Beautiful Days Festival returns in August 2026 to Escot Park, Devon — a gem in the UK’s festival calendar that’s been running since 2003 under the stewardship of The Levellers.

It’s a festival that prides itself on being independent and sponsor-free, selling out each year by relying on community, culture and music rather than corporate branding.

For many attendees, Beautiful Days isn’t just a weekend out — it’s a return to spirit and ethos that recalls the early days of British festivals.

As one reviewer put it, the event has “survived on its own terms to become a key part of the festival summer experience,” celebrating diversity of sound and a family-friendly atmosphere that still feels vibrant rather than curated.

Across multiple stages — from the iconic Main Stage to the more intimate tents — the festival blends rock, punk, reggae, folk and experimental sounds, and always with an open-armed vibe.

In 2025, festivalgoers enjoyed everything from The Levellers Collective and Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls to Misty in Roots and Therapy?, with reviewers praising the eclectic mix: “Millie Manders & The Shut Up … make punk rock politics engaging and a message you can move to.”

Another hallmark of Beautiful Days is its community feel.

One 2025 reviewer wrote that it “really does have the best variety of activities” with food, craft stalls and camp facilities that suit families as much as music lovers, adding that “Beautiful Days really does have the best variety of activities for the young festival-goer.”

Long-time attenders often highlight the festival’s laid-back friendliness and spacious site, which avoids the crush of larger events.

One 2023 review summed it up neatly: “Laid-back, friendly and easy to let the weekend take you away…” — with stewards, vendors and audiences all contributing to a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

Beautiful Days has also garnered praise for its creative touches beyond the music.

There’s a huge children’s area, well-regarded real ale bars, folk sessions, walkabout theatre and art installations that give the weekend a festival-within-a-festival feel. What keeps people returning year after year is that sense of shared experience — you’re not just watching acts, you’re participating in a community of like-minded festival-goers, where reminiscing about last year’s find becomes part of the fun.

Even as musical styles evolve, Beautiful Days remains anchored by its independent spirit, its celebration of artist-centric curation, and the sense that you’re part of something warm, spirited and — very much — beautiful.

Tickets & details: <a href=”https://www.beautifuldays.org/”>beautifuldays.org</a>