9 Festivals You NEED To Visit This Summer

Festival season is the best season of the year.

The best time of the year, festival season, is almost here and as a seasoned festival goer here are my top nine recommendations this summer!

1. CitySplash

Instagram: @citysplashfest

Where: Brockwell Park, London

When: 27th May

Why you should go: There's a misconception that festivals are for the under-25s because they're chaotic, loud, and, full of ravers. Citysplash prioritises music from the island, reggae, basement, and soca but creates an environment that centres food and culture – you'd be happy to take your kids or cousins to it. With headline acts such as Beenie Man, Shenseea, and Black Sherif, it's a celebration you don't want to miss.

2. We Love Green

Instagram: @welovegreen

Where: Bois De Vincennes, Paris

When: 31st May - 2nd June

Why you should go: We love a festival that caters to everyone, and We Love Green does just that. From Burna Bot to Peggy Gou to SZA, you'll find it hard to not find one of your faves at this festival. Located on the outskirts of Paris, We Love Green has sustainability at the core of the festival, so you can sing until you lose your voice while learning about how to better our planet.

3. Cross The Tracks

Instagram: @xthetracks

Where: Brockwell Park, London

When: 26th May

Why you should go: Day-long festivals are the unsung heroes of the festival community, and Cross The Tracks deserves to be sung about. A festival dedicated to funk, soul, and R&B with legends such as Erykah Badu, En Vogue, and Eve performing this is a day out in South London you will not want to miss out on.

4. MadCool

Instagram: @madcoolfestival

Where: Madrid, Spain

When: 10th July –13th July

Why you should go: Dua Lipa, Rema, Tyla, and even Avril Lavigne – this is a lineup you won't get anywhere else but Mad Cool. Set in central Madrid, Villaverde District, this is a festival you don't want to miss out. The music, the sun and the focus on sustainability, MadCool is the festival of dreams.

5. BST Hyde Park

Instagram: @bsthydepark

Where: Hyde Park, London

When: 29 June – 14 July

Why you should go: BST is one of the newer festivals in London but has not disappointed with the lineups. Spanning over 10 dates, we'll be seeing huge names like Kylie Minogue, Stray Kids, and even Andrea Bocelli perform in the largest royal park in central London to the world's most dedicated fans. This is a series of dates made for you, your mum, your bestie and maybe even your grandma – there's something for everyone!

6. DLT: The Recipe

Instagram: @dltbrunch

Where: Gunnersbury Park, London

When: July 6th

Why you should go: If you're from London, you know about Days Like This but you've never seen them like this. Hosting their first-ever festival in the UK, DLT's debut will be one for the books. Tickets include unlimited alcohol and food, but if that wasn't enough, the R&B-focused lineup has booked the likes of Jazmine Sullivan who has not performed in the UK in 10 years! Unlimited food, drink, and R&B queens...who doesn't want to see this?!

7. Rolling Loud Europe

Instagram: @rollingloud.eu

Where: Ebreichsdorf Racino, Vienna

When: 5th-7th July

Why you should go: Rolling Loud has taken the world by storm over the years since its launch and now for the first time it'll be hosted in central Europe – Austria. Hip Hop's biggest names like Nicki Minaj, Travis Scott, and Playboi Carti will be headlining the epic weekend and we can't wait to see it in all its glory in their new location.

8. All Points East

Instagram: @allpointseastuk

Where: Victoria Park, London

When: 16 August – 25 August

Why you should go: All Points East has become one of those festivals where people are itching for the day their lineup drops and this year they've outdone themselves. Based in London's oldest public park, All Points East hosts the likes of Kaytranada, Andre 3000, Mitski, and even Victoria Monet this summer, and the lineup keeps on going. The option of talent is endless.

9. Black Eats Festivals

Instagram: @blackeatsldn

Where: Woolwich

When: 29th - 30th June

Why you should go: Festivals aren't just about partying and music, some of the best are all about the food and Black Eats Festival is just that. Created by the directory Black Eats, this festival brings together Black-owned restaurants, alcohol brands, bookstores, and even galleries to give you a wholesome experience with some great DJs playing of course.

What festivals are you excited for this summer?

Credits: Paras Griffin/Karwai Tang / WireImage Astrida Valigorsky /Penske Media