If you’re a fan of electronic music and dance festivals, then you’ve likely heard of Creamfields, one of the UK’s most popular and well-established events in the scene. With two major editions taking place in the country each year, there’s always a question of which one to attend: Creamfields South or Creamfields North? While both events share similarities, there are also key differences that could make one more appealing to you than the other. In this article, we’ll explore the highlights, lineup and unique features of both festivals to help you decide which one is the best fit for you. Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or a first-timer, we’ve got you covered with all the essential information you need to make an informed decision.

Creamfields South

Creamfields South
Photography by: Jack Kimber Photography Ltd (www.jackkimberphotography.co.uk)

When: Friday 26th to Sunday 28th May, 2023

Where: Hylands Park in Chelmsford

Creamfields South has firmly established itself as a newcomer on the festival calendar after a highly successful first edition during Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend earlier this month. In fact, the second edition of the event was announced before the dust had even settled on the first, and tickets are now back on sale for what promises to be another sell-out event at the picturesque Hylands Park in Chelmsford.

While full lineup details have yet to be announced, the debut Creamfields South saw a massively diverse lineup featuring the likes of David Guetta, Calvin Harris, Becky Hill, Carl Cox, Jamie Jones, Amelie Lens, Andy C, Eric Prydz, deadmau5, and more. This means that the 2023 edition is expected to have a stellar lineup, given the reputation the Creamfields name has built up.

The second edition will take place from Friday 26th to Sunday 28th May, which is the Spring Bank Holiday weekend, making Creamfields the start and end of the festival season.

How to get tickets for Creamfields South

As always with Creamfields, tickets for the South edition can be purchased using the popular deposit scheme, allowing the cost to be spread evenly across the year. Over 100,000 people have already signed up for tickets, which is double the capacity of the event itself, indicating that the event is expected to sell out in record time. Visit the website to buy tickets.

Creamfields North

Creamfields North vs South
Source: Live Nation

When: Thursday 24th to Sunday 27th August, 2023

Where: Daresbury, Cheshire

The sister event, Creamfields North, will remain in its traditional August Bank Holiday spot in Daresbury, Cheshire. Creamfields North is the original Creamfields, however was given the addition of ‘north’ when Creamfields South opened last year. Creamfields North (previously Creamfields) is now celebrating its 26th edition in 2023! It’s one of the biggest electronic dance festivals in the world, and promises another spectacular year!

With a record sell-out already in the bag, the event has added more acts to an already impressive line-up, and with 70,000 music fans expected to attend the festival. It’s clear Creamfields has cemented itself as the unmissable finale of the summer. The A to Z line-up features some of the biggest names in the dance world, including Armin van Buuren, Calvin Harris, David Guetta, and Swedish House Mafia, with more to be announced.

How to get tickets for Creamfields North?

You can purchase tickets by visiting their website. You can choose from single or multiple days, as well as having the option to split the cost across payments.

So which one should you choose: Creamfields North or South?

Choosing between Creamfields North and South can be a tough decision for festival-goers, but ultimately, it comes down to personal preferences.

Creamfields North, held in Daresbury, Cheshire, is the flagship festival and has been running for over two decades. It is known for its massive stages, impressive production, and unparalleled line-up of electronic music stars. The festival is set across a large open-air site, which provides plenty of space for attendees to explore and enjoy the various stages, food and drink vendors, and immersive experiences. If you’re looking for a larger festival with a diverse range of electronic music genres, Creamfields North might be the one for you.

On the other hand, Creamfields South, held at Hylands Park in Chelmsford, is a newer addition to the festival scene, but it has quickly established itself as a formidable player. The festival’s picturesque location, with its rolling green hills and stunning lake, creates a unique atmosphere for attendees to enjoy. The festival is also known for its more intimate setting and boutique camping options, making it ideal for those who prefer a smaller festival experience. If you’re looking for a festival with a more relaxed vibe, while still offering a top-notch line-up of electronic music, Creamfields South might be your best bet.

Overall, both festivals offer incredible experiences for electronic music fans, and it ultimately depends on personal preferences. Whether you prefer a larger festival or a more intimate setting, or whether you prefer the North or South of the UK, Creamfields has something to offer for everyone.

If you’re looking for more festival inspiration for 2023, check out the best music festivals in Europe this year.

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