With Christmas now a distant, mulled memory and New Year celebrations done and dusted, we’re all searching for the next thing to look forward to. Summer holidays are clearly too far away to fathom, but happily, springtime in the UK blossoms with an abundance of fun-filled events, from raucous music festivals to indulgent food fairs.

So, start perking up by perusing our recommendations for 2024’s best UK spring festivals. All our picks below are just a short flight away and thus all easily achievable by booking with our Big Orange Sale. In the sale, you’ll find tons of discounts on flights, perfect whether you’re after a staycation festival jaunt or a bigger break in one of Europe’s best spots.

AVA BELFAST

Raving under the stars at AVA Belfast

This Northern Irish electronic music festival is turning ten in 2024, but its birthday celebrations are set to be a bit wilder than jelly and a bouncy castle. Taking place on May 31 and June 1, guests are invited to Titanic Slipways to party with emerging and top talent from the local electronic music scene and beyond (line-up TBC). Festivalgoers needing a break can step off the dancefloor and explore AVA’s art and culture programme. Who knows, there may even be a bouncy castle, too.

avafestival.com

Book flights to Belfast Book holidays to Belfast

GLASGOW INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL

Gags galore in Glasgow

Can’t wait until August for your Scottish comedy festival fix? This one brings the giggles to Glasgow in March ahead of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August. It’s been showcasing top-level comedy from all over the world for more than two decades and this year will be no different, with 500 events spanning stand-up, improv, character comedy, theatre, live podcast recordings and more. Susie McCabe, Frankie Boyle, Ed Gamble, Zara Gladman and Reginald D. Hunter are just some of the big names already confirmed for the 2024 festival, with more to be announced. It’ll be a right laugh.

www.glasgowcomedyfestival.com

Book flights to Glasgow Book holidays to Glasgow

You might also like

United Kingdom
Join the Joy in London: Enjoy the best sunsets
United Kingdom
Join the Joy: Your summer 2024 guide to London
Bulgaria
Here’s why Bucharest should be your springtime city break

LOVE SAVES THE DAY

A truly illuminating festival / Image: Love Saves the Day

While a music festival at a stately home may conjure images of Elizabeth Bennett rocking out on a harpsichord, this one at Bristol’s Ashton Court is far removed from its dignified surrounds. Bespoke stages fill the grounds, graced with performances from the likes of Years & Years and Fatboy Slim. 2024’s line-up is yet to be announced but dates for the two-day fest are locked-in as May 25 and 26.

www.lovesavestheday.org

Book flights to Bristol Book holidays to Bristol

CARDIFF FOODIES FESTIVAL

Hungry for more? Cardiff Foodies Festival can fill that hole

Those with good taste should head to this touring celebrity food festival. It pitched up in the Welsh capital for the first time in 2023 and was such a success that it’s back again this year. From May 10-12 the festival is taking over Cardiff’s Bute Park. Find out the recipe for success in the kitchen through cooking demonstrations from MasterChef champs and Michelin-starred chefs in the Chefs’ Theatre. Or learn how to avoid a soggy bottom and other baking tips from the stars of Great British Bake Off in The Cake & Bake Theatre. And there are plenty of chances to sample cocktails, explore world street foods and take part in challenges, such as a chilli-eating competition.

foodiesfestival.com/events/cardiff 

Book flights to Cardiff Book holidays to Cardiff

TERMINAL V

Reach for those lasers at Terminal V

Edinburgh might be better known for its annual August multi-arts extravaganza (the Festival Fringe), but it’s also home to Scotland’s largest electronic music festival. Back at The Royal Highland Centre on April 13 and 14, Terminal V celebrates its tenth anniversary in 2024 via a bacchanalia of techno flavours, from acid to minimal. More than 80 artists will perform across five stages, with names including blk., Nico Moreno, Hannah Laing, Charlie Sparks and 999999999.

terminalv.co.uk/festival 

Book flights to Edinburgh Book holidays to Edinburgh

LONDON COFFEE FESTIVAL

Brewing up a storm at London Coffee Festival

We’re full of beans for this four-day event dedicated to the beloved caffeinated beverage. Taking place at The Truman Brewery in east London, there’s everything a coffee connoisseur could want, from live latte art masterclasses and tastings to a barista competition. Head to The Lab to get some steaming hot takes from the experts on industry topics and trends. This year’s event is happening from April 11-14, making it the perfect springtime pick-me-up.

www.londoncoffeefestival.com

Book flights to London Book holidays to London

Belfast 24

With spring known for new beginnings, it’s only fitting that Belfast’s huge cultural programme launches this March. Organised by the City Council, it brings events, performances, workshops and community activities based around the themes of People, Place and Planet to the Northern Irish capital throughout 2024. Some of the major events announced so far include an immersive art experience at Thompson Dry Dock and a series of public art installations inspired by nature and sustainability, birthed from a collaboration between Oliver Jeffers, the Nerve Centre and the Eden Project.

www.belfastcity.gov.uk/belfast2024/home

Book flights to Belfast Book holidays to Belfast