Hoping to attend a festival this year but don't think you can afford it? Check out these 10 completely free options!
Festivals can be a lot of fun, but we all know they can do some serious damage to the wallet. And at a time when we're all tightening the purse-strings, finding a cheap option can be a tad tricky. So I've hunted out 10 fabulous festivals - all of which are absolutely free!
London and the South East
Thames Festival - London
Saturday 11 - Sunday 12 September
Londoners can get together to dance, listen to music, enjoy some beautiful artwork, drink, eat, enjoy performances, watch a costumed parade, sing, play on the beach, take part in a sponsored walk, and party in the streets.
All of this is free!
Brighton Live - Brighton, Sussex
Tuesday 5 October - Saturday 9 October
Brighton Live is packed full of live music across more than 20 venues and showcasing around 150 local bands. The full line-up will be announced nearer the time.
All of this is free.
South West
Bristol Harbour Festival - Bristol
Friday 31 July - Sunday 2 August
Bristol’s beautiful city centre harbour comes alive with music, dance, circus, children’s entertainment, ships and boats, markets and fireworks for this fabulous weekend spectacle. Plus there will be a completely new attraction - the Bristol Village Fayre on the Amphitheatre.
Absolutely free.
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta - Bristol
Thursday 12 - Sunday 15 August
Europe's largest hot air balloon festival includes spectacular events such as mass balloon ascents and an appearance by the Red Arrows on the Sunday.
Free entry.
North West
Mathew Street Music Festival - Liverpool, Merseyside
Sunday 29 - Monday 30 August.
Six outdoor stages will see various bands perform from across the world. Themes include Soul, Diva, Brit Pop, New Bands, Big Bands and Country & Western.
Free entry.
Midlands
Birmingham International Jazz Festival - Birmingham
Friday 16 - Sunday 25 July
Ten days of non-stop jazz with a wide variety of performers and bands.
Many performances are free, while other events vary in price - check the website for further details.
The Godiva Festival - Coventry
Friday 2 - Sunday 4 July
Coventry's War Memorial Park will host the 13th Godiva Festival which will showcase some of the finest local, national and international artists from a multitude of genres, and comedy acts.
Free entry.
North East and Yorkshire
Stockton International Riverside Festival - Stockton-on-Tees
Wednesday 28 July - Sunday 1 August
The centre of Stockton will be transformed into an arena for outstanding shows, from very large scale spectacular events to intimate experiences. Enjoy street theatre, circus, dance, music and pyrotechnics delivered by world class artists and performers.
Absolutely free.
Wales
Admiral Cardiff Big Weekend - Cardiff
Friday 30 July - Sunday 1 August
This fabulous outdoor festival offers three days of live music and entertainment on stage, as well as the UK's largest travelling funfair. This year's headline acts include Pee Wee Ellis and the Funky Assembly, The Raghu Dixit Project and The Congo All-Stars.
Absolutely free.
Scotland
Edinburgh Festival Fringe - Edinburgh
Friday 6 August - Monday 30 August
One of the largest arts festivals in the world, this event is overflowing with entertainment - including theatre, comedy, music, dance, exhibitions, and more.
Many of the events are free so it's worth checking the website for details.
So there you have it, 10 fantastic festivals to attend, without breaking the bank!
More: Put these bargains in your suitcase | Last chance to grab free British Airways flights