Music festivals are arguably the best thing about summer, and in the UK, come rain or shine there is pretty much guaranteed to be a festival on every weekend from May to September. With loads of different stages and hours of live music, one of my favourite things about festivals is stumbling across new artists, becoming obsessed, and then watching them grow and become huge stars (this happened to me with Sam fender in 2017!).

But with so much choice, knowing what festivals to go to can be tricky. Here is a list of some of the small but mighty festivals in the UK for new indie and pop acts, and where you might discover the next big artist and get major music taste credit when you can say “I saw them when they were small.”

Barn on the Farm

Where: Gloucester

Capacity: 2500

When: 30th June – 3rd July 2022 

Let’s start out with a favourite of mine. Barn on the Farm is an award winning festival that takes place in July each year. Although you may never have heard of it, you will definitely know their past headliners. A small indie artist headlined in 2011 called Ed Sheeran, and then Hozier in 2014 and James Bay in 2015. In 2019 they celebrated 10 years with three headliners of Maggie Rogers, Lewis Capaldi, and Dermot Kennedy and performances from Holly Humberstone, Maisie Peters, and Sea Girls – all of which are fast becoming household names.  

There is no line up for 2022 announced yet but keep an eye out for Maisie Peters, Phoebe Bridgers, and King Princess as potential headliners!

End of the Road 

Where: Wiltshire

Capacity: 15,000

When: 1^st – 4^th September 2022

This festival focuses on independent artists, mainly folk and rock acts. With four stages, there is a lot going on, and it is known for having a really cool vibe and mix of arts. Possibly the most indie and alternative on this list, End of the Road is great for huge music fans who want to be surrounded by similar people and discover the best acts from outside of popular music.

The last End of the Road festival had acts such as Arlo Parks and Lil Sims, both of which had great 2021s, and this year’s line-up is looking equally as good – with Lucy Dacus and Khruangbin being some of the acts I’m most excited to see. 

Dot to Dot 

Where: Manchester, Bristol, Nottingham

Capacity: Depends on venue

When: May 2022

If camping isn’t for you (and let’s be honest, camping isn’t always fun) then maybe a day festival is a good option. Dot to Dot is one of the best day festivals the UK offers. Normally held in over one weekend, it moves from Manchester to Bristol to Nottingham taking over music venues across the city. Past performers include huge indie names such as Pinegrove, Wolf Alice, and the Orielles and some radio favourites like Dua Lipa, Catfish and the Bottlemen, Years and Years, and The 1975.

With tickets starting at less than £20 this is a great option and a fab day out without the commitment of wellies and waking up hungover in a tent. The 2022 line up is not yet announced, but their 2021 line up included come great small acts like Chappaqua Wrestling, Billie Martin, and Beka all of which are growing in popularity. 

Latitude 

Where: Suffolk 

Capacity: 40,000

When: 21^st – 24^th July 2022

Latitude is the biggest festival on this list, but it is well known for showcasing some great emerging artists. Much more than music, Latitude showcases amazing performers in theatre, poetry, and comedy. There are three main stages, with the Sunrise Arena being a favourite for emerging artists. In the past acts like Goat Girl, Orla Gartland, and the Japanese House have played on Sunrise. 

There is no line up for 2022 yet but 2021 included some names that have made a big splash in the last year including Kawala, Alfie Templeman, and Griff. Latitude is a great option if you want to experience the bigger festival feeling and see some major acts, along with smaller artists. 

Summer 2022 is going to be the absolute best for festivals – after all we have all waited long enough for them to be back! Hopefully you discovered somewhere new to go here and find a favourite artist. Let us know on socials if you discover your new favourite artists, and maybe we will see you in the mud and sunshine this summer!