Bank Holiday Out & About Festivals and fun destinations
Six super suggestions for that perfect long weekend
MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL, FESTIVAL HAILSHAM
If you’re into history, this festival’s for you. Running from the 25th – 27th August, there’s medieval stage shows, music, markets and activities at Herstmonceux Castle in Hailsham. Fully transport back in time by camping for the entire weekend. Tickets can be bought from WWW.ENGLANDSMEDIEVALFESTIVAL.COM
BLAIR DRUMMOND O S SAFARI PARK, STIRLINGSHIRE
Look no further than this safari park for a classic family day out. You can expect to see camels, elephants, giraffes and lions. There’s birds of prey displays, a sea lion presentation, a boat trip and a drive-through safari. Tickets from £13.25 from WWW.BLAIRDRUMMOND.COM
EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL AND FRINGE
Two different festivals, one vibrant city. Visit Edinburgh this bank holiday to catch the festivals’ closing performances, whether the genre is theatre, dance, comedy or live music. Virgin Money Fireworks Concert closes the International Festival on August 27. Visit WWW.EIF.CO.UK and WWW.EDFRINGE.COM for tickets and info. BEAMISH MUSEUM, DURHAM Experience life in north-east England during the 19th and 20th centuries at this open-air museum. On top of exploring the traditional 1900s town, there’s workshops, sports and the chance to ride on an Edwardian steam train. Their “summer of fun” program runs until August 29. Visit WWW.BEAMISH.ORG.UK
NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL
With W two million revellers each e year, Notting Hill Carnival is Europe’s biggest street s festival. It’s a celebration of London’s Caribbean communities, their culture and traditions on August 26 and 27. There’s spectacular parades, live music and exotic food, all suitable for the whole family. Visit WWW. THELONDONNOTTINGHILLCARNIVAL.COM
HILDEN BEER AND MUSIC S FESTIVAL, LISBURN
One for couples and friends, this festival offers beers, craic and music over the bank holiday weekend. Set in the grounds of Hilden Brewery and House, there’s craft beer and cider tasting, gourmet food and live music. A weekend ticket is £40, available from WWW.VISITBELFAST.COM