We’re getting to that time of year where music fans are starting to think about the festivals they’re going to. There are hundreds across the UK, all having different line ups and different USPs.
For those that are living a sober lifestyle, it can be difficult knowing which festivals are the best to maintain their sobriety, particularly if they are living as a result of going through alcohol or drug rehab to combat addiction. But that also doesn’t mean they should miss out on enjoying a festival either.
In fact, there are plenty of festivals across the UK that are ideal for those seeking a sober festival experience. So, if you’re looking to get your ticket and enjoy a festival this summer, here are five you should consider…
Latitude Festival
Out in Suffolk, Latitude has always been a sober friendly festival that combines music, theatre, literature and one of the best comedy lineups of the summer. They always have save spaces for people to immerse themselves in a more sober lifestyle, with workshops and arts and crafts sessions as well as being one of the more family friendly festivals around.
This year sees Duran Duran, Kasabian, Keane and London Grammar among the big names playing, while the comedy headliners will be all female for the very first time.
Green Man Festival
Wales’ answer to Latitude, Green Man has already sold out and did so in record time, but there are always some spares flying around. Known for its indie and folk music, as well as a commitment to sustainability, the festival works hard to cater for sober revellers, with a range of artisanal soft drinks and 0% beers.
It’s a welcoming, friendly and stress-free environment, with lush surroundings and one of the most serene music festival experiences you can find in the UK.
Boardmasters
Boardmasters is an excellent idea for a sober adventure as alongside its eclectic music line-up, which this year will see the likes of Anthony Szmierek, Chase & Status, Katy B, Tom Odell and Stormzy take to the stage, it also has tons of activities to enjoy. So much so you won’t think about alcohol or drugs once.
There are dozens of watersports activities to enjoy, as well as surfing competitions, while it also pays a lot of attention to wellness workshops, with the likes of yoga, meditation and other holistic activities to spend the day doing.
Womad Festival
Womad takes place down in Wiltshire at the end of July and delivers a host of music and culture, with a real emphasis on wellbeing. There is an entire section of the site dedicated to wellbeing with a range of traditional and non-traditional treatments to relax, cure and revitalise.
They hold sessions on sobriety as well as also having a spa to really take your relaxation to the next level. It’s an incredibly positive atmosphere and festival as a whole that makes it a great choice for a sober festival experience.
End of the Road Festival
Finally, End of the Road in Dorset takes place over the summer bank holiday and has established a really great set-up for aiding people through a sober festival experience. There’s a real focus on wellbeing with tons of practitioners on site to support, largely in the healing area.
That’s combined with an eclectic music line-up, which last year saw the likes of Future Islands, Angel Olsen, King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, Ezra Furman and BBC Sound of 2024 winners The Last Dinner Party play. 2024 is set to be another great year, and tickets are among the more reasonably priced across UK festivals.
