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The best free festivals and carnivals this summer
Isobel Lawrance
6th Jun 2023
Updated 29th July 2024
It is officially festival season! Summer is upon us. The sun is beaming, the SPF 50 is out, and the hats are on. Pink noses, ice cream and sun kissed skin are a given in summer. But spending money doesn’t have to be. Did you know there are plenty of free festivals and carnivals happening every week across the country?
As festival season approaches, many music and art lovers are preparing for a summer of unforgettable experiences. But with the cost of attending Britain’s biggest festival, Glastonbury, increasing by 36% in the last five years, it can be difficult to budget for the full experience without breaking the bank.
We spend enough money on holidays, weekends away and keeping the kids occupied during the school break. Why not take your family, partner, friend or work colleagues to a totally free festival this year? A good day out never hurts – and it is even better when it doesn’t cost you anything!
Here are the top free festivals taking place in Summer 2024.
- London
- North of England
- South of England
- East of England
- West of England
- The Midlands
- Scotland
- Wales
- Northern Ireland
LONDON
Underbelly Festival
Underbelly is a buzzing atmosphere of lights, delicious food and even circus performers! Although some of the events are paid-for, it is free to enter the festival area. Feel the vibes of this free festival across two locations – Cavendish Square near Oxford Street and Earl’s Court in Kensington.
Notting Hill Carnival
Bright colours, an unbeatable sense of joy and great music, the Notting Hill Carnival is globally renowned for its celebration of Caribbean culture. It is Europe’s largest street party, jam-packed with floats, food and friends. You can find out all you need to know about this popular free festival on the Notting Hill Carnival website.
Turning Tides Festival
Taking place in Greenwich, the Turning Tides festival is all about global beats in the Design District. With plenty of great food and drink, there’s lots to see and do at this free day on 10th August. Find out more on the website.
Totally Thames Festival
From river boat races to contemporary dance, Totally Thames takes place across the month of September, offering a whole 30 days of music, dance, cultural events and workshops. Check out the schedule of events on the website.
NORTH OF ENGLAND
Stockton International Riverside Festival
Celebrate some of the best performers and artists from across the world at the Stockton International Riverside Festival. Including stunning visual experiences, world-class shows, dance performances and even circus performers, this is a totally free festival for every single member of the family. Every age can enjoy this festival.
Góbéfest, Manchester
Góbéfest was established in 2017 to celebrate the little-known culture and traditions of the Székler people – a group of ethnic Hungarians living in Transylvania, which is part of Romania. With its roots firmly in Transylvania, Gobefest will also showcase the practices and folklores of other cultures from across Europe. Main stage acts promise to span every genre and draw from across the Carpathian Basin region of Eastern and Central Europe. In the family tent you can expect music, arts and crafts workshops for all ages.
Freedom Festival
Head to Hull for a sunshine-filled mix of entertainment. Whether you fancy theatre and the arts, music, comedy or poetry, this eclectic mix of free fun is bound to give you memories to cherish forever. Enjoy five whole days of fun, with local, national and international offerings celebrating all forms of freedom, both past and present. Read more about Freedom Festival here.
Saltire Festival
A week-long festival of events in September, this festival brings together open gardens, museums, galleries, music and dance events to celebrate the Victorian model village. All events listed on the website here.
SOUTH OF ENGLAND
Hastings Old Town Carnival Week
This is a whole week of fun and exciting events for all ages. For the kids (and the kids who never grew up!) there are treasure trails and pram races. There are also walking tours which allow you to view beautiful sites and open houses. That’s not all – there is plenty of live music, interesting historical talks, art shows and even street parties. The festivities culminate with a huge Grand Carnival Procession. Check out the Hastings Old Town Carnival website for more.
Reading Mela
Reading Mela in Berkshire is yet another one of the free festivals taking place this summer. It is an annual event which celebrates the wonderful music, art and culture of South Asia. For the children, there are great free shows such as magicians. There is live singing, brilliant cultural performances and even a world food corner. If you do have a small amount of cash to spend, there are fun fair style rides, as well as a small shopping village.
Ryde Carnival
Across a week at the end of August, Ryde carnival celebrates everything the region has to offer. The first carnival weekend is dedicated to kids with loads of free activities to get involved in, while the main festival is on Thursday 24th August finishing in the fantastic illumination festival on the 29th. All details here.
Bristol Balloon Fiesta
An entire weekend of celebrations with hot air balloons, a carnival and fair, there’s so much to see and do at the Bristol Balloon fiesta you definitely won’t be bored! The event is free, though you need to book and pay for car parking in advance, which you can do on the website here.
EAST OF ENGLAND
Cambridge Nature Festival
This is perfect for those who want to enjoy the simple things in life. The world around us is full of the most amazing life and nature, and this festival celebrates that. There are wildlife trails, boat rides, art exhibitions and more to enjoy at this free festival located in the glorious Cambridge. There are also foraging lessons, nature spotting sessions and talks on sustainability. You can find out more on the website.
Great Yarmouth Arts Festival
The Great Yarmouth Arts Festival has it all. Music, theatre, visual arts, fun fairs and a carnival. This is all rolled into one free, fabulous fest. There are loads of live performances, from choir singers to musicals and even talent shows. Get the whole family involved this year – the kids will absolutely love it! There is something here for everyone.
Aldeburgh Carnival
Taking place across one fun-filled weekend, Aldeburgh Carnival celebrates the best the seaside region has to offer. The carnival parade day is on Monday 19th, with activities, food and drink, and music events happening on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th August. Check the schedule here.
THE MIDLANDS
Worcester Music Festival
Three music-filled days in Worcester await you at the end of the summer, as on the 13th – 15th September you can find all kinds of music gigs and live events happening. The schedule continues to be updated, so keep an eye on it here.
Owestry Balloon Carnival
This free festival is a bit different from your typical music and food festival. That’s not to say it is any less fun! This festival displays beautiful hot air balloons in various shapes, sizes and colours. Watch them fly high and illuminate the darkness, as well as the interesting balloon demonstrations. Plus there is stunning carnival entertainment, bringing colour and joy to your day. Picturesque Owestry is also home to lovely farmer’s markets, so make sure you check out the surrounding village. Find out more about the Owestry Balloon Carnival on their website.
Nottingham Riverside Festival
A long weekend of celebrations in Nottingham, this year’s scaled-back festival still promises to be a good time. Live music stages, food and drink stalls, and activities for everyone will run for the weekend of 5th to the 7th August. Details here.
SCOTLAND
Edinburgh Fringe Festival
This free festival is globally renowned for its range of amazing talent, comedy and performances. Thousands of performances take place in hundreds of venues across the gorgeous city of Edinburgh, and many of them are free! From exploring films such as James Bond to magic shows, there is something for everyone, children and adults alike. Whether you are in the mood to laugh, cry or get your brain ticking, there are so many performances to choose from at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Festival of Politics
A different type of festival to many on this list, the Festival of Politics involves five days at the heart of Scottish politics, Holyrood. With debates on topics influencing society today, from playlists for dementia to a conversation with Slow Horses star Jack Lowden and even a discussion about AI ethics, there’s something for everyone. The full details and schedule can be found on the website here.
WALES
Talgarth Festival
This is another festival which is perfect for your tots. Located in the beautiful countryside, Talgarth Festival boasts free parking, entry and events. Dedicated volunteers work hard to bring you the best entertainment possible, including craft events to children’s entertainment. There is plenty of incredible food available to feed you up whilst you watch the live music, concerts and street entertainers. Enjoy your August Bank Holiday weekend by making fond memories with those around you.
Little Cheese Festival
One for the cheese lovers, in the home of cheese Caerphilly, this festival grows year-on-year so much that this year the area has expanded to include part of the castle. Local bistros and cafes will run special events, while you can also enjoy wandering the street food stalls to sample the best of local and organic produce. Info here.
NORTHERN IRELAND
Open House Festival
Across July and August, make the most of the Open House festival with a range of free and ticketed events. Every Sunday afternoon, enjoy a free Picnic in the Park concert at Ward Park, or enjoy one of the many free theatre or music performances across the month. All events listed on the website.
Scarva Summer Band Concerts
If you are a fan of live music and concerts, the keep your Sundays free until September! Scarva Bandstand is host to open-air performances every weekend, bringing you a range of wonderful music and talent from local artists. There is seating available, but you can also stand, or set yourself down with a picnic and enjoy the sounds floating through the air. The Scarva Summer Band Concerts are free and no pre-booking is required.
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