5 music festivals that you should grab tickets for this summer

The shorts are out, the sun is (intermittently) in the sky, and everyone is very much in festival mode.

But which ones should you be booking your tickets for? The list is pretty much endless these days, with festivals to suit quite literally every musical preference. It’s a bit exhausting in all honesty.

Luckily, JOE is here to point you in the direction of what we reckon are some of this summer’s top picks.

1. Wireless

When is it: July 8-10

Where is it: Finsbury Park, London

One of the capital’s largest festival offerings, Wireless celebrated its 10th year in 2015, with demand for tickets being so ridiculously high that organisers had to add an extra date. That’s when you know you’re doing something right.

As the three-day event enters its next decade, the pressure is on to surpass last year’s excitement, and judging by the lineup it looks like they’re more than up to the job.

Wireless kicks off with a headline performance from global megastar Calvin Harris, with Chase & Status, The 1975 and J.Cole all gracing Finsbury Park throughout the weekend. American rapper Action Bronson, Big Narstie and the recently returning Craig David are just a few more names in a rammed-to-bursting schedule. You can’t really go wrong with this one.

Check out the full Wireless lineup here.

2. EDC

When is it: July 9

Where is it: Milton Keynes Bowl

London doesn’t get all the fun. Head just north of the bustling capital to Milton Keynes and you’ll find the Electric Daisy Carnival, a powerhouse of an EDM festival that always attracts some of the biggest names in the industry.

Avicii, Eric Prydz and Martin Solveig are all artists will be there with their radio airwave-hogging hit reels, and sets from veterans Andy C and Goldie MBE make this one-day extravaganza a very tempting package.

At £60 a ticket, it’s also a very affordable one.

Check out the full EDC lineup here.

3. Latitude

When is it: July 14-17

Where is it: Henham Park, Suffolk

Latitude is so much more than a music festival (although it’s not half bad at that part either).

Pitch up your tent in the idyllic Suffolk countryside and you’ll find what is quite possible the country’s finest multi-arts festival: it literally has something for everyone.

We don’t really know where to start. Headline slots from The National and New Order are guaranteed winners, synthpoppers Chvrches will be celebrating a massive year, and we’d point you towards the experimental and utterly captivating Grimes for a memorable live show. Comedy more your bag? James Acaster is one of the best young stand-ups around at the moment. Movie fan? Adam Green of The Moldy Peaches fame will be screening his bizarre new adaptation of Aladdin and hosting a Q&A on the inspiration behind the project.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Check out the full Latitude lineup here.

4. Eastern Electrics

When is it: August 6 

Where is it: Hatfield House, Knebworth

Entering its sixth year, Eastern Electrics is a relative baby to some of the other festivals in this list, but it has already made a serious impression.

Eastern Electrics isn’t your average electronic dance party. It grew out of some of the best underground warehouse raves in the UK, and it’s that experimental spirit that the organisers have carried over to their vibrant festival.

The lineup is comprised of some of the most exciting DJs from Europe and America, and in the historic and spectacular Hatfield House it has one of the best locations, too. Seth Troxler, Eats Everything, Boddika and icons of clubbing Groove Armada are among the highlights. Get booking.

Check out the full Eastern Electrics lineup here.

5. SW4

When is it: August bank holiday weekend, August 27-28

Where is it: Clapham Common, London

South West Four has been taking south London by storm for 11 years, synonymous for showcasing a whole spectrum of electronic artists.

The festival consistently pulls in an unrivalled selection of big-name DJs and artists at the cutting edge of their art form, and this year is not about to buck that trend.

Chart-toppers Rudimental will no doubt delight the Friday night crowd, who will be preceded on the main-stage by special guest – and firm London favourite – Dizzee Rascal.

Legendary Manchester duo The Chemical Brothers are in attendance – an electronic act that somehow just seem to get better with each new year of their staggeringly successful career.  Jaguar Skills, renowned for his unpredicatable multi-genre mixes is another one to catch, along with sets from Blonde, Bondax, Maribou State, Knife Party and…maybe just buy a ticket, yeah?

Check out the full SW4 lineup here.

 Already a fan of any of the above festivals? Why not put your wisdom to good use and become an ambassador through StreetTeam? Their unique ambassadors programme allows you to promote your favourite events and sell tickets to your mates in return for rewards. Sell enough tickets and you’ll get a free one in exchange. All you need to do is click one of the sign-up links we’ve provided below. 

1. Wireless – bit.ly/W16SL

2. SW4 – bit.ly/SW416SL

3. EDC – http://bit.ly/EDC16SL

4. Eastern Electrics – http://bit.ly/1V0uR8C

5. Latitude – bit.ly/L16Sl