Glasto blues? Festivals still to come in the West

Valley Fest takes place on the shores of Chew Valley Lake

Glastonbury is over for another year, leaving many with the post-festival blues.

We saw Coldplay leave the Pyramid stage crowd totally blown away by an amazing performance, Shania bringing all the nostalgia and Dua Lipa storm through a pop perfect show.

It's left many wondering where they might get their next festival hit from.

But the West Country is home to a wealth of musical talents and incredible festivals that are still to come.

Valley Fest takes place by Chew Valley Lake

Valley Fest, 1-4 August

Capacity 12,000

Now in its tenth year, this family-friendly weekend has announced Sister Sledge, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Tinie Tempah, The Feeling and The Skids as among its acts.

The festival prides itself on having food just as good as its music with much of the grub coming from local producers.

Not only that the festival has a very West Country-based line up - with three up and coming artists from or living in Bristol.

"Over our ten-year history we’ve always showcased local artists - there is such a rich music scene in Bristol from which to draw.

"And this has only been strengthened with our Jam Jar collaboration," says Melissa Kidd, who runs communications for ValleyFest.

Marla Kether, a session bassist and Dark Angels, a powerful hip hop dance crew will be performing.

The Bristol Reggae Orchestra and Windrush Choir will also be putting on a show on Saturday.

Previous headliners at The Godney Gathering include Feeder, The Lightning Seeds, Scouting for Girls, UB40 and The Darkness

The Godney Gathering, 19-20 July 2024

Capacity 5,000

The Friday and Saturday festival is in its 13th year at Garslade Farm in Somerset.

It's a family focused gig that gives out free children's tickets.

Their line up includes Zion Train, The Chase, Monkey Bizzle and Citylightz for Friday.

Saturday will see Embrace, Dutty Moonshine Big Band, Fisherman's Friends and The Lottery Winners among others take the spotlight.

Speaking to the BBC previously, founder Mike Daniels said they aim to keep costs down for everyone.

Mr Daniels said: "When it comes to things like drinks and food, all of those are sensibly priced - the dearest drink is £4 a pint."

"The festival is not commercially-run and held just "for the buzz", said Mr Daniels.

2,000 Trees is an independent festival based in Withington, Cheltenham

2,000 Trees, 10-13 July 2024

Capacity 15,000

Based at Upcote Farm in Cheltenham, this festival describes themselves as "a family gathering based on positive community values".

Acts taking to the stage include The Gaslight Anthem, Kids in Glass Houses and Manchester Orchestra.

The festival is proud of its independence saying they put the "experience first".

In their manifesto they said: "Rather than simply follow the money, we've put the experience first and set our own boundaries.

"These boundaries don't limit us they define us."

The gig is now down to its final 600 tickets

2024 marks the 42nd year of WOMAD festival

WOMAD, 25-28 July 2024

Capacity 40,000

This year's World of Music, Arts and Dance Festival is set for late July in Charlton Park, Wiltshire.

Organisers promise cutting-edge performances across six stages featuring over 150 musical acts.

Alborosie, Young Fathers, Amadou & Mariam, Gogol Bordello, Alison Goldfrapp, Baaba Maal and Sampa The Great are among those playing.

WOMAD also has 200 free workshops led by musicians and dancers from around the world as well as offering a selection of amazing food at the Taste the World Stage.

Conjurer performed at ArcTanGent in 2022

ArcTanGent, 14-17 August 2024

Capacity 10,000

ArcTangent is a three-day rock festival celebrating its 10th anniversary this August at Fernhill Farm near Bristol.

It won Best Small Festival at the UK Festival Awards in 2018 and has since grown in size.

Over 100 plus acts play across five alternating stages.

This years festival has Explosions in the Sky, Clown Core, Meshuggah, Animals as Leaders and Mogwai and Electric Wizard.

Little Simz drew crowds to her performance in 2022

Forwards, 31 August to 1 September 2024

Capacity 60,000 (no camping)

This year will see the third occurrence of this two-day festival, which has already hosted the likes of Aphex Twin, Chemical Brothers and Erykah Badu on the Downs in Bristol.

Offering more than just music, its information area is dedicated to thought-provoking panels and discussions "to inspire social change" through its FORWARD THINKING platform.

This years line up includes Jessie Ware, LCD Soundsystem as well as Loyle Carner and Four Tet.

Of course, these are just a handful of some of the incredible festivals in the West.

There are plenty more out there, so if you did miss out on Glasto, we hope this has softened the blow.