Glasto blues? Check out these festivals instead

If you did not manage to bag a ticket to Glastonbury this year, there is still plenty to look forward to.

The West of England is home to a vibrant line-up of festivals offering everything from live music to arts and family fun - perfect for curing those Glastonbury blues.

And while some events have folded due to tough economic conditions, many others are still going strong, showcasing incredible local and international talent across the region.

Here is a collection of some of the festivals which still have tickets available.

Charlton Park, Malmesbury, Wiltshire

Capacity: 7,500

A festival that had announced 2024 would be its final year - citing the challenging economic climate - is making a triumphant return.

Shindig Festival is back, now set in a new location at Charlton Park Estate, Wiltshire.

Dubbed a "pint-sized Glastonbury" and even recommended by Emily Eavis as a great alternative for those who missed out on Glastonbury tickets, Shindig will celebrate its 11th year in style.

DJs and selectors remain central to the festival's identity, with this year's line-up featuring the likes of Gilles Peterson, Gardna x APH, Dub FX, Mr Scruff, Gentlemen's Dub Club, Artwork, Dan Shake, and Luke Una, among others.

This year also brings a fresh musical focus, spotlighting high-energy live performances from global artists across genres like Afrobeat, Highlife, and jazz-funk.

This year's dress-up theme is "Love is the Answer", with festivalgoers encouraged to get creative and take part in the vibrant Saturday parade.

And for the first time, day tickets will be available, giving guests the chance to enjoy the full festival experience during the day and camp overnight before heading home the next morning.

Ashton Court, Bristol

Capacity: 30,000, no camping

Bristol's biggest party starter returns this May, blending house, drum and bass, pop, and live performances across two high-octane days.

Overmono and Nia Archives will headline Saturday and Sunday, with a strong supporting cast that includes Groove Armada, Andy C, Ghetts, and Girls Don't Sync.

Love Saves the Day takes place on 24 and 25 May at Ashton Court, promising a weekend packed with energy, colour, and cutting-edge sounds.

Cheltenham Racecourse, Gloucestershire

Capacity: 10,000

Wychwood Festival is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

It was launched in 2005 by a group of festival enthusiasts wanting to create an intimate and thrilling weekend festival experience.

The festival has been described as family-friendly and laid-back, blending indie, folk, comedy, and hands-on workshops in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Shed Seven kick things off on Friday with their Britpop anthems, James take the Saturday slot with classics like Sit Down and Laid, and Doves close the weekend on Sunday with their signature atmospheric indie rock.

Oxwick Farm in Yate, Bristol

Capacity: 500

Nowadaze is an intimate, grassroots event that blends underground music, art, and community spirit.

Set just 25 minutes from Bristol, the 2025 edition will host over 175 artists across four stages, featuring genres from drum and bass, techno, and UKG to punk, jazz, and folk.

With a strong DIY ethos, the festival showcases local talent, independent food vendors, and immersive art installations.

Upcote Farm, Cheltenham

Capacity: 15,000

Set in the Cotswolds, 2000trees is an independent rock music festival with a focus on upcoming and underground acts.

The festival has become known for its laid-back vibes, loyal fanbase, and impressive line-ups of guitar-led legends and underground gems.

On Friday, co-headliners Kneecap and PVRIS will both make their UK festival headline debuts.

Taking Back Sunday and Coheed and Cambria will take to the stage at 2000trees for the first time.

And Alexisonfire will close the festival on Saturday, also making their debut at 2000trees.

Garslade Farm, Glastonbury

Capacity: 5,000

Just down the road from Worthy Farm, The Godney Gathering is a micro-festival packed with local charm and major acts.

Formed in 2011, the festival has seen previous headliners such as UB40, Feeder, The Darkness, Scouting for Girls, Gentleman's Dub Club and the Zutons.

This year's festival features acts such as The Enemy, Lucy Spraggan, Dreadzone and The Beatles Dub Club.

Clevedon, North Somerset

Capacity: 1,500

Homestead Festival is a boutique, over-25s event set in the Mendip Hills of North Somerset.

Held from 18–20 July at Fernhill Farm, it offers an intimate experience capped at 1,500 attendees.

The festival features a diverse line-up, including acts like Warmduscher, Fat Dog, Erol Alkan, and Luke Una, alongside comedy performances from Paul Smith and Troy Hawke.

Fernhill Farm, near Bristol

Capacity: 5,000

ArcTanGent is a three-day rock festival held at Fernhill Farm in Somerset.

Founded in 2013, it has grown into the UK's premier summer festival for math rock, post-rock, progressive metal, and experimental music.

This year's line-up boasts impressive headliners, including Wardruna, the Norwegian folk-metal pioneers Karnivool, the Australian progressive rock band, and TesseracT, the UK's giants of progressive metal.

Clifton Downs, Bristol

Capacity: 60,000, no camping

Forwards Festival returns to Clifton Downs for its fourth year, blending cutting-edge music with thought-provoking social commentary.

Known for its forward-thinking line-up, the festival brings together global music stars and influential voices.

Previous headliners include Aphex Twin, Erykah Badu, and Bonobo, while this year's standout acts include Barry Can't Swim, Ezra Collective, Doechii, Jorja Smith, and The Last Dinner Party.

Fernhilll Farm, Somerset

Capacity: 500

Outcider Festival returns to Fernhill Farm for another lively weekend of music and cider.

Now in its 11th year, the festival is known for its fun, friendly, and inclusive atmosphere.

With tickets capped at just 500, it promises an intimate and energetic experience - and they are already selling fast.

Nearly 40 live acts will perform across two alternating stages throughout the weekend, keeping the music going non-stop.

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