Things to do this weekend: Country living and bountiful blooms

by Melissa Brobby

This weekend escape to the country, whether it be via a traditional English country show in Cirencester or a totally different country in Bristol or Liverpool. There’s also music and events across the country for every taste suggests Danielle Jones. 

1) Go for gold in Herefordshire

Pitch up your tent in the magnificent grounds of Eastnor Castle this week for a festival that packs as much punch as the top events, with areas like Treasure Island, Smokey Tentacles and… The Gary Barlow? Enjoy top acts from the likes of Shy FX, Groove Armada and many more. Day tickets start at £62. (30 June – 3 July)

What else is happening in Herefordshire

2) Take in the delights of Hebden Bridge Arts Festival

Take a trip to West Yorkshire this week as Hebden Bridge is transformed, once again, into a singing, dancing and colourful spectacular. Enjoy talks on the science of chocolate, two days of street entertainment and a parade of completely handmade items. Many events are free, though some are individually ticketed. (23 June – 2 July)

Plan a trip to West Yorkshire

3) Tiptoe through the blooms of Castle Howard

Even if you’ve never been of the gardening persuasion, you can’t help but smile and snap a selfie with some of the amazing colours on display at Castle Howard in Bloom. As well as the flowers themselves, there’s also a schedule of events including guided tours and talks from the Wedgewood Pottery.  Entrance to the house and gardens is £18.95. (29 June – 2 July)

Discover more of North Yorkshire

4) Sample a bit of country life in the Cotswolds

Grab your Barbour jacket and hitch on your Hunters, as we head deep into the Cotswolds for the Cotswold Show. This two day event is part country show, part food festival, with a spot of extravaganza. Try a spot of Clay Pigeon shooting before going to check out some Alpacas.  Lots to see and do for your £14 entrance fee. (1 – 2 July)

Go to Gloucestershire

5) Wave the Stars and Stripes in Bristol

Celebrate our transatlantic cousin’s day of Independence with a special BBQ at Bristol American Museum as part of their Independence Day Fair. With a fairground attractions, great food and live music from some rootin’ tootin’ acts, you can get into the spirit of the holiday whilst remaining in sunny Blighty. Entry is £7.

Spend a weekend in Bristol

6) Show your moves in Birmingham

© Pete Birkinshaw

Victoria Park in Smethwick will be a hip shaking, rainbow of music and movement this weekend as ZEE Birmingham Mela kicks off. Billed as the UK’s biggest celebration of Asian music, there are sets from Deep Karan, Roma, Sudesh Kumari and many more, plus a world food market and it’s very own Bazaar. Entrance is a bargain at £1. (1 – 2 July)

Heading to Birmingham?

7) Spice up your life in Northumberland

Things are heating up as Chillifest NE gets underway. Enjoy music from Heaven 17 and the Baghdaddies as you can taste your way around all shapes and sizes of chilli, whether you prefer a pepper, con carne or just anything spicy. There’s also a great range of vegan, wheat and dairy free food on offer as well. Day tickets start at £8. (30 June – 2 July)

Visiting Northumberland?

8) Blow your horn for Blackpool Jazz & Blues Festival

Bare your soul in the North West this weekend, as the Blackpool Jazz and Blues Festival returns for its third year. This free event has several stages and a whole range of acts from across this broad genre, including the award winning Alexanda Bone Quartet. Enjoy the summer vibes with a boogie in Blackpool’s iconic Winter Gardens. (1 – 2 July)

Let’s go to Blackpool

9) Discover Eastern Promise in Liverpool

Heralding from a long-gone era, this exhibition of prints uncovers life in Tokyo, or Edo as it was once known. This collection of 50 woodblock prints are an insight into daily life and customs of 19th Century Japan and show how the ancient culture of Japan was developing and heading forward during this age. Exhibition entry is free.  (26 May – 24 September)

See more of Liverpool’s sights

10) Moondance at the Eden Project

Legendary Sir Van Morrison performs this weekend at a venue to beat all venues. Appearing as part of the Eden Sessions (including Bastille, Blondie and Foals to name a few), this lush ecological space becomes a one of a kind music venue for fantastic acts new and old.  Tickets for this amazing event start at £50. (1 July)

Explore more of Cornwall