Summer isn’t over: These are the only festivals worth going to this year

I really hate to break it to you, but on balance more summer has gone than is left. And unless September counts as summer (I’m sorry it really doesn’t) there is a seriously small space of time in which fit in any more festivals.

Two things to make you feel better: 1) secondary school academic holidays have only just begun and 2) there are still plenty of festivals that deserve your attention. So in light of that we’ve drawn up some insightful conclusions on the festivals that are worth your time and money before October hits and the cold, darkness comes.

Boomtown (August 10-13, Winchester)

Who will be there: People who wear travelling trousers they picked up in Thailand as casual wear.

Why you should go: It looks like a fairground.

Line up: Cyprus Hill, M.I.A, The Specials, Ziggy Marley, Toots & The Maytals, Gentleman’s Dub Club.

Houghton Festival (10-13 August, Norfolk)

Who will be there: Everyone who went to Gottwood three years ago, before it became “mainstream”.

Why you should go: 1) It’s going to be like Gottwood but potentially better 2) it looks mysterious 3) the line-up is impressive 4) see above pictures of the scenery.

Line-up: Ricardo Villalobos, Nicolas Jarr, Seth Troxler, Floating Points, Vilod and loads more.

Sunfall (August 12, Brixton)

Who will be there: People who are pretty serious about their music. They are not here for the glitter.

Why you should go: London festivals can be eternally disappointing. Sunfall is an exception. The afterparties are unrivalled and you won’t be left wondering whether to call it a night at 11pm.

Line-up: Jackmaster, Ben UFO, Floating Points, Move D, Peggy Gou, Palms Trax.

Elrow Town London (August 19 and 20, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park)

Who will be there: People who have most likely never been to the Ibiza party, but seriously wish they had. They are mainly here for the inflatables.

Why you should go: Elrow doesn’t come around that often. But mainly because it’s at the Olympic Park where they did the Olympics for god sake and there will be inflatables!!

Line-up: Jamie Jones, Eats Everything, The 2 Bears, Jasper James and many more.

Lost Village (August 24-27, Lincolnshire)

Who will be there: Young London almost-arty types.

Why you should go: It looks like a scene from psychological thriller The Village but with better sound systems and fewer murderers.

Line-up: Moderat, De La Soul, Dixon, Nina Kraviz, Dusky, Jackmaster, The Black Madonna, Bicep and every other DJ you’d expect.

Reading Festival (August 25-27, Reading)

Who will be there: People under the age of 18 who want to burn your tent and shout Alan and Steve still.

Why you should go: Don’t unless you’re desperate. See why here.

Line-up: Kasabian, Eminem, Muse, You Me At Six, Haim, Flume, Bastille, Major Lazer, basically everyone you hear on Radio 1.

Leeds Festival (August 25-27, Leeds)

See Reading but worse.

Festival No 6 (September 7-10, Portmeirion)

Who will be there: Exceptionally beautiful people if last year’s photos are anything to go by.

Why you should go: It’s located in Portmeirion which is dubbed as the UK’s little Italy, so you’re basically getting a holiday out of it too.

Line-up: The Cinematic Orchestra, Wild Beasts, Rag ‘N’ Bone Man, Nick Mulvey.

Bestival (September 7-10, Lulworth Estate)

Who will be there: People age 18 who don’t remember Bestival’s glory days (2010-12).

Why you should go: It’s now in Lulworth Estate and easier to get to than Isle of Wight, so I guess that’s a reason to go. The theme this year is simply “colour” so minimal fancy dress effort required.

Who’s there: The xx, Jamie T, Pet Shop Boys (lol what), A Tribe Called Quest, Justice, Dizzee Rascal.

Abode in the Park (September 24, Finsbury Park)

Who will be there: Serious party people squeezing in the last of the summer sun.

Why you should go: Abode have been making Sundays in London way more fun for a while now. This is the send off to summer you need.

Line-up: Alexis Raphael, Darius Syrossian, Infinity Ink, Josh Butler, wAFF, Yousef.

The Warehouse Project (September 6 – January 1, Manchester)

Who will be there: Every single person who is enrolled at Manchester Uni, plus a few locals who are up for a very good time.

Why you should go: It goes without saying that if you haven’t been to WHP at least once in your life, it’s time to get your life in gear. And frankly, it’s the best line-up yet.

Line-up: Annie Mac, LCD Soundsystem, Jamie xx, Nina Kraviz, MK, Andy C, Mura Masa, Craig David.