The first part of the Glastonbury line-up has been announced this morning after the experts at DJ Tech Reviews revealed the physiological effects music can have on our moods, and have revealed the genres of music that make you happiest when listened to.
Ranked: The happiest music festivals
| Rank | Festival | Genre | Dates | Searches Oct-Dec 2022 |
| 1 | Download Festival | Rock | June 8-11, 2023 | 170,200 |
| 2 | Boardmasters | HipHop | August 9-13, 2023 | 135,700 |
| 3 | Isle Of Wight Festival | Rock | June 15-18, 2023 | 134,200 |
| 4 | Lytham Festival | Pop | June 28-July 2, 2023 | 81,000 |
| 5 | Glastonbury Festival | Pop | June 21-25, 2023 | 79,700 |
| 6 | Kendal Calling | HipHop | July 27-30, 2023 | 30,100 |
| 7 | Bloodstock | Rock | August 10-13, 2023 | 24,600 |
| 8 | Mighty Hoopla | Pop | June 3, 2023 | 24,300 |
| 9 | Secret Garden Party | Rock | July 20-23, 2023 | 23,100 |
| 10 | In it Together Festival | Pop | May 26-28, 2023 | 22,900 |
Download Festival, Boardmasters and the Isle of Wight Festival are currently the top three upcoming UK music festivals for 2023 and have dominated Google search volumes in the last three months. Glastonbury is currently in fourth place, with Kendal Calling rounding up our top five.
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The scientific effects of music
Listening to music has been proven to have different physiological effects on our bodies. Music can trigger the release of the feel-good chemical, dopamine, which interacts with the pleasure and rewards section of our brain. But, not all music has a ‘euphoric’ impact on us.
Different genres of music release greater doses of dopamine when listened to. Studies show, music that ranges between 90 to 150 BPM (Beats Per Minute, also referred to as tempo), produces greater feelings of happiness and joy as well as reducing emotions associated with sadness.
Dexter Jones, founder of DJ Tech Reviews, commented: “Our bodies react to music as the tempo rises above our resting heart rate, which is usually lower than 100bpm. So, as songs become faster the beat has a direct effect on the parts of your brain that affect movement making you want to move to the rhythm. In turn, that movement makes you feel happy and excited. In other words, when you hear music in that sweet spot between 120bpm and 130bpm, especially at a high volume in a great setting – such as a festival – it is making you move and happy!”
The happiest music genres
- House music: This genre typically ranges from 118-135 BPM
- Pop: This genre typically ranges from 100-130 BPM
- Techno: This genre typically ranges from 120-160 BPM
- UK Garage: This genre typically ranges from BPM 130-135
- Rock: This genre typically ranges from 110-140 BPM
- Hip-Hop: This genre typically ranges from 85-115 BPM

Image credits:
Anna Barclay
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