Whilst Latitude festival is widely acclaimed, there are a number of lesser known independent music festivals that take place in the fields and parklands of the gorgeous Suffolk countryside this summer.
And here we bring you a round up of what is happening, and where.
Whether you like to raise your hands and rock out to The Feeling, be swept away by classical tones, or prefer the ethereal indie-folk of Daughter, there is the perfect event to suit the discerning music-lovers taste this summer.
So round up your friends and start packing that camping gear (just don’t forget the wellies).
1. Latitude - July 14 to 17, 2016 at Henham Park, Southwold
With a mix of crowd pleasing headliners (including Daughter and Chvrches), exciting alternative beats and an eclectic theatre and poetry line-up, Latitude knows how to throw a summer party.
The family friendly festival – now in its 11th year – takes place on the Suffolk coast at Southwold. Whether you choose luxury accommodation in a podpad, a boutique yurt, or you bring your own camping gear and head to one of the well equipped colour-coded campsites, a great weekend is pretty much guaranteed.
2. Red Rooster - June 2 to 4 at Euston Hall, Suffolk
Passionate about rhythm and blues, Red Rooster’s line-up and atmosphere is dedicated to celebrating the finest R&B, Americana, blues, soul, roots and country music. The line-up this year boasts such esteemed blues acts as James Hunter Six and Daddy Long Legs. Take your own tent or hire our one of the yurts or tipis on site.
Expect to find American-style comfort food on the menu – think smokey barbeque and gourmet mac and cheese – all served with a touch of deep-south hospitality
3. Homegrown Festival - June 10 to 12, 2016 at The Academy Event Centre, Bury St Edmunds
The ethos of this small, friendly festival in Bury St Edmunds is grounded in showcasing homegrown music from the thriving local music scene. Dance to an eclectic range of sounds from British soul to alternative rock and tribute bands.
Expect to find locally sourced food and ales on the menu, plus on-site camping including a family area.
4. Aldeburgh Festival - June 10 to 26, 2016 at Snape Maltings, Snape
A ‘celebration with birds, circus and pianos at its heart’, Aldeburgh Festival is more than the usual weekend offering, spanning a fortnight with its revered concerts.
The wholly cultured line-up is packed with orchestras, choirs and soloists, that promise to deliver an aural extravaganza of classical and contemporary music, plus a range of talks and exhibitions infused with a Suffolk flavour.
5. Leestock - May 28 to 29, 2016 at Melford Hall, Long Melford
The boutique non-profit festival is held in memory of local musician Lee Dunford, with all proceeds donated to the Willow Foundation.
In addition to the mix of pop and rock acts, including this year’s headliners The Feeling, there is a family area and an onsite beer festival, plus the all important campsite where campervans are also welcome.
6. Maverick Festival - July 1 to 3, 2016 at Easton Farm Park, Easton
Lovers of Americana will have heard of this feel-good festival at Suffolk’s Easton Farm Park, near Framlingham.
Over forty different artists ranging from roots music and dance to comedy perform across five stages indoors and out. One for the whole family, the festival is even dog-friendly.
7. Drum Camp Festival - July 7 to 10 at Hulver Farm, Bungay
Now in its 21st year, Drum Camp showcases world music, from ancient rhythmic traditions to modern beats, at its rural location near Bungay, Suffolk. The line-up of artists from the African Continent, Latin America, Indian Sub Continent, Middle East, Europe, USA and Australia perform across four nights.
With a capacity of just 430, the friendly vibe allows festival goers to join in with one of the global percussion, dance or singing workshops.
8. Stradisphere - July 8 to 9, 2016 at Stradbroke Community Playing Field, Stradbroke
Set against the quiet rolling countryside of rural Suffolk, Stradisphere promotes itself as a “premium music festival, designed for all genres and for all generations”.
Expect to find more than 20 acts spanning the event, from East Anglian musicians to tribute acts from further afield.
9. Bury St Edmunds Festival - May 20 to 29 at numerous venues across Bury St Edmunds
Music, theatre, film and exhibitions are all set to top the bill at the 10 day Bury Festival. Known for its quality performances, from classical, jazz and folk music to award winning comedians, Bury Festival is a grown-up alternative to the weekend camping music festival.
Like this? Check out 8 fun places to take the kids in SuffolkAre you hosting a summer festival? Email us details today
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