The United Kingdom is a land of cultural diversity and historical richness, which is reflected in its vibrant calendar of festivals and holidays. From national holidays marked by historic ceremonies to local festivals celebrating music, arts, food, and heritage, the UK has something to offer everyone.

With such a diverse range of festivals in 2025, the UK has something to offer for every interest, making it an exciting year to experience British culture. From world-famous events to hidden gems, each festival captures a unique part of the UK’s spirit, history, and community.

Learn more: Top 10 Biggest Holidays and Festivals in the UK 2025

the colorful festival map of the UK
The colorful festival map of the UK. Image: KnowInsiders

Winter Festivals (January - March)

1. New Year’s Day (National)

  • Date: January 1, 2025
  • Description: Cities like London and Edinburgh ring in the New Year with grand fireworks displays, street parties, and special celebrations.

2. Burns Night (Scotland)

  • Date: January 25, 2025
  • Description: Scotland celebrates the life of poet Robert Burns with Burns Suppers featuring haggis, Scotch whisky, poetry, and traditional music.

3. Chinese New Year (Various Cities)

  • Date: February 1, 2025
  • Description: London, Manchester, and Birmingham host parades, dragon dances, and festive events in honor of the Lunar New Year, attracting families and visitors alike.

4. Up Helly Aa (Shetland Islands, Scotland)

  • Date: January 28, 2025
  • Description: This Viking fire festival in Lerwick is one of the UK’s most unique winter celebrations, with torch-lit processions and the dramatic burning of a Viking galley.

5. Jorvik Viking Festival (York)

  • Date: February 12 - 18, 2025
  • Description: York’s Viking heritage is celebrated with reenactments, markets, and Viking combat displays. This festival brings history enthusiasts to York’s ancient streets.

6. St. David’s Day (Wales)

  • Date: March 1, 2025
  • Description: Welsh pride is celebrated with parades, traditional music, and displays of national symbols like daffodils and leeks, especially in Cardiff.

7. St. Patrick’s Day (Northern Ireland and UK Cities)

  • Date: March 17, 2025
  • Description: A day for celebrating Irish heritage with parades, music, and the color green, especially in cities like Belfast, London, and Manchester.

Learn more: 2025 UK Calendar - Full List of Public Holidays, Observances and Celebrations

Spring Festivals (April - June)

8. Easter Weekend (National)

  • Date: April 18 - 21, 2025
  • Description: Easter egg hunts, family gatherings, and church services mark this holiday, celebrated across the UK with various traditions.

9. Whitstable Oyster Festival (Kent)

  • Date: May 2025 (exact dates TBA)
  • Description: Whitstable celebrates its famous oysters with seafood tastings, live music, and beachside activities, bringing in food lovers from across the region.

10. St. George’s Day (England)

  • Date: April 23, 2025
  • Description: England’s patron saint is honored with parades, reenactments, and displays of the English flag in cities like London and Birmingham.

11. Jack in the Green Festival (Hastings)

  • Date: May 3 - 5, 2025
  • Description: A lively May Day celebration with a procession of performers dressed as “Green Men.” This traditional festival combines pagan roots with English folklore.

12. Isle of Wight Walking Festival

  • Date: May 9 - 18, 2025
  • Description: The Isle of Wight offers guided walks through scenic landscapes, catering to nature enthusiasts with different routes for all ages and abilities.

13. Hay Festival of Literature and Arts (Hay-on-Wye, Wales)

  • Date: May 22 - June 1, 2025
  • Description: Authors, musicians, and thinkers gather for readings, performances, and discussions, drawing fans of literature and intellectual exchange.

14. Trooping the Colour (London)

  • Date: June 14, 2025
  • Description: This grand military parade marks the official birthday of the British monarch and includes a colorful procession in London, ending with an RAF fly-past.
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Summer Festivals (July - September)

15. Wimbledon Tennis Championships (London)

  • Date: June 30 - July 13, 2025
  • Description: The oldest tennis tournament in the world, Wimbledon is synonymous with British tradition, complete with strawberries and cream.

16. Glastonbury Festival (Somerset)

  • Date: June 25 - 29, 2025
  • Description: A massive music and arts festival, Glastonbury is renowned for its eclectic lineup and is one of the UK’s most iconic festivals.

17. Henley Royal Regatta (Henley-on-Thames)

  • Date: July 2 - 6, 2025
  • Description: One of the world’s most famous rowing events, featuring teams from around the world. This event combines sports with an atmosphere of British elegance.

18. Edinburgh Festival Fringe (Edinburgh, Scotland)

  • Date: August 1 - 25, 2025
  • Description: The world’s largest arts festival, Edinburgh Fringe is a melting pot of comedy, theater, dance, and music, filling the city with performers and tourists.

19. Notting Hill Carnival (London)

  • Date: August 24 - 25, 2025
  • Description: Europe’s largest street festival celebrates Caribbean culture with vibrant costumes, parades, and music in the Notting Hill neighborhood of London.

20. The Great Dorset Steam Fair

  • Date: August 21 - 25, 2025
  • Description: This heritage event features steam engines, vintage vehicles, and fairground rides. It’s one of the largest gatherings of its kind, attracting enthusiasts of industrial history.
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Fall Festivals (October - December)

21. London Film Festival

  • Date: October 1 - 12, 2025
  • Description: Hosted by the British Film Institute, the London Film Festival showcases global films and includes Q&A sessions with directors and actors.

22. Bonfire Night (Guy Fawkes Night)

  • Date: November 5, 2025
  • Description: Celebrated with fireworks and bonfires, Bonfire Night commemorates the Gunpowder Plot. Lewes in East Sussex is known for its elaborate celebrations.

23. Diwali (Various Cities)

  • Date: November 2025 (exact date TBA)
  • Description: The Festival of Lights, celebrated by Hindu, Sikh, and Jain communities, brings light displays, dance, and food stalls to cities like London, Leicester, and Birmingham.

24. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay (Scotland)

  • Date: December 31, 2025
  • Description: Scotland’s New Year’s celebration is marked by concerts, fireworks, and traditional Scottish music, particularly in Edinburgh, where Hogmanay is world-famous.

25. Christmas Markets (Various Locations)

  • Date: November - December 2025
  • Description: Christmas markets are set up in cities like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh, offering festive decorations, crafts, and seasonal treats.

Conclusion

The UK’s festival scene in 2025 is rich and varied, offering events that celebrate everything from history and literature to music, food, and culture. Whether you’re interested in iconic national holidays like Remembrance Day or eager to join the lively crowds at Notting Hill Carnival, the UK has a festival experience to suit every interest. From the quiet reverence of Remembrance Day to the exuberance of the Edinburgh Fringe, each festival contributes to the unique cultural landscape of the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the must-see festivals in the UK for 2025?

  • Some of the biggest events are the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Glastonbury Festival, Notting Hill Carnival, and the London Film Festival. Each offers a unique experience, from performing arts to music and film.

2. Are festivals in the UK family-friendly?

  • Many festivals, like the Whitstable Oyster Festival, Trooping the Colour, and Christmas markets, are family-friendly, with activities for children and adults alike.

3. Do I need tickets for UK festivals?

  • Some events are free, like Notting Hill Carnival and Bonfire Night, but larger festivals like Glastonbury, Wimbledon, and the Chelsea Flower Show require tickets. It’s best to check each festival’s website for ticketing information.

4. What’s the best time to visit the UK for festivals?

  • Summer is peak festival season with events like Glastonbury, Wimbledon, and Edinburgh Festival Fringe. However, autumn and winter have notable celebrations too, such as Bonfire Night, Diwali, and Christmas markets.

5. How can I find local festivals in the UK?

  • Regional tourism websites and city event listings are great resources for discovering local festivals, many of which are unique to specific areas and showcase local heritage.
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