Festival No.6 2017 at Portmeirion

In only its sixth year, Festival No.6 has already established itself as a popular mainstay of the summer’s festival circuit. Propping up the end of the season – and often (but not always) benefitting from some Indian Summer weather – it offers your last chance for some care-free fun and games.

The festival takes full advantage of a setting that few other events around the world can match: the picturesque Italiante village of Portmeirion in North Wales certainly adds to Festival No.6’s appeal – offering a never-ending series of nooks and crannies to explore, from its epic woods, to the relaxing estuary, and the village’s many cottages, which host live music, poetry, film screenings, food and drink, and more.

In 2017, the festival has secured something of a coup by booking heavy-wight party-starters The Flaming Lips as headliners, alongside Bloc Party and Mogwai. But the line-up boasts real strength in depth – with the likes of Wild Beasts, Laura Mvula, Steve Mason, Public Service Broadcasting, Charlotte Church, Goldie and Jarvis Cocker also featuring across its music programme.

Adam Buxton’s BUG, Irvine Welsh, Maxine Peake and Simon Armitage are prominent names on a bill that always ranks literature, comedy, theatre and film as highly as its music.

The festival marks the 50th anniversary of The Beatles’ seminal Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album, meanwhile, with a psychedelically themed, fancy dress carnival, followed by a UK festival exclusive performance of the record by The Booleg Beatles and a 70-piece orchestra.

With numerous screenings, readings, performances, installations and talks to take in over four days and nights, alongside a blockbusting music programme, it’s no wonder Festival No.6 has picked up multiple awards since 2012.

Here are our picks