The Independent Festivals that you need to try

Sick of the overpriced tickets, overcrowded fields, half-hour bar queues, bustling crowds and stomach-turning portaloos which you’ve grown to expect at some of the big country’s biggest festivals? Or just fancy trying something different? Take a look at some of the smaller, independent festivals which we’d recommend for someone craving a unique experience.

Brum’s 1st Big Fat Pizza Festival

On Saturday 29th April, Taste and Liquor will be presenting the second edition of their pizza festival at No21 Digbeth, Birmingham. “The finest pizza traders come together to present their craziest toppings!” Alongside DJs, ice-cream, cocktails, milkshakes, chocolate and all sorts of traditional street-food vendors, over 15 mobile pizzerias will be descending upon the second-city for this ridiculous event. With tickets starting at just £5 (face value), you’d be crazy not to book yourself in for a self-induced food coma here.

Junction 2

The second edition of this techno festival will be hoping to build on the success of 2016’s opening edition, with another offering of woodland landscapes, urban aesthetics, flowing rivers, secluded enclaves and five different stages. Junction 2 promise attendees an offering of “high-end production, an attention to detail, no short sets, no VIP, no plastic tents, like-minded people and a music policy focused on techno”. For just £37.50 (face value)  techno-heads should head to Boston Manor Park, London on Saturday 10th June for an unforgettable experience.

Masked Ball

Following its inception in 2006, Masked Ball has gone from strength to strength, becoming a self-proclaimed “multilevel party kingdom” through its offering of international underground DJs, outrageous themes, myriad rooms, hidden bars, bathtubs, seaside aesthetics and world-class raves. Immerse yourself within this unique Cornwall festival experience this May (26th-28th), with Early Bird weekend tickets from £49 (face value).

Grillstock

Thousands of meat and music enthusiasts will gather in Bristol in order to experience this smoking hot festival experience. Why not join them for an unforgettable weekend of excessive-consumption this July 1st-2nd? Thousands of lucky punters will be flooding to the Bristol Harbourside in order to enjoy the succulent burgers, craft beers, barbeque masterclasses, fire breathers, cool cider, live music, eating competitions and chipolata bombs on offer. Early bird weekend tickets cost £37.50 (face value).

Detonate

Following on from their 2016 success, Detonate has grown into a two-day event this year — taking place on 9th-10th June and bringing with it a ridiculous line-up for fans of drum & bass, dance, jungle, grime and more. The likes of Kano, Sigma, Dusky, Bugzy Malone, Chase & Status, Wiley and Groove Armada will all be performing in Colwick Country Park, Nottingham — with tickets available from just £60 (face value).