West festivals release details of summer line-ups

11 minutes ago

Leigh BoobyerWest of England

News image — Some festivals have new homes while others are back after a year off

Getty Images A woman is wearing a ring of flowers around her head. She is standing in a crowd of people at a festival, looking at a large stage with two tall speakers on either side. — Some festivals have new homes while others are back after a year off

Spring is around the corner and we can start to look ahead to some of the West's biggest festivals and events.

Their line-ups are starting to be released, with big names and up and coming artists from the grassroots music scene performing.

Glastonbury Festival is pausing its event for the fallow year, but there are other ways to see numerous artists.

Here is a look at what is to come.

Womad

In Wiltshire, Womad (World of Music, Arts and Dance) is set to return in July, but at its new home in Neston Park, Corsham.

The festival, which is co-founded by musician Peter Gabriel, had been running at Charlton Park, near Malmesbury since 2007 and attracts about 40,000 visitors a year.

Getty Images A large, multi-coloured sign saying "Womad" is placed on grass. Behind is a small, covered stage for acts. People are milling around the sign. — Womad will be held near Corsham instead of Malmesbury this year

Organisers have announced the first phase of the line-up for this year's event, which includes soul and dub artist Greentea Peng, Malian icon Oumou Sangaré and reggae star Barrington Levy.

The festival will take place between 23 and 25 July.

Wychwood Festival

In Gloucestershire, the line-up to mark the 20th anniversary of the Wychwood Festival has been revealed.

Garage R&B household name Craig David will headline the Friday with Sophie-Ellis Bextor supporting.

Indie rock band Kaiser Chiefs have the main slot on Saturday, with artists such as folk-rock star Newton Falkner and Feeder also playing. Also included is festival highlight James B Partridge who plays popular songs from primary school.

Getty Images Craig David is holding a microphone at a gig while singing. He's wearing a dark denim jacket, holding his hand out with bright stage lights behind him. — Craig David is a headliner at Wychwood Festival in Gloucestershire

The Sunday will see folk-punk band The Levellers play, as well as tribute band Fleetwood Bac and comedian Elvis Lesley.

Wychwood Festival will take place at Cheltenham Racecourse between 29 and 31 May.

Bristol Pride

Bristol Pride returns this summer with a big line-up for its celebrated Cabaret Stage, which showcases top UK drag performers and local talent.

RuPaul's Drag Race stars Myki Meeks and Catrin Feelings will headline the stage as part of a programme celebrating Drag Queens, Drag Kings and Drag Things.

Also included on the line-up are Drag King star Blü Romantic, and disabled Drag King and Drag Idol UK finalist Crip Ladywood.

The festival sees tens of thousands gather on the Downs every year, with many walking from the city centre as part of the Pride day parade.

This year's event will take place on 11 July.

Ollie Ley A large festival crowd gathered looking at an empty stage which has "Bristol Pride" written on it. On either side there are speakers and colourful flags. Behind that are trees. — Tens of thousands go to Bristol Pride every year

Next Level

For one night a host of independent artists emerging on the music scene will play at the Bristol Beacon.

The evening of live music is part of a programme by the Beacon and local organisation Big Team CIC to support the city's artists through mentorship, industry access and live performances.

Performing artists include Badliana, TIA, Hulton, Kwazi, Addi P, Jabani, Laura Dia, Ava Zarate, Rebekah, who have completed the Next Level programme.

The event, called Next Level, marks five years of the programme.

It will take place at the venue's Lantern Hall on 17 April between 19:00 BST and 22:30.

Valley Fest

Chew Magna's family-friendly festival, Valley Fest, returns this summer after a fallow year in 2025.

The first wave of artists was announced last month.

Friendly Fires, Big Special, The Herbaliser, and Cast are the headliners.

Beans on Toast, Fisherman's Friends, The Bluetones, Channel One Sound System, Doreen Doreen and The Beatles Dub Club are also on the line-up.

The music and food festival is held next to Chew Valley Lake in Chew Magna, North Somerset. This year's festival will take place between 30 July and 2 August.

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