7. Boomtown Fair (Winchester, England; August 13-16)
Another eclectic festival featuring top reggae artists alongside acts from a multitude of other genres, Boomtown Fair unfolds over four days on the stately premises of Materley Estate in Winchester, England. Stephen Marley and SOJA get top billing on this year’s edition, but there’s also people like “gypsy punks” Gogol Bordello, blind Malian duo Amadou & Mariam and hip-hop/house legends, the Jungle Brothers. Further reggae (and dancehall) flavor comes from Cutty Ranks, Cham, Protoje & Indiggnation, Barrington Levy, Anthony B, Turbulence and Ward 21. There’s also ‘nuff sound system showcases with selectors including David Rodigan, Shy FX (featuring Stamina MC) and Chopstick Dubplate (featuring Jah Mason).