Millions of travellers and tourists visit the UK every year. While attractions like London and Scotland are reason enough, this iconic region goes beyond its evergreen hotspots when it comes to attracting travellers. The UK houses a wide range of global events and festivals which celebrate art, history, music, and everything in between.
If you are also planning your next trip to the UK this year, this article is for you. We will take a look at the top five events happening in the UK in 2025 that promise to leave you with unforgettable experiences.
Here’s where you should be heading to make the most of your next UK trip.
Happening in the last week of June 2025, the Glastonbury Festival is an event you just can't miss if you are a music lover. This iconic festival is set to take place at the Worthy Farm in Somerset this year, and it’s going to be bigger and better than ever. According to the official reports, the festival almost doubled its profits last year. This is the reason more and more people are in line to attend the fest this year.
It is especially famous for its eclectic line-ups and electrifying atmosphere that offers a rich mix of music, art, and culture along with theatre performances and art installations. Stars like Beyoncé, Paul McCartney, and Kendrick Lamar have performed in this festival in the past. So, expect global stars this year as well.
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the world’s largest arts festival, which will happen in August this year. Attracting thousands of performers and visitors each year, the Fringe will once again take over the Scottish capital, with thousands of shows across theatre, comedy, dance, and more. It’s an eclectic celebration of creativity and artistic expression.
It is a prime opportunity to see groundbreaking performances and discover up-and-coming talent. The festival transforms Edinburgh into a lively hub of artistic activity when comedy shows, experimental theater, dance performances, and immersive art experiences fill the city’s streets and venues. The festival is great for families with young children as well, with various kid-friendly shows available. Just make sure to book tickets early, as shows can sell out quickly.
One of Europe’s largest street festivals, the Notting Hill Carnival in London celebrates Caribbean culture through vibrant parades, colourful costumes, and captivating music. Held every August Bank Holiday weekend, it attracts millions of visitors from around the world, making it one of the UK’s top cultural events.
5 Iconic UK Events in 2025 That Should Be on Your Bucket List
Here’s where you should be heading to make the most of your next UK trip.
Glastonbury Festival
Happening in the last week of June 2025, the Glastonbury Festival is an event you just can't miss if you are a music lover. This iconic festival is set to take place at the Worthy Farm in Somerset this year, and it’s going to be bigger and better than ever. According to the official reports, the festival almost doubled its profits last year. This is the reason more and more people are in line to attend the fest this year.
It is especially famous for its eclectic line-ups and electrifying atmosphere that offers a rich mix of music, art, and culture along with theatre performances and art installations. Stars like Beyoncé, Paul McCartney, and Kendrick Lamar have performed in this festival in the past. So, expect global stars this year as well.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the world’s largest arts festival, which will happen in August this year. Attracting thousands of performers and visitors each year, the Fringe will once again take over the Scottish capital, with thousands of shows across theatre, comedy, dance, and more. It’s an eclectic celebration of creativity and artistic expression.
It is a prime opportunity to see groundbreaking performances and discover up-and-coming talent. The festival transforms Edinburgh into a lively hub of artistic activity when comedy shows, experimental theater, dance performances, and immersive art experiences fill the city’s streets and venues. The festival is great for families with young children as well, with various kid-friendly shows available. Just make sure to book tickets early, as shows can sell out quickly.
Notting Hill Carnival
One of Europe’s largest street festivals, the Notting Hill Carnival in London celebrates Caribbean culture through vibrant parades, colourful costumes, and captivating music. Held every August Bank Holiday weekend, it attracts millions of visitors from around the world, making it one of the UK’s top cultural events.
The carnival offers a fantastic opportunity to experience the vibrancy of Caribbean culture, including reggae, soca, and calypso music, as well as delicious street food from around the world. Expect grand parades, dancing, and street parties that fill the streets of Notting Hill. It’s a sensory overload of colour, music, and excitement.
For history buffs and anyone intrigued by the story of the Titanic, the immersive exhibition coming to London in July 2025 is not to be missed. This interactive exhibit brings the Titanic’s tragic history to life through augmented reality, detailed re-creations of the ship, and 5D experiences that make visitors feel like they’re truly aboard the famous liner.
The exhibition offers a fascinating glimpse into one of the most infamous maritime tragedies. If you're planning to attend and traveling internationally, don’t forget to check whether you need an ETA or visa to visit London and other parts of the United Kingdom, especially with events and attractions drawing large global crowds. The use of technology and immersive storytelling sets this exhibition apart.
Visitors get to walk through recreated rooms, view artifacts recovered from the wreckage, and experience virtual reality re-creations of key events. This exhibition is educational and engaging for all ages, offering an informative experience for both children and adults.
For those seeking a smaller, more intimate festival experience, the Shindig Festival in Wiltshire is a great option. Known as the "pint-sized Glastonbury," Shindig Festival offers an eclectic mix of music, art, and workshops in a relaxed setting. This festival is perfect for families and those looking for a less crowded, more laid-back event. It offers an authentic and unpretentious festival experience. There are workshops, performances, and plenty of activities for kids and adults alike.
You can expect music from indie, rock, and electronic artists, along with arts and crafts workshops, yoga sessions, and plenty of family-friendly activities. The festival is smaller, but it’s still incredibly popular, so be sure to book tickets and travel arrangements ahead of time to ensure your spot.
The UK in 2025 promises an unforgettable line-up of global events that will leave a lasting impression on tourists. Whether you’re soaking up the cultural vibrancy at the Notting Hill Carnival or stepping back in time at The Titanic Immersive Exhibition, these events offer something for every traveller.
The Legend of the Titanic
For history buffs and anyone intrigued by the story of the Titanic, the immersive exhibition coming to London in July 2025 is not to be missed. This interactive exhibit brings the Titanic’s tragic history to life through augmented reality, detailed re-creations of the ship, and 5D experiences that make visitors feel like they’re truly aboard the famous liner.
The exhibition offers a fascinating glimpse into one of the most infamous maritime tragedies. If you're planning to attend and traveling internationally, don’t forget to check whether you need an ETA or visa to visit London and other parts of the United Kingdom, especially with events and attractions drawing large global crowds. The use of technology and immersive storytelling sets this exhibition apart.
Visitors get to walk through recreated rooms, view artifacts recovered from the wreckage, and experience virtual reality re-creations of key events. This exhibition is educational and engaging for all ages, offering an informative experience for both children and adults.
Shindig Festival
For those seeking a smaller, more intimate festival experience, the Shindig Festival in Wiltshire is a great option. Known as the "pint-sized Glastonbury," Shindig Festival offers an eclectic mix of music, art, and workshops in a relaxed setting. This festival is perfect for families and those looking for a less crowded, more laid-back event. It offers an authentic and unpretentious festival experience. There are workshops, performances, and plenty of activities for kids and adults alike.
You can expect music from indie, rock, and electronic artists, along with arts and crafts workshops, yoga sessions, and plenty of family-friendly activities. The festival is smaller, but it’s still incredibly popular, so be sure to book tickets and travel arrangements ahead of time to ensure your spot.
Tips for Planning Your UK Event Adventure
- Plan early: Major events like Glastonbury and Edinburgh Fringe can see high demand for tickets and accommodation. Book as early as possible to get the best deals.
- Check for visa requirements: Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to attend events in the UK. For this, use service providers like eTAUK.com that offer help in the visa application and legal documentation process, ensuring you won’t be caught up in last-minute paperwork.
- Pack smart: For outdoor festivals, like the Notting Hill Carnival and Glastonbury, be sure to pack comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and essentials like sunscreen and water.
The UK in 2025 promises an unforgettable line-up of global events that will leave a lasting impression on tourists. Whether you’re soaking up the cultural vibrancy at the Notting Hill Carnival or stepping back in time at The Titanic Immersive Exhibition, these events offer something for every traveller.
So, which festival are you going to attend in the UK this year? (Photos by: Johannes Plenio and nhcarnivalldn on Instagram)
