The UK and Ireland both have rich musical histories, and they are currently home to some of the world's greatest music festivals. Below are a selection of the 5 best UK and Ireland music festivals in 2011, in no particular order:
Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts Glastonbury is not only likely the UK's most famous music festival, but also the largest green open-air music festival in the entire world. While usually known for its selection of rock and pop music, the Glastonbury Festival also features theatre, comedy, dance and many other attractions. The 2011 Glastonbury Festival is scheduled to run from the 22nd to the 26th of June. With U2, Coldplay, Beyonce, Queens of the Stone Age, and The Chemical Brothers headlining, the festival attracts some of the biggest names in contemporary music, while also featuring indie favorites such as Vampire Weekend, Gorillaz, the Flaming Lips and Grizzly Bear.
Feis Ceoil Festival Taking place from the 4th to the 15th of April, the Feis Ceoil is likely to be one of Ireland's best music festivals in 2011. First organized over a century ago in 1897, Feis Ceoil is designed to be a celebration of traditional Irish music and dance. The festival is best known for its competitions, numbering over 180, for numerous instruments as well as voice. Previous participants have included author James Joyce, Finbar Wright, Cora Venus Lunny and John McCormack. The event is important for the development of Irish musical talent, as thousands of entrants compete for the top prizes every year.
T in the Park Festival T in the Park is a music festival that takes place ever year in Perth and Kinross in Scotland. The 2011 T in the Park festival is set to begin on July 8th and will last until the 11th. Named after the brewing company Tennents, the festival features primarily modern rock acts. Headlining acts for the 2011 T in the Park include Coldplay, Blink-182, Foo Fighters and Arctic Monkeys.
The BBC Proms Although formally known as the Henry Wood Promenade Concerts presented by the BBC, this festival is typically referred to as the Proms. Lasting eight weeks, the BBC Proms features numerous classical acts, most of which perform at London's Royal Albert Hall. Beginning on July 15th, the 2011 BBC proms lasts until September 10th and includes performances nearly every day. With over 76 concerts, the BBC Proms features some of the best names in classical music, with 2011's bill offering performances by Jiri Belohlavek, Sir John Eliot Gardiner, Jamie Cullum and many more artists and groups.
V-Festival Sponsored by Virgin Media, the V-Festival is a music festival held in Chelmsford and South Staffordshire in the United Kingdom. The festival is especially notable for having artists swap locations on alternating days. While originally intended as a rock festival, the festival has expanded into pop and other genres in recent years. The 2011 V-Festival is scheduled for August 20th and 21st, headlined by Arctic Monkeys, Eminem, Plan B and Rihanna.
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