Whatever you're into, summer's always a fantastic time for live music. There's something about the combination of light nights, (occasional) nice weather and an endless supply of bank holidays that sends promoters' imaginations running wild and the most amazing shows get booked for the period between May and September.
Whether it's dancing in a field with 50,000 people in fancy dress, or an afternoon sitting in a sunny London park that does it for you, you'll definitely find something musical to get excited about this summer. The Folded Wing team have come up with a list of what we're looking forward to over the next few months and we'd love to hear what you can't wait to see too - get in touch on Twitter @FoldedWingUK.
Karen's Choice
Sónar Festival, Barcelona, 12-14th June
"Sónar always kills it with its line-ups, but this year is particularly special. Neneh Cherry, DJ Harvey, Buraka Som Sistema, Four Tet, Bonobo & our very own Monki."
Jim’s Choice
James Lavelle's Meltdown Festival, Southbank Centre, 13-22nd June
"Curated by Mr Mo' Wax, James Lavelle, the line up for this year's Meltdown is too good! I've got tickets for the DJ Harvey night and the closing night performance, curated by Paul Bradshaw, of Coltrane's classic 'A Love Supreme' album 're-envisioned' by some of the UK's finest jazz musicians. I saw them do the Coltrane thing a couple of years ago at a church in the West End and it was incredible, but had to leave early to go and see Doug & Jean Carn at Ronnie Scotts so I'm looking forward to seeing the whole thing this time. Other Meltdown goodness includes Goldie and The Heritage Orchestra performing 'Timeless', Jeff Mills + A Guy Called Gerald on the same night and an exhibition celebrating 21 years of Mo' Wax."
Pete's Choice
Neil Young & Crazy Horse, Hyde Park, 12th July
"This is an incredible gig just with the headliner, but when you add in support from The National, Midlake, Lucy Rose and Tom Odell, it's sure to be a great day out!"
Lucy’s Choice
Visions Festival, Hackney, 2nd August
"Organised by Rockfeedback, Bird On The Wire and Sexbeat, three London promoters well practised in putting on great artists in interesting spaces, Visions is a relatively new multi-venue one-day event set across East London. Only in its second year, it's already expanded from three to four venues - I went last year and I'd say you'd be a fool to miss it. Last year's !!! set in the Oval Space was a fantastic end to the day so I'm excited to see how the organisers match that this summer. Poliça are headlining, which should be awesome."
Andrea's Choice
Green Man Festival, Brecon Beacons, 14-17th August
“I'd tell everyone to go to Green Man festival in August. Some brilliant bands playing this year including Neutral Milk Hotel and Kurt Vile in the beautiful Welsh Valleys."
John's Choice
Bestival, Isle of Wight, 4-7th September
"It's right at the end of the summer, but I think the line up at Bestival this year looks great. Getting to see Outkast, Beck, SBTRKT, Temples and Foals over the same weekend would definitely be a bit of a treat."
