Glasto blues? Check out these festivals instead

If you were unable to secure a ticket to Glastonbury this year, there is no need to feel disheartened. The West of England is brimming with a variety of exciting festivals that offer a delightful mix of live music, arts, and family-friendly activities. These events are perfect for anyone looking to lift their spirits after missing out on Glastonbury. While some festivals have unfortunately closed their doors due to financial difficulties, many others continue to thrive, showcasing an impressive array of local and international talent. Here is a selection of festivals that still have tickets available for you to explore. One of the standout festivals is Shindig Festival, which is set to take place at Charlton Park in Wiltshire from May 22 to May 25, 2025. This festival, affectionately referred to as a 'pint-sized Glastonbury,' is making a comeback after previously announcing that 2024 would be its final year. Now located at the beautiful Charlton Park Estate, Shindig is celebrating its 11th year with a fantastic lineup. The festival will feature a variety of DJs and performers, including renowned names such as Gilles Peterson and Dub FX. This year, the festival is placing a special emphasis on high-energy live performances from artists across the globe, with genres ranging from Afrobeat to jazz-funk. The theme for this year's festival is 'Love is the Answer,' encouraging attendees to get creative with their outfits and participate in a vibrant parade on Saturday. For the first time, day tickets will be available, allowing guests to enjoy the festival during the day and camp overnight before heading home the next morning. Another exciting event on the calendar is Love Saves the Day, which is known as Bristol's largest festival. Scheduled for May 24 and 25, 2025, at Ashton Court, this festival can accommodate up to 30,000 attendees and is famous for its lively atmosphere. Love Saves the Day will feature a diverse mix of house music, drum and bass, pop, and live performances over two action-packed days. Headliners for the event include Overmono and Nia Archives, along with a strong supporting lineup featuring artists like Groove Armada and Andy C. This festival promises a weekend filled with energy, color, and cutting-edge sounds that will keep everyone entertained. Wychwood Festival is another noteworthy event, taking place from May 30 to June 1, 2025, at Cheltenham Racecourse. This year marks the festival's 20th anniversary, and it is celebrated for its family-friendly and laid-back atmosphere. Wychwood Festival offers a delightful blend of indie and folk music, comedy, and engaging workshops, creating a relaxed and welcoming environment for all. The festival will kick off with performances from popular bands like Shed Seven and Doves, making it an excellent choice for families looking to enjoy music together. Nowadaze is an intimate grassroots festival happening from July 17 to July 20, 2025, at Oxwick Farm in Yate, Bristol. With a capacity of just 500 attendees, this festival focuses on underground music, art, and community spirit. It will feature over 175 artists across four stages, showcasing a wide range of music styles from drum and bass to folk. Nowadaze is dedicated to supporting local talent and fostering a strong sense of community among its attendees. 2000trees is an independent rock music festival scheduled for July 9 to July 12, 2025, at Upcote Farm in Cheltenham. Known for its relaxed vibe, this festival highlights upcoming and underground rock acts. It has gained a reputation for its impressive lineups, featuring both established guitar-led legends and emerging talents. This year, co-headliners Kneecap and PVRIS will make their UK festival headline debuts, while Taking Back Sunday and Coheed and Cambria will also grace the stage for the first time. The festival will culminate with a performance by Alexisonfire, who will also be making their debut at 2000trees. The Godney Gathering is another festival worth considering, taking place from July 18 to July 19, 2025, at Garslade Farm in Glastonbury. This micro-festival, with a capacity of 5,000, is known for its local charm and features a mix of major acts and local talent. Previous headliners have included UB40 and The Darkness, and this year's lineup includes acts such as The Enemy and Lucy Spraggan. Homestead Festival is a boutique event designed for attendees over 25, happening from July 18 to July 20, 2025, in Clevedon, North Somerset. With a limited capacity of 1,500, this festival offers an intimate experience and features a diverse lineup of music and comedy performances. ArcTanGent is a rock festival taking place from August 13 to August 16, 2025, at Fernhill Farm near Bristol. Founded in 2013, this festival has become the UK's premier summer event for math rock, post-rock, progressive metal, and experimental music. This year's lineup boasts impressive headliners, including Wardruna and Karnivool, making it a must-attend for rock enthusiasts. Forwards Festival will be held on August 23 and 24, 2025, at Clifton Downs in Bristol. Known for its forward-thinking lineup, this festival combines cutting-edge music with thought-provoking social commentary. Previous headliners have included Aphex Twin and Erykah Badu, while this year's standout acts include Jorja Smith and Barry Can't Swim. Lastly, Outcider Festival will take place from July 31 to August 3, 2025, at Fernhill Farm in Somerset. This festival is known for its fun, friendly, and inclusive atmosphere, with tickets capped at just 500. It promises an intimate and energetic experience, featuring nearly 40 live acts across two alternating stages throughout the weekend. With tickets already selling fast, Outcider Festival is sure to be a lively and enjoyable event. So, if you missed out on Glastonbury, these festivals offer fantastic alternatives to enjoy music and have a great time!