Best live music this summer

From smooth jazz and elegant classical, to pop and hip-hop, the UK plays host to the very best musical performances this summer. July sees the start of the BBC Proms, and in August the V Festival kicks off.

Royal Albert Hall Music Festivals 1
From smooth jazz and elegant classical, to pop and hip-hop, the UK plays host to the very best musical performances this summer. July sees the start of the BBC Proms, and in August the V Festival kicks off. Take your pick from our selection of musical events below.

What: The Battle Proms Concerts 2011
Since 1997 the Battle Proms Concerts have been spellbinding audiences in their thousands. This distinctive series of summer picnic concerts has become, for many groups of friends, the musical event of the year.
When: Throughout July and August 2011
Where: Stunning stately home settings
Website: battleproms.com

What: BBC Proms 2011
An incredible range of indoor and outdoor musical events. Quite possibly the world’s greatest classical music festival…
When: July to September 2011
Where: Various locations (and on BBC Radio channels)
Website: bbc.co.uk/proms
Proms
What: Marvellous 2011, The Family Festival
A family music festival featuring 12 great tribute bands, plus lots of fun for all the family.
When: 22 and 23 July 2011
Where: Wellington Country Park, Berkshire
Website: marvellousfestivals.com

What: Good Weekend
Get your dancing shoes on and head to Hampshire countryside for a weekend of live music, which includes everything from rock and indie to dubstep, electro, ambient and beyond…
When: 22 – 23 July 2011
Where: Woodmancott, Hampshire
Website: gdwknd.co.uk

What: Folk by the Oak
This bite-sized festival returns to the historic leafy grounds of Hatfield Park in Hertfordshire for its fourth year. Folk by the Oak has already built up a reputation as a relaxed, family-friendly event with a high-quality line-up. Also features a craft fair, workshops, children’s activities, storytelling, circus skills, real ale bar, music stalls, recycled gifts and delicious food.
When: 24 July 2011
Where: Hatfield House, Hatfield, Hertfordshire
Website: folkbytheoak.com

What: Dorset Opera Festival

A delightful series of high-calibre, large scale productions (the like of which can only be afforded by major opera companies). The 2011 Festival has two productions and soloists include Ian Storey, Edith Haller and Howard Haskin. Tosca will be directed by Dame Josephine Barstow and the conductor is Philip Thomas. Prepared to be wowed!
When: 27 – 30 July 2011
Where: Dorset
Website: dorsetopera.com

What: WOMAD
Often described as a festival of discovery, WOMAD brings entertainers and artists from across the planet together in Charlton Park in Wiltshire for three days of memorable performances. The key theme is to get involved and treat your senses to the best of the world’s food, music, art and more.
When: 29 – 31 July 2011
Where: Charlton Park, Malmesbury, Wiltshire
Website: womad.org

What: Cotswold Music Festival
Oxfordshire will rock for over 12 hours with some of the best live acts from all over the country, brought together and spread over two stages.
When: 30 July 2011
Where: Southcombe Farm, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire
Website: cotswold-music-festival.co.uk

What: The Big Chill
Settled in its current home at Eastnor Castle, around 35,000 now attend this eclectic mix of entertainment. In addition to a widely varied musical line-up, there’s also a focus upon art, films, poetry, circus, cabaret, comedy and gourmet food.
When: 5 – 7 August 2011
Where: Eastnor Castle, Herefordshire
Website: bigchill.net/festival/home

What: Mull of Kintyre Music Festival
The 2011 Mull of Kintyre Music Festival has a great line-up of Scottish and international acts whilst also adding a new concert on the Saturday night of the event.
When: 18 – 21 August 2011
Where: Campbeltown, Argyll, Scotland
Website: mokfest.com

What: Herts Jazz Festival
Herts Jazz Festival contains a roster of artists whose very names guarantee a glorious celebration of the music’s core values. A jazz lover’s perfect festival.
When: 19 – 21 August 2011
Where: The Campus, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire
Website: hertsjazz.co.uk/festival

What: V Festival
V Festival has become a massive hit in the festival calendar. The event is held in two locations over two days and artists perform at both, swapping on each night. The line-up includes Eminem, Rihanna, Arctic Monkeys, Plan B, The Script, Tinie Tempah, Razorlight and more.
When: 20– 21 August 2011
Where: Hylands Park, Essex and Weston Park, Staffordshire
Website: vfestival.com