Bus travel to UK festivals
Discover some of the UK’s best festivals with Arriva! Whether you’re a music enthusiast, a foodie, or a proud supporter of local Pride events, there’s something for everyone across the country.
At Arriva, we make festival travel hassle-free. Our safe, reliable, and affordable bus services connect festival-goers to major events throughout the UK. Whether you’re heading to North Wales, Liverpool, or Maidstone, hop aboard and let us take you to the heart of the action.
Travel by bus to UK music festivals
The UK is renowned for its vast number of music festivals. From north to south, there’s an array of options spanning various genres, with something for everyone. Many of these festivals are easily accessible via Arriva bus services, including:
Blue Reef Festival Maidstone
Location: Loddington Farm, Maidstone
Blue Reef Festival in Maidstone, founded in 2021, has quickly become one of Kent’s beloved events. With established artists, fresh undiscovered talent, and a tempting array of local and international food and drink, it’s a must-visit.
How to get there by bus: Jump on the 89 service towards Coxheath. Get off at Loddington Lane, and you’ll find yourself within walking distance of Loddington Farm.
Focus Wales
Location: Multiple venues in Wrexham
Since being founded in 2011, Focus Wales has showcased the finest emerging Welsh musicians alongside a selection of up-and-coming international artists. It’s now Wales’ premier music industry event, with over 250 performances across multiple venues in Wrexham throughout the weekend.
How to get there by bus: Catch one of Wrexham’s town services and travel to your chosen venue.
Liverpool Sound City
Location: Multiple venues in Liverpool
Established in 2008, Liverpool Sound City is a fantastic festival for lovers of indie, alternative, electronic and rock music. The main stage is nestled in the city’s iconic Bramley-Moore Dock, which has hosted renowned artists such as The Vaccines, Catfish and the Bottlemen, and Dexys Midnight Runners.
How to get there by bus: Catch one of Liverpool’s city centre services towards the venue you’re heading to.
Llangollen Music Festival
Location: Llangollen, North Wales
The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, held annually during the second week of July in Llangollen, is a unique festival that brings together singers and dancers from around the world. Participants compete in over 20 competitions, followed by evening concerts on the main stage at the iconic Llangollen Pavilion. Since its inception in 1947, the festival has featured renowned artists like McFly, UB40 and Luciano Pavarotti.
How to get there by bus: Jump on the 5 service between Wrexham and Llangollen.
Bus travel to the UK’s top food and drinks festivals
Discover an array of fantastic food festivals in the UK, each brimming with delicious grub that will tantalise your taste buds. Many of these culinary gatherings are easily accessible when you travel via bus with Arriva, including:
Bishop Auckland Food Festival
Location: Bishop Auckland, County Durham
Discover the Bishop Auckland Food Festival, nestled in a charming marketplace near the town hall. Here, foodies can enjoy a variety of delectable treats from street food vendors and artisan producers. Quench your thirst with real ales, soft drinks and tea or coffee before heading to the live cookery theatre, where celebrity chefs give live demonstrations.
How to get there by bus: Take either the 1 or 5 services, which both start in Darlington, and get off at Newgate Street, a short walk from the festival. Alternatively, board the 6 or 56 services and exit at Bishop Auckland Market Place.
Gŵyl Fwyd Caernarfon Food Festival
Location: Caernarfon town centre
Looking for a food festival in North Wales? Head to Caernarfon! Enjoy freshly cooked grub, cooking demonstrations and local food and drink stalls throughout the town centre. Entry is completely free, and live music adds to the festival atmosphere.
How to get there by bus: Catch the 5c service and exit at Caernarfon bus station.
Formby Festival
Location: Duke Street Park, Formby
Indulge in mouthwatering food and drinks at the Formby Festival. Explore a food court packed with global cuisines, including Asian, Caribbean and German. Alternatively, head to the craft market for treats from talented artisan bakers and cheesemakers. There’s plenty to keep you entertained, too, including a Saturday show and a fireworks display.
How to get there by bus: Board the 44 or 47 services towards Formby. Alternatively, Formby locals can catch any of the Formby Circular services (F1 to F5).
Taste Cheshire Food & Drink Festival
Location: Chester Racecourse, Chester
The Taste Cheshire Food & Drink Festival takes place annually over three days during the Easter weekend. It’s a delightful, family-friendly event featuring cooking classes for both adults and children. With over 120 exhibitors, visitors can explore a variety of delicious local and national cuisines. There are also chef demonstrations throughout the weekend, with celebrity chefs including Simon Rimmer, Paul Rankin and Miguel Barclay performing in previous years.
How to get there by bus: Hop on any Arriva service that runs through Chester city centre, and you’ll be a short walk from Chester Racecourse.
Hop on the bus to UK Pride festivals
The UK has a range of Pride festivals around the country. These events commemorate progress in LGBTQ+ rights, promote acceptance, and raise awareness of issues affecting the community. You can get to two major pride festivals via Arriva bus services:
Colchester Pride
Location: Firstsite, Colchester
Colchester Pride offers something for everyone. The event features a main stage and an auditorium at Firstsite, the city’s premier arts venue. Enjoy local and national acts throughout the day, and don’t miss the marketplace for delicious food and drinks.
How to get there by bus: Board the 1, 2 or 8 services and exit when you arrive in Colchester city centre.
Wakefield Pride
Location: Wakefield city centre
Wakefield Pride, an award-winning event since 2005, celebrates the community’s diversity. Join the Parade at Trinity Walk, then enjoy fantastic local acts on either the main stage or the community stage.
How to get there by bus: Jump on any Arriva service travelling towards Wakefield bus station.
Liverpool Pride
Location: Liverpool city centre
Pride is back on 27 July at the city’s iconic Pier Head for an even bigger Pride in Liverpool festival – and as ever it’s free to attend!
How to get there by bus: Get on any city centre service
Wrexham Pride
Location: Wrexham
The first ever Balchder Wrecsam | Wrexham Pride event will showcase the rich tapestry of the LGBTQ+ community and allies. On 27 July join in at the family event, featuring a colourful march, street market, picnic area, entertainment and after party events.
