The Olympic countdown is on and London is buzzing with international visitors getting ready to celebrate the Games. But don’t settle with just an Olympic trip, instead spread your wings and check out what’s happening during the summer throughout the UK. With a string of awesome events scheduled, take a look here at our pick of the UK’s best summer events:
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British MOTO GP
Where: Silverstone Circuit, Northampton, Midlands
When: Friday 15 – Sunday 17 June
What: Speed junkies can get their kicks at Moto GP, where the world’s best Grand Prix motorcyclists compete to become Moto GP World Champion. Riders on tour claim this British leg of the series in Silverstone is one of the fastest and technical tracks in the world.
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Royal Ascot
Where: Ascot Racecourse, Ascot, Berkshire
When: Tuesday 19 – Saturday 23 June
What:
Boasting £4 million in prize money, Royal Ascot is a prestigious racing event set in beautiful Berkshire County. Dating back 300 years, Royal Ascot is attended by the Royal Family including Her Majesty the Queen, and is the place to see and be seen for Britain’s high society, royal watchers, fun seekers and horse racing enthusiasts alike. Queen Anne founded Royal Ascot in 1711, which now features the popular daily horse-drawn procession from Windsor Castle to Ascot Racecourse led by the Royal carriage. In conjunction with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, no doubt this year’s Royal Ascot will draw record crowds.
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Edinburgh International Film Festival
Where: Edinburgh, Scotland
When: 20 June – 1 July
What:
Dating back to 1947, the Edinburgh International Film Festival is the world’s oldest continually running film festival, held annually over two weeks in June. Renowned for screening the best in international cinema and promoting exciting new film talent, EIFF is an intimate film festival held primarily at the Edinburgh Filmhouse, Cameo, Fountainpark Cineworld, Edinburgh Festival Theatre, and the Dominion Cinema. Film categories include Gala, British Gala, Rosebud, Directors’ Showcase, Night Moves, Document, Retrospective, Black Box, Mirrorball, In Person and Under the Radar.
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The Isle of Wight Festival
Where: Seaclose Park, Newport, Isle of Wight
When: 21 – 24 June
What:
Since its birth in 1968, the Isle of Wight Festival has hosted the likes of Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Iggy Pop, David Bowie, R.E.M., Foo Fighters, The Rolling Stones, Neil Young, Jay Z and Paul McCartney, earning the festival premiere status. Attracting more than 50,000 music lovers, the festival offers onsite camping and a string of bars and alternate entertainment throughout the four-day event.
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Godiva Festival
Where: War Memorial Park, Coventry
When:Friday 29 June– Sunday 31 July
What:
First known as the Great Fair, the first recorded Godiva Procession dates back to 1678. Paying tribute to the city’s legend inhabitant Lady Godiva, the procession has progressed to a full-fledged free music festival. Held in the War Memorial Park in Coventry, Godiva Festival brings together more than 75,000 music lovers each year over a three-day weekend. The festivities meet historic tradition on the Saturday when the Godiva Procession is held.
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Wimbledon
Where: All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, Wimbledon, London
When: 25 June – 8 July
What:
The world’s oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament, Wimbledon is the only event on the Grand Slam tennis tour that is still played on grass. Because tickets are almost as folklore as a rainbow’s pot of gold, an outdoor viewing area known as ‘Henman Hill’ in the grounds of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, at Aorangi Terrace, gives ticketless fans the chance to watch all the action on the big screen. A Royal Box is allocated at Centre Court where members of the Royal Family can often be seen enjoying the game.
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World Pride
Where: London
When: 7 July
What:
World Pride is a colourful free festival and street parade organised by Pride London, a lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) charity group in London. Family, friends and other supporters of the LGBT take part in the culture-rich parade passing through Baker, Oxford and Regent Streets then down Pall Mall, Cockspur Street, through Trafalgar Square and finishing at Whitehall. Numerous after parties and entertainment proceed the parade as well as fundraising campaigns.
Vintage Festival
Where: Boughton House, Northampton
When: 13 – 15 July
What:
A must-see event for collectors and retro fans, Vintage Festival will this year be held at the magnificent Tudor manor Boughton House for the first time, one of the great houses of Europe. Showcasing the best of British music, fashion, film, art, design and food from the 1920s to mid 80s, organisers claim the festival is a ‘voyage of discovery’. With live music, pop-up vintage cinema, roller disco, vintage vehicle displays, Europe’s largest vintage marketplace featuring 200 traders, design workshops and much more, visitors are encouraged to camp, glamp or caravan onsite to get the most out of this jam-packed, family friendly weekend. Set amongst 2000 acres of prime parklands and groomed grounds, the Boughton House is just one hour from London and Manchester.
Credit: Newcastle Gateshead
Where:Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland Tyne & Wear, North England
When: Friday 13 – Sunday 29 July
What:
A quirky food festival incorporating the north east’s finest food and drink producers and providers, EAT! Newcastle Gateshead attracts culinary connoisseurs and the everyday locals from all over the UK. From cooking demonstrations to chilli bonanzas, authentic street food and village fete games, EAT! your way through summer.
Northumberland & Tyne Accommodation
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Where: Charlton Park, Malmesbury, Wiltshire
When: 27 – 29 July
What:
Womad festival travels the world celebrating international music, arts and dance. Hosting an eclectic mix of artists, Womad offers something for everyone incorporating live music and visual performances with workshops, art and craft stalls and an incredible selection of international cuisine. Womad is family-friendly with numerous children’s programs run throughout the festival. Womad goers can chose from a number of onsite accommodation options from pitching a tent or setting up the campervan, to luxury airstreams, boutique camping, hearthworks tipis and yurts, and unique custom built podpads.
Wiltshire Accommodation
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