Summer is here and that means its music festival season! Whether you're looking for a relaxed family festival that you can enjoy alongside the kids, or you want to stay up all night dancing your socks off, Wiltshire's got plenty of options to choose from in 2019...
Wiltshire Music Festivals in June
Kicking off on 18 June, the Stonehenge Summer Solstice Music Festival is back for the 11th time this year. There will be folk, rock and alternative music from local and international artists plus yoga, camping and food. A laidback event timed to coincide with the Summer Solstice celebrations taking place at nearby Stonehenge, this mini festival is open to the whole family.
Meanwhile, the Farley Music Festival comes to the picturesque Wiltshire village of Farley, featuring a world-class line-up of young international musicians performing classical pieces in the stunning setting of All Saints' Church. Now in its 18th year, the Farley Festival boasts an impressive line up of performers and events taking place from 18 to 23 June.
Wiltshire Music Festivals in July
July is peak festival season in Wiltshire, beginning with the Wrde Up Musical Festival in Highworth near Swindon on 6 July. Wrde Up describes itself as a "family fun day of music for the community and surrounding areas" and features top tribute bands as well as an array of local musicians.
From 18 to 21 July, Larmer Tree Festival returns to its beautiful home on Cranborne Chase. Mercury Prize winner Kate Tempest is topping the bill in a line-up that includes Australian party people The Cat Empire, singer-songwriter Jack Savoretti, indie-rock band Gomez, critically-acclaimed singer KT Tunstall and British country-music duo The Shires. There will also be lots of kids activities as well as comedy from the likes of Josie Long and Nish Kumar.
If that wasn't enough, WOMAD comes to Charlton Park near Malmesbury for a global fiesta from 25 to 28 July. The 2019 line up includes Orbital, Salif Keita, Macy Gray and Anna Calvi alongside up-and-coming artists from around the world. There will be workshops, food, dance and art as well as lots of exciting activities and events for children.
July comes to a close with the Cider, Reggae & Rum Festival, a proper West Country event on 27 July in Trowbridge. This is a smaller local festival open to the whole family where you can expect live reggae and ska, delicious Caribbean cuisine and great drinks.
Wiltshire Music Festivals in August
Picnic in the Park is taking place at lovely Hillworth Park in Devizes on 18 August. There will be live music, family entertainment and bouncy slides for the kids. This is a free event, so simply turn up with your picnic and spend the afternoon relaxing on the grass listening to the tunes.
Now for something a bit different... Taking place from 19 to 26 August this year, Edington Music Festival is one of the oldest annual festivals of church music in the world. 90 of the UK’s top choral singers and organists will come to the come to the picturesque Wilsthire village of Edington to sing some of the most beautiful music ever written.
Wiltshire Music Festivals in September
The festival season ends with a bang as Crash the Party arrives on 7 and 8 September. Taking place just over the border in Hampshire, this big bash is Save the Rhino's 25th Birthday Party, featuring camping, cabaret, music, lifestyle activities, food and drink and much more. You'll be supporting a good cause, so no need to feel guilty about letting your hair down and having a big night!
What are your summer festival plans this year? Let us know in the comments below!
Find out what else is happening in Wiltshire this summer.
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Hope you enjoy these as much as I do! 🎮