Summer 2018 is just around the corner and it is set to be jam-packed with renowned festivals like Wireless, Parklife and We Are FSTVL, along with a handful of new festivals popping up for fans and up-and-comers alike to network, party, and hear some great music.
Many festivals might claim to be multi-genre but will often feature very few acts from the worlds of Hip Hop, Grime, Soul, R&B, Reggae and other Urban genres. With so many events taking place across the country, and Europe, here are some of the best summer music festivals and events that put these sounds at the forefront or feature them heavily amongst the mix.
ARTISTS ON LINEUP: J. Cole, Post Malone, Wiley, Stormzy, Migos, J Hus, DJ Khaled
LOCATION: Finsbury Park, London
DATE: 6-8 July
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One of the biggest festivals celebrating urban music. As every year, Wireless Festival announces an exciting and unique lineup including the most famous artists when it comes to Hip/Hop and Grime.
ARTISTS ON LINE-UP: Travis Scott, Kendrick Lamar, Fall Out Boy, Krept x Konan, Post Malone, Dua Lipa, The Kooks
LOCATION: Richfield Avenue, Reading; Bramham Park, Leeds
DATE: 24-26 August
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This festival fave, which takes place in both Reading and Leeds over the August bank holiday, remains one of the most popular festivals in the country.
ARTISTS ON LINE-UP: The XX, Skepta, Liam Gallagher, N.E.R.D. , Carl Cox, Lorde, Bugzy Malone
LOCATION: Heaton Park, Manchester
DATE: 9-10 June
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Be part of Parklife, showcasing legendary British artists like Liam Gallagher and Skepta.
ARTISTS ON LINEUP: Skepta, Childish Gambino, Vince Staples, Bonobo, Big Boi
LOCATION: Gunnersbury Park, London
DATE: 13-14 July
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After Jess Glynne hit the stage last year, Lovebox Festival offers a great experience for dance/Hip-Hop lovers, experiencing performances by Childish Gambino and many others.
ARTISTS ON LINEUP: T-Pain, Not3s, Ghetts, David Rodigan, Kojo Funds, Secondcity, Heidi
LOCATION: Haggis Farm, Cambridge
DATE: 16 June
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Cambridge is not only known for excellent education, it is also home of one of the most vibrant festivals throughout the year.
ARTISTS ON LINEUP: Wiz Khalifa, Partynextdoor, Lil Pump, J Hus, Goldlink, Vince Staples, Tim Westwood
LOCATION: Zrce Beach, Croatia
DATE: 10-12 July
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Located on beautiful Pag Island, Fresh Island Festival is perfect for all Hip-Hop lovers and sun addicts.
ARTISTS ON LINEUP: Plan B, Stefflon Don, David Rodigan, Jorja Smith, Not3s, Grace Jones, Ghetts
LOCATION: Lulworth Estate, Dorset
DATE: 2-5 August
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After A Tribe Called Quest delivered an amazing performance last year, fans are looking forward to this year`s edition of Bestival, featuring performances from Grace Jones, Jorja Smith and Ghetts.
ARTISTS ON LINEUP: Kendrick Lamar, Dua Lipa, Lana del Rey, Stormzy, Desiigner, JP Cooper, Bastille
LOCATION: Budapest, Hungary
DATE: 8-15 August
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Located in the heart of Budapest, Sziget Festival is the perfect opportunity to enjoy great music and experience the beautiful city of Budapest.
ARTISTS ON LINEUP: J. Cole, Migos, Solange, The Internet, Post Malone, Travis Scott
LOCATION: Marlay Park, Dublin
DATE: 13 - 15 July
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For those of you who are willing to take a trip to Ireland, Longitude is the THE destination for urban music lovers this summer. With the likes of J. Cole, Khalid, Giggs, Sampha, J hus, and more, on the line-up this year, the trip may be worth the extra travel costs.
LOCATION: Tower Millenium Pier, Aldgate
DATE: 13 June-21 July
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After a successful launch in 2017, Movies On The River returns to showcase film classics and recent blockbusters during a cruise on Thames. Films that will be shown include The Shape Of Water, Get Out, Mean Girls and Clueless.
LOCATION: Upminister
ARTISTS ON THE LINE-UP: Bugzy Malone, Yxng Bane, Not3s, Yungen, Big Shaq, Lethal Bizzle, Mostack
DATE: May 25th, 26th, 27th, 2018
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We Are FSTVL is a live music event with camping and a VIP area held in Upminster. Headliners this year include Andy C, Carl Cox, Eric Prydz, Pendulum and Bicep. Featuring a UK heavy line-up, this festival is for music lovers who enjoy the sounds of homegrown talent.
ARTISTS ON LINEUP: Moses Boyd, Denis Sulta, MoStack, Kranium, AJ Tracey, Steel Banglez, Goldie
LOCATION: The Thames, London
DATE: 30 June
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Contrary to ancient Odysseus, you don’t need ten years to finish this Odyssey. All you need to do is enjoy the impressive variety of music genres and events. So pick your boat and party all night long on Red Bull Music Odyssey.
ARTISTS ON LINEUP: Dizzee Rascal, Run DMC, Stefflon Don, Vic Mensa, Bugzy Malone, Andy C, Lady Leshurr
LOCATION: Near Bristol
DATE: 5-8 July
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NASS Festival is the perfect opportunity to experience Urban music and enjoy spectacular skateboard and BMX competitions.
ARTISTS ON LINEUP: J. Cole, A$AP Rocky, Migos, Lil Pump, J Hus, Goldlink
LOCATION: Beekse Bergen, Netherlands
DATE: 13-15 July
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Be prepared for breathtaking performances by celebrated Hip-Hop artists and a stunning surrounding at Beekse Bergen.
ARTISTS ON LINEUP: J hus, AJ Tracey, Nadia Rose, MIST, Stefflon Don, Goldie
LOCATION: Croatia
DATE: 5 - 9 September
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Located in one of the most stunning festival sites in Europe, an abandoned fort on the Adriatic coast, Outlook truly has to be experienced firsthand to be understood. It's literally 4 days and nights of music, beach parties, boat parties, and one spectacular opening concert in Pula’s 2000-year-old amphitheatre.
Image Credit: Derek Bremner, SZA (Instagram), Valerio Berdini, Amy Visions (AP)
