10 of the best 2012 festivals

The poor old music festival appears to have been speared by an Olympic javelin this summer, with Glastonbury, Oxegen and Sonisphere all cancelling to make way for lycra-based antics.

But the reality (and keep this to yourselves) is that it's a golden year for al fresco carnivals. As the festival part-timers retire their fairy wings and cowboy hats, the rest of us get to enjoy a series of innovative, fresh-faced fests. Like this lovely lot…

Best for: Culture vultures
Wilderness
from £147 (weekend pass)
Where: Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire, UK
When: 10-12 August 2012
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Buried in the Cotswalds far away from burger vans and bumper cars is this little haven of theatre, banquets and melodic indie. Like a mini version of Latitude, Wilderness gives food, workshops and talks equal billing to the music (headed this time by Wilco and Spiritualized).

Wild runs and lake swimming are encouraged, but it's got some more relaxing treats up its Victorian sleeves too – stargazing lessons from the Royal Observatory, a masked ball hosted by The Old Vic and a Lakeside Spa with oak hot tubs. The only thing missing is counselling to help you re-adjust to real life.

Alternatively...
Vintage festival from £63 (day ticket)
Where: Boughton House, Northamptonshire, UK
When: 13-15 July 2012
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Matching this festival's lofty aim of 'celebrating British culture from the 1920s to 1980s' is its setting in the grounds of a Tudor manor house. DJ sets, catwalk shows and vintage shopping are the order of the day – Metallica fans should probably head elsewhere.