United Kingdom — Events
International Bluegrass Music and Dance Festival
July 1, 2010 - July 31, 2010
For one weekend each summer, top blue grass performers turn up at this attractive walled town with its famous medieval castle. Visitors stay in town or camp at the festival site a few minute’s walk from the center. Past performers have included Baker’s Fabulous Boys, Bluegrass Brothers, Deep River Band, The Down County Boys, Grass Roots, Harrison Shaw Cajun Band and many more. Performances, concerts, dances and Old Time concerts take place concurrently at several venues. There are workshops on Saturday and a whole darn mess of impromptu ‘picking sessions’ on the side.
Caerleon Arts Festival
July 2, 2010 - July 11, 2010
Once a major Roman administrative center, the small town of Caerleon still retains many interesting remains. Each year this is the setting for an arts festival that includes an International Sculpture Symposium, in which sculptors from the EU and beyond are invited to work publicly for 10 days. A different theme is chosen each year. A program of free entertainment includes craft stalls and demonstrations, a children’s activity zone and an authors’ tent. Other events include film screenings and live musical performances.
Aberdeen International Youth Festival
July 28, 2010 - August 7, 2010
The Aberdeen International Youth Festival showcases burgeoning talent from around the world, and is one of the highlights of the cultural calendar in Aberdeen. The festival opens with a colorful parade through the city center to the Aberdeen Music Hall for the Opening Ceremony. 10 days of lively entertainment follow including music, theater and dance, with events taking place throughout Scotland’s North East.
Reading Festival
August 27, 2010
The Reading Festival is one of the largest annual music festivals in the UK. Every summer it attracts big rock and pop stars and big crowds of fans. The festival takes place at Little John’s Farm on Richfield Avenue in Reading and lasts for three days. Pixies, Foo Fighters, Iron Maiden, The Killers, Kings of Leon, Marilyn Manson, The Darkness, The White Stripes, Green Day, and Morrissey are among the many artists who have performed at the festival in recent years.
Newlyn Fish Festival
August 30, 2010
The Newlyn Fish Festival is the biggest one-day event in Cornwall, drawing crowds of over 20,000 people. They are attracted by the prospect of a whole array of seafood stands selling hot and cold seafood, including grilled Cornish sardines, mackerel, Newlyn crab, lobster, mussels, cockles, fish kebabs, Goan dishes and seafood paella. There are also demonstrations from the coastguard, fishing boat competitions, music, Cornish food producers and local artists and craftsmen. And this all takes place in Newlyn’s active, pretty harbor area.
Medieval Jousting
September 5, 2010
The Knebworth estate in Hertfordshire with its gothic atmosphere is the perfect site for the medieval jousting competition performed on the grounds each September. The medieval show is performed by the The Knights of Royal England and includes spectacular action, stunts, falls, fights and galloping horses, introductions, fanfares, professional commentary and music. The Knights stage over 60 shows each year and have performed at venues all over the world.
Blenheim International Horse Trials
September 9, 2010 - September 12, 2010
The Blenheim International Horse Trials first took place in 1990 and the event has developed into one of the UK’s most prestigious sporting occasions, drawing an audience of around 50,000 people each year. It is also one of the world’s major equestrian three-day events. In addition to top-class sporting action, the event also provides a varied program of main arena entertainment for all the family, and the retail village features over 180 exhibitors.
Golden Spurtle World Porridge Making Championship
October 10, 2010
The World Porridge Making Championships is followed with interest by fans of Scotland’s traditional national dish across the globe. Porridge-makers from across the UK and further afield compete for the world title and prestigious Golden Spurtle trophy. This celebration of Scottish culture includes a pipe band parade of judges and competitors, the official Toast to the Porridge, craft and produce stalls, live music, plus 3km and 5km forest runs.
Mid-Autumn Moon Festival
October 1, 2011 - May 26, 2012
This annual event is at the heart of the Chinese calendar, and it’s at this time of year that the Chinese celebrate the full moon and give thanks for the autumn harvest. This is a spectacle of traditional Chinese celebrations, including the art of ancient lion dancing, hosts dressed in authentic dress, singing and mooncakes.
