Upcoming UK Festivals September 2025 – Your Insider’s Guide -

September in the UK is a bit magical month. The heat of summer softens, the evenings draw in, and the festival scene feels more relaxed but still buzzing with energy. It’s the perfect month to grab a jumper, a reusable water bottle, and head out for live music, arts, food, and a bit of adventure.

If you’re wondering what’s happening where, here’s your friendly guide to the must-visit UK festivals in September 2025 — with dates, locations, and little nuggets of advice to make your trip even better.

Northern Star Country Festival – Inverness

📅 6 September 2025
📍 Northern Meeting Park, Inverness, Scotland
🎵 Country Music

Scotland and country music might sound like an unlikely match, but this festival proves otherwise. Imagine the Highlands, big skies, and the sound of steel guitars drifting through the air. Expect performances from The Shires, Catherine McGrath, and Glasville, plus plenty of cowboy hats and line-dancing energy.

Tip: Accommodation in Inverness fills up quickly. If hotels are booked, look at cozy guesthouses in nearby towns.

Mucky Weekender – Winchester

📅 11–13 September 2025
📍 Vicarage Farm, Winchester
🎶 Electronic & Festival Arts

If your happy place is somewhere between a DJ set and a giant art installation, Mucky Weekender is your scene. With Groove Armada (DJ set), Dub Pistols, and The Orb headlining, this one’s all about dancing until your legs give in — then wandering off to find a glowing sculpture in the middle of a field.

Pro Move: Don’t wear your favourite trainers. This festival can live up to its “Mucky” name.

Crop Circle World – Margate

📅 6–7 September 2025
📍 Margate, Kent
🎤 Hip-Hop & Urban Culture

Curated by UK rapper Nines, Crop Circle World blends music with coastal vibes. Think high-energy rap sets, food trucks dishing out Caribbean and street eats, and a backdrop of sea air. A great one for those who want music and a mini beach getaway in the same weekend.

Encounters Short Film & Animation Festival – Bristol

📅 Mid-September 2025
📍 Bristol
🎥 Film, Animation, VR

This is where film lovers and industry pros come to mingle. From quirky animated shorts to cutting-edge virtual reality experiences, Encounters is a reminder that film isn’t just something you watch — it’s something you experience.

Insider Tip: Get the festival pass. You’ll thank yourself when you’re hopping between screenings and exclusive Q&A sessions.

Bath Children’s Literature Festival – Bath

📅 Two weekends in September 2025
📍 Bath, Somerset
📚 Children’s Literature & Family Events

If you’ve got little readers in the family, this festival is pure magic. Picture historic Bath filled with storytelling tents, creative workshops, and bestselling authors signing books for eager fans. It’s lively, educational, and totally family-friendly.

BunkFest – Wallingford

📅 Early September 2025
📍 Wallingford, Oxfordshire
🎻 Folk & World Music
💷 Free Entry

BunkFest feels like a giant community party. You’ve got riverside stages, boat rides, craft stalls, and a mix of local and international folk acts. It’s the kind of place where you can spend all day wandering without worrying about ticket prices.

South Bermondsey Festival – London

📅 27 September 2025
📍 Southwark, London
🎨 Multi-Arts & Underground Music

Raw, loud, and creative — this is London’s underground scene at its finest. With 16 hours of music, pop-up galleries, and interactive workshops, it’s less polished than the big commercial events but twice as real.

Festival Survival Tips for September

Layers are your best friend: UK weather in September can switch moods quickly.
Book early: Especially for accommodation in smaller towns.
Stay hydrated: Even in cooler months, festivals can be draining.
Explore locally: Many festival towns have hidden gems worth a wander.

Final Word

From country twangs in Inverness to all-night beats in Winchester, UK festivals in September 2025 promise a month full of energy, creativity, and connection. Whether you’re chasing music, art, film, or family fun, you’ll find something worth marking on your calendar.