From the rave culture of the late-80s through to DnB, dubstep, jungle and so much more, the UK’s dance music history is long and very well-established. And that’s represented in the festivals that take over our green fields through the summer.
Here, we chart some of the best places to dance in the dark this year.
Junction 2
Festival: Junction 2
Location: Boston Manor Park, London
Dates: 25-26 July & 2 August 2026
Acts: Nina Kraviz, Jeff Mills, I Hate Models, Miss Monique and more
Taking place in one of London’s most unique festival locations, Junction 2 will bring house and techno heavyweights Nina Kraviz, Jeff Mills and a mystery headliner to the UK Capital. Encompassing two main stages – an open-air dancefloor The Bridge and a nature space The Woods – Junction 2 is a bucket list experience for any raver.
Terminal V
Festival: Terminal V
Location: The Royal Highland Center & Showground, Edinburgh
Dates: 18-19 April 2026
Acts: 999999999, BYORN, Robert Hood, East End Dubs and more
Known as one of Scotland’s biggest festivals – dance music or otherwise – Terminal V takes over Edinburgh’s prestigious Royal Highland Center & Showground for a weekend of pumping house, techno, disco and DnB.
Creamfields
Festival: Creamfields
Location: Daresbury, Cheshire
Dates: 27-30 August 2026
Acts: Disclosure, Underworld, Tiësto, Faithless, Martin Garrix and more
Celebrating 20 years in 2026, Creamfields regularly welcomes some of the biggest names in commercial dance music alongside fresh up-and-comers and bubbling underground talent. Given its two decade anniversary, 2026 should be set to be a bumper year for the Creamfields faithfuls.
Field Maneuvers
Festival: Field Maneuvers
Location: Norfolk, UK
Dates: 21-23 August
Acts: TBC
If you want to make best friends out of strangers over a long weekend then Field Maneuvers is the festival for you. A big time rave in a tiny field, Field Maneuvers is a community festival that truly punches above its weight and regularly brings some of the biggest DJs and selectors to its Norfolk home.
Gottwood Festival
Festival: Gottwood Festival
Location: Anglesey, Wales
Dates: 11-14 June 2026
Acts: Call Super, Mala, Paula Tape, Eris Drew B2B Octo Octa and more
Now in its 15th year, Gottwood Festival is an intimate gathering for like-minded dancers in the blissful Welsh countryside. Encompassing a host of tiny woodland stages and lots to discover, expect late-night DJ sets and early morning headaches.
Forbidden Forest
Festival: Forbidden Forest
Location: Belvoir Castle, Nottinghamshire
Dates: 29 May – 1 June 2026
Acts: Andy C, DJ EZ, Jamie Jones, Patrick Topping, Shy FX and more
Magical is a word that could easily describe Forbidden Forest. The festival prides itself on its immersive staging while ensuring that every inch of its Nottinghamshire site is curated to its guests. This means awe-inspiring production, a host of diverse activities and everything from DnB to disco on display. This year’s festival will also feature the famed Arcadia spider as a UK festival exclusive.
Houghton Festival
Festival: Houghton Festival
Location: Norfolk, UK
Dates: 6-9 August 2026
Acts: TBC
Known for its secret-ish setting, a full 24 hour musical line-up and for bringing the best underground selectors to Norfolk, Houghton Festival enjoys an almost cult-like status when it comes to dance music festivals. This year’s festival is already sold out, but for those wishing to join keep an eye out on the resale market.
Love to be…
Festival: Love to Be…
Location: Harrogate, Yorkshire
Dates: Saturday 5 September
Acts: TBC
Founded in 1994 at the height of the UK acid and house scene, Love to be… has grown to become a record label and party brand that takes over festival stages across the UK each year. One of its events is Love to be… Harrogate, which will return in 2026 for its annual celebration of 4/4 beats.
Eastern Electrics
Festival: Eastern Electrics
Location: Burgess Park, London
Dates: 9 August 2026
Acts: Kerri Chandler, Skream, Seth Troxler, Groove Armada and more
One of London’s biggest one-day festivals, Eastern Electrics is a long-established festival for house heads. This year’s edition will welcome New Jersey house legend Kerri Chandler, dubstep pioneer Skream, disco don Nightmares on Wax and more.
