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!
July events: Journey through British history at Kynren
Experience an epic storytelling journey through time at this spectacular live-action night show in Durham.
Location: Bishop Auckland, Durham
Tickle your ribs at Bristol's Slapstick Festival
A unique celebration of silent film and slapstick comedy, the festival offers a unique chance to watch silent films with a live orchestra along with a VIP list of guests and celebrities sharing their passion for this genre.
Location: Bristol
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
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
July events: Experience maritime life at the Bristol Harbour Festival
Celebrate all things maritime, from mermaid dances to pirate treasure hunts, and test out your sea legs on historic vessels at the Bristol Harbour Festival.
Location: Bristol
Celebrate Portsmouth's literary heritage at BookFest
Meet some of the UK's most beloved authors in an annual literary festival for the whole family.
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
December events: Celebrate the Winter Solstice at Burning the Clocks
Brighton marks the shortest day of the year with the Burning the Clocks winter solstice parade.
Location: Brighton & Hove, East Sussex
October events: Laugh out loud at Birmingham Comedy Festival
Watch stand-up performances from some of the world’s top comedians, then learn the tricks of the trade for yourself.
Location: Birmingham, West Midlands
Dance the weekend away at East London's Lovebox
See dance-music greats strut their stuff on stage at this hip East London festival.
Location: London
August events: Sink your teeth into the Oxford Foodies Festival
Feeling hungry? Eat and drink your way around one of the UK’s biggest food festivals.
Location: Oxford South Parks, Oxfordshire
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
July events: Go intergalactic at bluedot festival
Go stargazing while being star struck by an out-of-this-world line-up of musical talent at bluedot festival.
Location: Blackden, Cheshire
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
Revel in the sounds of the Cambridge Folk Festival
Join thousands in enjoying some of the finest folk music in Europe, at a gorgeous country hall in Cambridge.
Location: Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
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
September events: Help yourself to the best food and drink in Aldeburgh
Fine food, local brews and idyllic seaside make the perfect ingredients for a tasty weekend away.
Location: Aldeburgh, Suffolk
Watch the Battle of the Brass Bands in Durham
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
Herald the coming of spring with a real old English knees-up
Marsden welcomes the cuckoo back to rural West Yorkshire with traditional English dancing, music and sunshine at the Marsden Cuckoo Festival in April.
Location: Huddersfield, West Yorkshire
May events: Tuck into a three day food festival in Exeter
Celebrate the best food and drink from the South West at this event in May.
Location: Exeter, Devon
August events: Be amongst the flowers at the Shrewsbury Flower Show
Flowers, fireworks and two fun-packed days of celebrity chefs, floral displays and family attractions at the Shrewsbury Flower Show.
Location: Shrewsbury, Shropshire
Arts and cultural events
Rejoice in English culture at one of the many shows and fairs held throughout the year.
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