Music Festivals Near Stafford Staffordshire

Staffordshire hosts a diverse range of annual music festivals within easy reach of the county town of Stafford. From family-friendly weekenders and woodland arena gigs to grassroots rock gatherings and internationally renowned heavy metal events, music lovers in the area can access a variety of festivals each year. This guide details the premier annual music festivals held directly in or near Stafford.

Staffs Fest

Located just five miles south of Stafford at Lower Drayton Farm in Penkridge, Staffs Fest is the closest dedicated music festival to the town. Held annually over the late May Bank Holiday weekend, this family- and dog-friendly festival showcases local, regional, and national talent. Across multiple stages, the lineup spans genres including rock, blues, reggae, pop, and acoustic music, with on-site camping available.

Forest Live at Cannock Chase

Organised by Forestry England, Forest Live is an annual concert series held every summer at Birches Valley in Cannock Chase, roughly seven miles from Stafford town centre. Rather than a standard weekend camp-out festival, Forest Live operates as a series of individual open-air evening concerts set in a forest clearing. The event regularly attracts major international artists and household names across pop, indie, and rock genres.

Camp Bestival Shropshire

Staged at Weston Park on the Staffordshire-Shropshire border (around 14 miles southwest of Stafford), Camp Bestival Shropshire is one of the largest annual family festivals in the UK. Taking place every August, the event features a diverse roster of mainstream pop, indie, and electronic artists alongside world-class comedy, immersive children’s theatre, and extensive camping options on the historic estate grounds.

The Acoustic Festival of Britain

Situated roughly 15 miles east of Stafford at Uttoxeter Racecourse, this late-spring event focuses on unplugged, roots, folk, and blues music. The Acoustic Festival of Britain features established singer-songwriters, cover bands, and traditional musicians across covered stages, alongside craft stalls, workshops, and accessible camping facilities.

Bloodstock Open Air

Held at Catton Hall in Walton-upon-Trent, approximately 25 miles east of Stafford, Bloodstock is the UK's leading independent outdoor heavy metal festival. Held every August, this four-day festival attracts tens of thousands of fans from across the globe to see prominent international rock, thrash, death metal, and hard rock acts across multiple stages.

Bearded Theory

Also taking place on the Catton Hall estate near the Staffordshire border, Bearded Theory is an award-winning independent festival held over the late May Bank Holiday. Known for its creative atmosphere, the festival books alternative, punk, indie, ska, and dance acts, accompanied by an extensive children's village and a wide selection of real ales and artisan foods.