Our Top Ten Festivals for Students in 2026

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With so many festivals taking place in 2026, it can feel almost impossible to make a choice. UniHomes is here to help with a rundown of the 10 best festivals for students. We’ve included information on ticket costs so you can have an amazing festival-packed summer - without breaking the bank!

Best Festivals for Students

1. Reading and Leeds

• When: 27th — 30th August 2026
• Where: Richfield Avenue (Reading) and Bramham Park (Leeds)
• How much: £325 (standard weekend ticket with camping)
• Who: Charli XCX, Florence + The Machine, Dave, Raye, and more

The Reading and Leeds festivals are two of the longest-running in the UK. They both feature the same line-up, with artists alternating between the two venues. Although Reading and Leeds started as more rock, metal, and punk-focused, there are now plenty of pop, hip-hop and dance acts as well. Although fairly pricey for a weekend ticket, you’ll get three days of music, and if you’re a fan of this year’s line-up, it’s well worth it!

2. Parklife

• When: 20th — 21st June 2026
• Where: Heaton Park, Manchester
• How much: £163, plus a booking fee (standard two-day weekend ticket)
• Who: Calvin Harris, Zara Larsson, Skepta, Rudimental, and more

Always a popular event with Manchester’s student population, Parklife features a few big headliners and a tonne of supporting acts. The event blends DJs and live acts playing hip-hop, pop, rock, grime, club, house, and dance music, making it one of the best things for students to do in Manchester. So, whatever your tastes, you’re almost guaranteed to enjoy what’s on offer! 

There’s no camping at Parklife, so you’ll need to consider accommodation costs (if you don’t live nearby). However, Parklife offers some of the best value for money from all UK festivals when it comes to ticket prices - perfect for budget-conscious students!

3. Glastonbury Festival  

• When: (not taking place in 2026) 23rd — 27th June 2027
• Where: Worthy Farm, Somerset
• How much: TBC
• Who: The lineup hasn't been revealed yet, but there are already plenty of rumours about who’ll be playing. 

The largest greenfield festival in the world, Glastonbury, is an event that everyone should attend at least once in their lives. It’s been running since 1970 and is now attended by around 200,000 people each year.  

Tickets are always super competitive and challenging to get, so make sure you know when they'll be released to snap them up quickly!

4. Wireless  

• When: (not taking place in 2026) TBC
• Where: Finsbury Park, London
• How much: TBC
• Who: The lineup hasn't been revealed yet, but there are already plenty of rumours about who’ll be playing. 

Wireless hosts some of the biggest names in grime, rap, R&B and hip-hop in the UK and the world, so it’s a must if you’re a fan of this kind of music. There’s no camping on offer, so unless you live or study in London, you’ll have to factor in the cost of accommodation nearby, which can be pricey.

5. Tramlines Festival  

• When: 24th — 26th July 2026
• Where: Hillsborough Park, Sheffield
• How much: £190 (standard weekend ticket)
• Who: Kaiser Chiefs, Rick Astley, Fatboy Slim, Courteeners, and more

Offering a wide range of acts, from hip-hop to rock and pop, Tramlines is a must if you’re studying in Sheffield. Tramlines initially started as a small free event but has grown rapidly over the past few years and now hosts some of the biggest names in the music industry.

If you can’t afford a festival ticket on a student budget, why not check out The Fringe at Tramlines? Over 40 venues across the city participate, including a free outdoor stage at Devonshire Green, with plenty of free live music and DJ events.

6. Latitude  

• When: 23rd — 26th July 2026
• Where: Henham Park, Southwold
• How much: around £308 (standard weekend camping ticket)
• Who: Lewis Capaldi, Tom Grennan, Billy Ocean, David Byrne, and more

Although Latitude is one of the more expensive festivals, the big names usually justify the cost. Offering indie, rock, pop, hip-hop, and electronic dance music, Latitude is well-known for its diverse line-up. In addition to music, there are poetry, literature and drama stages to choose from!

Camping in scenic Suffolk woods is included, so you won’t have to worry about accommodation. While you’re there, why not take a swim in the picturesque Henham Park Lake or learn to paddleboard?

7. Creamfields 

• When: 27th — 30th August 2026
• Where: Daresbury Estate, Cheshire
• How much: £270 (standard three-day camping ticket on a limited resale)
• Who: Calvin Harris, Swedish House Mafia, Becky Hill, Martin Garrix, and more

Creamfields is the ultimate festival experience if you’re a raving and electronic dance music fan. The huge line-up usually features some of the industry's biggest DJs and live acts.

Taking place across the August bank holiday weekend, Creamfields 2026 promises to be an unforgettable experience and is perfectly located for Edge Hill University and University of Chester students.

8. Isle of Wight Festival 

• When: 18th — 21st June 2026
• Where: Seaclose Park, Newport
• How much: £320 for the weekend
• Who: Lewis Capaldi, Calvin Harris, The Cure, Rita Ora, Teddy Swims, and more 

Although the Isle of Wight isn’t the easiest place to get to for most students, the impressive line-up and vibe of this festival make the trip south well worth it. Camping is available, so you can enjoy the entire weekend of entertainment! Just remember to pack all your festival essentials!

9. TRNSMT Festival  

• When: 19th — 21st June 2026
• Where: Glasgow Green, Glasgow
• How much: £235.01 (three-day pass)
• Who: Richard Ashcroft, Kasabian, Wolf Alice, Lewis Capaldi, Two Door Cinema Club, and more

TRNSMT festival started as a replacement for T in the Park but is now an incredibly popular festival all on its own. This three-day festival offers four stages right in the centre of Glasgow and aims to celebrate diversity in the music industry with artists from multiple genres and eras. There’s no camping, so unless you’re studying in the city, you’ll need to sort out your own accommodation.

10. Mighty Hoopla  

• When: 30th — 31st May, 2026
• Where: Brockwell Park, London
• How much: around £129.50
• Who: Lily Allen, Jessie J, Perrie, JLS, Alexandra Burke, MNEK, and more

Mighty Hoopla celebrates all things pop while also championing LGBTQIA+ and female artists who are usually underrepresented in festival line-ups. From early noughties throwbacks to contemporary up-and-coming pop artists, Mighty Hoopla is an incredible and inclusive experience!

Seek student properties for the next academic year 

Enjoy your summer with the best festivals for students, knowing your uni house for this year has already been sorted! This is where we come in…

UniHomes has a comprehensive landlord and letting agent network with student properties in cities across the UK. All the properties on our site come with energy and water bills, high-speed broadband, and an optional TV licence. You won’t have to stress about setting up utility accounts, calling energy suppliers, or trying to split bills with your housemates - everything is included in your monthly rent payment!  

All the festival information, including ticket prices, is correct at the time of writing (original publication). Be aware that some festivals may charge extra booking fees, and prices may increase closer to the event.