Festivals near Birmingham

The cradle of heavy metal — Black Sabbath and Judas Priest were forged in its workshops and smoky pubs — Birmingham is just as much a city of groove. At the Jam House, the Jewellery Quarter club founded by Jools Holland, funk and soul take centre stage, as heard at Loose Ends Live At the Jam House. Over in Moseley Park, Mostly Jazz, Funk & Soul carries that legacy outdoors, all warm brass and rolling bass.

Around England's second city the choice broadens fast: Sonic Rock Solstice keeps a raw, solstice-bound rock spirit alive, Beardy Folk Festival heads into the Shropshire hills for a laid-back acoustic break, while Also Festival blends music, ideas and conversation in a country setting. For each one, FestT computes the FestiScore — how closely a line-up matches your favourite artists — and keeps dates and ticketing up to date.