With Glasto now little more than a week away, many of us will invariably start daydreaming of dusting down our wellies and heading out to a music festival (or two).
Of course, not all of us will get the chance to see Dua Lipa, Coldplay and the rest play live at Worthy Farm next week.
However, this doesn’t mean that those of us without golden tickets have to go without.
Indeed, with music festivals springing up at exponential rates these days, the chances of attending a musical gathering closer to home are far greater than they were even five or ten years ago.
And we here in Peterborough are pretty fortunate as our central position, combined with our handy transport links, helps ensure we are within easy reach of a decent number of upcoming festival events.
And not just just decent, but diverse,too.
So, where’s looking good in 2024? What music festivals in our region should you be noting down in your diary for the upcoming months?
Well, we reckon the following events are well worth checking out, as – in addition to being nearby or just a short drive away – they each have a very different character.
So whether you’re looking to pogo with the masses at a bangin’ rave, share chilled vibes with like-minded folk, or enjoy the intimacy of a wee acoustic gig, chances are at least one of them will tick your boxes.
![Everyone loves the Sausage & Cider Festival. Even super-cool emo kids who don't want to listen to anything 'mainstream' cannot fail but be bewitched by the good-natured vibe of this fun-sized festival offering. And let's face it, you can't be anything but golden when you've got a day of listening to ABBA, The Killers and Tears for Fears (or at least tribute act versions of) ahead of you. Throw in the legend that is Barry from Eastenders (Shaun Williamson) doing karaoke, and the actual Wurzels (yes, the real ones!) topping the bill and its clear you'll go to bed - eventually - feeling like a very happy sausage on Saturday night.Tickets still available at www.sausageandciderfest.co.uk/peterborough](https://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmI1N2VhMzE3LTU1NWUtNGQwMi1hYTE5LWVhYmM3MWZhZTVmODpmZTI3MDk5YS00N2YxLTQ1ZTUtOGYwOC03OWZhMDI2ODM2ZTk=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
1. Peterborough Sausage & Cider Festival, Embankment: June 22
Everyone loves the Sausage & Cider Festival. Even super-cool emo kids who don't want to listen to anything 'mainstream' cannot fail but be bewitched by the good-natured vibe of this fun-sized festival offering. And let's face it, you can't be anything but golden when you've got a day of listening to ABBA, The Killers and Tears for Fears (or at least tribute act versions of) ahead of you. Throw in the legend that is Barry from Eastenders (Shaun Williamson) doing karaoke, and the actual Wurzels (yes, the real ones!) topping the bill and its clear you'll go to bed - eventually - feeling like a very happy sausage on Saturday night.Tickets still available at www.sausageandciderfest.co.uk/peterboroughPhoto: David Lowndes
![Routinely voted the best festival in Cambridgeshire, Buckfest is one of those 'on-the-up' festivals that you should definitely try to get to before it hits the big time. Set in the quaint wee village of Buckden, this boutique festival achieves the rare feat of keeping everybody happy as its complement of three stages and one dance tent is more than capable of entertaining music lovers of all ages. And just to top of it all off, the organisers also donate the majority of all profits to local charities. To date, around £85,000 has been raised for Cambridgeshire good causes.www.buckfest.org is the place to head for more info and ticket availability.](https://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjExZGY5MTUyLWVjNDItNDJiMi05OWRjLTVjOGVlNzc5NWE2NTpjZWI1ZDBlYy01MTY2LTQ2MmUtOGZiYy1mZTA4ZWJhOWU3N2Q=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
2. Buckfest, Millenium Field, Buckden, Cambs: July 27
Routinely voted the best festival in Cambridgeshire, Buckfest is one of those 'on-the-up' festivals that you should definitely try to get to before it hits the big time. Set in the quaint wee village of Buckden, this boutique festival achieves the rare feat of keeping everybody happy as its complement of three stages and one dance tent is more than capable of entertaining music lovers of all ages. And just to top of it all off, the organisers also donate the majority of all profits to local charities. To date, around £85,000 has been raised for Cambridgeshire good causes.www.buckfest.org is the place to head for more info and ticket availability.Photo: Ian Gavan
![The Secret Garden Party has established itself as an extended, straight up, hedonistic treat. When you come to SGP, you're going to see big name acts drop big fat tunes as people party very hard for four straight days. Make no mistake; there will be casualties. That being said, organisers have said they are looking to return to their roots this summer, but quite that means is anyone's guess. Check out the website at www.secretgardenparty.com to learn more about 'Roots' and find out more about their two offshoot events.](https://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjYwNzJlMmIwLTMxNmItNDI1Ni1hZTA3LWUwYjhiMzc2MWZiZTo4ODM1MjI3Yy0wY2FiLTQ0MTItYThhNy01MTQ0M2MxMmFlM2Y=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
3. The Secret Garden Party, Abbots Ripton, Huntingdon: July 25-28
The Secret Garden Party has established itself as an extended, straight up, hedonistic treat. When you come to SGP, you're going to see big name acts drop big fat tunes as people party very hard for four straight days. Make no mistake; there will be casualties. That being said, organisers have said they are looking to return to their roots this summer, but quite that means is anyone's guess. Check out the website at www.secretgardenparty.com to learn more about 'Roots' and find out more about their two offshoot events.Photo: SGP
![Starting just last year, the Nene Valley Rock Festival is one of the new kids on the block in festival terms. However, with so much positive feedback following its debut event at Ferry Meadows in 2023, it's fair to say this is one festival that seems to have plenty of momentum. Like last year, it's still putting lovers of classic rock, blues and progressive music first. Unlike last year however, it will be moving proceedings to the somewhat grandiose surroundings of Grimsthorpe Castle, near Bourne. www.nvrf.rocks is where you'll find out more about the current line-up and ticket info.](https://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjBiM2E4NGIxLTE0NTUtNDIwOC1hZWJlLTMzYTRlN2Y1YzFhMzoyZTcwZGM3YS1hYzNiLTQ5NWEtODBlNS01MDEzZjU2NmVhOTI=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
4. Nene Valley Rock Festival, Grimsthorpe Castle, near Bourne: September 5-8
Starting just last year, the Nene Valley Rock Festival is one of the new kids on the block in festival terms. However, with so much positive feedback following its debut event at Ferry Meadows in 2023, it's fair to say this is one festival that seems to have plenty of momentum. Like last year, it's still putting lovers of classic rock, blues and progressive music first. Unlike last year however, it will be moving proceedings to the somewhat grandiose surroundings of Grimsthorpe Castle, near Bourne. www.nvrf.rocks is where you'll find out more about the current line-up and ticket info.Photo: David Lowndes