bluedot Festival

Launched in 2016, 10 years ago.

Situated in the North West of England

1 of 20 festivals in this region →

Mostly scheduling Dance/EDM music

46 festivals in this category →

Classed as a Medium-sized festival

1 of 85 festivals this size →

Dates

The next bluedot festival has not yet been confirmed but a 2026 edition is expected to be announced.

Crowd

Based on its maximum daily capacity of 21,000, we class bluedot as a Medium festival.

The festival is considered a family friendly and children are welcomed by the organisers. There’s a dedicated family camping area but there’s no specific children’s entertainment on site. There is no minimum age for entry.

Amenities

bluedot is a weekend festival with facilities for on-site camping, where you can stay for a maximum of 1 nights. You can also buy day access tickets and arrange your own accommodation.

Camping

Available at 151 festivals →

Cash (likely) accepted

Available at 201 festivals →

Card/contactless (likely) accepted

Available at 217 festivals →

Tickets

Music

Genres

Acts (Last 5 Years)

Lineups

The 2026 festival has not yet been confirmed for 2026 – be notified if it is.

Previous Lineups

All bluedot lineups

Location

bluedot is 1 of 20 music festivals in the North West of England. The festival’s full address is: Jodrell Bank Observatory, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK11 9DL.

Get directions

Festival Facts

We asked a popular AI tool a few things about bluedot. Here’s what it told us 👇

What’s unique about bluedot festival?

Bluedot is uniquely situated beneath the iconic Lovell Telescope at Jodrell Bank Observatory, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This striking backdrop defines its singular identity as an intergalactic festival where music, science, and arts spectacularly collide. Beyond headline musical acts, attendees can engage with cutting-edge scientific talks, interactive workshops, and mesmerising audiovisual installations that explore themes of space, technology, and discovery. It’s truly a celebration of human curiosity under the stars.

What’s the atmosphere like at bluedot?

For first-timers, don’t just stick to the main music stages; Bluedot’s magic lies in its diverse offerings. Explore the science tents, attend a talk under the telescope, or discover a hidden art installation. The Cheshire weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers for both sun and rain, and comfortable shoes are a must for navigating the observatory grounds. Download the festival app in advance to plan your schedule and maximise your cosmic adventure. Prepare to be enlightened!

Tips for first timers at bluedot?

Something not widely known is that Bluedot isn’t just a commercial venture; it’s intrinsically linked to the Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre. The festival acts as a vital fundraiser, with proceeds directly supporting the centre’s ongoing educational programmes and research initiatives. This means every ticket purchased contributes to inspiring the next generation of scientists and astronomers, reinforcing the festival’s core mission to blend cultural enjoyment with scientific exploration and public outreach. It’s a festival with a bigger purpose.

Tell me something not many people know about bluedot.

The atmosphere at Bluedot is one of electric curiosity and communal wonder. It’s a vibrant melting pot where music fans, science enthusiasts, and families alike converge under the watchful eye of the Lovell Telescope. Expect a friendly, inclusive vibe, filled with engaging conversations, laughter, and shared moments of discovery. From the energetic main stages to the quieter science zones, there’s a pervasive sense of intellectual excitement blended with a relaxed, festival spirit, making it truly unique.

As the information in this box (and this box only!) has been generated by AI, we can't guarantee its accuracy.