The festivals that are sure to hit the mark
MUSIC, food, sport, history or dance… whatever your passion and wherever you are in England, there’s something for everyone at the next August bank holiday, says MELISSA BROBBY.
SAMPLE THE BEST IN CORNISH SEAFOOD
THE town of Newlyn in Cornwall showcases its proud fishing heritage at the annual Newlyn Fish Festival (August 31). Here you can sample the very best in fresh Cornish seafood, enjoy live cookery demonstrations and a fish auction, and watch keen cooks show off their skills in The Great Cornish Fish Off. There will also be an eclectic mix of music from local musicians in the Festival Square, and spectators can watch rowers battle it out on the waters in the Newlyn Fish Festival lifeboat gig race.
ENJOY DANCING AND DINING IN THE COTSWOLDS
MAKE your way to Blur bassist Alex James’s farm for a weekend of topclass music and delicious eats at The Big Feastival (August 28-30). Created by James and his pal Jamie Oliver, you can enjoy headline acts including Paloma Faith, The Feeling and Sophie Ellis-Bextor while tucking into mouth-watering dishes, from Deep South barbecued fare to fishfinger sandwiches. Cheese connoisseurs should pop into ‘Alex’s Cheese Hub’, where you can savour the pop star’s artisanal creations. One thing’s for sure – you won’t leave this festival hungry.
HAVE A VERY VICTORIAN SUMMER IN WORCESTERSHIRE
HEAD to the romantic grounds of Witley Court and Gardens for a jolly good day out at Witley’s Victorian Fete (August 30-31) in Worcestershire.
This fantastical finale to the summer will be packed with fun and spectacles from the Victorian age, including puppet shows, a travelling sideshow and a variety of stalls for you to try your luck at.
During your visit, let the kids run wild in the Wilderness Play Area, with its outdoor musical instruments and grass-covered amphitheatre, or explore Witley’s vast parkland with its winding woodland paths and various species of trees.
EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF LEICESTER
VISIT Leicester for ten days of music, dance and sporting events as part of its annual City Festival (August 22-31). Highlights not to be missed include the Cosmopolitan Carnival, with its rich line-up of music acts and dance performances from belly-dancing to capoeira to get you into the party spirit. Meanwhile, the Leicester Belgrave Mela Festival takes place on August 31. This gives festival-goers a taste of the city’s Indian culture, with delicious food and live music. Events are free.
BE TRANSPORTED BACK TO THE MIDDLE AGES IN YORK
IMMERSE yourself in the past at York’s JORVIK Medieval Festival (August 19-31). This year’s programme includes history walks and talks, live battle re-enactments and combat displays. Make sure you don’t miss the festival’s Medieval merriment – entrance is free and you can take part in sword-fighting workshops, bird-of-prey displays and have-a-go archery.