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From the stage at V Festival

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Welcome to summer. And, of course, festival season...

There are more events this year than ever before, and we've trawled through every festival, summer bash and one-night extravaganza to bring you an essential guide to the best the UK has to offer.

MusicRadar ultimate 2009 UK festival guide

Hammerfest

When? 24 – 25 April 2009
Where? Pontins Holiday Camp, Prestatyn, Wales

We'll kick off the season with a trip to Pontins! Not everyone's cup of tea, but if you like metal, you'll be in heaven. Organised by our mates over at Metal Hammer magazine.

Lineup highlights (so far): Opeth, Skindred, Saxon (more on Hammerfest)

All Tomorrow's Parties

When? 9 - 11 May and 15 – 17 May 2009
Where? Butlins Resort, Minehead, Somerset

ATP is all about choice: the first weekend is called The Fans Strike Back – 50% of the lineup is voted for by fans. The second weekend is curated and chosen by The Breeders (unfortunately Pixies aren't playing). The event is named after The Velvet Underground song – alternative, indie and impeccably cool.

Lineup highlights (so far): Teenage Fanclub, The Breeders, Tricky, Bon Iver, CSS, Gang Of Four, Beirut, Devo, Future Of The Left, Killing Joke, Spiritualized, The Soft Pack (more on ATP)

Isle Of Wight Festival

When? 12 – 14 June 2009
Where? Seaclose Park, Isle Of Wight

The first of two three-day events on the Isle Of Wight and the earliest of the UK's heavyweight offerings. Neil Young is the latest confirmed headliner so this year you can expect a sunset soundtracked by blissful folk… counteracted perfectly by The Prodigy.

Lineup highlights (so far): Neil Young, The Prodigy, Basement Jaxx, Pendulum, Razorlight, Stereophonics, The Charlatans, The Ting Tings

Rumours: Doves, Elbow, Paul Weller, Simple Minds (more on Isle Of Wight)

Download Festival

When? 12 – 14 June 2009
Where? Donington Park, Leicestershire

The original heavy-metal love-in and as far removed from 'blissful folk' as is humanly (or unhumanly) possible. Although devil horn hand gestures are a condition of entry, there's definitely more than a hint of 80's leather in the air this year…

Lineup highlights (so far): Faith No More, Slipknot, Def Leppard, Korn, Motley Crue, Limp Bizkit, Marilyn Manson, The Prodigy, Whitesnake, ZZ Top

Rumours: Papa Roach, Rammstein, New Found Glory, Manowar, Journey, Biffy Clyro, Enter Shikari (more on Download)

RockNess

When? 12 – 14 June 2009
Where? Loch Ness, Scotland

Where else can you party with the Loch Ness Monster? One things for sure, if this lot doesn't wake the snake-like creature from the murky depths nothing will. Lineup looks strong so far, could be a 'mythical' year…

Lineup highlights (so far): The Flaming Lips, The Prodigy, Orbital, Placebo, Biffy Clyro, Basement Jaxx, Super Furry Animals, Dizzee Rascal, DJ Yoda (more on RockNess)

Glastonbury Festival

When? 24 – 28 June 2009
Where? Worthy Farm, Somerset

The Glastonbury Festival Of Contemporary Arts, Glastonbury or, simply Glasto, is the UK's largest festival. The 2009 shindig is sold out so (unless you're one of the lucky few to bag a returned ticket next month) you'll have to watch it from your sofa. It's always a blinder – just pray it doesn't rain this year…

Lineup highlights (so far): Blur, Bruce Springsteen And The E Street Band, Franz Ferdinand

Rumours: Neil Young, Coldplay, Animal Collective, Lilly Allen, Fleetwood Mac, Doves, Glasvegas, The Ting Tings, Kanye West, Rolf Harris (more on Glastonbury)

Wireless Festival

When? 4 – 5 July 2009
Where? Hyde Park, London

The '02 Wireless Festival' – thanks, mega big phone company. You can't camp in Hyde Park by the way, but if you live in London, you're more than likely to have heard a previous headliner while passing: Jay-Z, White Stripes or Daft Punk? Anyone?

Lineup highlights (so far): Basement Jaxx, Dizzee Rascal, The Streets (more on Wireless)

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