Britain's boutique festivals
Everyone knows about Glastonbury, but if you prefer your festivals a bit more laid-back and intimate, with a non-corporate feel, why not take a look at some of our favourite British boutique festivals?
Eden Sessions
When: 27 June - 25 July 2008
Headliners: The Raconteurs, The Verve, KT Tunstall, Kaiser Chiefs
What: This is the 7th year of Eden Sessions held at the world-famous Biomes. Unlike other festivals, the Eden Sessions are held over a number of non-consecutive days, with a different act on each day. All proceeds from the events go to the Eden Trust.
Where:Eden Project, St Austell,
CornwallTickets: Around £33 - 40, depending on the act.
Web:Eden Sessions (www.edenproject.com/whats-on/eden-sessions/index.php)
Latitude Festival
When: 17 - 20 July 2008
Headliners: Franz Ferdinand, Sigur Ros, Interpol
What: The Latitude Festival is 3 years old this year, making it one of Britain's newest festivals. With a great line-up of indie bands and artists that's only rivalled by the big festivals, Latitude is said to be more similar to European festivals. Also expect dedicated tents for comedy, cabaret, theatre, poetry, film and literature.
Where:Henham Park,
Southwold,
SuffolkTickets: Expect to pay around £45 for a day ticket and £112 for a weekend ticket.
Web:Latitude Festival (www.latitudefestival.co.uk/home/)
Secret Garden Party
When: 24 - 27 July 2008
Headliners: TBC
What: With a capacity of just 6,000 people, the Secret Garden Party is a 4-day party like no other. Occupying 100 acres in the grounds of a Georgian farm house, the festival is founded on creative participation, so expect everything from reading Shakespeare round a bonfire to custard pie battles on the lake and hula-hooping at sunset.
Where: The exact location is only revealed to ticket holders, but it'll be somewhere in the East Anglian countryside.
Tickets: A weekend ticket costs £125, and a free campervan pass is optional.
Web:Secret Garden Party (www.secretgardenparty.com/2008/)
Green Man Festival
When: 15 - 17 August
Headliners: Super Furry Animals, Beirut, Very Special Guests
What: The Green Man festival is the perfect place to indulge your inner hippy. With no corporate logos and no VIP area, Green Man is Britain's most laid-back festival. But it doesn’t compromise on music - past performers include the legendary Robert Plant.
Where: Glanusk Park,
Brecon Beacons,
WalesTickets: A weekend ticket with camping costs £105.
Web:Green Man Festival (www.thegreenmanfestival.co.uk/)
Beautiful Days Festival
When: 15 - 17 August
Headliners: Squeeze, Supergrass, Levellers
What: Now in its 7th year, the Beautiful Days Festival is organised by the British rock band The Levellers, and was the winner of the Best Grass Roots Festival at the 2006 UK Festival Awards. Beautiful Days has great music across 5 stages, camping, children's area, stalls, real ale bars and amazing site art.
Where:Escot Park, Ottery St Mary,
DevonTickets: A weekend ticket with camping costs £90.
Web:Beautiful Days Festival (www.beautifuldays.org/)
Bestival
When: 5 - 7 September 2008
Headliners: Amy Winehouse, Underworld
What: Ever since its launch in 2004, Bestival has become one of Britain's most popular boutique festivals. Famous for its unique and quirky ideas, it's no surprise that fancy dress is encouraged (almost expected), and you'll be guaranteed a weekend full of fun and frolics. Don't miss the Hidden Disco (if you can find it!), solar powered cinema, and boutique campsite.
Where:Robin Hill Countryside Adventure Park,
Isle of WightTickets: A weekend ticket costs £130.
Web:Bestival (www.bestival.net)