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Local music festivals & events 2025
You don't have to go far to experience the festival atmosphere! The North's packed with fantastic festivals, from food to music and more, as well as events for the whole family to enjoy. Whether you're looking to enjoy a weekend camping in a field, soaking up the local culture and cuisine in the city centre, or taking the kids on a day out to remember, there's something for everyone.
We've rounded up our pick of the best festivals and events in the North of England and how you can get there with Northern trains.
Beverley Folk Festival
When: 20-22nd June 2025
When: Beverley, East Riding of Yorkshire
Nearest station: Beverley
The Beverley Folk Festival is a vibrant, community-led celebration of folk music, arts and culture held annually in the historic market town of Beverley, East Yorkshire. Set across various venues around the town, the festival showcases a mix of traditional and contemporary folk music, poetry, comedy, storytelling, and family-friendly activities. It’s run by passionate volunteers and aims to bring people together through creativity, heritage and fun – all while supporting local talent.
Harrogate International Festivals
When: Throughout 2025
Where: Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Nearest station: Harrogate
Harrogate International Festivals is a renowned arts charity that delivers a year-round programme of world-class cultural events in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. Since debuting in 1966, it's best known for its flagship summer season, hosting a mix of music, literature, crime writing, and performing arts festivals. With a focus on innovation, accessibility and nurturing new talent, the organisation brings together international stars and emerging voices to create unique experiences that celebrate the power of the arts.
The Brit Fest
When: 4th-6th July 2025
Where: Ashley Hall, Cheshire
Nearest station: Hale
A feel-good celebration of all things British, Brit Fest is set in the scenic grounds of Ashley Hall in Cheshire. Expect a brilliant mix of live music, entertainment, tasty street food and family-friendly fun – including an outdoor cinema! Whether you’re there for the tunes, the nostalgia or just a great day out with your favourite people, experience British culture at its best with something for everyone.
Sounds of the City, Manchester
When: 2nd-12th July 2025
Where: Castlefield Bowl
Nearest station: Manchester Oxford Road
Sounds of the City is Manchester’s annual open-air gig series that turns Castlefield Bowl into a buzzing live music hotspot. Every summer, it brings together big-name bands, legendary artists and rising stars – all under the city skyline. This year sees the likes of Elbow, Bloc Party, Basement Jaxx and more take to the stage! It’s loud, lively and full of that unbeatable Manchester energy. Grab your mates, soak up the vibes, and let the music do the talking.
Manchester International Festival
When: 3rd-20th July 2025
Where: Aviva Studios
Nearest station: Salford Central
Bold and boundary-pushing, Manchester International Festival is a celebration of new ideas and creativity, taking over the city every two years. It brings together artists from all over the world to showcase exciting, one-of-a-kind performances, exhibitions and experiences – from the epic to the unexpected. It’s Manchester doing what it does best: making culture that gets people talking.
Buxton International Festival
When: 10th-27th July 2025
Where: Buxton, Derbyshire
Nearest station: Buxton
Buxton Festival is a brilliant blend of opera, music and books, all wrapped up in the stunning surroundings of the Peak District. One of the UK's best arts festivals, it’s where big voices, bold stories and bright ideas come together for a summer of culture and charm. Whether you're a seasoned opera fan or fancy trying something new this year, it’s a great excuse to escape, explore and enjoy.
Staxtonbury Family Music Festival
When: 18th-20th July 2025
Where: Manor Farm, Staxton
Nearest station: Scarborough
Returning for its 15th year, the Staxton bears are ready to welcome you back to Manor Farm for a weekend of family-friendly fun! Enjoy live music and entertainment, with the option of weekend camping or glamping for those that prefer more home comforts. With a great mix of local talent and crowd-pleasers, Staxtonbury Family Music Festival is all about good vibes, good music and good times with your loved ones.
Splendour Festival
When: 19th-20th July 2025
Where: Wollaton Hall & Deer Park
Nearest station: Nottingham
Since 2008, Splendour Festival is Nottingham’s biggest party in the park. Enjoy a weekend full of live music from top bands and artists, including Jake Bugg, Kaiser Chiefs, Travis and many more! Held in the beautiful grounds of Wollaton Park, the festival prides itself on bringing international acts to the North and bringing the community together to create lasting memories. It’s the ultimate summer day out with a soundtrack you’ll love.
Northern Pride, Newcastle
When: 19th-20th July 2025
Where: Newcastle city centre
Nearest station: Newcastle
With the theme of "unapologetically visible", Northern Pride 2025 is taking over Newcastle city! Loud, proud and joyful, join in the celebration of LGBTQIA+ culture, rights and community. Whether you're taking part in the iconic parade, dancing to fabulous live music at the Pride Arena, or enjoying the many free festival events on offer, expect big energy, big crowds and a big welcome at Northern Pride.
Tramlines Festival
When: 25th-27th July 2025
Where: Hillsborough Park, Sheffield
Nearest station: Sheffield
Tramlines is Sheffield’s biggest music festival, bringing three days of top tunes, big crowds and good vibes to Hillsborough Park. With massive headliners, indie favourites, comedy, street food and family fun, it’s the kind of weekend that sticks with you. This year, bands like Pulp, Franz Ferdinand and Kasabian take to the main stage, while t'other stage has sets from the likes of Hot Chip, Rizzle Kicks, Sigrid and more. It’s Sheffield through and through – friendly, loud, and always up for a good time!
We're here to get you there
Enjoy the festival season with Northern! We have a variety of ticket types to choose from, whether you're going solo, as a family or group of friends. Find the best ticket for you and book in advance to save this summer.
Buy your tickets with Northern
Together Again Festival
When: 25th-27th July 2025
Where: Bolesworth Castle, Cheshire
Nearest station: Chester
Feel-good and family-friendly, Together Again Festival welcomes a variety of bands, artists and DJs in the heart of Liverpool. From Olly Murs to UB40, Dizzee Rascal to Ocean Colour Scene, 2025 promises another fantastic weekend of nostalgia, dancing and making memories. Taking place in the middle of summer, expect tasty food and tunes you know every word to – a proper party for all ages.
Wild on the Wall
When: 25th-27th July
Where: Walton, Brampton
Nearest station: Brampton
Unique and family-friendly, Wild on the Wall has quickly become one of Cumbria's favourite events. A real grassroots festival, it prides itself on providing fun for everyone and all ages, whether you're here for the music, nature or both. Wild on the Wall showcases local acts to bring Cumbria's best musicians to the forefront with a variety of genres to enjoy, from rock to reggae, folk to funk. With a stunning backdrop of Hadrian's Wall, the atmosphere is unmatched!
Y Not Festival
When: 31st July-3rd August 2025
Where: Pikehall, Derbyshire
Nearest station: Buxton
Set in the heart of the Peak District, Y Not Festival brings big-name acts, indie icons and late-night DJs together for a spectacular weekend. Dance the night away to The Prodigy, sing along with The Courteeners or get nostalgic with Madness as this year's headliners. There's also a dedicated family area in the Strawberry Fields, offering free activities for kids of all ages to enjoy, from arts and crafts to kid-friendly raves and more!
Hull Freedom Festival
When: Dates TBC
Where: Hull, East Yorkshire
Nearest station: Hull
Experience the extraordinary at Hull Freedom Festival, a vibrant celebration of art, performance and culture. Beginning in 2007, the award-winning festival brings thousands of people together each year with live music, dance, street theatre, installations and more. Free to attend and full of surprises, the Hull Freedom Festival is known for showcasing the best of local, national and international culture, right here in the North.
The Temple Newsam Food Festival
When: 16th-17th August 2025
Where: Temple Newsam, Leeds
Nearest station: Cross Gates
Looking for a tasty weekend treat? The Temple Newsam Food Festival is packed with delicious street food, artisan goodies, cooking demos and all-round family fun. Enjoy a fantastic line up of chefs, as well as free live music and entertainment across two days in Leeds. Whether you're a foodie, a grazer or just there for the atmosphere, it’s the perfect day out to tuck into.
Leeds Festival
When: 21st-24th August 2025
Where: Bramham Park
Nearest station: Leeds
One of the UK's biggest music events, Leeds Festival brings the best of rock, indie, pop and more to Bramham Park. Paired with Reading Festival, expect massive headliners, mosh pits and memories that last a lifetime. This year, the headliners vary from pop sensation Chappell Roan to rock megastars Bring Me The Horizon, as well as the likes of Hozier, Becky Hill, Enter Shikari and many more! Whether you're camping for the whole weekend or just going for the day, Leeds Festival is a rite of passage for every music fan.
Solfest
When: 21st-24th August 2025
Where: North Lakes Country Park, Silloth
Nearest station: Aspatria
Solfest is Cumbria's award-winning music and arts festival, specially catered for families so no one misses out. With a mix of live music, creative workshops, street theatre and plenty for the kids, Solfest is all about diversity and staying true to its homegrown roots. Colourful, quirky and proudly independent, it’s the kind of place that welcomes everybody – young to old, ravers to behavers!
Newcastle Mela
When: 24th-25th August 2025
Where: Exhibition Park, Newcastle
Nearest station: Newcastle
Held annually over the August bank holiday weekend, Newcastle Mela is a two-day celebration of South Asian culture, from Pakistani to Bengali, Indian and more. Back for its 30th year, it's one of most beloved multicultural events in the North, showcasing a variety of music and performances, incredible authentic cuisine, unique vendors and shops, interactive arts and crafts, and more. Best of all, it's completely free to attend!
Rock N Roll Circus
When: 27th-30th August 2025
Where: Don Valley Bowl, Sheffield
Nearest station: Sheffield
Looking for a music festival with a twist? Rock N Roll Circus combines the very best of live music with incredible circus performers! This year, enjoy music from the legendary Queens of the Stone Age, as well as local legends Reverend and the Makers, James, Groove Armada and more. Part show, part spectacle, there's also daily circus workshops to learn new skills and a huge food and drinks village to keep you full in between!
The Graves Park Food Festival
When: 30th-31st August 2025
Where: Graves Park, Sheffield
Nearest station: Sheffield
If you can't make it along to Temple Newsam, the food festival is also coming to Graves Park in Sheffield. Expect more fantastic chefs with live demonstrations, a great line up of free live music and entertainment and of course, food! There's also plenty of free activities for kids, including a fun fair and inflatables to keep them busy, while you sample the bites on offer. Say goodbye to summer in style!