JUNE

NORTH DEVON FESTIVAL
Where: Various venues, North Devon
When: 1-30 June
What: Covering theatre, music, dance, art, lit, sport and nature, this month-long, multi-tentacled umbrella festival incorporates several smaller Devon-based gatherings, too, such as the Appledore Visual Arts festival, Barnstaple Fringe, Oceanfest, Ilfracombe Victorian Celebration and the Lynton & Lynmouth Music Festival. Look out for names such as Paul Merton, Pendragon, Alfie Boe, Courtney Pine, Simon Amstell, The James Taylor Quartet and productions of ‘Blood Brothers’, ‘Cider With Rosie’ and ‘The Threepenny Opera’. Price: various, many free. Tel: 01271 324242, web: www.northdevonfestival.org

SPITALFIELDS FESTIVAL
Where: Various venues, Spitalfields, London
When: 2-20 June
What: Proudly esoteric music and history festival, with lots of classical, contemporary classical, world, talks and walks and more Price: various, some free events. Tel: 0207 377 1362, web: www.spitalfieldsfestival.org.uk

LOCAL EVENT
BRISTOL MINI DAY
Where: Puxton Park, Hewish, Weston-super-Mare
When: 3 June
What: All change once again as the automotive funday that’s not just for Mini owners moves to Weston-super-Mare. Traders, show and shine, competitions, games plus, of course, Minis, Minis and more Minis. Dogs are welcome. Theme for 2008 is ‘Down On The Farm’. No camping this year. Price: £6, day tickets, under-12s free. Tel: 01275 330425, web: www.bristolminiday.co.uk

LOCAL EVENT
CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL OF SCIENCE
Where: Various venues, Cheltenham
When: 4-8 June
What: Lab coat-rippingly exciting exploration of everything you ever wanted to know about science but were too afraid of your sinister Bunsen burner-wielding teacher to ask. Cheltenham’s annual five-day boffinry fest this year offers debates on everything from cloning and cars of the future to free will and the significance of the Large Hadron Collider, as well as Richard Dawkins on Darwin, Jonathon Porritt on population control, the Guardian’s Ben Goldacre on bad science and the Mr Men (as part of the excellent family schedule). Genius. Price: various. Tel: 01242 237377, web: www.cheltenhamfestivals.co.uk

LOCAL EVENT
VENN FESTIVAL
Where: Various venues, Bristol
When: 5-8 June
What: Bristol’s annual celeberation of the new, weird and underground steps out once again with sets from Matmos, Why?, Rachel Unthank & The Winterset, Fuck Buttons, Munch Munch and Hauschka, as well as a brand new commission by legendary vocal improviser Phil Minton entitled ‘Century FC’, which draws together 100 untrained voices from across the city for two free performances at the Arnolfini. Loads of other cool stuff, too. Price: various. Web: www.
vennfestival.com

LOCAL EVENT
BRISTOL VOLKSFEST
Where: NSAS Showground, Bathing Pond Fields, Wraxall, Bristol
When: 6-8 June
What: Polish your Beetle for this celebration of all things VW. Pack your grass skirts, garlands and Hawaiian shirts for the Sat Night Beach Party, and your old, unwanted or broken surfboards for this year’s art project: the ‘Surfboard Graveyard’. Bootloads of live music, DJs and, as always, a top-quality ‘show and shine’ on Sunday and over 120 traders and displays. Price: £20 adult adv w/e inc camping, day tickets, under-12s free. Web: www.bristolvolksfest.co.uk

COASTLINE BLUEGRASS MUSIC EVENT
Where: Plas Uchaf Farm, Llandudno Junction, Llandudno
When: 6-8 June
What: Leading European bluegrass practitioners G2 headline this specialist North Wales festie. There’s also Appalachian dancing, workshops, open mic, picking sessions, food and drink. Camping. Price: £38 adult, under-16s free, camping. Tel: 07747 825139, web: www.coastlinebluegrass.co.uk

ROBIN HOOD’S BAY FOLK FESTIVAL
Where: Various venues, Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorks
When: 6-8 June
What: Informal, low-key gathering for folk enthusiasts, organised by the RHB Folk Club, with the usual concerts, dances and sessions. Price: free. Web: www.bayfair.co.uk/folkclub.html

THIMBLEBERRY MUSIC FESTIVAL
Where: Thimbleberry Hill Farm, Stanhope, Co Durham
When: 6-8 June
What: Ramshackle affair in the North Pennines, with a legendary dance tent but catering for most tastes (especially the beardy sort). Here And Now, A Different Kind Of Honey, Sicknote and The Alun Perry Band do the musical honours. Plus comedy, alternative health in the Crystal Gardens, Wonky Donky kids’ area and nice jazz-blues bar. See also 26-28 Sept. Price: £40 adv w/e inc camping, day tickets. Tel: 01388 527573, web: thimbleberry.co.uk

WESSEX FOLK FESTIVAL
Where: Various venues, Weymouth, Dorset
When: 6-8 June
What: Folking about in Weymouth’s Hope Square and Old Harbour. Concerts from Last Night’s Fun, Dick Gaughan, Three Tuns of Grass, Djambo, Jodie Jones, Jigsaw and many more. Plus songwriting contest, dance displays and ceilidhs, pub sessions, workshops and the like. Price: various. Email: info@wessexfolkfestival.co.uk, web: www.wessexfolkfestival.co.uk

COLOURSFEST
Where: Braehead Arena & Waterfront, Renfrew, Scotland
When: 7 June
What: Scotland’s biggest dance festival. Radio One-affiliated. This year’s DJs tbc. Price: £35. Web: www.colours.co.uk

LOCAL EVENT
ST WERBURGHS CITY FARM SUMMER FAIR
Where: St Werburghs City Farm, Bristol
When: 7 June
What: Hugely popular summer fair with traditional carnival parade through the local streets, arts workshops, stalls, music, food and lots of fun for all. Proceeds go towards running the farm. Price: £5 adults, discounts available. Tel: 0117 942 8241, email farmsummerfair@yahoo.co.uk

LOCAL EVENT
BRISTOL BIKEFEST
Where: Ashton Court, Bristol
When: 7-8 June
What: Serious cyclists’ event. Sat sees the Ritchey 12-hour event for both teams and soloists and there’s a six-hour event on Sun for newer riders. Most riders and their supporters arrive on Friday afternoon to camp for the weekend. DJ on the Fri eve, plus bar and food. Tel: 0117 953 2698, web: www.bike-fest.com

LOCAL EVENT
BRISTOL FESTIVAL OF NATURE
Where: At-Bristol, Anchor, Millennium and Waterfront Squares, Bristol
When: 7-8 June
What: Fifth anniversary for this essential annual fixture in the eco calendar and the biggest festival yet (more than 100,000 people have visited the festival since it began). Expect over 100 events inspired by nature and conservation, including boat trips, talks, walks, debates, storytelling, workshops, films, markets and more. Plus a chance to build a ‘floating wetland’ to be displayed in the harbour throughout the summer. See Venue for further info nearer the time. Price: various, many free. Tel: 0117 370 0973, web: www.festivalofnature.org

HOLYWOOD INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL
Where: Holywood, County Down, Northern Ireland
When: 7-8 June
What: Annual weekend of swing and jazz, featuring a New Orleans Street Parade, pub trail, jazz brunch, afternoon session and workshop. Price: various. Web: www.holywoodjazzfestival.com

ROCK-NESS
Where: Dores, Inverness, Scotland
When: 7-8 June
What: From a dance one-dayer to a whole weekend of A-list pop in just two years: there must be something in the water. Fatboy Slim, Razorlight, Editors, The View, Underworld, CSS and lots more tbc. Also an arena hosted by C4’s ‘Skins’, who will be “scouting for potential stars at the festival”! Price: £123.75 adult w/e inc camping, day tickets, VIP tickets. Tel: 0871 424 4444, web: Ffi: www.rockness.co.uk

SELLINDGE MUSIC FESTIVAL
Where: Hope Farm, Sellindge, Kent
When: 7-8 June
What: Kent-based festie which has grown organically since it began in 2003 from a small music marquee with 20 acts to an indie, folk, dance and world music weekender. Rory McLeod, Blabbermouth and Robert Brown have already been confirmed on the folk side of things, with more to be announced in the equally prominent dance arena and on the main stage. Tractors help you get you to your pitch. Price: £40 w/e with camping, day tickets. Tel: 01304 828990, web: www.sellindgemusicfestival.co.uk

WIMBORNE FOLK FESTIVAL
Where: Various venues, Wimborne Minster, Dorset
When: 8-10 June
What: Trad folk fiesta in the shadow of the gracious 12th-century Minster Church of St Cuthburga. The biggest gathering of traditional dance troupes in the south, plus music from the likes of Grada, Lau, Hugh & Colm Healy Band and Boo Hewerdine. Price: £75.50 adult w/e inc camping. Tel: 01202 623740, web: www.wimbornefolkfestival.co.uk

BEACH BREAK LIVE
Where: Polzeath, Cornwall
When: 9-12 June
What: Students-only beanfeast celebrating the end of term and the beginning of summer with a line-up that includes The Enemy, The Wombats, The Cribs, One Night Only, and many more, plus The Mighty Cornish Goblet (everything from hay bale hurling to duck racing), surf championships, outdoor activities and adrenaline pursuits, eco-friendly hot tubs and hammocks, fancy dress and more, all overlooking the beach. Organisers won (and turned down!) cash from the suits on ‘Dragons’ Den’ in 2007. Price: £79 student w/e. Web: www.beachbreaklive.com

LONGBOROUGH FESTIVAL OPERA
Where: Longborough, Moreton-in-Marsh, Glos
When: 11 June-26 July
What: High-quality opera in a small theatre seating 480 and situated in the grounds of a private house on the edge of the Cotswold village of Longborough with beautiful views across the Evenlode Valley. This year sees the return of the 2007 production of Wagner’s ‘Das Rheingold’ as well as new productions of Verdi’s ‘La Traviata’ and Janacek’s ‘The Cunning Little Vixen’. Posh-style picnicking or dining available. Price: c£10-£80. Tel: 01451 830292, web: www.longboroughopera.com

BIG SESSION FESTIVAL
Where: De Montfort Hall & Gardens, Leicester
When: 13-15 June
What: Founded four years ago by The Oysterband (who also perform), this friendly Midlands fest offers up folk stars young and old, homegrown and foreign. The Blockheads, The Handsome Family, Steve Earle, Allison Moorer, Cara Dillon and Seth Lakeman are among the big names this year. Three stages, lashings of real ale, children’s area and ceilidh, and always plenty of room to chuck your rug down. Price: £70 adult w/e plus camping. Tel: 0116 233 3111, web: www.bigsessionfestival.com

DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL
Where: Donington Park, Derby
When: 13-15 June
What: Watch Saxondale types and emo kids in an uneasy standoff in the massage tent at this legendary, sweaty, shaggy-haired metalfest. KISS, Motorhead, Incubus, The Offspring, Lost Prophets, Judas Priest, Disturbed, The Lowdown, Biffy Clyro and lots more whack their axes. No under-8s. Price: £150 w/e plus camping, day tickets. Web: www.downloadfestival.co.uk

GOWER FOLK FESTIVAL
Where: Gower Heritage Centre, Parkmill, Gower, nr Swansea
When: 13-15 June
What: Camping at the gorgeous Three Cliffs Bay campsite - a Venue fave - for this Gower Peninsula-based bash full of real ale and craft stalls. Appearances from various folky figures like Witchnotes, Kerr Fagan Harbron, Sultans of Squeeze, Martyn Wyndham Read, Dana and Susan Robinson, Les Barker and more. Full children’s programme with storytelling, magic and workshops as well as sandpit and mini zoo. Price: £45 w/e, day tickets, camping nearby, concs. Tel: 01792 850803, web: www.halfpennyfolkclub.com/folkfestival.htm

ISLE OF WIGHT FESTIVAL
Where: Seaclose Park, Newport, Isle of Wight
When: 13-15 June
What: Kaiser Chiefs, NERD, KT Tunstall, Ian Brown, The Kooks, Kate Nash and Amy Macdonald are among the mainstreamers sailing over for this 21st-century incarnation of the legendary 60s/70s festival once graced by Hendrix, Dylan and The Doors. The Sex Pistols, Iggy and The Police are this year’s obligatory old dudes. Those lucky enough to have nabbed a ticket (they sold out promptly) can hop on a shuttle bus from East Cowes ferry terminal. Price: sold out. Web: www.isleofwightfestival.com

MIDDLEWICH FOLK & BOAT FESTIVAL
Where: Various venues, Middlewich, Cheshire
When: 13-15 June
What: Folk and boats. June Tabor, Martin Simpson, Peatbog Faeries and their ilk entertain on the main stage during the weekend and there are also dance teams, displays of heritage boats, canal-related activities and events, and free mooring for all boats at the Middlewich junction. Busy fringe programme too. NB: no phone bookings this year. Price: £70 adult w/e, day tickets, concs. Tel: 0709 239 0501, web: www.midfest.org

LOCAL EVENT
NASS (NATIONAL ACTION SPORTS SHOW)
Where: Bath & West Showground, Somerset
When: 13-15 June
What: Skate, BMX, FMX, inline, parkour and more at this action sports gathering that’s now under the ownership of Newquay’s Ripcurl Boardmasters. Over 200 exhibitors, live stage (expect to see Pendulum, Late Of The Pier, Does It Offend You Yeah?, Less Than Jake, Eddy Temple Morris, Utah Saints and Friction), ‘adrenaline village’, food and drink and more. New for 2008: new campsite layout, extra outdoor ‘Orbit’ music stage and even higher levels in the competitions due to more prize money (see increased ticket prices). Price: £59.50 adult w/e, day tickets, under-7s free. Tel: 0208 789 6655, web: www.nassfest.com

THREE COUNTIES COUNTRYSIDE SHOW
Where: Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcs
When: 13-15 June
What: Set at the foot of the Malverns, this annual celebration of British food and agriculture offers herds and flocks of pedigree livestock and rare breeds, farming displays, regional produce, rural crafts, country pursuits, shopping and entertainment including funfair, human cannonball and hot air balloons. Price: £13.50 adult per day (£12 Sun), concs. Tel: 01684 584900, web: www.threecounties.co.uk

GRASSINGTON FESTIVAL
Where: Grassington, nr Skipton, North Yorks
When: 13-28 June
What: Joanna MacGregor, Barry Cryer, Aled Jones, Clare Teal and Dara O’Briain are amongst the performers at this midsummer arts festival in the heart of the Dales. There’s also 80s nostalgia from Toyah and Dr & The Medics, and workshops in everything from dry stone walling to belly dancing. Price: various, many free. Tel: 01756 752691, web: www.grassington-festival.org.uk

ALDEBURGH FESTIVAL
Where: Snape, nr Aldeburgh, Suffolk
When: 13-29 June
What: Long-running classical festival on the Suffolk coast, originally conceived by Benjamin Britten in 1948, and this year playing host to performers such as I Fagiolini, the Britten-Pears Baroque Orchestra and the Britten Sinfonia. The new Faster Than Sound series of electronica and contemporary arts - launched 2006 - features a performance of Stockhausen’s ‘Stimmung’, a screening of Dr Seuss’s only film, and music by Plaid, Tim Exile, Mira Calix and more. Plus free events on the beach. Price: various. Web: www.aldeburgh.co.uk

ESCAPE INTO THE PARK
Where: Singleton Park, Swansea, Wales
When: 14 June
What: “The highlight of the Welsh clubbing calendar,” it says here, and definitely worth crossing the Severn Bridge for if you know your Fedde (Le Grand) from your Eddie (Halliwell). Five arenas. Underworld headline the main stage with a live performance. Price: £41.50 (VIP £57.50). Tel: 0870 042 4442, web: www.escapefestival.com

LOCAL EVENT
OPERA AT IFORD
Where: Iford Manor, nr Bath
When: 14 June-9 Aug
What: Picnic in this charming Edwardian Italianate garden before taking in one of three outdoor operas in-the-round in the cloister of the manor house: Mozart’s ‘The Marriage Of Figaro’, Cavalli’s ‘Giasone’ and Verdi’s ‘Un Giorno di Regno’. Plus promenade-style jazz performances. Book early: capacity just 90. Price: various. Tel: 01225 868124; web: www.ifordarts.co.uk

LOCAL EVENT
CELEBRATING SANCTUARY FUN DAY
Where: Queen Square, Bristol
When: 15 June
What: Running from 12.30-8pm, this free event is part of Refugee Week and promises colourful live dance, music and art from international artists as well as information by, for and about Bristol’s refugee and asylum communities. “Everybody welcome - bring a picnic, come with friends, family and neighbours to create happy memories!” Price: free. Tel: 0845 458 0190, web: www.bristolrefugeeweek.co.uk, www.tribeofdoris.co.uk

MANANAN INTERNATIONAL MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL
Where: Erin Arts Centre, Port Erin, Isle of Man
When: 15-29 June
What: Manx-based festival (est. 1975) of predominantly classical and jazz concerts, named after a magical god in Irish mythology who was the legendary first ruler of the island. Programme tbc. Price: various. Tel: 01624 832662, web: www.erinartscentre.co.uk

NEIL DIAMOND
Where: Cardiff Millennium Stadium, South Wales
When: 19 June
What: The closest the legendary ‘Sweet Caroline’ crooner comes to round yer. Also Glasgow (5 June), Southampton (17 June). Price: £45-£55. Web: www.neildiamond.com

LOCAL EVENT
FOREST TOUR: THE ZUTONS
Where: National Arboretum, Westonbirt, nr Tetbury, Glos
When: 20 June
What: The chirpy Scouse rockers plug their new album amongst the redwoods and the cedars. Wonder if they’ll get Amy Winehouse and Mark Ronson in to do their vastly superior cover of ‘Valerie’? Price: £26. Tel: 01842 814612, web: www.forestry.gov.uk/music

BEVERLEY FOLK FESTIVAL
Where: Beverley, Yorks
When: 20-22 June
What: 25th anniversary of this often surprising international folk/roots gathering that started life as the Beverley And East Riding Folk festival. This year’s tunesmiths include Buzzcocks, The Ukulele Orchestra Of Great Britain, Tasmin Little, Chumbawamba, Waterson Carthy & Mike Waterson, Rachel Unthank & The Winterset and more - all descending upon this Yorkshire market town for three days of concerts, ceilidhs, workshops, children’s events and more. Camping in the nearby leisure centre, so decent bathroom facilities. Price: £80 adult w/e, day tickets, concs, under-11s free. Tel: 01377 217569, web: www.beverleyfestival.com

SCOTTISH TRADITIONAL BOAT FESTIVAL
Where: Portsoy, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
When: 20-22 June
What: Possibly the only festival this year with ‘salmon’ as its theme. The largest collection of trad sailing boats in Scotland, but also plenty of live folk and ceilidh music, dance and drama, as well as crafts, food and kids’ activities. Price: various, many free. Tel: 01261 842798, web: www.stbf.bizland.com/2008/

THREE WISHES FAERIE FEST
Where: Colliford Lake Park, Bodmin Moor, Cornwall
When: 20-22 June
What: “Three fairytastic days where humans and faerie folk can walk (or fly!) side-by-side in harmony, in celebration of the magical time of midsummer,” tinkle the founders of this be-winged and be-sequined gathering. Music from bands with such jingly, patchouli-scented names as Daughters of Gaia, Dandelion Wine, Elfin Spiral and The Goblin Drummers. Price: £99 adult w/e, under-5s free. Web: www.3wishesfaeryfest.co.uk

CITY OF LONDON FESTIVAL
Where: Various venues, London
When: 20 June-15 August
What: Square Mile-straddling culturefest whose theme this year is Romanticism and which boasts as its highlight Valery Gergiev conducting the LSO in Mahler’s 8th Symphony. There’s also a programme of free events encompassing jazz, world music, walks, talks, exhibitions, street theatre and dance in some of London’s most iconic locations: St Paul’s Cathedral steps, Guildhall Yard, Tower Bridge, Finsbury Circus Gardens, the Monument and Liverpool Street station. Price: various, many free. Tel: 0207 796 4949, web: www.colf.org

LOCAL EVENT
FOREST TOUR: CROWDED HOUSE
Where: National Arboretum, Westonbirt, nr Tetbury, Glos
When: 21 June
What: Nil Fun (as they say in his native New Zealand) and comrades trot through ‘Four Seasons In One Day’ and ‘Weather With You’ etc in this perfectly judged marriage of outdoorsy-themed pop songs and alfresco woodland setting. Price: £30. Tel: 01842 814612, web: www.forestry.gov.uk/music

STONEHENGE SUMMER SOLSTICE
Where: Stonehenge, Wilts
When: 21 June
What: English Heritage monitor access to Stonehenge for the summer solstice again this year, from 8.30pm on 20 June until 8am on 21 June. See the sun rise (at around 4.45am) over the ancient stones in the company of around 20,000 druids, soapdodgers, travellers and the like. Not the hedonistic hippy free-for-all of yore - expect heavy police presence, St John’s Ambulance and plenty of rules, detailed in a leaflet given on arrival (including no camping, dogs, fires or fireworks, glass bottles, large bags or rucksacks, or climbing onto the stones). Loos, plus one or two food and drink vans, and some live acoustic music likely. Price: free

LOCAL EVENT
EASTON ARTS TRAIL
Where: Easton, Bristol
When: 21-22 June
What: Easton’s second Arts Trail takes place in houses, community venues and streets around Easton. This year features a series of commissioned installations located along the Bristol- Bath cycle path. Price: free. Web: www.eastonartstrail.co.uk, email: info@eastonartstrail.co.uk

KNOWSLEY HALL MUSIC FESTIVAL
Where: Knowsley Hall, Prescot, Merseyside
When: 21-22 June
What: Organised by the same people as Creamfields, this Merseyside mosh started just last year with acts like The Who, Keane, The Zutons, The Coral, The View etc. This year’s line-up tbc. Non-camping fest set in 2,500 acres of stunning, landscaped parkland (ancestral home to the Earls of Derby since 1385 ). Price: £70 adult w/e, day tickets. Tel: 0151 707 1309/0871 424 8000; www.knowsleyhallmusicfestival.co.uk

LOCAL EVENT
CORSHAM FESTIVAL
Where: Corsham, Wilts
When: 21-28 June
What: The London Sinfonietta, a workshop with fiddlesticks featuring renowned violinist Madeleine Mitchell, leading percussion quartet Ensemble Bash, an exotic cabaret from France, Pip Utton’s new show about Charlie Chaplin and more head west for this small but select mini-fest of mainly classical and folk music. Price: various, some free. Tel: 01249 701628, web: www.corshamfestival.org.uk

LOCAL EVENT
FOREST TOUR: STATUS QUO
Where: National Arboretum, Westonbirt, nr Tetbury, Glos
When: 22 June
What: Rock and roll institution it’s no longer OK to mock pours itself into its faded jeans to get you - ahem - “rocking all over the woods”. Price: £30. Tel: 01842 814612, web: www.forestry.gov.uk/music

GOLOWAN FESTIVAL & MAZEY DAY
Where: Penzance, Cornwall
When: 22-29 June
What: Riotous ancient festival (aka the Midsummer Feast of John), which is one of Europe’s oldest and blends Celtic tradition with a week of street acts, storytelling, films, walks, fireworks, market stalls, lectures and workshops. Key dates are Mazey Eve (27), Mazey Day (28) and Quay Fair Day (29) - Mazey meaning ‘dazed and confused’ in the local dialect. Price: various. Tel: 01736 334675, web: www.golowan.org

LICHFIELD REAL ALE JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL
Where: Lichfield Rugby Club, Staffordshire
When: 26-29 June
What: Relaxed village jazz festival boasting over 30 real ales and performances from Dylan Howe’s Unity Four, The Keith Little Band, Gwyneth Herbert, Polar Bear, Rod Mason and more. Price: £48 adult w/e with camping, day tickets, concs. Tel: 01543 262223, web: www.lichfieldarts.org.uk

SHOWCOMOTION
Where: Sheffield
When: 26 June-10 July
What: The longest-established film festival for children and young people, which last year screened 175 films from around the world, including 101 films made by youngsters themselves. Price: various. Tel: 0114 276 3534, web: www.showcomotion.org.uk

EDEN SESSIONS: THE VERVE
Where: Eden Project, St Austell, Cornwall
When: 27 June
What: Richard Ashcroft’s 90s glumsters air their ‘Bitter Sweet Symphony’ and perhaps some tracks from upcoming fourth album in the leafy biomes. Tickets include admission to Eden Project. Price: £35. Tel: 01726 811911, web: www.edenproject.com

LOCAL EVENT
GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL
Where: Pilton, nr Glastonbury, Somerset
When: 27-29 June
What: Despite the (guaranteed) rain, hefty ticket price and influx of C-list slebs poncing about backstage in Hunter wellies, this is still one of the most sought-after festie tickets on Earth, although this year's event had failed to sell out as we went to press. Its reduced appeal has been blamed by media pontificators on a variety of factors, including the weather, the complicated booking requirements and the fact that a rap artist had bagged the premium Saturday evening Pyramid Stage slot. Unusually, the Eavises have officially confirmed the three Pyramid Stage headliners for this year: Kings of Leon, Jay-Z and The Verve. Rumours abound that the 900-acre site will also be ringing to the sounds of Neil Diamond, Groove Armada, Massive Attack, Hot Chip, Sex Pistols, Kate Nash, Adele and Cerys Matthews (now, who said that ‘I’m A Celebrity…’ appearance wasn’t worth it?). Would-be litter pickers, stewards and wardens should see the website for who to contact. Price: £155 + £5 booking fee. Web: www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk

WAKESTOCK (BLENHEIM PALACE)
Where: Blenheim Palace, Oxford
When: 27-29 June
What: Europe’s largest wakeboard music festival this year stretches out to two different venues and weekends. Idea is, you wakeboard (it’s a mix of water-skiing, snowboarding and surfing) on the lake by day and listen to kewl live sounds by night - this year Groove Armada, The Streets, Supergrass, Funeral for a Friend, The Hoosiers, Hadouken, Young Knives and Audio Bullet among others. It’s the first time Blenheim Palace has hosted a music festival, so be nice to it. Funfair and stalls, too. See also 4-6 July. Price: £110 adult w/e with camping, day tickets. Tel: 01758 710000, web: www.wakestock.co.uk

CRAWLEY FOLK FESTIVAL
Where: The Hawth, Crawley, West Sussex
When: 28-29 June
What: West Sussex shindig featuring traditional and contemporary folk music from across Britain, Ireland and North America from ceilidh bands to cajun squeezeboxes. Karine Polwart, Tim van Eyken and Boldwood, Lisa Mills, Seth Lakeman, Sarah Savoy & The Francadians and Brett Marvin & The Thunderbolts are the main evening draws. Crafts, stalls, real ale tent, dance stage and free workshops aplenty, too. Price: various. Tel: 01293 553636, web: www.hawth.co.uk

HYDE PARK CALLING
Where: Hyde Park, London
When: 28-29 June
What: A right royal racket in the Queen’s back garden for Melody FM listeners whose kids have gone to Glastonbury. Eric Clapton, Sheryl Crow and John Mayer clock on for the Sat shift while The Police, KT Tunstall and Starsailor tune up for Sun. Plus performance art, festival markets and probably quite a lot of North Face fleeces. Price: £80 adult w/e (no camping), day tickets. Web: www.hydeparkcalling.co.uk

BORING BY THE SEA
Where: Various venues, Weymouth, Dorset
When: 29 June
What: New one-day event along the lines of Bristol’s Venn, debuting this year after a bunch of bored mates thought Dorset needed putting on the musical map. Fair play to ’em. Good Shoes, Lightspeed Champion, Does It Offend You, Yeah? and Frank Turner all play, plus lots of local talent, across three intimate venues. All aged 14+ welcome, so tell your teens. Move fast: only 550 tickets! Price: £27. Web: www.myspace.com/boringbytheseafestival

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