Festival Fever: 8 Unmissable Summer Festivals In 2024

Summer festivals. Vibrant celebrations that transform ordinary days into extraordinary memories, marked by infectious beats, sun-soaked afternoons, and a sense of communal euphoria. As the temperature rises, so does our anticipation for the musical extravaganzas that define the season. Summer festivals are like a rite of passage, offering an unparalleled escape into a world where the rhythms of life sync with the beats of the stage.

May to September is the only time of the year when the bustling streets of London become a playground of sonic exploration, beckoning music lovers from all corners of the globe. The city's diverse spirit melds seamlessly with the kaleidoscopic sounds coming from festival stages, the one time a year when everyone loves being in London.

And for those seeking a short getaway, we've got you covered. Pack your bags, leave the familiar behind, and join us on checking out the most exciting festivals of the summer in Europe. From the sun-drenched shores of Malta to the iconic cityscape of Barcelona, these festivals promise to be the soundtrack to your summer adventure. So, whether you're a local Londoner revelling in the magic of your city or a ready for a sunny European getaway, here are some ideas of what to get into this summer.

1. Primavera Sound Barcelona 2024

Nestled along the picturesque coastline of Barcelona at Parc Del Fòrum, Primavera Sound has solidified its reputation as one of Europe's premier music festivals. It is one of the largest and most-attended music festivals in Europe and the biggest in the Mediterranean. The festival's image was originally oriented around indie rock, but in recent years has seen a larger presence of genres such as hip hop, electronic dance music and pop. The 2024 edition boasts an eclectic lineup featuring the enchanting Lana Del Rey, SZA, Clipse, Deftones, the dynamic Disclosure, and FKA Twigs.

Tickets for the festival which runs from May 29th - June 2nd are available to purchase here: https://www.primaverasound.com/en/tickets

2. Project 6 Festival 2024

Taking place in the heart of London, Project 6 Festival is a celebration of diversity in sound. A driving force of UK underground radio, Rinse FM is set to ignite London's Brockwell Park on May 24th, 2024. With the return of Project 6 encompassing a showcase of cutting-edge music, the lineup promises electrifying performances from the versatile AJ Tracey, the lyrically adept Pusha T, dynamic duo Freddie Gibbs and Madlib, rap maestro Nines, and the enigmatic recent Brit Award winner CASISDEAD.

Tickets for Project 6 Festival can be purchased here: https://bookings.project6festival.com/book/19882/ticket

3. Summer Dayes Festival

Embrace the sunshine at Summer Dayes Festival, an immersive experience set against the backdrop of South London and created by musician Yussef Dayes. Featuring Masego, Greentea Peng, Sango and Jordan Ward to name a few, Summer Dayes looks like the perfect festival to relax and just enjoy good beats.

Yussef Dayes Presents: Summer Dayes will take place on Sunday, August 4th, at South London’s Crystal Palace Bowl for a day of incredible live music, west Indian food offerings, jelly coconuts, yoga classes with Dave Dayes (Yussef’s dad), all happening in and around the venue’s natural outdoor amphitheatre.

Tickets go on general sale Friday, March 15th 2024 - sign up for presale here: https://southfacingfestival.com/event/yuseef_dayes/#:~:text=Yussef%20Dayes%20Presents%3A%20Summer%20Dayes%20will%20take%20place%20on%20Sunday,the%20venue%27s%20natural%20outdoor%20amphitheatre.

4. Jazz Cafe Festival

For those seeking a more underground and soulful experience, Jazz Cafe Festival in London is a must-attend event featuring some of the biggest names in hip-hop. For the past 35 years, The Jazz Cafe has been at the centre of London's vibrant music scene and for the first time ever, is venturing our from Camden to Burgess Park for a musical experience. There will be four unique stage experiences to discover, all carrying the renowned Jazz Cafe energy. A grand arena style stage for our headline acts, a 360-degree setup to party alongside our favourite DJs, a tropical plant room which blurs the boundaries between the stage and the natural world, and a secret stage which they will be revealing in coming weeks. The 2024 edition promises performances from the introspective Earl Sweatshirt, influential producer The Alchemist, the soulful Ojerime, and lyrical beast Roc Marciano.

The Jazz Cafe Festival takes place on Sunday the 15th of September. Tickets are available to purchase here: https://ra.co/events/1855330

5. Cross The Tracks

Celebrating the rich history of Black music and culture, Cross The Tracks in London's Brockwell Park is a vibrant festival with a focus on jazz, funk, and soul. Immerse yourself in a diverse lineup of heritage legends, current icons, and new artists we know you’ll love and grab your one-way ticket to London’s best day festival.The 2024 lineup invites festival-goers to groove to the legendary Erykah Badu, the experimental sounds of Badbadnotgood, Ama Lou, Venna, Sekou, and Eve.

Cross The Tracks takes place on Sunday the 26th May at Brockwell Park. Tickets are available to purchase here: https://bookings.kaboodle.co.uk/book/19889/ticket

6. Reading & Leeds Festival

Known for its unapologetic nature and securing some of the biggest names in the world, Reading and Leeds festival is one that is a rite of passage for anyone as soon as they turn 16. Usually taking place on the August Bank Holiday weekend to round off the summer, festival goers will be pleased to see this years exciting lineup with a handful of dazzling names. Although the full lineup is yet to be released, the Main Stage headliners are tapping into our nostalgia with Blink-182, Liam Gallagher and Catfish And The Bottlemen. Also leading the festival will be Lana Del Rey, Fred Again... and special guest 21 Savage exclusively on Friday in Leeds and Sunday at Reading. Featuring names such as the landslide award-winning RAYE, jungle enthusiast Nia Archives and welcoming Digga D, fans will be able to enjoy an array of genres and themes throughout the weekend where there's something for everyone.

Reading Festival takes place in Richfield Avenue from the 23-25th of August 2024.

Leeds Festival takes place in Bramham Park from the 23-25th of August 2024.

Tickets are available to purchase here: https://www.readingandleedsfestival.com

7. DLT Malta

The four-day party is back, offering a unique fusion of electronic beats and Mediterranean vibes. DLT Malta is a dance music paradise set against the stunning backdrop of the Maltese archipelago over two weekends. The weekends will also include pool parties, beach parties and club parties at some of the best venues Malta has to offer, with some surprises still to come. There are also luxury add-ons for a VIP experience, intimate boat parties and our signature bottomless brunch with a sea view. The 2024 lineup features the exciting DJ Kaytranada, the Afro-fusion vibes of Amaarae, Odeal, Skepta co-sign Odumodublvck, and the infectious sounds of Uncle Waffles.

DLT Malta takes place on 6 - 10 June 2024 and for a second weekend on 13 - 17 June 2024. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/dlt-malta#about

7. Afronation Festival

Bringing the best of Afrobeat and global music to the Portuguese coast, Afronation Festival in Algarve is a celebration of rhythm and culture. When it comes to festival venues, they're winning every time! Praia Da Rocha, Portimão is for the lovers of breathtaking views, golden hour & the glistening sea. Portimão is a huge tourism hub too. Restaurants, nightlife, stunning hotels and villas, historic sites and more, there’s really something for everyone. The 2024 edition promises star-studded performances from Nicki Minaj, Rema, Asake, the dynamic J Hus, new GRAMMY-award winner Tyla, and rising star Omah Lay.

Afronation takes place between the 26th - 28th of June. Tickets are available to purchase here https://www.afronation.com/2024-book-tickets

These festivals promise an unforgettable blend of music, culture, and camaraderie. Whether you're into hip-hop, indie, jazz, electronic, or Afrobeats, there's a festival for every music lover to explore and make memories that will last a lifetime.