Flaming June is packed full of fun
MAKE the most of summer with these unmissable events in June, says KATIE ROWE…
Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival Cornwall June 17 to 19
THE people of Cornwall have a deeprooted connection with the sea, and the county’s seafaring heritage is celebrated every year at Falmouth’s International Sea Shanty Festival. The free maritime music event – one of the biggest in Europe – celebrates the songs sung by sailors across the centuries. Order a pint of Betty Stogs – a local beer and the subject of several shanties – and sing along to a host of popular ditties at various venues, while revellers wear fancy dress.
Jane Austen Regency Week Hampshire June 18 to 26
DON your bonnet and flutter your fan for nine days of all things Regency in Alton and Chawton. These Hampshire towns will put on a host of events that both Austen fans and history buffs will love. Learn Regency-era dance moves at an afternoon workshop before showing them off at a grand Regency Ball come sundown. And step back in time at the Alton Regency Day, a free heritage festival that sees traditional market stalls line the streets. There are also horse-drawn carriage rides and Regency-style singers to enjoy.
Broadstairs Dickens Festival Kent June 18 to 24
EACH year, Broadstairs revels in all things Dickensian. First held in 1937, this charming event commemorates the town’s most famous holidaymaker – Charles Dickens, who visited regularly between 1837 and 1859 to soak up the sea air and sweeping views of Viking Bay, with its smooth golden sands, from Fort House, now known as Bleak House.
Join in the celebrations of his life, times and works with a variety of talks, performances, fairs and walks. Spot some marvellously costumed ladies and gentlemen strolling along the seafront, catch the festival play, meander through a Victorian country fair, and pull on your pantaloons for the annual Dickensian beach party.
Grassington Festival Yorkshire June 17 to July 2
This two-week celebration begins with a bang as a barrage of colour and sound sweeps through the market town of Grassington during the annual carnival. This is just one of many exciting events taking place at a festival dedicated to showcasing the creative side of the Yorkshire Dales. Experience music, dance, street theatre and much more as artists and locals join forces to put on a dazzling programme of entertainment. Much of the action takes place around the bustling cobbled market square, fringed by shops offering local foods, speciality gifts, and arts and crafts.
Rock On Windermere Cumbria June 17 to 19
AIR guitars at the ready for a brand new festival set against the magical backdrop of Windermere in Cumbria. Friday will provide a gentle intro to a rocking weekend that includes appearances from Gordon Hendricks as Elvis, and Platinum, a top-class Abba tribute show. This is followed by rock giants Status Quo, supported by Toploader, on Saturday, and the inventive sounds of 10cc on Sunday.
To find more ideas, go to visitengland.com.