What makes ArcTanGent such a unique festival?
Words & Photos: Nadine Ballantyne
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Photo: Nadine Ballantyne / Battlesnake at ATG 2025
We’ve been watching ArcTanGent grow since 2017 (our first visit), and it’s become a yearly tradition for most. Here’s what makes it so exclusive.
Unique Sets
ArcTanGent often brings bands that wouldn’t normally tour the UK or be able to due to their niche genres. This means you often get unique sets from bands and UK exclusives.
Silent Disco
For a smaller festival, their silent disco offerings are top tier - from watching electronica go down a hoot to watching Mike Vennart doing Black Sabbath covers until 1am in a kimono.
It’s a ‘bands festival’
Have often found bands playing the festival want to stay and watch other bands - it’s a festival that’s curated around what people will enjoy and not what just happens to be available at the time and just one of the many reasons it’s much respected across the more niche/math rock scene.
Inclusiveness
ArcTanGent has become a welcoming place where people can be more free and discover music outside their normal boundaries. They celebrate artistry and passion in an intimate and friendly atmosphere.
Schedules
This is a personal shout-out to whoever arranges the bands because last year's schedule was perfect. It’s a festival that gets its fans. A festival you could spend 11am-11pm back to back watching bands and not feel overwhelmed.
If you’re nervous about going to your first festival - start small with ArcTanGent or 2000 Trees.
ArcTanGent returns 19th-22nd August 2026 at Fernhill Farm - the final time in this location (new 2027 location TBA)