Four savvy ways to have plenty of fun at free UK festivals this summer
GOING to a festival can leave a big hole in your pocket – just ask Glastonbury music fans.
Last week’s event cost £335 per ticket for the four-day extravaganza, and that’s excluding travel, food and drink.
But you can have plenty of fun without having to pay a hefty price, with a packed calendar of free festivals taking place around the UK.
SEEK THEM OUT: The crowds may head to Glastonbury, or next month’s Reading and Leeds bash, but there are plenty of free events that will stay in your summer memories.
Hugh Campbell, co-founder of event marketplace Togather, said: “Use hashtags to search social media for events near you — such as #freelondonfestival — then ask others for money-saving recommendations and tips.”
Also look on local event sites, your council website or check out moneysaving expert.com/deals/free-uk-festivals.
READ MORE MONEY SAVING TIPS
FREE FOR ALL: If you’re looking for a festival with a bit of everything, the Bristol Harbour Festival with family activities, circus performances and live music, from July 14 to 16, won’t disappoint.
Next month’s Edinburgh Fringe is packed with entertainment — some that you have to pay for, but much you don’t. Hull’s Freedom Festival, starting on August 30, has a packed programme of performances - much of it free.
TAKE PRIDE: The various Pride festivals around the country are a must to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.
Find a full list of Pride events at pride-events.co.uk/events. Some charges may apply to elements of the bigger events.
Most read in Money
WORK YOUR TICKET: Check if any festivals have volunteer or paid work that could get you inside the gig for free.
Charities including Samaritans and Oxfam have helpers at big events and may provide tickets in exchange for your time.
It’s probably too late to get a free pass for this year, so plan ahead for 2024.
- All prices on this page were correct at the time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
Deal of the day
HAVE tent, will travel.
Enjoy a getaway in the Outsunny pop-up four-to-five person tent from Wilko, down from £99 to £69.
SAVE: £30
Cheap treat
KEEP little ones cool with Aldi’s inflatable pool, £6.99, arriving in store today.
Themes include Disney Princess and Spider-Man.
What's new?
TESCO has expanded its Fire Pit barbecue range.
New flavours include Cola Ketchup, £1.60, while many of its main dishes, including six beef burgers, are now two for £8, saving you up to £1.40.
Top swap
HEAD to the beach with the Daisy straw beach bag, £28 from inthestyle.com, or bag a bargain with Studio’s version, for £15.
SAVE: £13
Leah's little helper
KIDS can hunker down in their own den this summer and let their imagination run wild with Hobbycraft’s decorate-your-own canvas tent down from £47 to £27.
Shop & save
SOFTIES can save at Iceland with Comfort Creations fabric conditioner, 48 washes, down from £6 to £2.50.
SAVE: £3.50
Hot right now
FEED four for £3 with Sainsbury’s melting middle smoked haddock fishcakes with cheddar and leeks, down from £3 to £1.50 for a pack of two.
PLAY NOW TO WIN £200
JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Every month we’re giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers - whether you’re saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered.