Summary
- In 2024, 44% of UK festival-goers said they’re buying fewer tickets, largely because of rising prices.
- Yet demand remains strong: many people are seeking early‑bird discounts, cheaper day‑tickets, or festivals offering more affordable tiers.
- Festivals used to be a summer‑only affair. Now, autumn and early winter UK festivals are growing in both variety and profile.
- Choosing well matters: ticket cost is just one factor—travel, accommodation, and quality of acts all add up.
- This article presents a vetted list of UK festivals under £35 (some under £20/£30), rated using our UKNB Trust Score, so you can pick with confidence.
Festivals are one of the great British traditions.
Yet for many, the rising cost of entry puts the UK’s most exciting music, literature, and food events out of reach.
But there’s good news.
The major summer schedule of festivals in the UK may be over, but there are still some exciting festivals to be enjoyed in the autumn and early winter months, and that too at a budget.
If you’re searching for UK festivals under £50, UK festivals under £30, or even UK festivals under £20, you’ll find there are still outstanding festivals with tickets to suit every budget.
We’ve shortlisted the best-value UK festivals happening between October and December 2025.
Each festival in our guide offers at least one ticket option under £35—many start at less than £20. You’ll find everything from indie music weekends and blues pub crawls to major literary celebrations.
But how do you compare festivals that are so different—multi-venue music marathons, local beer weekends, city lit-fests?
That’s where our UKNB Trust Score makes the choice simple.
How We Rate the UK Festivals Under £35
To calculate the UKNB Trust Score, we rate each festival on five factors, each with its own weight:
- Ticket Value (30%) – How affordable and transparent are the lowest tickets?
- Accessibility & Travel (20%) – How easy is it to reach and get around?
- Experience & Uniqueness (20%) – Quality and variety of the acts or festival theme.
- Accommodation Options (20%) – Are there affordable, comfortable places to stay nearby?
- Family/Beginner Friendly (10%) – How well does the festival welcome new attendees?
Each factor is scored out of 5, weighted by importance, and added up for a final Trust Score out of 10.
This way, you can instantly see which festivals deliver the best mix of value, experience, and accessibility.
Now, here are our top-rated UK festivals under £35 for 2025.
6 Top-rated UK festivals under £35 for 2025
1. K-Music Festival London (01/10-20/11/25) — UKNB Trust Score: 9.4/10
If you’re searching for “UK festivals under £30,” this cultural journey delivers a stellar line-up. Most tickets at the K-Music Festival 25 are £18–£28, making it one of the best-value autumn music events in the capital.
- Location: Multiple London venues (Barbican, Kings Place, Southbank Centre, etc.).
- Dates: 1 Oct – 20 Nov 2025.
- Theme: Modern Korean music, cross-genre collaborations (jazz, folk, sound art).
- Ticket Value: Most gigs £18–£28; top-tier finale at £27.50.
- Travel & Accessibility: All venues are central and accessible via Tube/Rail.
- Accommodation: Wide range of hotels/hostels in Zone 1; no camping needed.
- Unique Features: UK’s only pan-Korean music festival, featuring Grammy-level acts and cross-genre premieres.
- Family/Beginner Friendly: Many all-ages shows, free cultural talks, accessible workshops.
2. Cheltenham Literature Festival (10-19/10/25) — UKNB Trust Score: 9.4/10
Cheltenham hosts the UK’s best-loved literary celebration with the Cheltenham Literature Festival. It’s a perfect “UK festival under £30” and recommended for book lovers of every generation.
- Location: Montpellier Gardens and central Cheltenham venues.
- Dates: 10–19 Oct 2025.
- Theme: Literature, ideas, debates, family & children’s events.
- Ticket Value: Most events £8–£20 (400+ events), some free; all under £35.
- Travel & Accessibility: Direct trains, local buses, accessible venues.
- Accommodation: Many hotels, inns, and B&Bs in town; partners offer discounts.
- Unique Features: 400+ sessions, celebrity authors, huge festival village.
- Family/Beginner Friendly: Multiple free kids’/family events, accessible for all.
3. Woodwind & Brass Festival (Royal College of Music, London | 26/10/25) — UKNB Trust Score: 9.2/10
Perfect for classical fans, students, and families seeking “UK festivals under £20.” RCM’s one-day event celebrates woodwind and brass with concerts, masterclasses, and “Come and Play” workshops.
- Location: Royal College of Music, South Kensington, London.
- Dates: 26 October 2025.
- Theme: Classical, educational (woodwind & brass).
- Ticket Value: Adult £15, Under-35s £12.
- Travel & Accessibility: South Kensington/Gloucester Rd Tube; step-free access.
- Accommodation: Hotels, hostels nearby (Hyde Park area).
- Unique Features: Hands-on sessions, museum open, educational focus.
- Family/Beginner Friendly: Exceptional — suitable for all ages, “Come and Play” events.
4. Swanage Blues Festival (02-05/10/25) — UKNB Trust Score: 9.0/10
A coastal classic and one of the most budget-friendly “UK festivals under £20” for blues/roots fans, the Swanage Blues Festival should not be missed.
- Location: Pubs, hotels, and halls in Swanage (Dorset).
- Dates: 2–5 Oct 2025.
- Theme: Blues, roots, pub sessions, open mics.
- Ticket Value: £15 “supporter wristband” = unlimited entry all weekend.
- Travel & Accessibility: Reachable by bus/coach; walkable venues.
- Accommodation: Local B&Bs, holiday parks, camping nearby.
- Unique Features: 70+ gigs in 18 venues, friendly, not-for-profit.
- Family/Beginner Friendly: Welcoming to all ages, casual vibe.
5. Twisterella Festival (Middlesbrough | 11/10/25) — UKNB Trust Score: 8.4/10
A popular “UK festival under £30” for indie music and scene-spotting, the Twisterella Festival is held in Northeast venues.
- Location: Middlesbrough (various bars, campus venues).
- Dates: 11 Oct 2025.
- Theme: Indie/alt rock, multi-venue.
- Ticket Value: £25–£30, U18 £17.50.
- Travel & Accessibility: Walkable from Middlesbrough station and local buses.
- Accommodation: Central hotels, guest houses.
- Unique Features: Mix of gigs and industry panels; all-day ticket.
- Family/Beginner Friendly: Over 14s welcome, relaxed vibe.
6. Robin Hood Beer & Cider Festival (Nottingham | 08-11/10/25) — UKNB Trust Score: 8.4/10
Searching for “UK festivals under £20” with a local twist? The Robin Hood Beer Fest is the Midlands’ top pick for real ale lovers.
- Location: Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, Nottingham.
- Dates: 8–11 Oct 2025.
- Theme: Beer, cider, live music, food.
- Ticket Value: £15–£18 per session; £10 Sat evening; £35 season.
- Travel & Accessibility: Walkable from Nottingham Station, city trams/buses.
- Accommodation: Hotels and guest houses in West Bridgford/Nottingham.
- Unique Features: 600+ ales/ciders, live music, free glass.
- Family/Beginner Friendly: Mainly 18+, CAMRA/beer crowd.
If you’ve spotted a festival you like, check ticket tiers early—cheapest rates tend to sell fast. Book a great budget hotel or spa hotel nearby, check out the best traditional pubs on your way and plan your travel to avoid markups. Plus, keep this list on hand!
Got more festival tips for us? Send them our way!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there UK festivals under £35 outside of summer?
Yes. Many literature, blues, food & drink, and indie music festivals take place in October–December. Our 2025 list shows several autumn/winter UK festivals under £35, proving festival culture now spans year‑round—and offers good value outside the main summer season.
Why do many UK festivals under £30 sell out quickly?
Affordable tiers are limited in number and often offered early (early‑bird, day tickets, under‑25 discounts). Once those are gone, prices tend to rise. Also, demand is rising for budget‑friendly festivals, especially in autumn/winter, so popular events with strong reputations can sell out cheap tickets fast.
How do I know a festival under £35 is still good quality?
A: You can check things like the credibility of the organisers, transparency of what’s included (line‑up, tickets, accommodation), ease of access & travel, plus reviews. That’s part of our UKNB Trust Score, which rates festivals on Ticket Value, Accessibility, Experience, Accommodation, and how beginner/family‑friendly they are.
