even just using your voice, or simply basking in the collective energy of the crowd, you’ll find yourself immersed in a world where strangers become friends and memories are made to last a lifetime.
Lesser Known Music Festival Gems
Let’s shine a spotlight on a few of the hidden gem UK music festivals to attend in a camper van:
Green Man Festival:
Take a trip to the breathtaking Brecon Beacons of Wales, specifically Crickhowell, where the Green Man Music Festival offers a captivating blend of music, arts and nature conservation. There’s a dedicated campsite specially for campervans, but you’ll need to purchase a Live-In Vehicle ticket for your camper in addition to festival tickets for each attendee. There’s always a whole host of local bands playing all kinds of music and many big name bands also attend this festival due to its popularity and beautiful location.
Shambala Festival:
Held in a well hidden countryside location in Northamptonshire, Shambala is renowned for its vibrant creativity, sustainable ethos and inclusive community spirit. This festival is a true celebration of The Arts as there’s everything going on, whether it’s folk music, rock music, funk and jazz, creative workshops, comedy. You name it, it happens at Shambala. Take your camper van along and either stay in it, or take advantage of doing something a little different accommodation-wise, and stay in a yurt or a teepee!
Glastonbudget:
If you feel like immersing yourself in the amazing world of the tribute bands and acts, then Glastonbudget is the small music festival for you. Whether you’re an experienced festival-goer or a newcomer looking for something a little different, Glastonbudget offers great music and nostalgia for everyone. This year will see some of the UKs best tributes to ABBA, ACDC, David Bowie, Queen, Elton John amongst many others. So get in your camper van and head off to Leicestershire safe in the knowledge that you won’t have to pay the eyewatering prices of seeing the real thing, but you will get to see some absolutely first rate tribute acts that are almost indistinguishable.
Moseley Folk & Arts Festival:
This amazing festival takes place in Moseley Park, Birmingham, a beautiful 11-acre woodland glade only 2 miles from the centre of Birmingham but a whole world away from all the hustle and bustle of the city centre. It’s a great setting for an intimate folk festival, with the sloping grounds, creating a natural amphitheatre on the shores of the park lake. Definitely one of the UKs finest smaller festival offerings with an awesome crop of bands and performers, old and new. Pop along with your camper van and catch The Levellers, Flogging Molly, Belle & Sebastian and many, many more.
Maid Of Stone Festival:
A festival that takes place annually in Maidstone, Kent and which is for all you rockers out there! One of the very best smaller UK festivals for you to take your camper van along to, featuring some of rock and metals best acts, established and brand new. Get yourself along to see the likes of Gun, Blaze Bailey, As December Falls, Crowley, Mr Big, Larkin Poe and many others.
End of the Road Festival:
Set amidst the stunning landscapes of Larmer Tree Gardens in Wiltshire, End of the Road promises an amazing lineup of musicians to cater for all tastes, and a laid-back party atmosphere. This year they have Slowdive, Fever Ray and Bonny Prince Billy headlining, with dozens of other bands performing over the 4 days of the festival.
Why Attend a Small UK Music Festival?
So, why should you venture off the beaten path in your camper van and experience a small UK music festival for yourself? The answer is very simple: authenticity. These festivals enable you to get involved with an authentic and immersive experience that transcends the boundaries of traditional entertainment organised by money making company machines. Whether you’re discovering your new favorite band, dancing under the stars, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, you’ll find yourself enriched in ways you never thought possible.
Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or a curious newcomer, there’s certainly a place for you and your camper van amidst the rolling hills and sprawling fields of the UK countryside. So pack your tent, grab your wellies, and embark on an adventure that promises to ignite your senses and nourish your soul. The stage is set, and the music awaits – let the festivities begin!