It's fitting that the first festival to kick off the legendary UK festival season belongs to BBC's Radio 1, which is the litmus test for all things cool. If it's Steve Lamaq- and Zane Lowe-approved, it's here. And, the best of all? It's absolutely free.

The festival also boasts a well-rounded line-up of nearly 40 acts a day on four stages: Main Stage, Outdoor Stage, In New Music We Trust and Introducing Stage. So, to get your feet wet for the mammoth, so-big-it-has-its-own-post code festivals coming up, you can freely and casually hit up both stages to see your favorite pop, electronic and R&B staples like Madonna, Usher, Goldfrapp, Nelly and Duffy then hit up the up-and-coming and already established names in indie like The Wombats, Hot Chip, The Raconteurs and Editors. And, you can check out your favorite BBC DJs in their element as they spin whatever the hell they damn-well please in the Outdoor tent, along with electronica stars Fatboy Slim, Justice and Pendulum.

The festival is free, but you have to register at the official site. Though sign-ups have been closed, you can check online to see if you're one of the lucky music aficionados to nab a ticket. Check your status here.