There is no need to sit at home all summer just because you don’t have the finance to go travelling, or go to any of the big festivals. There is another option: free festivals! You will still have to fork out some money in order to travel to these festivals, but they are considerably cheaper than usual. And just because they cost nothing, does not mean they are not as good, as you will soon discover. We have selected our 5 favourites, so have a look at their videos, and then visit our blog Guide to Festivals to start planning!
Radio One’s Big Weekend, 23-24 May 2015
The epitome of free music festivals, the Big Weekend is put on by Radio One for those lucky enough to secure a ticket. This event is so good that it can be hard to get your hands on a ticket, however it is definitely worth giving an application a go – who knows, today might be your lucky day! The line up is packed full of some of the biggest names in music, from Taylor Swift to Bruno Mars, so grab flower headband and get going!
Click here for Artists of 2015 Mashup
Edinburgh Fringe Festival, 1-30 August
Edinburgh fringe festival provides a huge programme of shows noted for their excellence, and they are all free! Shows may ask for a donation at the end if you enjoyed it, but this is not compulsory at all. Acts range from comedy to cabaret, as well as the usual music and theatre side to the festival too, and so you are almost guaranteed to find something to suit your taste.
Get ready for Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Limefest, 27-31 August 2015
LIMF has a fantastic lineup every year, it is actually unbelievable that it is free. This years lineup includes many big names including Alesha Dixon, Naughty Boy, Katy B, Labrinth and more! Rumours have it that it is not going to be a free festival for long, so make sure you go this year to avoid disappointment.
Festival Curator talks about plans for Limefest
Oxjam, 1-31 October 2015
Oxjam is a festival with a twist, since it occurs all over the UK over the whole of October. It is not organised by anyone specifically, but people may apply to be ‘gigmarkers’ who can put on gigs wherever they like in support of the charity Oxfam. See below to find out more!
Become an Oxjam Gigmaker
Godiva 3-5 July 2015
Godiva is the biggest free family music festival in the UK. This year’s Godiva festival boasts a strong lineup, including The Wombats and Fun Loving Criminals – all for free! However, it is more than just music, with fun attractions like the Petting Farm and a climbing wall to get involved with, you won’t be bored. Check out the link below to find out more.
Free radio at Godiva Festival
Not for you?
If you like the sound of heading to a festival for free, but none of these festivals take your fancy – then there are ways of getting into the paid festivals for free! No, we are not talking about sneaking in inside your friends backpack, but actually getting given a free ticket for working at the festival itself. Charities such as the Samaritans and Oxfam are frequently looking for volunteers, or you can do odd jobs like litter-picking or car parking. Visit the festival websites for more information.