Tickets for big name music festivals like Glastonbury, V and T in the Park can set you back over £200 for a weekend but there’s lots of fun festivals and outdoor events you can enjoy for free.
Here’s our round-up of twenty summer events across the country.
London
City of London Festival
What: Music and arts against the backdrop of some of the capital’s most iconic landmarks and open spaces.
When: 22nd June-10th July
Where: Venues across London
More info: www.colf.org
Notting Hill Carnival
What: One of the world’s most famous free carnivals takes over the streets of west London.
When: 30th-31st August
Where: Notting Hill
More info: www.thelondonnottinghillcarnival.com
More London Free Film Festival
What: Free outdoor film screenings including 'Ghostbusters’, ‘Selma’ and ‘Still Alice’.
When: 2nd-24th September
Where: The Scoop amphitheatre on the South Bank
More info: www.morelondon.com/events/about
Southern England
Portsmouth Festivities
What: Ten days of theatre, art, film, music and talks to celebrate culture and heritage in Portsmouth.
When: 19th-28th June
Where: Various locations in Portsmouth
More info: www.portsmouthfestivities.co.uk/whats-on
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
What: Over 100 hot air balloons of all shapes and sizes take to the skies along with evening firework displays.
When: 6th-9th August
Where: Ashton Court, Bristol
More info: www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk
Ryde Carnival
What: The oldest carnival in the UK celebrates its 127th anniversary. Highlights include an illuminated carnival procession and regatta.
When: 26th, 27th August and 5th September
Where: Ryde, Isle of Wight
More info: www.rydecarnival.com
Central England
Godiva Music Festival
What: Live music including The Wombats and Embrace as well as local bands, plus stand-up comedy acts and family field with entertainment for all ages.
When: 3rd-5th July
Where: War Memorial Park, Coventry
More info: www.godivafestival.com
Stratford-upon-Avon River Festival
What: Two-day free festival featuring live performances and workshops as well as illuminated boat parade and fireworks display on the River Avon.
When: 4th-5th July
Where: Stratford-upon-Avon
More info: www.stratforward.co.uk
Nottingham Riverside Festival
What: Nottingham’s largest outdoor festival with live music, street theatre, dragon boat racing and fireworks on the banks of the River Trent.
When: 31st July-2nd August
Where: Victoria Embankment, Nottingham
More info: www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/riverside
Worcester Music Festival
What: Live music from hundreds of up and coming bands and artists as well as workshops led by the musicians and artists who perform.
When: 18th-20th September
Where: Various venues across Worcester
More info: www.worcestermusicfestival.co.uk/
Wales
Cardiff Festival
What: Series of events throughout the summer. Free events include the International Food and Drink Festival, Classic Car and Boat Rally and Cardiff Carnival.
When: 21st June-6th September
Where: Cardiff Bay
More info: www.cardiff-festival.com
The Big Cheese Festival
What: Entertainment, fireworks and the ‘Great Cheese Race’ all in celebration of Caerphilly’s history.
When: 24th-26th July
Where: Caerphilly
More info: www.caerphilly.gov.uk/bigcheese/
Talgarth Festival
What: Music and entertainment in the shadow of the Black Mountains.
When: 29th-30th August
Where: Talgarth
More info: www.talgarthfestival.org.uk
Northern England
Brass: Durham International Festival
What: Live brass music and family events.
When: 16th-19th July
Where: Various venues in Durham
More info: www.brassfestival.co.uk
SIRF 13 (Stockton International Riverside Festival)
What: One of the largest free arts festivals. Four days of street theatre, circus, dance and music.
When: 30th July-2nd August
Where: Various venues around Stockton-on-Tees
More info: www.sirf.co.uk
Liverpool International Music Festival
What: Live music including the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Shaggy, Lemar and The Hoosiers.
When: 27st-31st August
Where: Sefton Park, Liverpool
More info: www.limfestival.com/
Scotland
Almost Blue
What: Blues music festival with over 90 live performances, featuring over 70 acts.
When: 3rd-5th July
Where: 20+ locations across Dundee
More info: www.facebook.com/almostblue
Free Edinburgh Fringe Festival
What: A free companion to the main Edinburgh Festival including comedy, theatre and cabaret events. Events take place in nightclubs, caves, bars and buses.
When: 7th-31st August
Where: Various locations around Edinburgh
More info: www.edfringe.com
Northern Ireland
Lidl Titanic Maritime Festival
What: Watch tall ship parades and races over four days along with talks, tours, fireworks and street theatre.
When: 2nd-5th July
Where: Belfast
More info: www.tallshipsbelfast.com
Red Sails Festival
What: Live music, theatre, magic, dance events, drum workshops and a childrens' fancy dress competition.
When: 19th-25th July
Where: Portstewart
More info: www.redsails.co.uk
More free festivals
You'll find lots more free festivals and events at the Free Events website but it's worth checking details with individual locations before setting off.
Tell us about your favourite
If you have a favourite free festival or event, add it in the Comments box below.
This article has been updated