LeftLion's Guide to Summer Festivals 2024

Radfest
When: 8 June
Where: The Rec, Radcliffe-On Trent
How much: £7 / £8 on the gate (£3 under 17s)

Market stalls, giant inflatables and only the best emerging talent from Nottingham – Radfest is really everything you could want from a family friendly, community festival. Catering for all ages including plenty of activities aimed at teenagers, it’s easy to see why it has become such a staple of the annual calendar over in Radcliffe. This year the line-up is stacked too, with local favourites Cali Green, Wizards Can’t Be Lawyers, Set In Motion and 2024 Future Sound of Nottingham winner, KAP, just some of the acts set to perform.  

Forza Fest
When: 8 June
Where: The Big Shed - Trent Navigation
How much: £15

If you can’t make it out to Radcliffe, have no fear as Trent Navigation will also be hosting their own mini-festival in their Big Shed venue on the same day – Forza Fest. With street food, outdoor bar service and another stellar local line-up that includes up-and-comers The Chase, The Publics, Bored Marsh and more, it promises to be a fun day out for local indie fans.

Download Festival
When: 14 - 16 June
Where: Donington Park, Leicestershire
How much: £124 day ticket | £300 weekend

It is the Mecca of rock and metal music, now incredibly in its 21st year – and it’s all happening less than thirty minutes away from Nottingham city centre. As hundreds and thousands of rock fans from across the globe once again descend on Donington, they’ll be treated to a mega line-up that this year includes Queens of the Stone Age, Fall Out Boy, Enter Shikari, Sum 41’s final ever UK festival performance and everyone’s favourite pop-punk guilty pleasure – Busted! However, the highlight of the weekend will no doubt be Nottingham’s own ALT BLK ERA, who bring their rising star to the Dogtooth Stage on the Saturday. A set not to be missed!

Forest Live
When: 21 - 23 June
Where: Sherwood Pines, Nottinghamshire
How much: From £61

If a picnic in the heart of Sherwood Pines Country Park whilst watching some genuine musical legends is more your cup of tea, then Forest Live have you covered. This year, the largest public woodland in the East Midlands plays host to disco pioneers Nile Rodgers & Chic, chart-topping pop sensation Anne-Marie and finally the one and only Sting. With VIP options available too to really treat yourself, this promises to be a magical weekend amidst some quite stunning surroundings. 

Gate To Southwell
When: 4 - 7 July
Where: Kirklington, Nottinghamshire
How much: From £22 (Day ticket)

This festival may well be Nottinghamshire’s best kept secret. Hidden away on the outskirts of Kirklington, Gate To Southwell is a family friendly festival that has a little bit of everything for everyone – dancing, spoken word, comedy, workshops, kids activities and, of course, live music. With a diverse line-up of talented artists playing a range of folk, roots and acoustic music, including Rhiannon Giddens, Blue Rose Code, and Mànran - this one is perfect for those looking for a chilled and scenic weekend away with the family.

Could Be Real Tribute Festival / Woodland Disco Festival
When: 5 - 6 July
Where: Newstead Abbey, Nottinghamshire
How much: From £40

In a world where you can’t see Amy Winehouse, Spice Girls, Queen and Oasis all on a bill together, Could Be Real offers the next best thing by bringing together some of the best tribute acts from across the country. Taking place in the historic surroundings of Newstead Abbey, it’s a great excuse to sit in the sun all evening and belt out some much-loved classics.

However, if you’re more partial to a little bit of D.I.S.C.O, then you may want to head over to Newstead Abbey a day later, where they will then be hosting legends like Sister Sledge and Jocelyn Brown for a day of dance, funk and R&B. Of course, you could always make a weekend of it and do both fests!

Waterfront Festival
When: 6 July
Where: The Canalhouse, Nottingham
How much: £8

When the sun comes out in Nottingham, there’s only one place to go – The Canalhouse. Set in the heart of the city centre and sat along the picturesque waterways, there are few pubs that can match its charm. Now add in raising money for a good cause, some fun, fancy dress hats and a full day of music that includes local favourites Luna & the Lime Slices, Baby Tap, Dusty 4 Track, Stuart Pearce and Sancho Panza, and you have the perfect July day out with Waterfront Festival. Now in its 12th year, all the proceeds for 2024 will go to their chosen charities of Emmanuel House and the Music Venue Trust. With tickets only £8 too, what’s stopping you?

Boho Festival
When: 26 - 28 July
Where: Millview Glamping & Events, Nottinghamshire
How much: From £35

Sunsets, nostalgia and a little sprinkling of bohemian magic, Boho Festival is an intimate family-friendly festival taking place within the scenic woodland of the Millview camping and events site. With Martin Kemp throwing an 80s party to kick start the weekend and a disco yurt to dance the night away in throughout the three days, Boho festival is the ultimate forest party. With tribute acts, wellness classes, bouncy castles and much more, there’s not a dull moment to be had.

Gloworm Festival
When: 16 -18 August
Where: Holme Pierrepont Country Park, Nottinghamshire
How much: Day tickets from £49

Let me ask you this - have you ever wanted to attend a Playmobil Rave? Well, good news! Gloworm is billed as ‘the ultimate family-friendly festival’, aimed at those with children aged 0-13. Meaning there’s no room for excuses like ‘Sorry, I need to stay home and watch the kids’ as you can bring them along with you! Aside from the dedicated Playmobil area for the little ones, there’s also a whole host of tribute acts to enjoy across the weekend, as well as circus acts and appearances from children’s TV favourites like Elmer, Paw Patrol and Bluey too. For the older kids (adults), there’s even Mr. Blobby and Pat Sharp on the bill!

Lost Village Festival
When: 22 - 25 August
Where: Norton Disney, Lincolnshire
How much: £325

Did you know that one of the best festivals in the world takes place less than an hour from Nottingham, just outside of Newark? 

There is simply no festival experience quite like Lost Village, a boutique adventure full of theatre, vibrant outfits and an always incredible line-up of music, comedy and fine dining. Taking place in the middle of a private woodland, it’s an assault on the senses that brings people back year-after-year to experience it all over again. With stages to explore that include an abandoned Airbase, an Old Zoo and even a rundown theme park, as well as insightful seminars across the weekend, wellness classes in their Energy Garden and Hot Tubs on the Lake, there’s a good chance you won’t want to leave.

Foolhardy Folk Festival
When: 25 August
Where: The Arboretum, Nottingham
How much: From £34

Folk musician Jay McAllister, AKA Beans on Toast, may originally be from Essex, but in recent years we have adopted him as a Nottingham faithful. It seems the feeling is mutual, as every year he now hosts and curates the Foolhardy Folk Festival in the Nottingham Arboretum over the August Bank holiday weekend. With a line-up of Beans’ favourite songwriters as well as plenty of street food and different craft ales to enjoy, it’s always a late-summer highlight.

Live At The Hall (Razorlight / Haçienda)
When: 30 - 31 August
Where: Wollaton Hall, Nottingham
How much: From £55

Of course, there is sadly a big festival shaped hole in the calendar this year, with Splendour unfortunately not taking place in 2024. However, our friends at DHP and Wollaton Hall have managed to save the day, gifting us this pair of shows at the end of August. On Friday night, indie heroes Razorlight will perform with support from The Pigeon Detectives, Feeder and The Sherlocks. Then on Saturday night, Wollaton Hall will be transformed into a Madchester haven with Soul II Soul, 808 State and many more performing as part of their Haçienda event. Whether you’re going to one or both these shows, it’s sure to round off the Nottingham festival season with a bang!