Don’t believe the naysayers: it’s boom time for UK festivals. Every summer brings a new crop of innovative summer music festivals to join the long-established big beasts of festival season.
A dog show
Now that everyone brings their kids to festivals, why not take your pooch too? Standon Calling is hosting a dog show with categories including ‘Best Trick’ and ‘Dog With The Waggiest Tale’.
Orchestral karaoke
Inspired by the headliners at Wilderness? Fancy crooning like Sinatra? Then have a bash at Karaorkestra – karaoke backed by an orchestra. Or if your style is more ‘Walk This Way’ than ‘My Way’, try Hip Hop Karaoke.
A wedding reception
Natasha Khan’s new album as Bat For Lashes is called ‘The Bride’, so her headline set at End Of The Road will be a special ‘wedding reception’ featuring guest DJs, dressing up and cheesy floor-fillers. Can we have ‘Come On Eileen’, please, Nat?
Pig racing
When you need a breather from thumping dance acts, Masked Ball offers respite in the form of its own ‘village fete’ with actual pig racing. You can even place bets on which entrant will turn out to be a little snout-nosed Usain Bolt.
A massive paint fight
Inspired by the Hindu Festival of Colours, Secret Garden Party’s huge communal paint fight has become a much-loved annual tradition. It’s super-fun, but don’t wear your Sunday best.
A tribute to Nick Drake
Fans of the cult singer-songwriter gather annually at Lunar Festival near Drake’s old home. This year they’ll be taken into the woods to listen to the singer’s own copy of his album ‘Five Leaves Left’ on his actual record player.
Perfumed swimming
Yes, perfumed swimming. Also Festival is offering revellers an aromatic extravaganza by placing perfume diffusers around its on-site lake, with a classical musician playing Handel’s ‘Water Music’ as punters swim along the scent trail. #fancy.
Main image: Andrew Whitton (Secret Garden Party), Justin Trickett (Wilderness), Sami Yousif (pig racing).
