These days, many even offer the chance to enjoy the festivities, without the sleepless nights under soggy canvas.
So, here’s our guide to this country’s greatest one day events and fantastic longer festivals with day passes. Wellies and sun hat at the ready...
A jam-packed day with music and arts in the magical setting of Cambridge’s Midsummer Common. Free for everyone and run by volunteers, Strawberry Fair attracts more than 30,000 visitors.
With a diverse range of music from over 100 groups, the fair also offers food, film, dancing and parades.
This one day midsummer event in the charming coastal town of Hove in Sussex, really does what is says on the tin.
Family-friendly funk music is complemented by tempting food and kids are entertained by circus skills, slack-lining, bubbles and balloons. For the discerning adult funk fan, there’s a DJ set from Jazzy B
From walk-up waterfront gigs to pub performances, Britain’s biggest free folk festival has a unique, down-to-earth atmosphere.
In addition to music, there’s poetry, traditional dance, street theatre and storytelling. If you’re visiting with a troop of littlies, Saturday is the best day for children’s activities.
This cultural festival celebrating international music and dance invites thousands of performers from around the world to converge on the small riverside town to compete, make friends and perform.
There’s plenty for children to enjoy on and off stage and Manic Street Preachers headline on the Sunday.
You usually need a key to get into this pretty private park in the centre of Moseley, but for a day or two in July (and in September when there’s a folk festival) party-goers pour through the gates to enjoy a tiny festival with a big personality.
This year Chaka Khan is amongst the headliners.
Celebrating its 10th year in 2017, this free foodie festival offers everything you'd expect including 100 stalls showcasing sumptuous seafood.
Learn how to fillet a fish, delight your kids with crabbing and mackerel fishing or simply sip a glass of champagne on the harbour side.
Celebrating 20th century cool, Vintage on the Dock unites fashion and music with a free event at the iconic Albert Docks.
Browse vintage clothes and records, admire classic cars; learn how to dance the Charleston or have a go at traditional creative techniques, including printing and graffiti.
A series of outdoor picnic concerts held in the horticultural paradise of the Royal Botanic Gardens in Surrey. There are six ticketed days of music, including big name acts such as Passenger, Razorlight and Hacienda Classical.
If you’re feeling flush add a VIP hamper or BBQ to complete your quintessential English summer experience.
A festival of bush craft and music in Wiltshire with demonstrations, artisan crafts and, luckily, pre-scavenged food readily available.
You and your family can learn survival skills, savour nature and wilderness living and in the evening kick back whilst listening to the blues before returning to the comfort of your cottage.
A collaboration between cheese fanatic Alex James and Jamie Oliver in the Cotswolds, the emphasis here is unsurprisingly on all things culinary, from cooking demos to the best in street food.
There’s also a vintage fair, Adam Henson’s Cotswold’s farm park and class music acts. Under 12s go free, so treat the family to a cosy cottage and some top-notch nosh. Pick your ideal day and enjoy!
Not your average jog round the block, this unusual festival kicks off with various running races in the Highlands, including the marathon itself and ‘Wee Nessie’ for under 5s.
There are kids’ activities aplenty, and whether you’re running or not, you can enjoy the pipe bands, food fayre and beer tent, not to mention the spectacular scenery.
