Things to do this weekend: liquorice love and super strong men

by Louie.kenyoncrockett

Fancy a spot of classical music at an ancient castle in Kent, or a mega bag of pick ‘n’ mix at a celebration of liquorice in Yorkshire? Check out what’s happening across the country this weekend as written by Danielle Jones. 

1) Cast your net for the Dorset Seafood Festival, Weymouth Harbour, Dorset (9th-10th July)

Dorset Food Festival © VisitEngland

With fresh oysters, live cooking demonstrations and around 100 stalls of seafood to peruse, the Dorset Seafood Festival has numerous tastes and treats for all, free of charge. Why not check out the Piddle Experience? Here you can enjoy fresh seafood with some expertly matched beverages. You can partake sat on the quayside or take it with you  and explore the festival.

What else is happening this weekend in Dorset?

2) Doff your beret at the Altrincham French Festival, Altrincham, Cheshire (9th -10th July)

Get a little joie de vivre this weekend at the Altrincham French Festival. Celebrating all things Gallic, the weekend of events includes a carnival parade, Bastille Evening and a free family fun day. Try French culinary treats, check out music and dance performances from our southerly neighbours and see who wins La Grande Bake Off competition. Très bien!

See what else is on this weekend in Cheshire

3) Skate over to the Oldham Carnival and RootZ Festival, Oldham (10th July)

Oldham Carnival and ROOTZ Festival © Oldham Carnival

Complete with its own dry ice rink, a schedule packed with live music from local acts, plus the ever-popular Freebie Zone, The Oldham Carnival and RootZ Festival is well worth checking out this weekend. Fancy a bit of competition? Then swing by the UK Dance Troop Championships to see who will be crowned top act.

Find things to do this weekend in Manchester

4) Scare your pants off with Ghost Stories at Fort Widley, Portsmouth (10th July)

Situated high over the Solent, Fort Widley with its imposing walls and gun turrets is a striking sight, steeped with history. Follow your guide through the darkened tunnels as they spin a ghost tale that will chill your blood and have you questioning what really lurks in the shadows. Tickets are £15.

Want to see what else is on this weekend in Portsmouth?

5) Feel cultured at the Classical Concert at Leeds Castle, Maidstone, Kent (9th July)

Concert at Leeds Castle © Alan Chandler

What could be more enchanting than a picnic, in the grounds of a great English castle, watching the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra? This summer extravaganza, hosted by Aled Jones and conducted by John Rigby, sets classical music to a beautiful summer’s eve experience, with tickets available from £43.

Discover things to this weekend in Kent

6) Watch a chukka at the British Beach Polo Championships, Bournemouth, Dorset (8th- 9th July)

Experience how the other half live on Bournemouth’s Sandbanks Beach. Grab a glass of champagne and watch the polo action up close, head to one of the glitzy VIP after parties, or check out the charity race, Porsche versus Polo Pony. Who will reign supreme? Tickets start at £25 each.

See what’s on this weekend in Bournemouth

7) Make a pit stop at the F1 British Grand Prix, Silverstone, Northamptonshire (8th-10th July)

Daniil Kvyat © British Grand Prix

Silverstone is the ultimate date in the British racing calendar. The Grand Prix brings the crème de la crème of Formula 1 to England, as they battle it out for pole position. Hear the engines roar and see the super-slick cars zoom past you at astonishing speeds as they race to victory. Tickets from £40.

Find more thhings to do this weekend in Northamptonshire

8) Sweeten up with the Pontefract Liquorice Festival, Pontefract, Yorkshire (10th July)

For many, liquorice is a childhood treat, whereas in Pontefract, it’s more a way of life. Home of the beloved Pontefract Cake, the annual free Liquorice Festival celebrates the black confection with stalls and events across the town. Even if you’re not a fan of the black stuff there’s plenty else on offer too, from children’s workshops to street entertainment

See what else there is to do this weekend in Yorkshire

9) Flex your muscles at Europe’s Strongest Man in Leeds (9th July)

Watch in awe as competitors undertake feats of strength that seem impossible to mere mortals. Keep your eyes open for Hathor Bjornsson, or “The Mountain” from Game of Thrones, back to defend his title for a third year running. With tickets from £24 you’ll get to see every eye-watering event live.

See what else is happening in Leeds this weekend

10) Kickflip over to NASS Festival, Shepton Mallet, Somerset (8th-10th July)

NASS Festival © Alex Rawson

Bringing together music, BMX and skateboarding, NASS festival will have you dancing to the beats of Andy C and Roni Size whilst marvelling at the sick skills in the competitions. With tickets from £39 grab your deck and have a crack at their multitude of on-site skate parks too.

See what else is on this weekend in Somerset