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Unmissable August bank holiday events in 2024

Find things to do on this August bank holiday 2024

With a swathe of bank holidays behind us, you're probably looking forward to the next long weekend (we definitely are!). Love tucking into tacos, tartiflette and tiramisu in one sitting or can’t wait to sport your most sparkly gear and wellies as you two-step along to live bands at a music festival by the sea? Whatever you fancy doing with your August bank holiday, we’ve got an event for you.

Check out the Government's Help for Household's interactive map, which shows you even more fun and affordable things to do this summer, up to early September. 

1

August bank holiday 2024 events: Malton Food Lovers Festival

Malton, North Yorkshire

Malton Food Lovers Festival is back in full swing over the August bank holiday weekend. Set on the streets of Yorkshire’s foodie capital, this three-day culinary celebration is all about Yorkshire’s finest produce. Over 150 artisan stalls and street food vendors take over the village while celebrity chefs show off their skills in demo tents and live music – from buskers to brass bands – provides the soundtrack to all that eating. There are funfair rides too, but maybe go on those before you eat!

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2

August bank holiday 2024 events: Victorious Festival

Portsmouth, Hampshire

Returning to Southsea Common this August bank holiday weekend is one of the most beautifully located festivals in the UK, Victorious Festival. Friday night will see headliner Fat Boy Slim joined by Snow Patrol and Idles, while the likes of Pixies, Becky Hill and Wet Leg take to the outdoor stages overlooking the sea on the Saturday and Sunday. It’s not all about the music though – you’ll be able to belly laugh along to your favourite comedic acts, have a tinker on the keys of the Piano Tree or test out tricks at Southsea Skate Park. There’s plenty to do for kids too, from dance troupes and mini discos to circus workshops and meet and greets with their favourite TV characters.

Day tickets are available as well as weekend camping tickets, with offsite pitching at Farlington Fields.

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3

August bank holiday 2024 events: Kynren

Bishop Auckland, County Durham

Reserve your spot at one of the last of this year’s performances of Kynren, an epic tale of England brought to life in a dazzling outdoor spectacular. Taking place on 24 August, you’ll get to immerse yourself in two thousand years of history, from Boudicca to the Vikings at Flatts Farm in Bishop Auckland. The spellbinding family-friendly show is full of thrilling choreography, stunts, jaw-dropping equestrianism, special effects and pyrotechnics and is sure to have you laughing, gasping and with plenty of goosebumps.

If you want to make a day of it, be sure to book a pre-show at Arches Hall. You’ll enjoy a three-course set menu (including wine for the grown-ups) paired with views of Auckland Castle.

Find more things to do in Durham
4

August bank holiday 2024 events: Hereford River Carnival

Hereford, Herefordshire

Hereford River Carnival is bringing the seaside to this year’s event with its theme Make Waves. Taking place over the bank holiday weekend, the county’s biggest (and free) community event will see masses of mucking about on the river, old-fashioned games and plenty of music, myth and legend. You can expect to see costumed locals floating down the Wye on a decorated float, torchlit processions, live music, theatre, dance and storytelling. With tons of vendors dotted about, you’ll also be able to try out the region’s finest food and drink too.

Find more things to do in Herefordshire
5

August bank holiday 2024 events: International Beatleweek

Liverpool, Merseyside

If you’re in Liverpool over the August bank holiday weekend, be sure to check out the exhibitions, talks and live music by cover bands from over 20 countries at International Beatleweek. This annual festival celebrates the music of the most famous pop group in the world, in the city where it all began. Head to The Cavern Club, the Marina Yacht Club and the Philharmonic Hall to sing along to Jude, All You Need Is Love and Yellow Submarine, and lots, lots more.

Find more things to do in Liverpool
6

August bank holiday 2024 events: Manchester Pride

Manchester, Greater Manchester

Rocking rainbow-flag capes and glittery face art (biodegradable, please!), join a loud and proud celebration of LGBTQ+ people, culture and expression at Manchester Pride. Taking place over the bank holiday weekend, there’ll be a variety of events – some free, some ticketed – dedicated to queer people and their allies. Choose from the lively outdoor Gay Village Party, family-friendly festivities centred around fun, wellness and learning (no one’s ever too young to celebrate here) and a candlelit vigil to honour those who have been lost to HIV and AIDs. The highlight of the weekend though is The Parade, a colourful procession of thousands of people marching together for equality.

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7

August bank holiday 2024 events: Notting Hill Carnival

Notting Hill, London

The streets of Notting Hill and Ladbroke Grove will come alive one more when Notting Hill Carnival returns over the August bank holiday weekend. This world-famous Caribbean party is Europe’s biggest street festival and sees elaborate floats alongside thousands of colourfully costumed performers and energetic steel bands dance, shimmy and sing their way around this pocket of west London. Jam along to Mas, Soca and Calypso music and try traditional Caribbean dishes like Jamaican jerk chicken, Trinidadian roti or Guyanese Pepper Pot from one of the tempting food stalls along the route. There’ll be live music and DJs too, and plenty of activities for the kids to enjoy.

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8

August bank holiday 2024 events: Foodies Festival

South Park, Oxfordshire

If you like your dumplings with a side of nostalgic pop and disco, then Oxfordshire’s Foodies Festival is the one for you this August bank holiday weekend. Dig into delicious drinks and tasty street food from around the world, sample wines, champagnes and cocktails and catch a glimpse of MasterChef champions and Michelin-starred legends cooking up signature summer recipes. There’ll be appearances from celebrity cooks and you’ll get a chance to meet Master Chef stars too. If you fancy learning how to make show-stopping sweet treats, head to The Cake & Bake Theatre, or simply find a spot to sit and enjoy performances from Sister Sledge and Blue.

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9

August bank holiday 2024 events: Ramsgate Festival of Sound

Ramsgate, Kent

Celebrating the history, landscapes, architecture and people of Ramsgate, the Ramsgate Festival of Sound is a highlight of the seaside town’s summertime calendar. Taking place at the end of August (exact dates tbc), the festival will feature an array of talks, workshops, discos, plays and musical theatre alongside its signature Sonic Trail, a route around town that will showcase a stellar line-up of art and sound installations in stunning Ramsgate locations.

Find more things to do in Kent
10

August bank holiday 2024 events: Gone Wild Festival

Exeter, Devon

Fancy starting your day with stand-up paddleboarding and ending it singing along to noughties bands? Then you’ll love Exeter’s Gone Wild Festival. Held at Powderham Castle, this family-oriented festival is brought to you by Bear Grylls, so expect heaps of adventure. Fight for your honour in the Nerf combat arena, race your mates through an obstacle course or learn a range of survival skills like fire lighting and shelter building – all of which are made even better when you know that they’re included in the ticket price. On top of all of that, there are silent discos (to hopefully tire the little ones out), yoga classes for the adults and live music from the likes of  Sugar Babes and Feeder. The question is, will you be able to channel your inner Bear Grylls by munching on mealworms and scorpions at the Gross Eat Station?

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11

August bank holiday 2024 events: All About Dogs

Norwich, Norfolk

All About Dogs, landing at Norfolk Showground this August bank holiday weekend, is full of fun for both cuddly canines and their humans. Catch exciting arena displays, get some expert doggy advice, do some shopping for your pooch and even enter your furry family member into one of almost 50 classes of fun dog shows for a chance to win a rosette. The real fun, though, is the myriad of activities designed purely for the pooches, including lure racing, flyball, hurdles and dock diving (just to warn you, they will get wet!).

The event also has dog-friendly camping facilities, so you don’t have to worry yourself over the thought of a long journey.

Find more things to do in Norfolk

Even more bank holiday events

Fancy doing something a little different this August bank holiday? Ditch the norm and check out these unique events happening over the weekend instead:


• Groove along to unique Cornish and Celtic folk music at Wadebridge’s Cornwall Folk Festival
• Don your best tailored suit, hop on your scooter and head down to the spiritual home of the Mods for a bank holiday filled with jazz, ska and soul at the Brighton Mod Weekender 
• Epsom Downs welcomes adults and kids alike for their bank holiday Family Fun Day, with plenty of free entertainment for the little ones, alongside the horseracing.
• Embrace your inner Mary Poppins at the Bognor Regis International Kite Festival.
• Celebrate Dover’s LGBTQ+ community at Dover Pride. With a parade through the centre of Dover, there’ll be music, live entertainment and a market to enjoy.
• Try not to get wet as you watch local clubs splash up and down the river trying to score goals at Bourton-on-the-Water’s historic Football in the River event, held on bank holiday Monday
• Shop for one of a kind pieces at the two-day Summer Bank Holiday Craft and Gift fair at Woodhall Spa in Lincolnshire. 

25 Mar 2024(last updated)

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  • 1

    Malton, North Yorkshire

  • 2

    Portsmouth, Hampshire

  • 3

    Bishop Auckland, County Durham

  • 4

    Hereford, Herefordshire

  • 5

    Liverpool, Merseyside

  • 6

    Manchester, Greater Manchester

  • 7

    Notting Hill, London

  • 8

    South Park, Oxfordshire

  • 9

    Ramsgate, Kent

  • 10

    Exeter, Devon

  • 11

    Norwich, Norfolk

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