Festivals on this month

Towersey Festival

What is it: The festival for all ages – from children to grandparents. It’s all about reconnection; with music, dance, arts and culture and reconnecting with yourself, “as you escape everyday life at a festival that’s little enough to feel a big part of,” say organisers.

Who’s on: Billy Bragg, The Staves, Oysterband, Seth Lakeman and The London Gospel Choir are among 100 artists set to perform over four days at the Claydon Estate in Buckingham.
Music aside, you can engage with creative experiences, wellbeing and mindfulness events, dance classes, music and song workshops, guided walks, comedy and even axe throwing and archery!

When: Friday, August 23 – Monday, August 26
And another thing: This year is the 60th festival giving cause for celebration, but it is also the last. Sad times.
‘We have faced too many forces outside of our control which have made it increasingly difficult to operate and survive,’ say those behind the lauded event, ‘We are so very disappointed to come to this decision and we know many of you will be too, but we hope you understand and can support us as we celebrate 60 years of music, dance, friendship and memories.
‘But we want you to know that Towersey 2024 will be one hell of a party!’ they promise.

How to get tickets: towerseyfestival.com

Reggae Land

What is it: A family-friendly reggae feast

Who’s on: Burning Spear, Shabba Ranks, UB40 featuring Ali Campbell and Sanchez play Saturday, with Gentlemans Dub Club, Wayne Wonder, General Levy featuring among the bumper line-up, being hosted at The National Bowl for the second time.
Popcaan, Koffee, Tarrus Riley and Skip Marley top the billing on the Sunday, with Aswad, Goldie, David Rodigan and Maxi Priest among swelling the performance numbers.

When: Saturday, August 3 and
Sunday, August 4

And another thing: A Caribbean Food Village, Rum Shacks, Gin Bars and Caribbean cocktail bars will join a flea market and fairground to make this a real event.

How to get tickets: reggaeland.co.uk

Chase & Status

What is it: Drum n Bass legends Chase & Status are ready to turn the iconic National Bowl into an immersive and electrifying musical playground with explosive lights, lasers, audio visuals and towering sound systems.
This production promises a ‘carefully curated but epic line up.’ Are you ready?

Who’s on: Headliners aside, you can get ready for sets from Hedex, Bou, Sammy Virji. Sherelle, Andy C, Casisdead, Unknown T, Arthi, Girl’s Don’t Sync and Maleigh Zan.

When: Saturday, August 10

And another thing: This isn’t the first visit to the venue for Chase & Status – they performed as part of the Prodigy’s Warriors Dance Festival in 2010.

How to get tickets:
chaseandstatuslive.com

Stowaway Festival

What is it: A festival ‘for true ravers, new ravers and little ravers,’ is the promise, and delivered in Stowe. ‘Made by friends, for friends, and truly independent, Stowaway Festival was created with a mission to deliver the perfect weekend antidote to the trappings of the modern world.’

Who’s on: Groove Armada
(DJ set), Greentea Peng, Leftfield and Maribou State are bill toppers for this third edition, with Cinthie, DJ Flight, LTJ Bukem and Laura Misch among others ready to play for you.

When: Friday, August 16 –
Sunday, August 18

And another thing: Stowaway is a secret world for you to discover with hidden parties, a woodland spa, wild swimming and canoeing, wellness and relaxation, kids’ activities (all included in the ticket price) and artisan food and drink, including craft beers and spirits. We say cheers to that!

How to get tickets:
stowawayfestival.co.uk

Bludfest

What is it: A genre-diverse spanking new festival, founded – and headlined – by Yungblud

Who’s on: Yungblud, Lil Yachty, Soft Play, The Damned, Nessa Barrett, Lola Young and Jazmin Bean will wow you at The National Bowl.

When: Sunday, August 11

And another thing: “Five years ago we imagined a world of our own. In BLUDFEST we have physically built one,” says the headliner, “It feels like the next logical step for me. I want to create a physical safe space where people can come and celebrate the ideologies of this community – where unity, individuality and love is the main focus and we bring the world of Yungblud to f*cking life right before your eyes.
“I wanted to build an experience where anybody can be completely themselves, with their friends, their family or completely on their own.
“BLUDFEST will blur the lines of genre and destroy the limitation of imagination. It will be a festival that cuts the corporate bo****ks and is all about the people.
“My plan is to take it worldwide but this summer is the first one and it’s gonna be something no one has ever seen before in the UK.”

How to get tickets: bludfest.com

Milton Keynes Festival

What is it: ‘The very best tribute acts in the business’ will deliver non-stop rock bliss.’
“We’ve built up a huge following with our Festivals, the reason why they have become so popular is partly to do with the diversity of music and bands we have on, that coupled with the low ticket price, it really makes for a great experience,” said organiser Jools Taylor, “We spare no expense on production and you can see well over 20 bands on two stages, with the added attractions of thrill rides and more.”

Who’s on: Morderstein, Stiff Bizkit, Metal Militia, Fell Out Boy, Tool Shed, Black Charade, Kings of the Stone Age, Sack Sabbath, One Eighty Two, Red Hot Chili Peppers UK, Beautiful, Queenesque, Moments of Pleasure, Green Days, Fatboy Kidd, Ultimate Beatles, 5’0, Hey Pixies, Smiths Utd and Alanis Moreorless – you guess who they are playing tribute to. It’s not too hard!

When: Saturday, August 24 and
Sunday, August 25

And another thing: A funfair and VIP areas will add to the flow of the big weekender.

How to get tickets: m-k-f.com