Here comes the fun over summer
WITH lockdown easing and summer approaching many of us will be keen to get out and about. Here are some of the events we can look forward to...
MAY
Brighton Festival, May 1-23, Brighton
Celebration of music, theatre, art, film, literature, debate and family events at a variety of venues across Brighton and Hove. See: brightonfestival.org
Hay Festival, May 26 – June 6, Brecon Beacons
An annual festival of literature and arts held in a tented village on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park. See: hayfestival.com
JUNE
Trooping the Colour, June 12, London
The Queen always attends this impressive military parade. See: royal.uk/trooping-colour
Royal Ascot, June 15- 19, Berkshire
The horse racing extravaganza will go ahead this year but with a smaller crowd each day. See: ascot.co.uk Summer Solstice at Stonehenge, 1 June, Wiltshire Watch the sun rise over the monument. A magical time for neo-druids, tourists and families alike. See: efestivals.co.uk/festivals/stonehenge/2021 Wimbledon, June 28 – July 11, London
The tennis championships will go ahead although it is not known how many spectators will be allowed. See: wimbledon.com
JULY
Wales Airshow, July 3 & 4, Swansea Bay
Wales’ biggest free event has air displays, military aircraft and vintage planes. See: walesnationalairshow.com
RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, July 5 – 11, Surrey
The world’s largest flower show is sure to inspire visitors. See: rhs.org.uk/shows-events
British Grand Prix, July 16-18, Silverstone
Racing fans can buy tickets to this weekend festival that also includes food, world-class live music and activities. See: silverstone.co.uk
BBC Proms, July 30 – September 11, London
The eight-week music extravaganza will be held predominantly at the Royal Albert Hall. More information to come. See: bbc.co.uk/proms AUGUST
Blenheim Palace Food Festival, August 20 – 22, Oxfordshire
Delicious food, jazz and children’s storytellers in the beautiful palace grounds. See: fantasticbritishfoodfestivals.com
Edinburgh Fringe Festival, August 6 – 30, Edinburgh
Exact details are to be confirmed but it’s hoped visitors will be able to enjoy everything from comedy to opera. See: edfringe.com
Reading and Leeds Festival, August 27 – 29, Reading and Leeds
Organiser Melvin Benn, said: “The acts are desperate to play, the kids are desperate to come.”
More info: readingandleedsfestival.com SEPTEMBER
Blackpool Illuminations, September 3 to January 3, 2022, Blackpool
The stunning illuminations are to be extended by two months to boost the resort’s tourism season after Covid-19. See: visitblackpool.com
The Jane Austen Festival, September 10 – 19, Bath Get out your best Regency outfit and immerse yourself in themed walks, talks and balls at venues around the city. See: janeaustenfestivalbath.co.uk Great North Run, September 12, Newcastle The most popular half-marathon in the UK, with a course length of 13.1 miles. See: greatrun.org/ events/great-north-run
RHS Chelsea Flower Show, September 21-26, London
For the first time in 108 years, the Chelsea Flower Show will be held in autumn. For more info see: rhs. org.uk/shows-events