The most anticipated music festivals of the year

Here, we’ll be revealing:

• The UK’s most anticipated festivals
• The festivals around the world with the most anticipated line-ups
• The most anticipated European music festivals
• North American festivals with the most exciting headline artists

Coming in at number one in the UK is Camp Bestival, held in the county of Dorset. The family-friendly festival offers a unique blend of music, entertainment, and activities for all ages. Featuring performances by renowned artists such as The Kooks, as well as interactive workshops, comedy shows and more, Camp Bestival is set to provide a memorable experience for families and music lovers alike.

Lytham Festival secures the second spot on our list. With an impressive index score of 483, Lytham Festival promises an unforgettable experience with an outstanding line-up; Sting, Jamiroquai and The Kaiser Chiefs are just some of the headlining artists. Whether you are a fan of rock, pop, or indie music, Lytham Festival offers a diverse range of genres to cater to everyone's musical preferences.

Wireless, in the capital city of London, secures the third position on our list of highly anticipated British music festivals. Drawing in over 2.6 million Google searches, it’s truly a magnet for music lovers worldwide, with its central location making it even more accessible for both people across the UK and international fans alike. Wireless offers a star-studded line-up from 50 Cent to Playboi Carti, promising a day full of musical prowess for fans.

Edinburgh's Connect Festival secures the fourth spot on our list, and is the most anticipated Scottish festival, according to our research. Set against the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh, Connect promises a unique blend of eclectic music, art and culture. The excitement surrounding the festival is ever-growing, making it a must-visit event for any festivalgoer looking for a cultural fix.

Rounding off the top five is another London-based festival, British Summer Time (BST)which is nestled in the heart of the British capital and features a diverse range of music genres to cater to every taste. From the soft rock and pop vibes of Billy Joel to the iconic K-Pop sounds of Blackpink, BST's line-up is curated to delight music enthusiasts of all ages. 

Poland’s Open'er Festival tops our list of the most anticipated music festivals in the world. Located in the port city of Gdynia, this festival boasts an impressive index score, offering a lineup of renowned international talent, from Lizzo to the Arctic Monkeys. With its vibrant atmosphere, the Open'er Festival draws the attention of music enthusiasts across the globe to attend the unforgettable four-day experience.

Taking the second spot is the Roskilde Festival, held in the picturesque city of Roskilde, Denmark. With a 1509 index score, this festival has a rich history dating back to 1971 and has become an iconic event in the European music scene. Roskilde Festival is showcasing a diverse range of genres this year, from the rock sounds of Queens of the Stone Age to electronic and hip-hop, courtesy of Kendrick Lamar. In addition to a diverse music lineup, the Danish festival places a strong emphasis on sustainability and social responsibility, making it a favorite among eco and social conscious festival goers.

Electric Picnic secures the third position on our list, with its enchanting location in Stradbally. The Irish festival has gained immense popularity over the years, demonstrated by its top three ranking. Beyond an eclectic musical offering, the festival features various art installations, theatre performances, and culinary delights, creating a vibrant and immersive experience that appeals to the whole family.

Located on the Gulf shores of Alabama, Hangout Music Festival is a seaside annual gathering of music lovers, drawing in a massive audience each year as reflected in its index score of 1226.2. Number four on the list of most anticipated festivals, it offers a mix of genres, from the timeless rock of Red Hot Chili Peppers to the electropop of Calvin Harris. Attendees can groove toenjoy their favourite tunes while enjoying stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and experiencing the vibrant energy of the festival grounds.

Rounding off the top five, When We Were Young music festival has gained considerable attention with an index score of 848. Taking place in the desert city of Las Vegas, the festival is a haven for fans of old-school emo tunes and indie rock. The lineup showcases iconic bands such as Good Charlotte and Blink-182, as well as emerging artists, for an atmosphere of nostalgia and discovery.

International attendees can also explore the Canadian music scene at Osheaga Festival in Montreal, which came sixth in the rankings, or relax atin the Splendour in the Grass Music and Arts Festival in Byron Bay, Australia, which also features in the global top ten.

The top three most anticipated festivals in the world are Open'er Festival, Roskilde Festival, and Ireland’s Electric Picnic, which also take the first three spots among the European festivals. Camp Bestival, which ranks first in the UK, takes position four with an index score of 631.

Øya Festival, situated in the Norwegian capital of Oslo, ranks in fifth with a 565 index score. With a scenic outdoor location and impressive lineup, the Øya Festival showcases a mix of international headliners such as Lorde alongside emerging Nordic talent, representing a wide range of genres from rock to indie and electronic. Known for its environmentally conscious practices and widely regarded as one of the most sustainable music festivals across the globe, eco-festivalgoers have every reason to be eager to join in.

Boasting nine festivals in the North American results, the United States clearly has no shortage of exciting festivals for music lovers. Attendees can get swept away by the coastal vibes of Hangout Music Festival in Alabama, USA, which ranks first in North America and fourth globally.

When We Were Young, which had its first edition in 2017 and came back for another run in 2022 in Las Vegas, ranks fifth globally and is the second most anticipated festival in North America.

Crossing over the border to Montreal, Canada, we find the Osheaga Festival, known for its vibrant ambiance and diverse musical offerings. With a popularity index score of 721, this festival wraps up the top three most eagerly awaited music festivals on the continent. Set in the heart of the city's picturesque Parc Jean-Drapeau, Osheaga provides three days of a captivating fusion of renowned artists alongside various genres, art, and culture.

Taking place in the iconic city of New York, the Governors Ball has established itself as one of the most sought-after music festivals in the United States, earning an index score of 573. This three-day extravaganza boasts an impressive lineup, from Lizzo to Lil Nas X. Creating an electric atmosphere in the heart of the city, attendees can take in the breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline as they dance along to their favourite artists' performances.

Rolling Loud, with an index score of 466, is the fifth festival in the rankings. Known for a focus on hip-hop and rap music, this festival attracts some of the biggest names in the industry, making it a go-to event for fans of the genre. With energetic performances from the likes of A$AP Rocky and 21 Savage, Rolling Loud offers an immersive experience for those seeking to celebrate the best of hip-hop culture.

Feeling excited to book tickets for your next festival? Check out our local guides for more ideas on what to explore when you’re in town for a festival, or book our airport hotels if you need somewhere to stay before you jet off on a festival holiday.