Whether you live in the UK or are planning to pay a visit in 2025, you’ll no doubt be looking for ways to make some unforgettable memories, and with the impressive selection of cultural events that take place throughout, you’ll be inundated with opportunities to make it a year you won’t forget in a hurry.
From music festivals covering all genres to sporting events that attract both elite participants and spectators from the world over, to big-time celebrations of arts and culture, the array of must see events in the UK is sure to please anyone seeking a special time.
With the UK weather not always promising to stay on side, it’s safe to say that some of the bigger and better events are focused around the summer months, and so we’ve rounded up three of the most popular cultural events you can head to in the summer of 2025 to make your year something special.
Glastonbury Festival in Somerset
Taking place from Wednesday, June 25th to Sunday the 29th in 2025, Glastonbury Festival welcomes visitors to Worthy Farm in Somerset for a long weekend of big-name musical acts gracing the likes of the Pyramid Stage; performance art to keep all ages entertained, such as circus acts and dancers; as well as theatre, comedy, cabaret and other arts.
200,000 plus visitors attend each time the festival is on – it’s not a certified annual event as there are often fallow years to allow the land to recover – and though tickets for 2025 recently sold out, there are other options those keen to attend can seek in order to take part in the famed event. From picking up cancelled tickets next spring to volunteering at the festival there’s still some hope if you’re desperate to get to the event in person and enjoy everything it has to offer.
Festival goers can expect to see renowned musical acts with previous headliners including Diana Ross, Elton John, Stormzy, Dolly Parton, Blur, Jay Z, and The Rolling Stones. The 2025 line-up hasn’t been announced, but there are many rumours swirling about as to who might be gracing the West Country fields, from Olivia Rodrigo to Eminem.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland
Arguably the biggest event in Edinburgh’s calendar, and the world’s largest performance arts festival, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival sees thousands of performances take place across over more than 250 venues across the city. Scotland’s capital will open up from Friday, August 1st to Monday the 25th in 2025 with artists and acts from more than 60 countries entertaining crowds, from the streets to stages (and concert halls, parks and even shipping containers) throughout.
The allure of the festival lies within the fact that anyone interested in performance art can visit, with the cost of tickets starting at nothing, and it’s the perfect place to see both big name acts as well as unknown artists who are building their careers. From comedy to theatre, opera to cabaret and dance to children’s shows and more, every genre of live performance is covered here, and there are some truly top-notch hotels and apartments to relax in after you’ve spent your days being thoroughly entertained.
Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London
South West London comes alive for two weeks each summer to host the biggest UK event in the tennis calendar and the world’s most important grass court tennis tournament – The Championships, Wimbledon. In 2025, the competition starts on Monday, June 30th and culminates on Sunday, July 13th with the men’s singles final.
Those looking to get tickets will enter the public ballot, which is now closed, but the good news is that the opportunity to watch some sporting greats in action is not lost. Spectators can join the queue each day of the tournament to secure a show court ticket or a grounds ticket, while the option to enjoy some world-class hospitality with Michelin star menus and excellent seating is there for those looking to treat themselves to the ultimate Wimbledon experience.
A visit to Wimbledon offers the ideal opportunity to combine it with a trip to London where an impressive selection of five-star hotels, upmarket bars, highly-rated restaurants, world-class museums, theatres and sights await travellers both new and seasoned.
