Things to do

Delve into 10 days of creativity bursting with spoken word, poetry, literature, film and more.

With 17 days of international music, theatre, literature, dance and more, enjoy the flagship arts festival for the East of England.

Hot, hectic and hair-raising, this Northumberland tradition has wowed spectators for over 160 years…

See newly hatched chicks on a guided nature walk, and explore the coastline on boat cruises and watersports.

Did someone say “Cheese Gromit?” Lookout for sculptures of well-loved Ardman characters dotted around the city with a movie inspired theme.

Celebrate classical music at the South Downs Summer Music Festival in Alfriston, in the South Downs.

Head to Bognor Regis for three days of fabulous folk music at the Southdowns Music Festival.

With moonlit walks, workshops, stargazing and more, celebrate the International Dark Sky Status of the North York Moors.

Test your endurance as you swim, cycle and run along Bournemouth’s iconic seafront.

Celebrating people, arts and culture, this festival features arts activities, large scale art installations, live music, dance and DJs.

This revered folk and rock festival was established in 1980 and is still lovingly curated and hosted by the legendary Fairport Convention.

On the Waterfront returns to Liverpool’s iconic Pier Head this summer, with a mighty line up of big-name artists.

Reopened in January 2025 after a major refurb, expect exciting new exhibitions around light and sound technologies. Lookout for the Widescreen Weekend in September 2025 celebrating the past, present and future of film.

A fascinating fusion of surrealist art and magical practice, absorb never-before-seen pieces from a radical British artist.

An unmissable opportunity to see the monumental paintings of indigenous Australian artist Emily Kam Kngwarray.

There are over 750 yachts and 7,000 competitors at one of sailing’s biggest events.

Filled with musical heritage, this popular festival has hosted the likes of Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix, and more recently Kasabian and Lewis Capaldi.

Northern England's longest-running literature festival brings big names and engaging events to this 17-day extravaganza.

Award-winning novelists, writing workshops and film screenings make up just some of the schedule at this packed autumn literature festival.

Get a taste of Somerset as local food producers and live music come together for an all-out celebration.

A 10-mile run along Portsmouth’s seafront, taking in the city’s attractions and bringing people together in celebration.

Catch some of the world’s biggest artists in August, at this musical extravaganza by the sea.  

The highly anticipated Good Food Show Summer is an annual summer foodie extravaganza.

Discover the sounds of days gone by, with soul-stirring historic concerts and choral ensembles.

Maybe you’ll climb the ‘Volcorno’, hit the ‘Cobstacle’ Course, or go climbing on the ‘Corn-wall’?

The town celebrates the written word in this bi-annual event for book lovers.

From coastal paths with epic views to following in the footsteps of history, grab your walking boots for expert-guided walks and experiences.

Mark your diary for the country’s biggest and one of its most popular Pride events, in Brighton.

Visit the opera house like no other, at country house Glyndebourne, near Lewes in East Sussex – a fixture on the summer festival scene.

This annual celebration of art, music, books and dance features talents from all over the world.

Featuring a vintage fun fair, thrilling country shows and gourmet food – in the grounds of Chatsworth House.

Every August, the otherwise tranquil Catton Hall transforms into one of Britain’s biggest heavy metal festivals.

A fun-packed day with entertainment for everyone.

Look out for fun-filled entertainment, street food and funfair rides, with great vibes and confetti galore.

Every July, Nottingham pulls on its dancing shoes for the finest rock bands, pop stars and DJs.

Enjoy classical music performances and cultural events, in venues throughout the pretty town of Corbridge.

As well as over 100 stalls and vendors, look out for cooking demos, celebrity chefs and tasting sessions.

Every summer, this two-week classical festival brings top-quality performers to the North York Moors.

Every two years, the Manchester International Festival presents a star-studded line-up.

Juicy lobster, succulent crab, and freshly caught mussels and oysters: it’s all on the menu!

Have fun at gin-tasting and cocktail-making workshops with some of Britain’s top distilleries.

Heavy metal fans will flock to the Damnation Festival, a one-day celebration of metal in the BEC Arena, Manchester.

Rock out for three days of live music at Leeds Festival, in Bramham Park, one of the biggest dates on the festival calendar.

Join in with the celebration at the UK’s biggest comic art festival, Thought Bubble, in Yorkshire.

Head to Penrith’s Wannasee Festival for family-friendly fun and live acts for all ages.

Classical music fans will adore Lake District Summer Music, a festival that’s been going for more than 35 years.

Dance yourself dizzy at Solfest, a much-loved music and arts festival held in North Lakes Country Park.

Join the parade and party at Margate Pride, as the Kent coast is lit up in rainbow colours.

Celebrate local food and drink at the popular Broadstairs Food Festival, in the beautiful Kent seaside town.

One of the loveliest folk festivals in England takes place on a farm on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, with three days of fabulous fun.