25. El Dorado, Herefordshire
Thursday 30 June–Sunday 3 July 2022
Best for: kooky fun
El Dorado has the look and feel of a giant, gloriously eccentric village fête. It also has the activities to match, with games, vintage markets and theatre. Unlike a village fête, however, it has a superb roster of party-starting DJs and live acts guaranteed to keep things high-tempo all weekend. The headliners in 2019 included Mr Scruff, Todd Terje, Kool & The Gang, Horse Meat Disco, Andy C and Shy FX. 2022 line-up TBA.
2022 line-up highlights: TBA.
Don’t miss: The Sassçienda, to mix things up with burlesque and drag shows, plus after-hours DJ sets.
Where to stay: There are all kinds of boutique camping options, including the luxurious Super Bell Tents, with real beds, power sockets and cotton towels.
Insider tip: It’s a cashless event, so remember to keep topping up a contactless wristband.
If you pack one thing: A wild outfit or three. Trust us, you don’t want to feel left out.
Website: eldoradofestival.com
Address: El Dorado Festival, Eastnor Castle Deep Park, Herefordshire
Price: Weekend camping tickets from £211.75 (first release) including booking fee
26. Bluedot Festival, Cheshire
Thursday 21-Sunday 24 July 2022
Best for: learning while you party
This super-smart festival combines music with science, resulting in a truly unique event, not least because of its location in the Jodrell Bank Observatory. As such, there are various mind-expanding experiments (the legal type) to watch and take part in, as well as talks and discussions from scientists, art and much more. But Bluedot hasn’t sacrificed music for its science credentials, and there will be a brilliant, genre-straddling roster of artists performing. The 2019 line-up featured Kraftwerk, Hot Chip, Ibibio Sound Machine, New Order and Sons of Kemet. It’s also a great pick for families. 2022 line-up TBA.
Line-up highlights: TBA.
Don’t miss: The Nebula stage, which showcases underground electronic music and night-time parties.
Where to stay: A Luxury Bedouin Tent in The Colony boutique campsite.
Insider tip: Head to The Outer Space area when other action winds down to immerse yourself in otherworldly audiovisual artwork.
If you pack one thing: A decent but compact camera to capture the incredible visual feats taking place. Try the Olympus OM-D E-M10 III.
Website: discoverthebluedot.com
Address: Bluedot Festival, Jodrell Bank Observatory, Cheshire
Price: Weekend camping tickets from £168.75
