Great West Way Travel Magazine
JOIN THE FUN!
From confetti battles to book festivals, canoe races to country shows and big-ticket exhibitions
BE PREPARED
Event information may have changed or been cancelled due to the coronavirus (COVID-19). While we have tried to bring you the most up-to-date information available when publishing please confirm details with event organisers. Check websites for the latest information on new booking procedures, event timings and safety requirements. Be Curious. Be Responsible. ** Please note that many events along the Great West Way are in the process of planning in light of the current government advice in relation to COVID-19. Whilst we are endeavouring to keep all information up to date, we would advise you to check directly with the relevant venue for the most up to date information. **
CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2021 JAN / FEB / MARCH 2021
Celebration of light, Bristol FEBRUARY-MARCH 2021
This illuminating new annual event will celebrate the creative talents of local, national and international designers and collaborators in a playful outdoor gallery of light installations that will bring vivid colour to Bristol city centre's public spaces at a traditionally quiet and dark time of the year.
co.uk
Cecily Brown Art Exhibition at Blenheim Palace
SEPTEMBER 2020-JANUARY 2021 Made up entirely of new works inspired by the Palace's collection, this is a major solo exhibition by acclaimed British Artist Cecily Brown. The exhibition of new work has been created in response to the Palace's history as an English country estate and as the home to successive generations of the SpencerChurchill family and their collection of paintings, tapestries and decorative arts.
com
Wonder
FEBRUARY 2021
A new year-round programme and festival of children's book events in Bath, Bristol and beyond that will capture imaginations and inspire future storytellers. Wonder's aim is to not only bring some of the biggest selling children's authors and illustrators on the planet to our cities, but also to celebrate emerging talent, offer workshops and to bring the magic of stories into creative spaces that spark kids' imagination.
co.uk
APRIL / MAY / JUNE 2021
Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race
APRIL 2021
This is the world's longest non-stop canoe race, which starts in Devizes, following the Kennet & Avon Canal and joining The Thames, finishing just downstream of Westminster Bridge, opposite the Houses of Parliament, a total distance of 125 miles, 77 portages. co.uk
Howard's Day at Castle Combe Circuit, APRIL 2021
Easter Monday is the traditional start to the motor racing season at Castle Combe Circuit and is marked by this popular race day. co.uk
The Bradford on Avon Duck Race, APRIL 2021
At this the famous annual
Duck Race over a 1000 ducks are launched into the river from the Town Bridge, where Rowing Club kayakers wait at the finish line to retrieve the lucky winners of many amazing prizes to be won! gov.uk
The Bath Festival
MAY 2021
Having recently celebrated its 70th birthday, this 10-day festival celebrates music and literature, bringing prominent writers, musicians and cultural figures to the city.
org.uk
Highclere Country Show MAY 2021
The estate better known as Downton Abbey, Highclere hosts one of England's best country shows, with falconry, gundog displays and the chance to have a go at clay shooting.
co.uk
The North Wessex Downs Walking Festival, JUNE 2021 Featuring over 20 guided walks across the North Wessex Downs AONB and giving everyone an opportunity to explore this stunning landscape in the company of friendly and knowledgeable guides.
org.uk/walkingfestival.html
Calne Summer Carnival
JUNE 2021
The Calne Summer Carnival draws in over 5000 visitors to its historic town centre, with activities from live music to street entertainers, food stalls to local crafters, and the marvellous carnival procession. gov.uk
The Little Welly Obstacle Course & Festival, Henley on Thames, JUNE 2021
Let your kids Go Wild, Get Muddy and enjoy tackling the 3km landscaped course with over 30 big obstacles – involving water, foam and of course plenty of MUD!
co.uk
Royal Ascot
JUNE 2021
Arguably England's most famous – and grandest – horse racing event, with five days of races each kicked off by a royal carriage parade.
This is your chance to wave at the Queen and to wear a fabulous hat!
co.uk →
JULY / AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021
Henley Royal Regatta
JULY 2021
Established in 1839, this annual regatta attracts rowing crews from around the world to its five days of head to head knockout competitions and is regarded as an integral part of the English social season. co.uk
Kew the Music
JULY 2021
Kew Gardens hosts five nights of laidback picnic concerts, from big names in every genre of music from pop and rock to classical and jazz. Headliners include Craig David, Beverley Knight and Jools Holland. org
Bristol Harbour Festival
JULY 2021
Bristol's largest annual event fills the harbour from the SS Great Britain to the city centre with tall ships, music stages, dance areas and food markets. Expect water displays and circus acts too. co.uk
Royal International Air Tattoo, Fairford
JULY 2021
Few events can rival the intensity, drama, and spectacle on offer at one of the world's greatest airshows. Over 300 aircraft typically take part in the flypasts and aerial acrobatics. com
WOMAD, Malmesbury
JULY 2021
Global fiesta of music, dance, art and food that started in Charlton Park, Malmesbury and has since taken the party to more than 27 countries worldwide including Australia, Chile and Spain. co.uk
Marlborough College Summer School JULY-AUGUST 2021
Established in 1974, this annual event is one of Europe's largest multi-generational learning experiences; its popularity underpinned by the phrase “something for everyone”. The College's historic grounds are conveniently located to enjoy Marlborough's famous High Street and host over 500 courses encompassing the creative arts, history, science, body and mind, life skills, sport and country pursuits..! co.uk
Bath Carnival
JULY 2021
Bath's biggest party features a procession of more than 1,000 dancers and musicians through the city plus plenty of world music on the sound systems and at Party in the Park in Sydney Gardens. co.uk
Bristol Pride
JULY 2021
Bristol Pride is an annual celebration of the LGBT+ community. A series of events that take place across Bristol ranging from theatre, comedy, dance and their award winning film festival, Queer Vision. An incredible 40,000 took part in their 10th-anniversary celebrations last year!
co.uk
Malmesbury Carnival & Festival JULY-SEPTEMBER 2021
Malmesbury Carnival been going for over 100 years! The Carnival is now a whole month of events. It changes every year, with events ranging from open gardens to open mic, bands to beer festivals, high jinks to history talks, wine tasting to wine bluffing and of course the Carnival Parade!
co.uk
Festival of British Eventing, Gatcombe Park AUGUST 2021
Held at the spectacular home of the Princess Royal and her family, incorporating the British Open, Intermediate and Novice Championships, as well as the Amateur Championship, The Corinthian Cup.
com
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
AUGUST 2021
Europe's largest annual meeting of hot air balloons brings colour to the sky above Bristol with twice-daily mass balloon launches and the chance to take a ride yourself.
co.uk
Pewsey Carnival
SEPTEMBER 2021
A fortnight of madcap events and music, leading up to the finale which is the fabulous Carnival Procession – one of the oldest carnivals in the country. carnival.org.uk
The Colour Rush and Confetti Battle, Devizes SEPTEMBER 2021
Nobody knows why it started but Devizes' Confetti Battle is surely the most fun you can have with torn up bits of coloured paper. Get stuck into the battle in the marketplace and stay for the fireworks! org.uk
Jane Austen Festival, Bath
SEPTEMBER 2021
2020 marks the 20th anniversary of The Jane Austen Festival. Get your top hats, bonnets and lace out for this 10-day celebration of all things Austen to include a costumed Promenade through the city, and the Regency Costumed Masked Ball, with dancing in the Pump Room of the Roman Baths. co.uk
Heritage Open Days
SEPTEMBER 2021
This national event sees normally hidden and closed places throw their doors open to the public. Highlights along the Great West Way include Reading Synagogue, Sevington Victorian School in Wiltshire and the RollsRoyce Heritage Trust in Bristol - with many more besides!
org.uk
Mini Action Day, Castle Combe Circuit SEPTEMBER 2021
Things go pocket-sized for Mini Action Day – the UK's oldest, best and only track-based Mini event.
Prepare to marvel at the hundreds of both old and new examples of this iconic car that make the venue their home for the day.
co.uk
Henley Literary Festival
SEPTEMBER – 4 OCTOBER 2021
Bringing together punters and pundits from far and wide, last year's line-up included Theresa May, Sir Alastair Cook, Kate Atkinson and Mary Berry, so expect an equally diverse and stellar line up for 2020.
co.uk
Cliveden Literary Festival
SEPTEMBER 2021
Cliveden House has been at the centre of British political, royal and literary life since it was first built, and in the 1960s became notorious as the setting for the Profumo Affair that brought down a government and changed Britain forever. Today Cliveden's annual literary festival attracts writers from the world.
org →