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: 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
September events: Be blown away at St Annes International Kite Festival
St Annes hosts the spectacular annual Kite Festival, featuring magnificent kites from all over the world.
Location: St Annes on Sea, Lancashire
September events: Visit Yorkshire’s food capital this autumn
Visit Malton’s hub of artisan food production for a tasty treat of some of Yorkshire’s finest and freshest autumnal flavours.
Location: Malton, North Yorkshire
July events: Experience Stratford-upon-Avon’s River Festival
Stratford-upon-Avon’s River Festival in the summer is a two-day extravaganza on the banks of the River Avon.
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire
July events: Surround yourself with artistic talent at Holmfirth Art Week
Over 400 artists combine art, music, comedy, theatre and literature for the UK's largest open art exhibition.
Location: Holmfirth, West Yorkshire
July events: Watch a traditional Cart Marking ceremony
From handcarts and horse-drawn carriages to steam-driven vehicles and vintage London buses; see this parade of vehicles marked in the traditional Cart Marking Ceremony.
Location: London, Greater London
May events: The Norfolk & Norwich Festival
Norwich becomes a hotbed of international art and performance every May.
Location: Norwich, Norfolk
Eat your way across Dorset during Dorset's Food Fortnight
A two-week long celebration of all things mouth-wateringly, sensually, irresistibly Dorset.
Location: Dorset
July events: Global sounds and a world of words at WOMAD
Grab your tent and learn more about cultures across the world at the long-running World of Music, Arts and Dance Festival.
Location: Malmesbury, Wiltshire
Go to Liverpool Sound City, an innovative music, film and art festival
Get a ticket for one of the UK’s largest international music, digital and film festivals.
Location: Liverpool, Merseyside
November events: Start your shopping at the Weald and Downland Christmas Market
Find the perfect gift and enjoy a great day out at the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum.
Location: Chichester, West 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
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
July events: See huge headliners at Kendal Calling
Kendal Calling is the most fun you can have in the countryside with fields full of activities and attractions.
Location: Penrith, Cumbria
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: SO Festival
Lincolnshire’s coastal district of East Lindsey is transformed into an international arts venue during this annual summer festival.
Location: Skegness, Lincolnshire
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
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
Visit the largest Viking Festival in Europe
Immerse yourself in the gruesome world of the Vikings as the city of York celebrates its Norse past.
Location: York, North Yorkshire
June events: Step back in time at Broadstairs Dickens Festival
The usually quiet coastal town Broadstairs comes to life to celebrate the life of Dickens at this week-long, eclectic festival.
Location: Broadstairs, Kent
Arts and cultural events
Rejoice in English culture at one of the many shows and fairs held throughout the year.
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