• Pembrokeshire Fish Week, Wales
Home to Britain’s only coastal National Park, Pembrokeshire has wide, white beaches, pretty Georgian resorts and history-steeped castles. Celebrate all things maritime with crab-catching afternoons, shellfish masterclasses, fresh mackerel barbecues, snorkel safaris, kayaking, rock pooling, sea-angling, Welsh coracle making or coastal rambles.
When 27 June to 5 July
Price Most events are free; eating out starts at around £10 for two courses.
www.pembrokeshirefishweek.co.uk
• The Festival of History, Northamptonshire
The elegant gardens of 18th-century Kelmarsh Hall are the setting for this annual extravaganza. Thrill to the speed of a Roman chariot race and see centurions give a rousing cheer to Redcoats, watch Victorians take the waters or marvel at the aerial wizardry of the World War II display. Two thousand years is telescoped into this popular weekend.
When 25 and 26 July
Price Tickets from £10. Concessions for English Heritage members.
www.english-heritage.org.uk/festivalofhistory
• Cheltenham Music Festival, Gloucestershire
The Regency Pittville Pump Room, the 19th-century town hall and Gloucester’s 11th-century cathedral host a string of entertainments and concerts in this summer’s music festival. The repertoire has broadened to include jazz and contemporary scores but classical music remains at its core. Highlights include English National Opera Music Director Edward Gardner conducting the Halle Orchestra, violinist Nicola Bendetti and pianist Angela Hewitt.
When 3 to 18 July
Price Tickets from £5
www.cheltenhamfestivals.com
• Lamber Tree Festival, Wiltshire
One of the best of the ‘boutique’ events, this family-friendly festival takes place in idyllic Victorian gardens. Guitar virtuoso Richard Thompson headlines an impressive musical line up, numbering stalwarts Jools Holland and bands The Dodge Brothers and The Gaslight Troubadours. Hone your skills in one of the 150 art workshops, watch the carnival procession or shop in the global bazaar.
When 15 to 19 July
Price Tickets from £29
www.larmertreefestival.co.uk
• Cornbury Festival, Oxfordshire
Set on the fringes of Wychwood Forest, country fayres have taken place here since the 18th century. Morris dancers mingle with farmers and families at this quirky, welcoming summer bash. The something-for-everyone programme stretches from beautiful hot air balloons, live music from bands such as Scouting For Girls and the Sugababes to street performers and a colourful fairground and crafts market, drumming workshops and holistic treatments.
When 11 and 12 July
Price Camping tickets from £20
www.cornburyfestival.com
• Ip-Art, The Ipswich Arts Festival, Suffolk
Christchurch Park, in the heart of Ipswich, straddles 33 hectares of quiet green space. This popular, family-centred, two-week celebration of the arts takes in live music, exhibitions, workshops and screenings. Music Day (5 July) is the largest free music festival in the East of England. Sunday 12 July celebrates Indian culture: fragrant curries, whirling dancers and live music conjure the allure of the subcontinent.
When 27 June to 12 July
Price Ticket prices may vary; many events free.
www.ip-art.com
• East Neuk Festival, Scotland
A castle, churches, candlelit chapels, pubs, lonely beaches and a cave feature in the East Neuk of Fife. The events are as inspiring as the locations: a darkened scout hut hosts Stockhausen, while the Doric String Quartet performs at St Monans Church. This offbeat event draws international performers including pianist Christian Zacharias and the Leopold String Trio.
When 1 to 5 July
Price Tickets from £1
www.hubtickets.co.uk, www.eastneukfestival.com
• Hebden Bridge Arts Festival, West Yorkshire
The quintessential Pennine village offers an eclectic but top-notch roster of artists, from writer Al Kennedy and dynamic bhangra musicians the Dhol Foundation to comedian Mark Steel. And for children, see the inventive Long Nose puppets. There will also be exhibition, street entertainers, and events to celebrate Charles Darwin’s bicentenary.
When 26 June to 12 July
Price Tickets from £4, many events free.
www.hebdenbridge.co.uk
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