A chronological list of the most significant festivals happening in Scotland this summer, along with the biggest and best from the rest of the UK and beyond.

MAY

Evolution Weekender

Various venues, Newcastle, Sat 28–Sun 29 May, www.evolutionfestival.co.uk
Dance the night away in support of Water Aid. Three stages of music featuring Iggy and the Stooges, Katy B, Hercules and Love Affair, Plan B, Tinie Tempah and Caribou, to name but a few.

3 Harbours Arts And Seafood Festival

Various venues, East Lothian, Sat 28 May–Sun 5 Jun, www.3harbours.co.uk
Well regarded for being a place to try out freshly-caught seafood dishes and the like, the 3 Harbours Festival (incorporating Prestonpans, Cockenzie and Port Seton) also features visual art exhibitions, live music, photography and film.

JUNE

West End Festival

Various venues, Glasgow, Fri 3–Sun 26 Jun, www.westendfestival.co.uk
A multi-arts festival providing something for everyone. Street parties, sport events, food and whisky tastings, live music and an outdoor cinema, with a free, vintage bus service to boot.

Coloursfest

Braehead Arena and Waterfront, Glasgow, Sat 4 Jun, www.colours.co.uk
The Colours team have put together one helluva line-up for their tenth anniversary festival, including Ferry Corsten, Eddie Halliwell, Pete Tong, Judge Jules and Chuckie. Challenge yourself to visit all five stages in the full ten hours.

Go North

Various venues, Inverness, Thu 9-Fri 10 Jun, www.gonorth.biz
Go North has grown over the last ten years to become Scotland’s premier showcase festival for emerging artists. Over 50 musicians, designers and creative collectives from around the world are set to showcase this year.

Rockness

Dores, near Inverness, Fri 10–Sun 12 Jun, www.rockness.co.uk
The peaceful village of Dores grabs its earplugs once again as they open their doors to RockNess. Performances from Paolo Nutini, Boys Noize and The Chemical Brothers plus laughs from Sean Hughes, Julia Sutherland and James Kirk.

Download Festival

Donnington Park, East Midlands, Fri 10–Sun 12 Jun, www.downloadfestival.co.uk
The rock festival so good, Def Leppard couldn’t stay away and so return to headline Friday’s main stage since their last performance in 2009. Skunk Anansie, Rob Zombie, Linkin Park and System of a Down are also set to make appearances.

Doune the Rabbit Hole

Doune, Dunblane, Fri 10–Sun 12 Jun, www.dounetherabbithole.co.uk
Given the name, the ‘mad-hatters tea party’ theme shouldn’t be surprising. Headliners The Vaselines, Mike Heron and Polar Bear top a bill that includes BMX Bandits, RM Hubbert and Conquering Animal Sound, as well as magic, comedy and various other activities.

Isle of Wight Festival

Seaclose Park, Newport, Fri 10–Sun 12 Jun, www.isleofwightfestival.com
Chances are if you don’t have a ticket for this then you’re out of luck as it has already sold out. Just to taunt you, you will be missing Kings of Leon, Foo Fighters, Kaiser Chiefs, Seasick Steve, Band of Horses, We Are Scientists, and Beady Eye, among others.

Leith Festival

Various venues, Leith, Fri 10–Sun 19 Jun, www.leithfestival.com
Ever-growing in size, this year’s Leith Festival will contain 150 events across 50 venues, showcasing both professional and grassroots talent. Many events are free, and the varied programme covers comedy, dance, theatre, music, visual arts and walking tours.

Edinburgh International Film Festival

Various venues, Edinburgh, Wed 15–Sun 26 Jun, www.edfilmfest.org.uk
Re-jigged entirely for 2011, the 65th EIFF will feature selections from guest curators including Jim Jarmusch, Gus Van Sant, Isabella Rosellini, plus author Alan Warner and musicians Clint Mansell and Mike Skinner.

Sonar

Barcelona, Spain, Thu 16–Sat 18 Jun, 2011. www.sonar.es
Spain’s international festival of advanced music and multimedia art. The Human League perform, along with various other artists such as Underworld, Dizzee Rascal and Magnetic Man, plus plenty of showcases from labels and organisations such as Numbers, Ninja Tune and Radio 1 to keep you entertained.

Insider

Inshriach House, Inverness, Fri 17–Mon 20 June, www.insiderfestival.co.uk
A definite one for the calendar if you are seeking something different. This Victorian-themed festival features music from Lau, Hidden Orchestra and Admiral Fallow, with film and animation from Forkbeard Fantasy, Rufus White and more.

Glastonbury

Worthy Farm, Pilton, Wed 22-Sun 26 Jun, www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk
The UK’s biggest and most famous festival has already sold out but you can always catch the highlights on the TV. The big names this year are U2, Coldplay, Beyoncé, Cee Lo Green, Morrissey, Primal Scream and too many more to count.

Royal Highland Show

Ingliston near Edinburgh, Thu 23–Sun 26 Jun, www.royalhighlandshow.org
Business or pleasure, special interest or just plain curiosity, the Royal Highland Show – Scotland’s leading outdoor event featuring all that’s best in farming, food and countryside – certainly ticks all the boxes. Expect trade exhibitions, Scottish food and drink and livestock competitions.

Glasgow International Jazz Festival

Various venues, Glasgow, Wed 29 Jun–Sun 3 Jul, www.jazzfest.co.uk
Cleo Laine with Jacqui Dankworth, Ramsey Lewis performing ‘Sun Goddess’, Courtney Pine, Michael Legrand and a collaboration between the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra and Taiko Drummers are all in the first wave of headliners announced to be playing this year’s Jazz fest.

Roskilde Festival

Rosklide, Denmark, Thu 30 Jun-Sun 3 Jul, www.roskilde-festival.dk/uk
Holding the title of largest festival in the north of Europe for 40 years now, Roskilde has something for everyone, including Iron Maiden, Mastodon, Arctic Monkeys, Kings of Leon and PJ Harvey.

JULY

Wireless Festival

Hyde Park, London, Fri 1-Sun 3 Jul, www.wirelessfestival.co.uk
First point is that there is no camping, so turn up clean to check out artists Plan B, Alexis Jordan, Aphex Twin and The Chemical Brothers to name a few. Selling ‘experience packages’ to grant you access to VIP areas plus don’t forget the legendary ‘dance day’.

Edinburgh International Magic Festival

Various venues, Edinburgh, Fri 1–Fri 8 Jul, www.magicfest.co.uk
Now entering its second year, the Magic Festival programme contains practical workshops and events galore, as well as shows from Nigel Mead, D John Michael Hilford and The Real Hustle’s Paul Wilson.

Kelburn Garden Party

Kelburn Castle, near Largs, Sat 2–Sun 3 Jul, www.kelburngardenparty.com
This free-spirited festival, formerly known more for its graffiti artists, is now rammed full of interesting family activities, poetry readings, workshops and dance tents galore. Sons and Daughters and White Heath are both on the bill.

Stonehaven Folk Festival

Stonehaven, Aberdeen, Thu 7–Sun 10 Jul, www.stonehavenfolkfestival.co.uk
The Stonehaven Folk Festival lives and breathes folk culture. Song writing, fiddle and bodhran workshops plus free afternoon performances. Live performances from Julie Fowlis, A9 Fiddle Band, The Wilson Family and more.

Oxegen

Punchestown Racecourse, Dublin, Fri 8–Sun 10 Jul, www.oxegen.ie
The Irish equivalent of T in the Park (sharing much of the same line-up and just switching about the days as acts hop back and forth across the Irish Sea) features Foo Fighters, Coldplay, Beyoncé, Arctic Monkeys, The Black Eyed Peas, deadmau5 and more on a pop-rock-dance-tastic line-up.

T in the Park

Balado, near Kinross, Fri 8-Sun 10 Jul, www.tinthepark.com
Ke$ha, My Chemical Romance, Weezer, All Time Low and even Tom Jones fill out the rest of that Oxegen-split roster. Once again, this is one of those gigs that, unless you already know you’re going, you’re probably not. But it’s nice to dream.

Sonisphere

Knebworth, near Stevenage, Fri 8–Sun 10 Jul, www.sonispherefestivals.com
Confirmed for the UK leg of the touring metal extravaganza are the ‘big four’: Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax. Slipknot makes a welcome return after last year’s tragedy and Biffy Clyro join in the fun. Comedy acts Bill Bailey and Jackass’s Steve-O will be pulling out the laughs and under 12s go free.

Lounge on the Farm

Merton Farm, Kent, Fri 8–Sun 10 Jul, www.loungeonthefarm.co.uk
Literally taking place on a farm, Lounge on the Farm mucks in amongst the country life. Entertaining the crowds are The Streets, Ellie Goulding, Echo and the Bunnymen and Katy B. Keeping in theme with the festival, all catering is sourced from local farms.

Hebridean Celtic Festival

Various venues, Isle of Lewis, Wed 13–Sat 16 Jul, www.hebceltfest.com
A festival that thrives on providing top quality live Celtic music. This year’s line up features KT Tunstall, The Peatbog Faeries, Ahab and Rua Macmillan. Decent value too, with tickets starting from £52 for the whole weekend or £19 for a single day.

Latitude

Henham Park, Suffolk, Thu 14–Sun 17 Jul, www.latitudefestival.co.uk
No chance of being bored here with the array of comedy, cabaret and theatre groups performing. Musically, you’ve got The National, Paolo Nutini and Suede headlining, with The Eels, Paloma Faith and Foals also making appearances.

Benicassim

Benicassim, Spain, Thu 14–Sun 17 Jul, www.benicassim.org.uk
Located on the east coast of Spain, so make sure you pack good sun cream while you dance the days away with headliners Arcade Fire, The Strokes and Arctic Monkeys. Professor Green, Elbow and Portishead are also on the bill.

Lovebox Weekender

Victoria Park, London, Fri 15–Sun 17 Jul, www.lovebox.net
A good mixture of pop and hip hop artists, from Beth Ditto and Kelis to Blondie and Snoop Dogg. With tickets starting from £28.50, it’s a veritable bargain as well. Reggae torch-carrier Ziggy Marley will also be in attendance.

Crail Festival

Various venues, Crail, Wed 20-Sat 30 Jul, www.crailfestival.co.uk
Family fun with ten packed days of events and activities on offer. The 2010 event celebrated Crail’s 700th birthday as a Royal Burgh, a status conferred by King Robert the Bruce in 1310. This year expect a host of art exhibitions, crafts, as well as live folk music from the likes of Dougie McLean and Isla St Clair.

The Secret Garden Party

Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, Thu 21–Sun 24 Jul, www.secretgardenparty.com
Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, Guillemots and Mylo supply the musical entertainment and a dedicated children’s area will keep the kids happy. This will free up the parents to go dancing or catch a play on the Feast of Fools stage.

Merchant City Festival

Various venues, Glasgow, Thu 21–Sun 24 Jul, www.merchantcityfestival.com
A festival that fully embraces the term ‘multi-arts’ as it hosts a programme of around 300 events split over 70 venues, covering theatre, comedy, film, visual arts, dance, literature and fashion. The full listing is still to be confirmed.

Wickerman

East Kirkcarswell, near Dundrennan, Fri 22–Sat 23 Jul www.thewickermanfestival.co.uk
Celebrating its 10th Anniversary, Scotland’s finest pagan-derived festival showcases talent such as Feeder and The Damned plus DJ sets from Craig Charles Fun and Soul Club. Worth checking out the range of luxury tipi and yurt-based camping accommodation.

Southern Fried

Various venues, Perth, Fri 22–Sun 24 Jul, www.southernfriedfestival.co.uk
American roots music is celebrated across five different venues. Still plenty more acts to be confirmed; as it stands, the line-up includes Blind Boys of Alabama, Iris Dement, Lyle Lovett and Stax.

Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival

Various venues, Edinburgh, Fri 22–Sun 31 Jul, www.edinburghjazzfestival.com
The programme for the 2011 Jazz and Blues Fest is still to be announced at the time of writing, but with the festival well-placed to both capture the best of the summer weather and build up to the madness of Edinburgh in August, it’s as eagerly anticipated as ever.

Global Gathering

Long Marston Airfield, Stratford Upon Avon, Fri 29–Sat 30 Jul, www.globalgathering.com
This festival hosted in ten different countries features Tinie Tempah, Pendulum, Underworld and Chase and Status as headlining acts. Tickets start from £99, which includes camping and free parking.

Indietracks

Midland Railway, Derbyshire, Fri 29–Sat 30 Jul, www.indietracks.co.uk
A festival that enables you to make use of the nearby caravan park, to ensure the crowd is fresh-faced for rock and pop artists such as Edwyn Collins, The Hidden Cameras and Jeffrey Lewis. Take note that the £65 weekend ticket does not include accommodation.

Lomond Folk Festival

Balloch, Loch Lomond, Fri 29–Sun 31 Jul, www.lomondfolkfestival.com
A multi-arts festival that prides itself on being one of Scotland’s most family-friendly. Only a few acts have been confirmed, Alan Reid and Rob Van Sante, Schiehallion, Yuptae and Lyra Celtica but there is plenty more time for more announcements.

Womad

Charlton Park, Wiltshire, Fri 29–Sun 31 Jul, www.womad.org
The Charlton Park leg of the WOMAD experience (there are also events at Bristol Zoo on Sat 11 Jun and Cáceres, Spain, in May) features a cracking world music line-up including Rodrigo y Gabriela, Gogol Bordello and Afrocubism, as well as on-site food, art and literature events and workshops.

AUGUST

The Big Chill

Eastnor Castle Deer Park, Bristol, Thu 4–Sun 7 Aug, www.bigchill.net
Kanye West, Chipmunk and Rodrigo Y Gabriela headline with some of pop’s biggest names filling the stages throughout the day. DJs such as Kissy Sell Out and Mr. Scruff will be playing sets, and it’s all available on Big Chill radio.

Belladrum Tartan Heart

Beauly, near Inverness, Fri 5–Sat 6 Aug, www.tartanheartfestival.co.uk
Plenty to do here with dance classes, street theatre, author readings and workshops, all under a family-friendly banner. Once all the activities have been exhausted, check out live performances from Texas, Frank Turner and Deacon Blue.

Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Various venues, Edinburgh, Fri 5–Mon 29 Aug, www.edfringe.com
If you’ve been living in a dark cave your whole life, there’s a small chance you won’t have heard about the massive arts, theatre, comedy, dance and everything-else-fest that rolls through Edinburgh every August. And you may want to return there, as your mind is in danger of being blown.

Edge Festival

Various venues, Edinburgh, Fri 5-Wed 31 Aug, www.theedgefestival.com
Coinciding with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the Edge Festival (formerly T on the Fringe) has an eclectic spirit, bringing together current chart-toppers, established favourites, leftfield acts and ones-to-watch. Dizzee Rascal headlined in 2010, and Eels, The Coral, Amy Macdonald, Mika and Tinchy Stryder also appeared.

Field Day

Victoria Park, London, Sat 6 Aug, www.fielddayfestivals.com
In only five years, Field Day has grown to a 20,000-strong festival. And when they’re booking artists for this year’s festival such as Hype Williams, Veronica Falls and Baio (of Vampire Weekend), it is no wonder.

Royal Burgh of Pittenweem Arts Festival

Pittenweem, East Neuk of Fife, Sat 6–Sun 14 Aug, www.pittenweemartsfestival.co.uk
A wide selection of art exhibitions and workshops on photography, jewellery, textiles and plenty more still to be announced, with a rather healthy children’s programme alongside.

Piping Live

Various venues, Glasgow, Mon 8–Sun 14 Aug, www.pipinglive.co.uk
A week-long programme of events that celebrates Scotland’s most (in)famous musical export, with pipe bands visiting from around the world as well as closer to home to deliver workshops, ceilidh classes, concerts and street performances.

Fringe by the Sea

Various venues, East Lothian, Mon 8–Sun 14 Aug, www.fringebythesea.co.uk
In short, Fringe By The Sea is an extension of the Edinburgh Fringe, except it’s by the sea and is not quite so vast. Still celebrating the arts with lots of events covering comedy, theatre, dance, music and more.

Bloodstock Open Air

Catton Hall, Derbyshire, Fri 12–Sun 14 Aug, www.bloodstock.uk.com
A gentle lute and minstrel-led Renaissance festival – no, of course not. With a name like Bloodstock, it could only be an extreme, ‘by the fans, for the fans’ metalfest, showcasing unsigned talent alongside headline acts such as W.A.S.P, Immortal and Motorhead.

Edinburgh International Festival

Various venues, Edinburgh, Fri 12 Aug–Sun 4 Sept, www.eif.co.uk
This year’s opera, theatre, dance, music and visual art festival focuses on the east, with performances from the National Ballet of China and Wu Hsing-kuo’s one-man King Lear among the highlights.

Edinburgh International Book Festival

Charlotte Square Gardens, Edinburgh, Sat 13–Mon 29 Aug, www.edbookfest.co.uk
With the full programme being released in June, there will be writers in attendance from over 40 countries covering all genres of literacy. Workshops, readings and other activities will be running to get writers new and old involved.

Mull of Kintyre Festival

Campbeltown, Argyll, Thu 18–Sun 21 Aug, www.mokfest.com
Dedicated to showcasing musical talent of South Kintyre. Lots of free events have been planned alongside the more traditional concerts, which will cost around £25. Expect parades and pipe bands including the Fergie MacDonald band, who play at the festival ceilidh on the Friday.

Scotland's Festival of History

Lanark, near Glasgow, Sat 20–Sun 21 Aug, www.scotlandsfestivalofhistory.co.uk
If the thought of dressing up in 17th-century costumes and watching battle re-enactments sound appealing then jot the date in your diary. Two-days full of re-enactments from different eras: Viking, medieval, 17th century, Napoleonic as well as first and second world wars.

V Festival

Chelmsford and Birmingham, Sat 20–Sun 21 Aug, www.vfestival.com
Yet another sold out event for the summer of 2011 and it comes as no surprise, with Rihanna and Eminem booked for the main stage. Other acts include Dizzee Rascal, Lost Prophets, Duran Duran and Wiz Khalifa.

Festival of Politics

Various venues, Edinburgh, Thu 25–Sun 27 Aug, www.festivalofpolitics.org.uk
This year’s theme is Renewing Politics in the Age of New Media and the festival organisers say they aim to provide events that capture the varied ways in which people engage with politics in today’s society. Expect a programme of thought-provoking and innovative discussions, debate and cultural events bringing together the world of politics and social issues.

Wizard Festival

New Deer Showground, Aberdeenshire, Fri 26–Sat 27 Aug, www.wizardfestival.com
With the headline acts announced as The Stranglers, Cast and Saw Doctors, it leaves the coming months to slowly trail out the rest of the line-up, but with tickets for this family-friendly festival only £75, they’re sure to sell like hot cakes.

Reading and Leeds Festival

Richfield Avenue, Reading and Bramham Park, Leeds, Fri 26–Sun 28 Aug, www.readingfestival.com and www.leedsfestival.com
For years the Reading and Leeds festivals have been synonymous with great rock music, and this year is no different. My Chemical Romance, Muse, The Strokes, The Offspring, Panic! At The Disco and even Henry Rollins are all making an appearance.

Creamfields

Daresbury, near Manchester, Sat 27–Sun 28 Aug, www.creamfields.com
A strict over-18s policy at the world’s leading dance festival. With Creamfields being so prestigious, there are plenty of festival exclusives and special guests including Pete Tong, Annie Mac, Judge Jules, Steve Angello and Calvin Harris.

SEPTEMBER

Edinburgh Mela Festival

Leith Links, Edinburgh, Fri 2–Sun 4 Sep, www.edinburgh-mela.co.uk
The capital’s annual celebration of cultural diversity returns, with dance, music, theatre, circus, crafts, fashion and food events all taking place in the tented village on Leith Links. There’s also a special emphasis this year on world, traditional and urban music performances.

End of the Road Festival

Lamer Tree Gardens, North Dorset, Fri 2–Sun 4 Sep, www.endoftheroadfestival.com
A variety of activities for all ages with a host of family-friendly acts like Mogwai, Joanna Newsom, Wild Beasts, The Fall and Beirut. Locate the children’s play area and experience the comedy, literature events and workshops on offer.

Bestival

Robin Hill, Isle of Wight, Thu 8–Sun 11 Sep, www.bestival.net
One for the nostalgic as Bestival kicks off with three days of highly respected artists from music history: Primal Scream, The Cure, Public Enemy, Kelis, Fatboy Slim, Grandmaster Flash and PJ Harvey are just a few big names. Tickets start from £170 plus booking for the whole weekend.

Loopallu

Ullapool, Scotland, Fri 16–Sat 17 Sep, www.loopallu.co.uk
No line-up has been released yet, but Loopallu has a reputation for booking biggies before they become so, including Franz Ferdinand, The View, Kassidy, Frightened Rabbit and Mumford and Sons. Tickets are now on sale so take a risk and snap them up.

Tarbert Music Festival

Loch Fyne, Argyll, Fri 16–Sun 18 Sep, www.tarbertmusicfestival.com
No updates have been established for 2011 at the moment, however most of the events are completely free of charge. 2010 saw The Democrats, Neck and The Keelies on the bill, which should give you a flavour of what to expect.

Wigtown Book Festival

Wigtown, Dumfries and Galloway, Fri 23 Sep–Sun 2 Oct, www.wigtownbookfestival.com
Known as Scotland’s national book town, big things are expected for the Wigtown Book Festival although it is a little early for any announcements. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for the popular Wigtown poetry competition during the festival.

OCTOBER

Scottish International Storytelling Festival

Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh, Fri 21–Sun 30 Oct, www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk
Island Odyssey: Scotland and Old Europe is the theme of this year’s Storytelling Festival. Expect inspiring live storytelling performances, thought-provoking talks, workshops and discussions and fun family activities, with an emphasis on links between Scotland and the Mediterranean’s oral tradition.

Glasgay!

Various venues, Glasgow, Fri 21 Oct–Sat 12 Nov, www.glasgay.co.uk
Glasgay! is Scotland’s annual celebration of queer culture which presents a programme of top acts and new artists from around the world with events spanning comedy, music, film, theatre, visual art, performance art, literature, club nights, education events, community arts projects.

Dundee Literary Festival

Dundee University, Thu 27–Sun 30 Oct, www.literarydundee.co.uk
Dundee Literary Festival welcomes local and international authors for poetry readings, workshops and children’s events. Take note that some of the events are free but are issued on a first-come-first-served basis so get your name down quickly.