Well, I’m back again for another festival blog post to tie into English Tourism Week. There is ALOT of businesses and events that are unfairly hidden away from the mainstream tourist guides. Why? God knows but it’s bloody frustrating (if you want to read why it frustrates me, check out this blog post about the things Melton Borough Council have/haven’t done that have damaged Melton’s after-dark economy).  Melton is home to some truly unforgettable festivals that deserve a spot on your summer bucket list. From the lively Melton Folk Festivals that transform our  to the heart-thumping beats of the Forbidden Forest and everything in between, there’s something for every music enthusias regardless of your tastes and budgets. So, gear up for an epic summer of music, cause hey someone has to let you know about these gems. 🐸☕️

The Melton Folk Festivals

The Melton Folk Festivals come twice a year, offering both summer and winter celebrations. The summer festival takes place on the 2nd and 3rd of August, while the winter festival lights up the town on the 13th and 14th of December.

These festivals transform participating pubs and cafes in Melton Mowbray Town Centre into intimate music venues. Various acts travel between locations, performing 40-minute live music sets that showcase the best of folk music.

One of the best things about the Melton Folk Festivals is that entry is completely free. This makes it an accessible event for everyone in the community, allowing both locals and visitors to enjoy high-quality folk music without breaking the bank. It’s one of my favourite hidden gems within the borough and you should totally check it out if you haven’t already done so.

Forbidden Forest

For those who crave heart-pounding beats and electrifying atmospheres, Forbidden Forest is the festival you can’t miss. Set against the stunning backdrop of Belvoir Castle, this event promises an unforgettable experience for drum and bass enthusiasts.

This festival boasts an impressive lineup of 64 artists across multiple days. This year’s festival, running from May 29th to June 1st, features some of the biggest names in drum and bass.

Attendees can look forward to performances by Fisher, Sub Focus, Wilkinson, and Danny Howard, among many others. The diversity of artists ensures that there’s something for every drum and bass fan, from classic beats to cutting-edge sounds.

With such a stellar lineup, Forbidden Forest has cemented its place as one of the premier drum and bass festivals in the UK. It’s an event that truly showcases the best the genre has to offer.

As for costings, they look like this:

💰 3-day standard camping: £180

💰 3-day VIP camping: £210

💰 4-day standard camping: £200

💰4-day VIP camping: £230

💰4-day backstage pass: £299

VIP tickets include everything in a standard ticket plus exclusive VIP arena access. For those looking for the ultimate experience, the backstage pass offers on-stage access at the Azteca stage, fast-track entry to the Festival grounds, and access to exclusive bars.

To make the festival more accessible, all ticket types offer a payment plan option. This allows you to spread the cost over time, making it easier to budget for this incredible event.

Hosenbury

Hosenbury, taking place on July 5th, offers a diverse musical lineup that caters to a wide range of tastes. The festival features a mix of talented local artists, giving them a platform to showcase their skills to a broader audience.

In addition to local talent, Hosenbury also brings in great tribute acts. These performances allow festival-goers to experience the music of their favorite artists without the extortionate Ticketmaster prices.

What sets Hosenbury apart is its commitment to the local community. All funds raised from this festival go towards supporting local village projects.

This means that by attending Hosenbury, you’re not just treating yourself to a day of great music and fun. You’re also directly contributing to the improvement and development of Hose Village and its surrounding areas.

It’s a perfect example of how music can bring people together and make a real difference in the community. Which means yes, one can party hard and help the children at the same time and I’m certain there are worse ways to do a good deed than partying at a festival.

Noisily

Noisily Festival, held in the enchanting Barkestone Woods from July 10th to 13th, offers a unique blend of daytime relaxation and nighttime excitement. This festival is a must-visit for those seeking a multifaceted festival experience.

During the day, Noisily transforms into a hub of learning and relaxation. The festival offers a diverse range of talks and workshops, covering topics from personal growth to environmental awareness.

These daytime activities are complemented by awesome woodland meaning you can be as chilled or as lively as you want to be. This festival isIt’s an opportunity to expand your mind and rejuvenate your spirit in a beautiful natural setting.

Whether you’re interested in yoga, meditation, or just want to relax in nature, Noisily’s daytime offerings provide a perfect balance to the high-energy nights.

As the sun sets, Noisily comes alive with one of the best light spectacles in the borough. The festival grounds transform into a visual wonderland, with stunning light installations illuminating the woodland.

This visual feast is accompanied by the best in underground dance music. Noisily prides itself on showcasing cutting-edge electronic music, with DJs and live acts playing across multiple stages throughout the night.

The combination of spectacular visuals and top-notch music creates an immersive experience that’s truly unforgettable. It’s a celebration of art, music, and nature that pushes the boundaries of what a festival can be.

A weekend camping ticket for Noisily costs £240. To make the festival more accessible, they offer a payment plan option. Meaning if you want to spread the cost over time, you can.

CrownFest

CrownFest is a celebration of local music and bank holiday vibes, held at The Crown pub in Melton Mowbray. This festival is a great one to check regardless of if you’re a festival veteran or are wanting to dip your toes in the festival pool for the first time.

CrownFest is all about putting the spotlight on local musicians. The festival features a variety of local talent performing live, giving up-and-coming and veteran rtists a platform to showcase their skills.

Whether you’re a music enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out, CrownFest offers a diverse range of performances that are sure to entertain. Alongside their famous CrownFest BBQ and reasonably priced drinks (including some new cocktail jugs).

One of the best things about CrownFest is that entry is completely free. You only pay for the food and drinks you consume, making it an accessible event for everyone regardless of bank balance.

While the exact date for this year’s CrownFest is yet to be confirmed, it typically takes place on the August Bank Holiday Weekend making it a perfect way to round off the summer festival season.

Keep an eye on The Crown’s Facebook page for updates on the exact date and lineup for this year’s CrownFest. It’s an event you won’t want to miss!

Want more awesome festivals to add to your bucket list? If so, check out my blog post covering some excellent festivals that are very family friendly. 

Until next time folks,

Kelly