July 19-Sept 1; 49-51 Marine Terrace, Margate CT9 1XJ (01843 295887); free; dreamland.co.uk
and finally Channel 5’s takeover week. Get your skates on and head to the retro roller disco.
APOLLO 50, GOONHILLY EARTH STATION, CORNWALL
Celebrating 50 years since the Eagle Lander touched down on the moon, Goonhilly Earth Station on the Lizard Peninsula, Cornwall (one of the satellite relays responsible for transmitting the moon landing images to television sets across the nation) is putting on a one-off festival brimming with talks, films, music and workshops.
Start with a wander around the 32-metre antenna satellite dish, make your way to the Old Battery Store to catch a space-themed film and an intergalactic pub quiz, before seeing one of the number of various acts, such as futuristic multi-instrumental band Public Service Broadcasting, performing in the events area. And make sure to look up – the moon is July 20; Goonhilly Satellite Earth Station, Goonhilly Downs, Helston, Cornwall; tickets from £59 via apollo50.co.uk
THE FESTIVAL OF WHEELS, IPSWICH
A festival of tractor-pulling, American trucks and BMX – anything with wheels – with adrenalin-inducing stunts and rare vehicles of all kinds, from hot rods to big rigs. Other attractions include the big top Happy’s Circus (no animals), free kids’ circus workshops, a food fair, live bands including the Forties harmony trio The Bombshells and, of course, a show and shine competition. Don’t miss the hair-raising “motoball” (motorbike football) show or the opportunity to take a spin on a Penny Farthing.
Aug 3-4; Trinity Park, Felixstowe Rd, Ipswich IP3 8UH; Tickets from £10.99; motorshowevents.com
BRISTOL INTERNATIONAL BALLOON FIESTA, BRISTOL
Europe’s largest annual such meeting attracts more than 130 hot-air balloons to Ashton Court Mansion from across the globe, with balloon rides, mass balloon lifts and a firework finale every night. As well as admiring a balloonfilled sky glowing in time to a soundtrack, there are shopping stands, fairground rides and entertainment. Camping and glamping with the Red Sky Tent Company is now available. Aug 8-11; Ashton Court Estate, Long Ashton, Bristol BS41 9JN; 0117 963 3438; free entry; bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk
KETTLEWELL SCARECROW FESTIVAL, N YORKSHIRE
Thousands flock to the village of Kettlewell in Yorkshire to marvel at the weird and wonderful creations cropping up around the village, and this year it’s the 25th anniversary. Aug 10-18; Kettlewell, North Yorkshire; free; kettlewellscarecrowfestival.co.uk
WOOFSTOCK, DEVON
Fun for all the family and their four-legged friends, with dog shows and displays including agility, police dog demos and obedience training. Prizes for dogs include “Golden Oldie” and “Appealing Eyes” with funds raised for charities such as Pawsome Pensions and Animals in Distress. There’s also live music all weekend including sets from Los Pacaminos, Paul Young, La Voix and I Love Amp. Camping and bell tent hire available. Aug 16-18; Old Stone Farm, Blackawton Devon TQ9 7DG; tickets from £4; woofstockuk.co.uk like the lively Lytham 1940s Wartime Festival crop up all over the country and are a novel way to inject a little education into the summer holidays. Have a look at the War and Peace Revival in Kent (July 23-27) for more vintage fun down south.
Aug 17-18; Lytham Green, Lytham, Party,