5 Festivals Within an Hour of London

As summer approaches, the multitude of festivals going on in and around London has grown. People want music on their doorstep and they want something a little bit different to the big commercial festivals.
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As summer approaches, the multitude of festivals going on in and around London has grown. People want music on their doorstep and they want something a little bit different to the big commercial festivals. Smaller festivals have been popping up all over the south so here is a list of the best quirky festivals within an hour of London.

Also Festival

Also festival brings to life the biggest, boldest and most exciting ideas from art, science, psychology and philosophy in immersive talks and experiences with leading thinkers. Set in 50 acres of beautiful Capability Brown-designed landscape, complete with its own swimming lake.

Line-up: Three-time Nobel Peace Prize nominee Dr Scilla Ellworthy, Faithless founder Jamie Catto, Odette Toilette + many more

Tickets: Weekend camping £90

Dates: 17th - 19th June

Wilderness Festival

Wilderness may be a multi-award winning 4-day festival combining live music, contemporary arts and an array of theatre, craftsmanship and dining experiences, but the festival continues to pride itself on being different and unique. You can go river swimming, then go watch a band, grab some steak burger and then head on over to a yoga class. You can get it all at Wilderness.

Line-up: Robert Plant & The Sensational Space Shifters, The Flaming Lips, Crystal Fighters, Goldie & The Heritage Orchestra, Parov Stelar, Lianne La Havas, Glass Animals, Tourist + more

Tickets: From £164 weekend camping

Dates: 4 - 7 August

Standon Calling

What started as 25 friends, a swimming pool, a set of decks, and a birthday BBQ, is now one of the most eclectic and intimate UK festivals on the circuit. Standon Calling is a boutique festival with major musical ambition, offering renowned and upcoming acts, immersive theatre, a host of weird and wonderful workshops, talks, the annual dog show, a fancy dress parade and its own heated outdoor swimming pool. They are also famous for championing new artists before they break, along with pairing underground artists with classic names.

Line-up: Suede, Jess Glynne, Kelis, Everything Everything, The Hives, Ghostpoet, Theo Parrish, Anna Calvi, The Thurston Moore Band, Theo Parrish, Blossoms + more

Tickets: Weekend camping £137

Dates: 29th - 31st July

Festival No. 6

Located in Portmeirion, Wales, Festival No. 6's location is hands-down the most picturesque site on the UK festival scene. It is an annual art and music festival presenting a wide range of music genres, including rock and roll, folk, house, techno and dance. The festival is unique because of its location but the music, activities and camping also sell this amazing festivals to thousands.

Line-up: Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, Hot Chip and Bastille, plus AURORA, Blossoms, Róisín Murphy, Andrew Weatherall, Craig Charles, Joy Orbison + more

Tickets: Weekend tickets from £170

Dates: 1 - 4 September

Truck Festival

Oxford's original music festival, Truck will expand to a three-day event in 2016. The 18-year old festival is the discerning go-to for credible and quality acts and even though mainly music, it is also home to the best local food and relaxed atmosphere throughout the weekend. They offer a range of posh burgers, to vegan delicacies and a cider pong tent. They use a farm to host the intimate musical sessions.

Line-up: Manic Street Preachers, Catfish and The Bottlemen, Everything Everything, Circa Waves, Jack Savoretti, Young Fathers, Rat Boy, We Are The Ocean + more

Tickets: Weekend with camping from £86.50

Dates: 15th - 16th July

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