Events for 2020 might be cancelled or postponed as a result of COVID-19, please check with individual websites and businesses for further information. There’s nothing quite like events in England. From Wimbledon to Glastonbury, Manchester Christmas Markets to Brighton Pride, there is a wealth of fantastic, unique festivals and events across the country that span all interests and walks of life. Whether it's film, literature, music or tradition, England's events calendar has it all.
Events
Events for 2020 might be cancelled or postponed as a result of COVID-19, please check with individual websites and businesses for further information. There’s nothing quite like events in England. From Wimbledon to Glastonbury, Manchester Christmas Markets to Brighton Pride, there is a wealth of fantastic, unique festivals and events across the country that span all interests and walks of life. Whether it's film, literature, music or tradition, England's events calendar has it all.
20 reasons to visit England in 2020
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England is packed with exciting events and things to do in 2020; see the highlights and start planning for next year!
September events: Calling all food lovers to Holmfirth Food and Drink Festival
A weekend of tasty treats, markets, live music and entertainment in Holmfirth.
Location: Holmfirth, West Yorkshire
September events: Live the sense and sensibilities of Jane Austen’s Bath
Step into a Georgian world and explore the City of Bath that inspired one of England’s most famous writers.
Location: Bath, Somerset
July events: All aboard for trains and tunes at Indietracks
Celebrate the best of old-time steam railways and indie rock in the East Midlands.
Location: Ripley, Derbyshire
October events: Be part of the story at Bristol Festival of Literature
Summon your inner book worm and find wordy stimulation at venues across Bristol.
Location: Bristol
Watch a kick about like no other in Derbyshire
Witness a 16-hour football match in the streets of Ashbourne, an eccentric sporting event that’s been played since the 17th century.
Location: Ashbourne, Derbyshire
Experience York's Literature Festival
Rub shoulders with best-selling authors as York gets all bookish.
Location: York, North Yorkshire
September events: Celebrate over 2,000 years of Gloucester’s history
Experience the city’s rich history at the Gloucester History Festival in September with family activities, parades. talks and tours.
Location: Gloucester, Gloucestershire
November events: Eyes on the sky for Light Up Lancaster
See the skies over Lancaster light up this autumn at the North’s biggest firework display.
Location: Lancaster, Lancashire
December events: Experience a quintessentially English Christmas
Visit the small market town of Much Wenlock for festive trinkets, handmade gifts and sweet and savoury snacks at its Christmas Fayre.
Location: Much Wenlock, Shropshire
December events: Grab yourself a festive bargain at Bath Christmas Market
Bath Christmas Market is a magical festive shopping experience, set against the city centre’s stunning backdrop of historic buildings.
Location: Bath, Somerset
December events: Discover yuletide fun at Kielder Winter Wonderland
Visit Father and Mrs Christmas in their secret woodland home, help the elves prepare for the big day, meet real reindeer and enjoy a jolly musical experience.
Location: Kielder Water & Forest Park, Northumberland
December events: Enter a magical winter wonderland in Suffolk
Get into the Christmas spirit with a visit to a Christmas Fair in medieval Lavenham and a Dickensian Christmas at a Tudor manor in Long Melford.
Location: Lavenham and Long Melford, Suffolk
August events: Step back in time at the Lytham 1940s Wartime Festival
Come and enjoy the atmosphere and immerse yourself in heritage, entertainment, re-enactment and have-a-go fun.
Location: Lytham Green, Lancashire
May events: Shake your tail feather at Hebden Bridge Burlesque Festival
See some of the best performers from the world of burlesque and alternative cabaret at this event in May.
Location: Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire
October events: Get giddy at the Nottingham Goose Fair
The Goose Fair is one of Europe’s largest travelling fairs and is one of Nottingham’s oldest traditions, dating back more than 700 years.
Location: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
December events: Meet Santa on a steam train
Take a trip on Swanage Railway in the run up to Christmas and get the chance to meet Santa. It's fun for all the family and each child gets their own present!
Location: Swanage, Dorset
August events: Taste the best of Trout ‘n About Food Festival
Take your pick from hand-crafted jewellery to award-winning sausages at this gourmet event in the heart of the Test Valley.
Location: Test Valley, Hampshire
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
August events: Grab your partner and ceilidh on down to Sidmouth Folk Week
The Regency town of Sidmouth on Devon’s Jurassic Coast celebrates a week of folk music, dance and song every August.
Location: Sidmouth, Devon
July events: Enjoy a teddy bears’ picnic at Hertford Castle
Enjoy a whole day packed with free child friendly entertainment and activities on the grounds of Hertford Castle.
Location: Hertford, Hertfordhsire
Arts and cultural events
Rejoice in English culture at one of the many shows and fairs held throughout the year.
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