Festival Fever
For a lot of people, May to September each year is all about summer festivals. In fact, with festivals in England showcasing everything from books to brie, you’re guaranteed to find a weekend shindig to float your boat. We love coming face to face with contemporary authors and drinking in discussions on heroines and plots. A festival’s the place to indulge in passionate concoctions by local chefs. Or turn up the volume with some open air rock; from fields in the middle of nowhere to the grounds of stately homes. Whatever the weather, it’s one big celebration – so come on, join in the party!
Take in a weekend of jazz at Marsden Jazz Festival
Hear old school traditional to cutting-edge contemporary jazz at Marsden Jazz Festival.
Location: Marsden, West Yorkshire
October events: Visit England's largest travelling fair in Hull
Hull Fair celebrated its 700th birthday in 1993 and has grown continuously, now attracting over half a million visitors every year.
Location: Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
May events: Feel inspired at The Bath Festival
Enjoy music and literature from around the world with an incredible programme of arts and events.
Location: Bath, Somerset
Watch Indie A-listers at the End of the Road Festival
The intimate surroundings of the End of the Road Festival give you the chance to get up close and personal with the bands and their music.
Location: Larmer Tree Gardens, North Dorset
July events: Step into a midsummer night’s dream at Port Eliot Festival
Culture galore mixed with the beautiful Cornish countryside makes the annual Port Eliot Festival a truly magical summer event.
Location: Port Eliot, Cornwall
September events: Sample some fantastic seafood at the Newquay Fish Festival
Feast upon the edible delights that swim Cornwall’s waters as local chefs cook up a treat, right before your eyes, at the Newquay Fish Festival.
Location: Newquay, Cornwall
September events: Experience Agatha Christie's Riviera in Devon
Discover Agatha Christie's Riviera and follow in her footsteps by attending her namesake festival, and walking the Agatha Christie Mile in the bustling harbour town of Torquay.
Location: Torquay, Devon
June events: Cheer on a winner at the Northumberland Plate Festival
Put on your posh frocks and enjoy three days of racing and live music at one of the biggest events in the North East horseracing calendar.
Location: Newcastle, Tyne and Wear
May events: Visit the 1940s in West Yorkshire
Head to Haworth in West Yorkshire and get a glimpse into life in the 1940s.
Location: Haworth, West Yorkshire
July festivals: Durham Brass
Brass is given a modern twist with art installations in the streets and a dose of contemporary hip hop at BRASS Durham International Festival.
Location: Durham
Enjoy 100 days of culture at the Yorkshire Festival
Theatre, art exhibitions, musical performances and a bit of biking; the 100-day marathon that is the Yorkshire Festival has it all.
Location: Yorkshire
July Events: South Tyneside Festival
This fabulous summer festival brings three months of free entertainment to the vibrant seaside resort of South Shields.
Location: South Shields, Tyne and Wear
July events: Lovebox
See dance-music greats strut their stuff on stage at this hip East London festival.
Location: London