There’s nothing quite like events in England. Where else can you take a dip in a hot tub after dancing the night away at a masquerade ball, sing along with rock stars while dressed as an octopus and catch up with famous writers and chefs in a glorious seaside setting. Film, food, music, comedy, street art, theatre, literature, vintage lifestyle and even worm charming are all checked off at English events and festivals. Want to keep it traditional? England invented the social season and the summer calendar of events in the UK is peppered with opera in gardens and major sporting fixtures including horse racing and rowing.
Events
There’s nothing quite like events in England. Where else can you take a dip in a hot tub after dancing the night away at a masquerade ball, sing along with rock stars while dressed as an octopus and catch up with famous writers and chefs in a glorious seaside setting. Film, food, music, comedy, street art, theatre, literature, vintage lifestyle and even worm charming are all checked off at English events and festivals. Want to keep it traditional? England invented the social season and the summer calendar of events in the UK is peppered with opera in gardens and major sporting fixtures including horse racing and rowing.
19 reasons to visit England in 2019
Featured
England is packed with exciting events and things to do in 2019; see the highlights and start planning for next year!
August events: Soak up sights and sounds at Castle Howard Proms Spectacular
Be wowed by one of the best events in August, as fireworks light up the Howardian Hills at the Castle Howard Proms Spectacular.
Location: Malton, North Yorkshire
Enjoy music, arts and wild lake swimming at Latitude
Combine sing-your-heart-out music with theatre, comedy, wellbeing, food and family-friendly activities and you have Latitude Festival, held in Henham Park, Suffolk.
Location: Suffolk
Get your ‘blues’ fix at Broadstairs Blues Bash
Aint’ nothin’ but the blues - not the winter ones, but the music type in Broadstairs every February for one weekend.
Location: Broadstairs, Kent
July events: Go back in time at Tewkesbury Medieval Festival
Originally one of the world’s biggest battle re-enactments, this event in the normally quiet village of Tewkesbury has grown into a festival recreating all aspects of medieval life.
Location: Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire
September events: 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
Visit a unique Roman cavalry exhibition along Hadrian’s Wall
2,000 years of history comes to life in Hadrian’s Cavalry, an exhibition celebrating the Roman cavalry regiments.
Location: Hadrian's Wall
September events: Take the Scilly Sea Swim Challenge
Watch the spectacle or put yourself to the test as challengers swim and walk between Scilly's main islands in just one day.
Location: Isles of Scilly
December events: Get set for winter at The Alnwick Garden
For a festive day out with a difference, wrap up in your cosiest Christmas jumper and join in the fun at The Alnwick Garden in Northumberland.
Location: The Alnwick Garden, Northumberland
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
August events: Sit under the stars at Summer Nights film screenings
Grab a blanket and watch a blockbuster film at Wollaton Hall's Summer Nights outdoor cinema.
Location: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Release your inner Wordsworth with Words by the Water Festival
Don’t miss this exciting literature event, a festival of words and ideas, set by the lake surrounded by the Lake District fells.
Location: Keswick, Cumbria
December events: Create unique Christmas gifts at Hot Pot Pottery
If you’re looking to find the perfect unique gift then a visit to the Hot Pot Pottery Christmas Fayre is a must.
Location: Coleford, Gloucestershire
Coast along at Mouth of the Tyne Festival
Hop on the metro from Newcastle and be transported to a chilled-out, seaside music festival that mixes live music, performing arts, food and crafts.
Location: Tynemouth, Tyne and Wear
August events: SO Festival
Lincolnshire’s coastal district of East Lindsey is transformed into an international arts venue during this annual summer festival.
Location: Skegness, Lincolnshire
September events: Celebrate Doncaster at the St Leger Festival
Join the party at The William Hill St Leger Festival, the oldest classic horse race in the world, with an array of music, fine food, arts and culture – and racing of course!
Location: Doncaster, South Yorkshire
May events: Open your mind at the International Festival of Psychedelia
Soak in a dynamic display of visual and auditory treats at this critically-acclaimed festival in Liverpool’s creative district.
Location: Liverpool, Merseyside
June events: Become part of the Hebden Bridge Arts Festival
Celebrate Hebden Bridge's quirky and distinctive arts scene at this unique festival, known for delivering big names in a local setting.
Location: Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire
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
May events: Don your tweeds for the Nottinghamshire County Show
May is usually your first chance to enjoy the spring sunshine, so spend it wisely with an action-packed day at the Nottinghamshire County Show.
Location: Newark, Nottinghamshire
August events: Dance your wooden clogs off at Broadstairs Folk Week
Join in the fun – play the spoons, sing along with the many bands, shake a clog or head along to the Hobby Horse Club.
Location: Broadstairs, Kent
Arts and cultural events
Rejoice in English culture at one of the many shows and fairs held throughout the year.
Customer survey …
VisitEngland would like to invite you to take part in a short survey about our website.
It should take no more than a couple of minutes.