Glasto blues? Check out these festivals instead

Shindig Festival is dubbed a "pint-sized Glastonbury"
- Published
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.

Shindig Festival will be held at Charlton Park in Wiltshire in 2025
Shindig, 22 May - 25 May 2025
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.

Love Saves the Day is Bristol's biggest festival
Love Saves the Day, 24 May - 25 May 2025
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.

Wychwood is celebrating its 20th year at Cheltenham Racecourse
Wychwood, 30 May - 1 June 2025
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.
Nowadaze, 17 July - 20 July 2025
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.

2000trees is an independent rock music festival
2000trees, 9 July - 12 July 2025
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.
- Attribution
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The Godney Gathering, 18 July - 19 July 2025
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.
Homestead Festival, 18 July - 20 July 2025
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.

Conjurer performed at ArcTanGent in 2022
ArcTanGent, 13 August - 16 August 2025
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.

Forwards Festival is held on the Clifton Downs in Bristol
Forwards Festival, 23 August - 24 August 2025
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.
Outcider Festival, 31 July - 3 August

Outcider is known for its fun, friendly and inclusive atmosphere
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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