The UK’s Top Dance Music Festivals: A Must-Attend List

Are you a dance music aficionado looking for the best festivals in the UK to immerse yourself in pulsating beats and hypnotic rhythms? Dance music festivals are more than just a series of performances; they are a celebration of life, unity, and the unbridled joy that comes with losing yourself to the music. The United Kingdom, with its rich tapestry of musical history and diverse cultural landscape, offers some of the finest dance music festivals in the world. Whether you’re a fan of house, techno, trance, or drum and bass, there’s a festival that will speak to your soul. 

In this curated list, we’ll walk you through the must-attend dance music festivals across the UK. From iconic locations that have been hosting legendary events for decades to the fresh, upcoming festivals that are making waves in the dance music scene, there’s something here for every kind of music lover. 

Creamfields

Location: Daresbury, Cheshire 

Dates: 22nd – 25th August 2024

Perhaps the most well-known dance music festival in the UK, Creamfields has been a staple since 1998. It attracts some of the biggest names in the industry, boasting a lineup that reads like a who’s who of dance music. Spread across multiple stages, you can expect anything from house and techno to drum and bass and everything in between. 

For 2024, some of the headline acts include Calvin Harris, Carl Cox, and Alesso, ensuring that dance music lovers are in for an unforgettable experience.

“Creamfields is a rite of passage for any serious dance music fan.”

Fly Open Air

Location: Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh 

Dates: 21 – 22nd September 2024

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, Fly Open Air is a must for dance music lovers. This festival blends cutting-edge electronic music with stunning historical surroundings. Taking place in unique venues, like the majestic Hopetoun House or the historic Princes Street Gardens, Fly Open Air offers an unforgettable experience with a stellar line-up of international DJs. Expect pulsating beats, a friendly crowd, and an electric atmosphere that only Scotland’s capital can provide.

This year the line up features PAWSA, Marlon Hoffstadt and Hayley Zalassi.

Restricted Forest

Location: Orrell Hills Woods, Liverpool 

Dates: 22nd June 2024

Renowned for its immersive forest setting, Restricted Forest offers a truly enchanting atmosphere for dance music enthusiasts. This intimate festival blends pulsating rhythms with the natural beauty of Liverpool’s woodlands. Judge Jules, Todd Terry and DJ Sash! all appear on the bill this year. The secluded location means you can dance the night away surrounded by the enchanting aura of the forest, making it a magical escape from city life.

Emerge Festival

Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland 

Dates: 24th – 25th August  2024

Emerge Festival stands as a cornerstone of Belfast’s thriving dance music scene. Set across the bank holiday weekend, this festival is renowned for its cutting-edge production and world-class DJ lineup including Peggy Gou, Patrick Topping and Amelie Lens. With multiple stages and a mesmerising light show, Emerge Festival is a must-visit for any dance music aficionado. Get ready to delve into an unparalleled journey of sound and spectacle in the heart of Belfast.

PLTFRM Festival Summer Edition

Location: Glasgow 

Dates: 29th – 30th June 2024 

One of Glasgow’s most anticipated events, PLTFRM Festival Summer Edition, is a haven for dance music aficionados. The festival boasts an eclectic lineup, ranging from house and techno to more experimental sounds, ensuring there’s something for every taste. PLTFRM offers an immersive experience with cutting-edge visuals and a vibrant atmosphere that draws in festival-goers from all over the UK. Headliners for 2024 include the Bailey Ibbs, Frazi.er, SHDW and Chlar.