Here's why it's so hard to count:
* No official registry: There's no central body that tracks every single festival.
* Wide definition of "festival": What constitutes a festival is subjective. It could be a small local gathering, a large-scale music event, or anything in between.
* Constantly changing: New festivals emerge and existing ones sometimes disappear or change formats.
Instead of a number, here's what we know:
* Thousands of festivals: The UK is known for its vibrant festival scene, hosting thousands of events across various genres and interests.
* Wide range of genres: From music festivals like Glastonbury and Download to food and drink festivals, literary festivals, and even festivals celebrating specific hobbies or communities.
So, while we can't tell you the exact number, we can confidently say that the UK has a rich and diverse festival landscape with something for everyone!