Missed out on Glasto? Don’t panic: Festival season’s just getting started
- Emily Miller
- Jul 4
- 2 min read
A guide to the best festivals still to come in 2025.
So, you didn’t make it to Glastonbury this year. Maybe the ticket gods weren’t smiling on you, or maybe life (or your overdraft) had other ideas. Whatever the reason, you're not alone, and more importantly, you haven’t missed your shot at a summer of unforgettable music moments.
Because here’s the thing: Glasto might be the spiritual mothership of UK festivals, but it’s far from the only party worth dancing through the mud for. From indie meccas in rolling fields to rock giants roaring through city parks, there’s still a whole calendar of epic festivals to come.
Whether you're chasing big-stage headliners or discovering your next favourite band under a canvas sky, here’s your guide to the best indie and rock festivals still to come in summer 2025.
2000trees – Upcote Farm, Cheltenham (July 9–12)
A beloved grassroots festival emphasizing alternative rock and post-hardcore. Headliners include Enter Shikari, Frank Turner, IDLES, Coheed & Cambria, PVRIS, Alexisonfire – a serious rock lineup for 15,000+ fans.
Truck Festival – Oxfordshire (July 24–27)
One of the UK’s best indie showcases, featuring Kasabian, Courteeners, Nothing But Thieves, Bloc Party, Franz Ferdinand, Blossoms, The Last Dinner Party all across five stages.
Deer Shed Festival – North Yorkshire (July 25–28)
Though family-friendly, this fest still holds indie cred with acts like Wunderhorse, The Big Moon, Moonchild Sanelly, yet with a more intimate yet thoughtful rock presence.
Y Not Festival – Derbyshire (July 31–Aug 3)
A large multi-genre event with firm indie/rock grounding: headliners include The Prodigy, Courteeners, Madness, The Wombats, plus Franz Ferdinand, Primal Scream, The Last Dinner Party.
Kendal Calling – Lake District (July 31 - Aug 3)
A boutique titan of 40,000 capacity, celebrating both indie and rock classics across nine stages. Previous bookings include Blondie, Doves, James, Pendulum.
All Points East – London (Aug 22–24)
A big-city indie festival spanning multiple stages. Lineup highlights include Bombay Bicycle Club, Everything Everything, The Maccabees, Dry Cleaning, Nilüfer Yanya, Confidence Man, blending indie rock with modern cool.
Victorious Festival – Portsmouth (Aug 22–24)
Seaside spectacular headlined by Kings of Leon, Queens of the Stone Age, Vampire Weekend, plus Bloc Party, Michael Kiwanuka, Madness, The Last Dinner Party.
Reading & Leeds – Reading & Leeds (Aug 21–24)
A flagship double-capital festival for rock and indie fans. 2025 lineup features Bring Me The Horizon, Bloc Party, Enter Shikari, The Kooks, Chappell Roan, Hozier, Travis Scott and more.
Moseley Folk & Arts Festival – Birmingham (Aug 29–31)
A woodland-set indie and folk festival just minutes from Birmingham city centre. 2025 lineup includes Johnny Marr, The Staves, Gruff Rhys, and The Mary Wallopers, with poetry, comedy, and craft beer rounding out the chilled, family-friendly vibe.
End of the Road – Dorset/Wiltshire (Aug 28–31)
A critically adored (and Emily adored) cult indie fest in woodland gardens, seating around 13,500. 2025 acts include Caribou, Self Esteem, Father John Misty – plus literature/comedy stages for an alt-culture vibe.
So grab your tickets, gather your crew, and get ready to make memories that will last far beyond those muddy fields. The summer’s still wide open: and the soundtrack is waiting for you!
