Unmissable August bank holiday events in 2024

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Venture to Suffolk's foodie capital this August Bank Holiday, where a global feast from fine dining to fast food awaits you. The free event promises culinary secrets from top chefs, a farmers' market, a diverse range of stalls, and plenty of fun for all the family. Enjoy gins, granolas, beers, burgers and everything in between at this two-day event. 

When? 25 to 26 August 2024

Camper Calling returns for its seventh year at Ragley Hall, featuring amazing music from acts like Jessie J, Travis and Groove Armada. Alongside music, there’ll be family entertainment, craft workshops, and an array of delicious food and drink. If you want to do some exploring, take a stroll around the grounds and take in the Hall’s scenery, and lakeside views. 

When? 23 to 25 August 2024

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Food lovers, get ready for a tasty weekend in Newcastle-under-Lyme this August Bank Holiday Saturday. Head to the Ironmarket and High Street and enjoy street food, artisan markets, kids' activities, food demos, workshops, and live music. Expect handmade dumplings, Filipino street food, vegan options, artisan gins, wood-fired pizzas, and more. 

When? 24 August 2024

Celebrate all things nautical and watch a first-class sailing regatta with yachts, keelboats, sports boats, and dinghies at this thrilling coastal event in south Devon. The Victorian bandstand hosts Regatta week's opening ceremony as well as live entertainment, competitions, market stalls, Morris dancers, and fun and games for all the family. 

When? Family Fun Weekend takes place 24 to 26 August, while the main event takes place from 28 to 31 August 2024.  

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What’s that coming over the hill to Sewerby Hall and Gardens in East Yorkshire this summer? Dinosaurs!, a new tour from Iconic Bricks, features 18 life-sized brick models designed to awe people of all ages. Get a selfie with the immaculately made Triceratops, Stegosaurus, and Iguanodon builds, and learn how these models are made. 

When? 23 August to 19 September 2024

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A cornerstone of the island's culture for nearly two decades, this vibrant arts festival returns once more in time for the bank holiday weekend. An inclusive and welcoming event that showcases diverse local talent, step into artists’ studios to see them at work and, if something catches your eye, buy a memento or two from them.

When? 23 August to 8 September 2024

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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.

When? 23 to 25 August 2024

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Reserve your spot at 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.

When? Every Saturday from 27 July to 14 September 2024

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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.

When?  23 to 24 August 2024

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.

When? 21 to 27 August 2024

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.

When? 23 to 26 August 2024

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.

When? 25 to 26 August 2024

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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.

When? 24 to 26 August 2024

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.

When? 22 to 25 August 2024

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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?

When? 22 to 25 August 2024

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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.

When? 25 to 26 August 2024