Top Five Boutique and Grassroots Festivals

Photo: Festival No. 6 

Offering an eclectic experience free from the stresses of bigger festivals, grassroots and boutique festivals don't just concentrate on music but offer vast attractions taking in the arts, workshops, comedy and theatre, leading to a well rounded weekend of easygoing, exciting programming that leaves you wanting more.

We've run through five of the best. For more on boutique festivals, head to our dedicated section here.

Festival Number 6 Thurs 3rd - Sun 6th September

Perhaps the most unique festival on the calendar, Festival Number 6 is located in Portmeirion, a Mediterranean inspired coastal village complete with palm trees, beaches, mountains and forests. With a huge line up of artists, musicians, DJs, poets, public speakers and more, the Welsh festival is perfect for those looking to soak up a hefty amount of culture during their festival experience. Get your tickets here.

Standon Calling Fri 31st Jul - Sun 2nd Aug

Remarkably, Standon Calling developed from a small gathering of friends to a critically adored boutique festival specialising in music and the arts. Keeping the kids more than occupied, there’s activities installed from morning till bedtime, and even a dedicated kids area at the main stage, whilst headliners like Hercules & Love Affair, The Horrors, Basement Jaxx and The Dandy Warhols will have devout music aficionados grinning from ear to ear. Tickets are available here.

Sounds From The Other City Sun 3rd May

Taking place at a tonne of pubs and event spaces around Salford, SFTOC is always a guaranteed barnstormer for lovers of under-the-radar music and cutting edge sonic innovation. Bag your tickets here.

Underneath The Stars Fri 24th - Sun 26th July

As a brand new celebration of arts, music and food, Kate Rusby's debut festival will bring a searing selection of jazz, blues, swing, folk and rock and roll to Cannon Hall Open Farm, South Yorkshire this summer. Head here for tickets.

Farmfestival Fri 31st July - Sat 1st August

Relaxed, calm and serene, Farmfestival’s uber chilled atmosphere is a huge part of its charm, whilst its eclectic programme of dance, rock, electronic, folk and reggae caters for even the most obscure of musical persuasions, with trip hop heroes Lamb appearing alongside dubstep dons Sherwood & Pinch and seven piece live electronica, jazz and soul troupe Submotion Orchestra. Tickets are on sale here.

If none of these are to your taste, head here to check out our boutique and grassroots festivals section.

Image credits:  Farmfestival / Underneath The Stars / Sounds From The Other City