Below is your guide to the best music festivals that are coming up this summer. The Typical British Summer! Sun, Rain, & Wind? Read and find out what the essential items that you will need for the festivals this summer ranging from waterproof clothing to sun lotions and Sun hats, this guide has got it covered.

Download

12-14 June, Donnington Park, East Midlands.

All you ageing rockers out there will be pleased to know that ZZ Top, Def Leppard  and Whitesnake are all appearing at this total Rockfest in June.  Faith No More will be playing live for the first time in 11 years and the mighty Slipknot and Marilyn Manson will be topping off what has to be the best Saturday night any metal fan can hope for.

Site: http://www.downloadfestival.co.uk/home/index.aspx

Glastonbury

24-28 June, Worthy Farm, Somerset.

The line-up has yet to be confirmed at this, the Grandaddy of festivals, but Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young and Blur seem pretty certain. Who cares? Don’t buy a programme, forget the line-up and just follow your nose, that’s how to enjoy Glastonbury. There really is something for everyone in this town-sized festival where the people are the show.

Essential kit:

For the pessimist:  Waterproof Boots

For the optimist:  Sunglasses

Site: http://www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk/

Family Friendly

The Big Chill

7-9 August, Ledbury, Herefordshire.

Basement Jaxx and David Byrne of Talking Heads will be on a strong line-up; but for me, it is the return of Orbital to the stage that will tear the (non existent) roof off this cross-cultural party. For the more cerebral among you, Chris Cunningham is rumoured to be doing a live set. Who’s he? The cutting edge film director who made videos for the likes of Portishead, Bjork and various acts from the Warp stable.

Essential kit:

A sleeping bag for when you don’t want to feel the Big Chill

Site: http://www.bigchill.net/festival

Cambridge Folk Festival

30 July-2 August, Cherry Hinton Hall, Cambridge.

Booker T, The Zutons and The Saw Doctors are most recognisable to the majority of us, the rest of the line up coming from the more traditional folk circles. I’ve never been before but some of my mates go back year after year and always have a good time. Enjoy the friendly atmosphere, real ale and acoustic music.

Essential kit:

As  this festival is in the height of summer, a decent sun hat is a must

Site: http://www.cambridgefolkfestival.co.uk/

Compact and bijou

Hop Farm

4-5 July, Paddock Wood, Kent.

The site that also hosts the biggest military vehicle show in Europe certainly has plenty of facilities for this deliberately less commercial festival. The line up includes Echo & The Bunnymen, Paul Weller and The Fratellis.

Site: http://www.Hopfarmfestival.com

Gazastock

3-5 July, nr Hildenborough, Kent.

An intimate gathering in the countryside of the Weald of Kent. Every year this mellow festival raises much needed cash for a local hospice. Line up includes Origami Dinosaur, The 38s, The Diarys, Blackadder and Paul Dunton. You may have to keep your eye on ebay for tickets as they are limited and always sell out quickly.

Essential kit:

As organisers request no glass on site, Source Liquitainer 4litre folding water bottle is a great idea

Site: http://www.gazastock.co.uk/

Smelling Optional (daily tickets, no camping).

Wireless

4-5 July, Hyde Park, London.

A turn-up-on-the-day weekend of Dance and Hip Hop, featuring the likes of Basement Jaxx, Dizee Rascal, The Streets and a set by Paul Okenfold. Expect a mix of cultures and ages all trying to get bombed before the 22.30  kick out time.

Essential kit:

Shades are a must and better take some sun protection: Sun Cream & Skin Protection

Site: http://www.wirelessfestival.co.uk/home/index.aspx

Get Loaded In The Park

30 August, Clapham Common, London.

The E-generation should be out in force for this bash with Orbital, Laurent Garnier  and Carl Craig hitting the four to the floor, while Roni Size’s Reprazent pumps out the Drum ‘n Bass with an exclusive UK appearance. This is a Bank Holiday weekend,  so check your train times. The party finishes at a startlingly early 9pm so best have another rave to go on to (you must know someone called Steve who’s setting up a sound system in a field off the M25, surely).

Essential kit:

Sun cream and a pair of sunglasses for the morning after.

Site: http://www.getloadedinthepark.com/

Rave

Creamfields

29-30 August,Halton, Cheshire.

Expect a younger, Radio 1 listening crowd here. Acts include Basement Jaxx, Dizee Rascal, John Digweed and a welcome appearance from Sven Vath. If none of them float your boat then don’t worry, Creamfields is known for having just about any style of dance act that you can imagine. Be sure to check out their website to make sure that it’s your kind of thing as this is a very commercial affair.

Essential kit:

Hydration Packs

Site: http://www.creamfields.com/

Overseas

Sonar

18-20 June, Barcelona.

Not your usual festival. A series of performances, films, installations and more from the world of experimental music and video. DJs, VJs and hundreds of artists from all over the world will be hosting shows throughout the city. Expect thoughtful conversations from readers of Wire magazine and strange Germans who bleep in their spare time.

Essential kit:

Waterproof Cases for your Camera & Valuables

Site: http://www.sonarbarcelona.com/en/

Flickr Images courtesy of:
Al Green - Glastonbury Festival Image                              UK Mari – Download Festival Image
Twak – Cambridge Folk Festival Image                               Hoodrat – Hop Farm Festival Image
Dave Nicholl – 02 Wireless Festival Image                     Landii – Creamfields Festival Image
Sml – Sonar Music Festival Image