Bart Simpson showed that skateboards were cool, back in the 90s. Everyone who was anyone knew a greaseless bearing from its non-greaseless brother, if they were into skating in a serious way.

Now, you still see gangs of skateboarding teens in most cities around the world, but skateboarding is in fact an exciting spectator sport with feats of daring that are jaw-droppingly awesome to behold. And, there are plenty of places where you can see the best skaters undertake the most gravity-defying of moves…

Wheels and Fins is one of the biggest boutique action sports events in the UK. It offers a mix of music and events, along with surf competitions, cycling activities, and skateboarding events including the UK Mini Ramp Champs. It takes place in Kent in September.

NASS Festival features top professionals in the fields of skateboarding, BMX, inlining, and FMX. It also offers areas and stages for those who like music and dancing, and takes place in Shepton Mallet near Bristol in July.

Boardmasters is a brilliant Cornwall-based skate festival which takes place over five blissful days and this year hosts such musical luminaries as Wu-Tang Clan and Florence + The Machine.

Hull Skateboard Festival bills itself as the country’s friendliest skate fest, with activities and events aimed at all experiences and ages. A date for the 2019 festival is yet to be announced.

Creation Fest is a free summer festival which puts ramps and wheels next to God’s ministry. Yes, it’s a religious-themed skating event, so this one is perhaps best suited to those who already have a belief in God and identify as Christian.

Skate Or Die Fest is a music, culture, and skateboarding festival which takes place in Texas in October. It also features a skateboardings offering $3,000 in prize money, as well as a Best Trick contest and Mini Ramp Jam competition.

Skating is alive and well, as you can see, and whether or not you’re a skater yourself, if someone in your family is, or if you’re intrigued yourself, these festivals are a great way to experience the best skaters up close and personal, whilst enjoying all the food, fire, music, and dancing of your usual festival experience.