August 2026 UK festivals & live music: Boomtown, Reading & ArcTanGent – Plus the biggest August tours

August marks the wind-down of festival season. Many of summer's biggest events have passed, but there's still plenty going on before autumn arrives. A handful of major festivals remain to close things out in style, alongside some big-name tours making the most of the last warm weeks.

Boomtown Fair – Hampshire, UK

12th–16th August 2026

Boomtown is unlike any other festival. It's not a typical festival site – it's a purpose-built city with themed districts, each offering a completely different experience.

This year's lineup is hugely diverse, featuring Kneecap, Madness, Scissor Sisters, Faithless and the Vengaboys. There's genuinely something for everyone here!

With 18 stages across 7 themed districts, you won't be short of things to see and do.

Reading Festival – Reading, UK

27th–30th August 2026

Reading Festival is one of the UK's longest-running festivals – and rightly so. What started as a rock festival has evolved over the decades into the eclectic behemoth it is today.

This year's headline sets come from Charli XCX, Dave, Florence + the Machine, Fontaines DC, Raye, and Chase & Status, alongside a stacked bill spanning Punk, Funk, Drum and Bass and beyond.

ArcTanGent Festival – Bristol, UK

19th–22nd August 2026

If you're after something heavier this August, ArcTanGent might be just the ticket.

For fans of Post-Rock, Prog Metal and Experimental music, this is the one. It's also a prime spot for gear spotting – some of the world's biggest pedal enthusiasts bring their best boards out for these sets. You won't be short of cool guitar gear on display here.

This year's lineup features Primus, SikTH, Cult of Luna, Chelsea Wolfe, High on Fire, Napalm Death and many more. Go along and get weird.

UK tours happening in August 2026

With the festival season winding down, many bands are heading out on tour. This August is packed with fantastic shows, including:

• Richard Ashcroft
• Hollywood Vampires (Alice Cooper / Joe Perry / Johnny Depp)
• Calvin Harris
• Nile Rodgers & CHIC
• The Wombats
• Pulp
• The Streets
• Luke Combs

Don't waste these last long evenings. Get out there, watch some bands and have some fun. And as always, don't forget to support your nearest grassroots venue – the next generation of bands needs you!

Photo credit: Boomtown Fair