It's the dreaded fallow year. Here are our top ways of beating the Glasto blues.

Last updated: 20th Jun 2018

Originally published: 16th Jun 2018

Image: Glastonbury Festival (source)

It's arguably the best known music festival on the planet, and it's certainly come a long way since its inception. From the first Glastonbury Festival in 1970, when Glasto goers paid £1 to see The Kinks and received complimentary milk from the farm, to recent years where the capacity has increased to almost 180,000.

Some of the planet's biggest artists have seen it as an honour to perform, with the likes of David Bowie, Oasis, REM, Paul McCartney and Coldplay, all included on the all-star history of headliners.

As we enter Glasto weekend on the festival's traditional fallow year, we thought we'd think of a few alternatives to try and keep the unrelenting sense of FOMO we're all feeling at bay.

Bestival

The best way to start off combating the Fallow Year Blues is to offer up the next best thing. Bestival really does remind us of Glastonbury, with magical production and decor throughout, meticulous attention to detail and the most random of things happening at all times, the biggest similarity lies in the atmosphere. One of the most friendly and inclusive parties we've ever had the pleasure of going to, soundtracked by an all encompassing array of artists. Have a look at our Bestival review from last year.

Get Bestival info.

Go abroad

Seeing as we've had the fallow year forced upon us, we thought it might be a good time to try something a little different. Granted, last year's weather was unreal, but let's not forget the floods of 2016. The point is, relying on the UK weather is a huge risk, and with cheap flights and a whole load of overseas festivals to choose from, why not look a bit further afield for 2018.

From techno heavyweights in Malta at Glitch Festival to chilled out inner city vibes at Nova Batida in Lisbon, there's loads to choose from on much warmer shores.

Find the perfect European festivals for you.

Follow Arcadia to Mint Festival

One of Glastonbury's standout stages, Arcadia has hosted some of the world's biggest artists over the years, having started out at the festival ten years ago. After a huge 10th birthday celebration in London last month, the iconic metal spider will head to Mint Festival in September. What better way to keep Glasto alive in the fallow year than to party around one of its most recognisable stages.

Find Mint Festival tickets

Family time

If you're used to heading to Glastonbury with the family in tow, you might be worried about missing out on that one of a kind experience. We did some digging and found there are a whole load of family friendly festivals to try out, now that good old Glasto is off the cards. 

Find Belladrum tickets

With the likes of Belladrum, a stunning Scottish highland weekender and Jodrell Bank's Bluedot, where kids can be blown away by all manner of space themed fun, there's loads of alternatives to make sure you get that yearly hit of family festival bonding.

Glasto party

If for whatever reason you can't go to a festival this year, or you're just a through and through purist, the last option we have is to bring the festival to you and create your own. Kit out your living room with bunting, fairy lights and a tent, get the warm cider out and put the Glasto re runs on the TV.

You'll need a top line up to go with it though, so make sure you have a go of the Skiddle Fantasy Festival Line Up  generator to create your own poster using Spotify and see if you make our leaderboard.