July events: Summer is finally here and it is a busy month across the UK (Image: Getty Images)
What on in the UK throughout June? Natalie Smith, Publishing Director at Culture Trip, highlights the concerts, festivals and quirky events worth adding to your diary.
England
Wimbledon, Wimbledon, London, 1-14 July
Get a chance to see Andy Murray (with France’s Pierre-Hugues Herbert) on the grass-court major at the biggest sporting event of the summer and see reigning champions Novak Djokovic and Angelique Kerber will be defending their titles. If you want to get your hands on tickets, head to Wimbledon Park on the day. Be prepared to get up early – long queues start from 6am.
Henley Royal Regatta, Henley-On-Thames, Oxfordshire, 3-7 July
One of the most highly regarded regattas in the world, Henley Royal Regatta is a great event whether you’re a sports fan, or just like an excuse to dress up. The Henley Royal Regatta is famous for its fancy fashions and the finest blazers.
Barclaycard Presents British Summertime, Hyde Park, London, 05-14 July
Classic stars come together over nine days in London’s Hyde Park for a festival that is quickly becoming one of the most consistent events on the musical calendar. This summer sees soul legends Stevie Wonder and Lionel Richie take to the stage, as well as Canada’s finest, Celine Dion. Flying the flag for the UK are Florence + The Machine and Robbie Williams. The true highlight however, is the Grammy, Oscar, Golden Globe, Emmy AND Tony Award-winning star Barbra Streisand, making her British Summertime debut. A performance from the original diva is one not to be missed…
Whitstable Oyster Festival, Whitstable, Kent, 27-29 July
A celebration on the Kent coast, the Whitsable Oyster Festival is two days’ worth of music, performances, comedy, food and of course, oysters. Over the course of the weekend, this popular seaside town will play host to a grand parade, performances and even an extravagant fireworks display on Whitstable beach. More than just oysters, you can try all of the delights available at the Harbour Food Fair. A fun weekend for all.
July events: What to do this month – book tickets for concerts, festivals and exhibitions now
Wales
Wales Airshow, Swansea Bay, Swansea, 06-07 July
Wales’ most iconic airshow returns for 2019, aiming to smash last year’s record attendance levels. The iconic Red Arrows will be headlining the weekend and the Wales Airshow will bring some of the finest vintage planes, military aircraft and aerobatic displays to the Welsh coast including Chinooks, Spitfires and Typhoons.
Plus, the weekend will be a special event as the show is part of Swansea’s 50th anniversary celebrations. On 6 July, expect a special evening show of hot air balloons, night time acrobatics and a fireworks display.
Stereophonics, Singleton Park, Swansea, 13 July
Cwmaman rock band, Stereophonics are heading back to home territory for a special one-off gig in Swansea’s Singleton Park. Led by frontman Kelly Jones, the gig is a celebration of the 20th anniversary of the album Performance & Cocktails, which spawned hits including “The Bartender and the Thief”, “Hurry Up and Wait” and “Just Looking”.
Snowdon Race, Llanberis, Wales, 20 July
Now it’s 44th year, the Snowdon Race is an endurance challenge for only the brave. The race sees participants from around the world tackling a 10-mile uphill race from Lake Padarn to the highest point of Wales and England.
Cardiff Food and Drink Festival, Roald Dahl Plass, Cardiff Bay, 05-07 July
One of Cardiff’s signature summer events, the Cardiff Food and Drink Festival is celebrating its 20th birthday this year, and is promising to be bigger, better and tastier than ever. Enjoy some of the finest street food and international cuisine in the in the city – just mere moments from the water’s edge – and try everything from Canadian poutine to Welsh crepes to Kenyan Indian curry. A must for food lovers.
Scotland
Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival, Various locations, Edinburgh, 12-21 July
Take some time to relax to some of the coolest vibes from across the globe, at the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival. With 170 gigs taking place across the city, the festival will host some of the finest names in jazz and blues. Listen to the sounds of samba, to blues rock, boogie-woogie to soul and beyond. You’ll even have the opportunity to experience a little bit of New Orleans with the festivals very own free Mardi Gras and carnival style events.
The Inverness Highland Games and Gala Weekend, Bught Park, Inverness, 19-21 July
In the heart of the Highlands, the annual Inverness Highland Games and Gala Weekend is taking over Bught Park. Reigning champion Jamie Gunn will defend his title against a new group of Heavies and fans will be able to see challengers in one of the most daunting tasks off the weekend – lifting The Inverness Stonemason’s Stone which weighs in at a whopping 252 pounds.
Graham Rorie and Aidan Moodie, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Edinburgh, 22 July
A concert of a different kind. In the breathtaking surroundings of the Portrait Gallery Great Hall, musicians Graham Rorie and Aidan Moodie will be performing contemporary Scottish traditional music, for those with dementia and their families, supporters and carers.
June events: Head to the National Portrait Gallery in Scotland for a stunning musical performance (Image: Getty Images)
Northern Ireland
Game of Thrones Workshop and Feast Experience, The National, High Street, Belfast, 28 July
Still mourning the Game of Thrones finale? Then re-enact it yourself with this Game of Thrones style immersive workshop and feast experience. Dine like you’re in Westeros and and you’ll also be able to make your blade in a bladesmithing workshop, make a goblet suitable for the finest mead and craft jewellery fit for a Khal or Khaleesi. It may be summer now but winter is coming.
Ulster Fleadh 2019, Castlewellan, County Down, 22-28 Jul
Spend six days immersing yourself in the finest of Northern Irish culture at Ulster Fleadh. More than 25,000 visitors will be expected to attend across the week to enjoy traditional irish music, participate in the magical mystery bus tour of Mourne mountains and enjoy the Ulster Fleadh parade. Crowds get too much? Escape is easy as the town of Castwellan has a gorgeous forest park and sandy beaches right on the doorstop, for anyone looking for a bit of respite.
LegenDerry Street Food Festival, Guildhall Street, Derry, 19-21 July
Be the first to feast on the culinary delights of the inaugural LegenDerry Street Food Festival. For three days, listen to a DJ spinning the finest tunes and enjoy a beer or to from a double decker bus. Graze on woodfired pizza, mini-sliders, burritos and barbecued for a tasty summer weekend.
