EVENTS THIS SPRING
Discover the festivals, fairs and shows happening around the UK, from family outings to foodie flings
Dates for your diary
NORTH
LOCH LOMOND SPRINGFEST FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL 4-5 April Sample sumptuous Scottish fare in the Trossachs National Park. lochlomondfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk
HARROGATE SPRING FLOWER SHOW 23-26 April From alliums to azaleas, peonies to pansies, find plants for any plot at the Great Yorkshire Showground. flowershow.org.uk
ORKNEY FOLK FESTIVAL 21-24 May For concerts, ceilidhs and good craic, head to this historic harbourside town. orkneyfolkfestival.com
EAST
CRAB AND LOBSTER FESTIVAL 16-17 May Historic rivals in north Norfolk, the towns of Cromer and Sheringham join together to commemorate their shared coastal heritage. crabandlobsterfestival.co.uk
EAT CAMBRIDGE 22-31 May Whether it’s bread from Grain Culture or beer from Wylde Sky Brewing, try the very best in local produce from around the city and county. eatcambridge.co.uk
THE SUFFOLK SHOW 27-28 May Fun for all the family: watch incredible equine displays and try delicious local fare at one of the UK’S oldest traditional agriculture events. suffolkshow.co.uk
THE STODY RAINBOW GARDEN 30 May Hosted among 14 acres of azaleas and rhododendrons, this year’s event will focus on mental health within the LGBTQ+ community. stodyestate.co.uk
SOUTH
THE COUNTRY LIVING SPRING FAIR 23-26 April Meet the CL team at London’s historic Alexandra Palace, plus special guests including Melissa Helmsley and Tom Hunt. In its 29th year, the show offers craft workshops and cookery demos alongside artisan stalls. countrylivingfair.com
OXFORD MAY MUSIC FESTIVAL 30 April-3 May Celebrating music, culture and science, its performers include the world’s brightest artists and academics. oxfordmaymusic.co.uk THE
DECORATIVE LIVING FAIR 15-16 May Head to Eridge Park in Kent to browse vintage fashion, jewellery, textiles and gardenalia.decorativelivingfair.co.uk DOGSTIVAL 16-17 May Watch working-dog displays as well as sheep-herding in the heart of the New Forest. dogstival.co.uk
WEST
LYME REGIS BIG BEER FESTIVAL 10-11 April Wet your whistle with a local beer or cider while you watch the waves. visit-dorset.com
FOWEY FESTIVAL OF ARTS AND LITERATURE 8-16 May Discover the Cornish coastal town that inspired Daphne du Maurier’s novels. foweyfestival.com
THE BATH FESTIVAL 15-24 May Enjoy a diverse programme of more than 120 music and literature events in this ancient city. bathfestivals.org.uk
HAY FESTIVAL 21-31 May Gloria Steinem, Ali Smith and Hilary Mantel are among the speakers at one of the country’s most prestigious literary events. hayfestival.com