9 unmissable June 2019 events

Coinciding with the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France, venues across London are hosting a special Festival of Football to celebrate international women’s football. It all kicks off with the pun-tastic Murder on Zidane’s Floor club night in Hackney, raising money for local charity Goal Diggers FC. Meanwhile, the Book Club in Hoxton will be screening every game of the World Cup live, with panels, taster days and exhibitions supporting the festival atmosphere across the city during the month.

When? 1 June – 9 July

Caffeine lovers rejoice; the Birmingham Coffee Festival is back for the third consecutive year. Located at the Custard Factory in Digbeth, the festival is a three-day celebration of coffee in all its forms. Learn how to make the perfect brew from expert baristas; get a crash course in how to create perfect latte art; or get your hands on some of the finest and freshest coffee from across the world.

When? 7-9 June

Kick start your summer fitness programme with a bracing swim at the dramatic setting of Windermere. Open to swimmers of all ages, the Great North Swim is a must-do for keen adventurers. Take to Windermere’s cold waters, surrounded by the mountains and hills of the Lake District, and challenge yourself with a distance swim for charity or for fun, ranging from a beginner friendly 250m to the 10k endurance swim.

When? 7-9 June

Taste the best of Bristol’s diverse food scene at this unique celebration of all things food and drink. Take a masterclass to learn a new skill, or try something new from one of the city’s many local restaurants. Be sure to pick up a Food Passport: visit each eatery listed for a free sample or complementary plate, and collect a stamp to chronicle your food journey across Bristol.

When? 12-23 June

© Keith Haring Foundation

Take a trip to 1980s New York through the energetic works of artist and activist Keith Haring. The first major UK exhibition of its kind showcases paintings and drawings inspired by graffiti, pop art and the underground club scene .

When? 14 June – 10 November

Celebrate everything that is great about Manchester at the tenth edition of Manchester Day. It all kicks off with a parade through the city centre, featuring music, dancing and creative displays from local communities, highlighting Manchester’s historical and current feats. Then, the excitement spills over into public squares and plazas with more free entertainment. Come for the colourful sights and sounds; stay late for the locally-brewed bevvies and delicious street food.

When? 23 June

Try something new and adventurous at this unique festival on the edge of one of England’s most spectacular natural landmarks. Top of the Gorge Festival offers a little bit of everything, including live music, sporting challenges and a range of wildlife activities such as foraging and campfire cooking. Get out of your comfort zone this festival season and make friends with mother nature.

When? 14-16 June

Preston Park – a 15 minute walk from Brighton Station – becomes a haven for comedy lovers for five days this June, as the first Brighton Comedy Garden takes over the city. With headline acts like Alan Davies, Sean Lock and Sara Pascoe, you’re bound to get more than your money’s worth in laughs. Combine that with street food and quirky cocktails, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a summer’s night out.

When? 19-23 June

A two-day celebration of West End musicals, West End Live is a free London event returning to Trafalgar Square for the 15th consecutive year in June. Featuring special performances from the current casts of leading West End musicals like Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera, this is the ideal event for theatre fans to discover something new or sing along to an all-time classic.

When? 22-23 June