SUMMER DIARY
MAY
EAST YORKSHIRE THOROUGHBRED CAR CLUB VINTAGE RALLY
Fantastic classic cars from Yorkshire and beyond gather in the beautiful grounds of Burton Agnes Hall. Burton Agnes Hall, Burton Agnes, Driffield, East Yorkshire
YO25 4NB. May 12. Tel 01262 490324; www.burtonagnes.com.
RHS CHELSEA FLOWER
SHOW
World-renowned and glamorous, RHS Chelsea is an unforgettable day out. This year sees a garden design debut from the Duchess of Cambridge. Royal Hospital Chelsea, London SW3 4SR. May 21-25. Tel: 020 3176 5800; www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/ rhs-chelsea-flower-show.
LEONARDO DA VINCI: A LIFE IN DRAWING
To mark the 500th anniversary of the death of Leonardo da Vinci, this display of over 144 of his drawings will be the largest exhibition of the polymath’s work in over 65 years.
The Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace, Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1A 1AA. May 24 to October 13. Tel: 0303 123 7301; www.rct.uk/visit/the-queens-gallerybuckingham-palace.
A ROTHSCHILD TREASURY This year marks the creation of a new permanent display celebrating the Waddesdon Rothschilds as collectors. More than 800 objects dating from AD 100 to the 20th century will be included, most on public display for the very first time.
Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP18 0JH.
From May 24 . Tel: 01296 820414; https://waddesdon.org.uk. CRICK BOAT SHOW
As well as a display of new narrowboats and wide beams and Britain’s largest chandlery, there are dozens of boats to look round, free boat trips, live music and a real ale marquee. Crick Marina, West Haddon Road, Crick, Northamptonshire NN6 7SQ. May 25-27. Tel: 01283 742950 or email www.crickboatshow.com.
COOPER’S HILL CHEESE ROLL
Fancy chasing a 9lb Double Gloucester down the steep slopes of Cooper’s Hill? The tradition dates back centuries and the aim is to catch the cheese or simply be the first to the bottom – sounds easier than it is! Cooper’s Hill, Brockworth, Gloucestershire. May 27. Visit https://officialcheeserolling.com.
2019 ELGAR FESTIVAL
A four-day celebration celebrating Elgar’s works in and around the city of his birth, Worcester. Highlights include the composer’s Cello Concerto, played by international cellist Raphael Wallfisch with the English Symphony Orchestra in Worcester Cathedral.
Worcester. May 30-June 2. Tel: 01905 611427; www.elgarfestival.org. COTSWOLD OLIMPICK GAMES
Dating back to 1612, this forerunner of the modern Olympics sees a number of unusual events including Shin Kicking. Don’t worry – you can use straw to pad your shins!
Dover’s Hill, Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire. May 31. Visit www. olimpickgames.co.uk.
JUNE
EPSOM DERBY
Carnival atmosphere and picnics on the hill to top hat and tails in the Queen’s Stand: Derby Day is here. Epsom Downs Racecourse, Epsom, Surrey KT18 5LQ. June 1. www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/epsom/ events-tickets/epsom-derby.
TROOPING THE COLOUR
The 1st battalion Grenadier Guards will take centre stage at the Queen’s birthday parade.
June 8; https://qbp.army.mod.uk/.
MACMILLAN CHARITY RACEDAY
At the biggest charity meeting in Britain, you can party on the lawns. And whether you win or lose, you can be safe in the knowledge that simply attending has helped raise money. York Racecourse, Knavesmire Road, York YO23 1EX.
June 15. Tel: 01904 620911; www. yorkracecourse.co.uk.
WYMONDHAM MUSIC FESTIVAL
Crossing all genres, this festival is a mix of free and paid-for concerts – some in Wymondham’s magnificent Abbey as well as Town Busking Day and the annual open-air Jazz Picnic. Wymondham, Norfolk.
June 21-29. Tel: 01953 333500; www.wymfest.org.uk.
SCULPTURE INTERNATIONAL
Building upon the region’s rich history as the birthplace of sculptors Barbara Hepworth, Damien Hirst and Henry Moore, Yorkshire’s new festival is a series of events and exhibitions across its galleries. Various venues across Leeds and Wakefield. June 22-September 29. For more information, visit https:// yorkshire-sculpture.org.
KYNREN – AN EPIC TALE OF ENGLAND
The spectacular story of 2,000 years of English history told in an extravaganza of a show featuring 1,000 performers, magnificent sets, stunts, and pyrotechnics.
Flatts Farm, Bishop Auckland, County Durham DL14 7SF; Saturdays from June 29. Tel: 0333 300 3028; www.kynren.com.
SWATON VINTAGE DAY
This vintage country show raises money for a whole host of good causes and features a Novelty Dog Show, Classic Car Parade and the World Egg-throwing Championships. Church House, Swaton, Lincolnshire NG34 0JP. June 30. Tel: 01529 421194; https:// swatonvintageday.com.
JULY
HAMPTON COURT PALACE GARDEN FESTIVAL
With the famous Floral Marquee, show gardens and new workshops, music performances and competitions, this year also pays homage to legendary plantswoman Beth Chatto, who sadly passed away last year. Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU.
July 2-7. www.rhs.org.uk/showsevents/rhs-hampton-court-palacegarden-festival.
A TEA JOURNEY: FROM THE MOUNTAINS TO THE TABLE Through over 150 works from the Tang dynasty to the present day, this immersive exhibition reveals every aspect of tea from its production to cultural and economic significance. Compton Verney Art Gallery and Park, Warwickshire CV35 9HZ. July 6-September 22. For more information, visit www. comptonverney.org.uk. SHAKESPEARE’S ROSE THEATRE
Europe’s first ever pop-up Shakespearean theatre arrives at Blenheim Palace. Four of the Bard’s most popular plays will transport audiences to the intimate atmosphere of an Elizabethan playhouse. Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire OX20 1UL;
July 8-September 7. www.blenheimpalace.com/whatson/events/shakespearesrt.
NYETIMBER DORSET SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
A wonder of delicious seafood, top chefs and fantastic kids’ entertainment includes crabbing and lobster pot making, not forgetting sunshine (fingers crossed!) and English sparkling wine – all set along Weymouth’s historic harbour. Weymouth Harbour, Dorset. July 13-14; www.dorsetseafood.co.uk.
WELLS ART CONTEMPORARY The first major art exhibition to be held at Wells Cathedral. View contemporary paintings, sculpture, printmaking and photography in this magnificent and sacred setting.
Wells Cathedral, Wells, Somerset BA5 2UE. July 20-August 11. www. wellsartcontemporary.co.uk.
BBC PROMS
The Proms return to the Albert Hall with a varied progamme as ever. Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AP
July 19-September 14
Tel: 020 7589 8212 (Box Office); www.royalalberthall.com.
MEDIEVAL JOUSTING AT ARUNDEL CASTLE
Lances will shatter and tensions will run high at this sporting tournament regarded by competitors as a true test of skill. Set beneath the ancient castle, it’s a fine way to get younger family members enthused about history. Arundel Castle, Arundel, West Sussex BN18 9AB. July 23-28. To book tickets, visit www. arundelcastle.org.
SALTBURN FOOD FESTIVAL Enjoy eating, watching demonstrations and shopping at over 100 festival stalls – all from the north-east of England – in the heart of the Victorian seaside town of Saltburn. Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire. July 28. http://saltburnfoodfestival.com.
AUGUST
STOCKTON INTERNATIONAL RIVERSIDE FESTIVAL
A free outdoor arts and street theatre festival showcasing dance, circus and music acts for all the family. Stockton Town Centre, StocktonOn-Tees. August 1-4. Tel: 01642 528130; http://sirf.co.uk.
EAST KIRKBY AIR SHOW
Join Lincolnshire’s biggest independent airshow for a day of displays kicking off at 9 a.m. There’s plenty to see on the ground, too. Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre, East Kirkby, Spilsby, Lincs PE23 4DE. August 3. Tel: 01790 763207; lincsaviation.co.uk.
INTERNATIONAL GILBERT & SULLIVAN FESTIVAL
The acclaimed National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company take to the stage once more for the 26th International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival. The festival will also bring together a wonderful mix of leading amateur performing groups who compete for the coveted Festival Champion’s Trophy.
Royal Hall, Ripon Road, Harrogate HG1 2SY. August 7-18. Tel: 01422 323 252; www.gsfestivals.org.
ISLE OF WIGHT JIGSAW PUZZLE FESTIVAL
With the festival in its 25th year, jigsaw fans can see more than 300 made-up puzzles, plus there’s a jigsaw tombola and many chances to buy.
St James Church, East Cowes, Isle of Wight PO32 6RL. August 12-17. Tel: 01983 294075; www. jigsawfestival.co.uk.
BOURNEMOUTH AIR FESTIVAL
Eyes to the skies! The UK’s biggest air festival has seen displays from the British Army Tigers Freefall
Parachute Display Team and the RAF Red Arrows among others. On land the Royal Marines perform while out to sea the horizon will be enhanced by a Royal Navy ship.
August 29-September 1; https://bournemouthair.co.uk.