London - That the best things come in small packages might be a cliché, but in the case of festivals, the more intimate, low-key gatherings often provide the most memorable experiences.
Britain's boutique festivals - often with stunning natural surroundings from lakesides and beaches to forests and rural fields - are becoming increasingly desirable as a more unique and often cheaper alternative to major players such as Glastonbury, Bestival, Reading and Leeds.
Here are some of the most tempting events happening up and down the UK this summer:
Festival No.6
This is the trinket box of festivals: small but packed full of treasures. This year, Welsh village Portmeirion hosts a diverse bill topped by Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, Hot Chip and Bastille, while guests can also expect poetry readings, exclusive film screenings, stand-up comedy, woodland storytelling and pop-up theatre. There's culture at every corner.
1-4 September, tickets £180 (about R3 700)
Barn on the Farm
Ed Sheeran, Ben Howard, Bastille and Hozier have all graced the stage at this cosy independent Gloucestershire festival, in the middle of a working farm. Headliners this year are Jack Garratt and Oh Wonder, while Honne, Frances and Gavin James are also on the bill. If you want to catch upand-coming artists before they hit the big time, come and join the 1,500 people on the farm.
1-3 July, tickets £105
Wilderness
Head to Oxfordshire for a taste of rural paradise at Wilderness, which this August features exclusive UK sets from Robert Plant and The Flaming Lips. Music aside, mouthwatering food is served at famous long table banquets that are great for meeting like-minded people. Wellbeing workshops and boutique camping strike the perfect balance between relaxation and revelry.
4-7 August, tickets £164
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Caught by the River Thames
Londoners need not travel far to find a beautiful festival to chill out at. Caught by the River takes place on the banks of the Thames at Fulham Palace and is a glorious mash-up of a gig, literature festival, nature symposium, national beer festival and global food market. Kate Tempest, Super Furry Animals, Beth Orton and Low are among the acts confirmed to play for 5 000 people.
6-7 August, tickets £99
In The Woods
Not many gigs take place under an ethereally lit forest canopy. Art installations line the paths here, while a giant midnight bonfire keeps music fans toasty warm until sunrise. Back for its 10th year, In The Woods promises relaxation to the max, and a refreshing community feel. To keep it extra-special tickets are limited to just over 1 000, while the line-up and exact Kent woodland location are kept secret until the last moment.
2-4 September, tickets £125 B
Back for an eighth year, this Hampshire shebang is an almighty explosion of colour, vibrancy and joy. It's one of the wilder independent festivals, and what started life as a humble village fair has blossomed into a creative pop-up city that attracts artists from all over the world. Music from every genre is celebrated across 24 stages and everybody's free to express themselves and dance like nobody's watching here.
11-14 August, tickets £170
LeeFest Presents
The Neverland Lianne La Havas tops the bill at this 5 000-capacity independent festival in a secret location in Kent, supported by more than 30 bands including Ghostpoet, Roots Manuva and Shura. LeeFest's new Neverland creation spreads over three distinct, immersive realms - The Neverwoods, Mermaids Lagoon and Skull Ridge - and is an excellent choice for music lovers hoping to discover new artists.
28-30 July, tickets £99
Kendal Calling
Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, Madness, Rudimental and The Charlatans will all play this low-key festival in the heart of the Lake District. Famous for more than just the music, Kendal Calling also features gourmet food stalls, art installations, kids' entertainment, the health and wellbeing-focused 'Garden of Eden' and a real ale festival. This year's theme is carnival, so bring the most colourful clothes from your wardrobe and expect a slightly larger crowd of around 25 000.
28-31 July, tickets £135
Secret Garden Party
Blame Star Wars, because SGP has gone all sci-fi on us this year, with a 'Gardeners Guide to the Galaxy' theme. Caribou, Air and Primal Scream are headlining, with Milky Chance, Lissie, The Temper Trap and Band of Skulls also on the line-up. Explore a range of unique areas from the Pagoda and Games Arena to the Spiritual Playground and enchanting Where The Wild Things Are stage. There will be visual spectacles, ceremonies and an art garden too.
21-24 July, tickets £180
Womad
If you want to spread your musical wings and explore the sounds of different cultures, head to Wiltshire for Womad, which boasts inspiring acts from across the globe. You can take part in yoga and Sabar dance classes, indulge in a massage, enjoy vintage rides at the steam fair and shop in the global market. This year's theme is Brazilian Carnival.
28-31 July, tickets £175
Joanna Newsom, Bat for Lashes and Animal Collective headline this small festival that focuses on alternative music, folk and Americana. Expect four pretty stages, as well as a woodland clearing where secret sets enthral both festival-goers and roaming peacocks. A healing field, film tent, forest library and games area make temptation even harder to resist.
2-4 September, tickets £195
The Independent