Take a long British summer, add heaps of amazing live music and entertainment, and then mix in some quality time to socialise with friends.  And hey presto!  There you have the perfect recipe for a festival-packed season. 

Over the past decade or so, there has been something of a festival revolution, as we Brits have witnessed the introduction of more and more music and arts events into the social calendar.  No longer is Glastonbury the only name on everyone’s lips, as we are now spoilt for choice, with every weekend from June to September jam-packed and fun-filled fiestas. 

Festivals have become a landmark on the British summer horizon and they are now so popular that they have been rated as Britain’s 14^th best leisure activity, according to the UK’s official tourism guide, Visit Britain.  And it is those aged between 18 and 26 that are the biggest fans.    

Melvin Benn, Managing Director of Festival Republic, the UK’s leading festival and events promoter, believes that the progressive growth in the amount and variety of festivals over recent years is due to their amazing value for money.  He said: “If you think about it, you’re getting four or five days of quality entertainment and music.  And the professionalism surrounding British festivals means that people know they will be well organised.”

The global recession has no doubt played a part in the increasing popularity of festivals over the last few years.  Across the nation, people have had to curb their spending, and with holidays an obvious expense to cut out, many people have turned to festivals for enjoyment at weekends.

According to Lucy Andrews, online and student press officer for Creamfields Festival, “Since the recession kicked in people simply can’t afford to take holidays so going away to a festival for a few days provides the partying, socialising elements of a holiday, just not always the sun!  It also breaks up the summer for people to have a good old blow out.”

The proliferation of festivals is good news for British tourism, and the wider economy, and festivals have also generated endless opportunities for local communities.  When a 170,000-strong audience descends on a small west-country village called Glastonbury, the local economy benefits hugely with increased sales and bookings, from local pubs and restaurants to shops and hotels. 

Not only has the number of festivals grown, but so has the variety.  While music continues to attract most revellers, there is now an abundance of alternative entertainment and activities on offer.  Smaller and quirkier events are being established, meaning that festival-lovers have a wider range to choose from.    

Crispin Aubrey, Glastonbury press officer said: “It is great that there is now such a range, from the very small, around 1000 people, to the larger ones like Glastonbury.  Many of the smaller festivals have picked up on the idea of holding them in beautiful countryside areas, and it is not just about the music, but also theatre, comedy and art.”

With tickets selling out in a matter of minutes, Glastonbury remains the king of the festival season.  However, there are numerous other smaller, boutique-styled festivals that provide an eclectic mix of weekend entertainment for their audience.  This wide range of festivals has meant that competition between them is growing, and organisers need to up their game each year to ensure they continue to sell tickets.

2000trees is a new addition to the festival scene, having started in 2007.  Organiser, Andy Rea said: “I think it's fair to say that festival fans vote with their feet, so organisers must ensure they provide for their customers better, or face losing ticket sales.”  

Each festival strives to offer a unique experience, and one that is relevant to their particular audience.  Attendees at Reading and Leeds festivals go there to hear rock music, while Latitude Festival offers arts and literary entertainment, alongside musical performances. 

There is even a cheese-rolling festival in Gloucestershire, where thousands of enthusiasts gather each year to watch or take part in the ancient tradition of chasing a seven pound double Gloucester cheese down a steep hill in a series of races.

There is something for everyone, with festivals that cater for all ages, genres and locations.  Ticket prices have continued to rise year-on-year, with a weekend pass for some of the larger festivals fast-approaching £200.  But when considering what you get for that price, about four days of quality live music and endless hours of fun with friends, there is no doubt that the festival boom will continue well into the future.