12 Outdoor Events and Festivals to look forward to in 2021
Summer 2021 can’t come soon enough! Following the optimistic lockdown lifting plan announced by the government last week, we’d be lying if we said we weren’t just a little bit excited for the possible return of live events later this year.
After all, we’ve spent the last year daydreaming about dancing around in muddy fields with our friends and singing along to our favourite artists. Looking ahead to the coming months, we think it might finally be time to dig out those wellies and get back outside again this summer.
Read about some of our favourite outdoor events and festivals due to take place in summer 2021 below, or explore all our listings here.
When?: 8th – 10th July 2022
Where?: The Great Tew Park, Oxfordshire
Roll up, roll up! Classic summer entertainment returns to Oxfordshire in 2022 in the form of the super family-friendly Cornbury Festival.
*All vehicles require a Parking Pass. Select ticket type to purchase parking pass and campervan permit.*
When?: 25 – 26 September 2021
Where?: Multiple venues in Nottingham & Bristol
Dot to Dot will once again descend on Nottingham and Bristol in 2021. Across multiple venues in both cities, the festival serves up an eclectic mix of established performers and up and coming artists. With performances from Chubby and the Gang, Palace, Girl Band, Grandma’s House and headliner’s Sports Team, the cities-wide event - which usually takes place in May each year - promises a fantastic bill of fresh and emerging talent when it returns this September.
When?: 10th – 20th June 2021
Where?: Various venues
Keane, Madness, Doves, Jess Glynne and Rag‘N’Bone Man are billed to perform at Forest Live this June. Held annually, the summer concert series presented by Forestry England takes place across multiple forest locations, each providing a stunning backdrop to the unique line-up of acts.
Not only are you guaranteed a great night out, every ticket sold contributes to the upkeep and maintenance of the nation’s forests and local wildlife.
*Please note: The following locations will not be hosting any Forest Live events in 2021: Bedgebury Pinetum, Dalby Forest and Sherwood Pines.
When?: 11th - 15th August 2021
Where?: Catton Park, Derbyshire
Bloodstock Open Air was set to celebrate its twentieth year in 2020, but Covid-19 had other ideas. Returning to its Catton Park home in August 2021, with a rolled over line-up including mega performances from Judas Priest, Behemoth, Devin Townsend and more, the event also announced a UK festival exclusive - heavy metal pioneers, KREATOR, will replace Mercyful Fate as 2021’s Saturday night headliner on Ronnie James Dio main stage. Bloodstock is a heavy metal calendar staple remains the UK’s biggest independent metal festival.
When?: 2nd – 3rd July 2021
Where?: Herrington Country Park, Tyne & Wear
Returning for its third edition in 2021, Kubix Festival invites you to the ultimate 90’s party with performances from Vengaboys, 2 Unlimited, N-Trance and more on Friday 2nd July. The two-day event also welcomes headline sets from The Levellers, Stiff Little Fingers, The Futureheads, Cast and many others on Saturday. Offering an he extensive and eclectic mix of acts, Kubix has become a mainstay must-attend event in the North East.
When?: 22nd – 25th July 2021
Where?: Henham Park, Suffolk
Fan favourite Latitude is back once more at Henham Park in Suffolk. Boasting a line-up that includes Wolf Alice, The Chemical Brothers, Bastille Orchestrated, Bombay Bicycle Club and much more, the July weekender is the place to be. With a host of camping, glamping, food, and health and wellbeing programs to boot, in addition to a stellar music and comedy line-up, the much-loved arts festival offers something for the whole family.
Nocturne Live at Blenheim Palace
When?: 17th – 20th June 2021
Where?: Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
Back for it’s sixth edition, the world heritage site location boasts a stunning backdrop for some of the world’s biggest artists. And who wouldn’t want to be spending their summer with the likes of Simple Minds plus Deacon Blue; David Gray plus James Morrison and Nerina Pallot; and Lionel Richie; UB40 feat. Ali & Astro plus Jimmy Cliff & Aswad as Nocturne Live at Blenheim Palace returns in June for three nights of wonderful entertainment.
When?: 18th June - 28th August 2021
Where?: Newmarket Racecourses
Whatever your musical tastes, you can enjoy a day of racing followed by an evening performance at Newmarket this summer as their Racing + Artist series returns. This year’s fantastic bill of headliners includes Bryan Ferry, Tom Jones, Olly Murs, Mcfly, The Script and Pete Tong & The Heritage Orchestra Present Ibiza Classics and takes place on weekends throughout June, July and August 2021.
When?: 30th June – 11th July 2021
Where?: Castlefield Bowl, Manchester
Across seven nights in July, Manchester’s Sound of the City is set to host Foals, Crowded House, Kaiser Chiefs and Razorlight, Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott, Lewis Capaldi, DMA’S, The Streets and Haçienda Classiçal at the Castlefield Bowl.
Tickets are still available for Kaiser Chiefs and Razorlight on 2nd July and The Streets’ performance on 9th July 2021.
For all other dates — sign-up for Ticket Alarm to find out if tickets become available
When?: 24th July 2021
Where?: Wollaton Park, Nottingham
Nottingham’s Splendour festival is back for 2021, bringing with them iconic headline sets from Oxford brit-pop favourites Supergrass and indie icon Richard Ashcroft. Additional performances come from pop legend Rick Astley, Becky Hill, The Vamps, Belinda Carlisle and many more, alongside them including a host of unmissable comedy and entertainment.
When?: 26th - 27th June 2021
Where?: Cardiff Castle, Wales
UK songstress Jess Glynne and Canadian icon Bryan Adams have announced individual headline slots at Cardiff Castle on 26th and 27th June 2021 respectively.
The stunning historical location boasts a capacity of up to 10,000, and has been used for numerous musical performances in the past including Welsh legend Tom Jones, indie-rockers Stereophonics and American punk outfit, Greenday.
When?: 27th – 29th August 2021
Where?: Hutton-in-the-Forest, Penrith
Get ready to pack the car and pitch a tent as this family-friendly festival in the heart of Cumbria is a must-attend. Wannasee is the next best thing to seeing your very favourite acts and artists live when they’re not on tour, and 2021 is set to be bigger than ever.
Don’t miss performances from The Bootleg Beatles (The Beatles), Rule The World (Take That), Hometown Glory (Adele) and many more when the biggest and best tribute acts hit the stages in Penrith this August.
For the most up-to-date event information or if you need assistance – check out our FAQs.
