Arts and cultural events
Rejoice in English culture at one of the many shows and fairs held throughout the year. Think of them as giant garden parties featuring enthusiasts, displays, and excellent food and drink stalls. Classic car fairs bring together vintage and performance motors, with demonstrations from world-class and often famous professionals. The biggest also include motorbikes and beautiful vintage aeroplanes. During the summer choose from an abundance of cultural events and literary festivals. Books come to life as novelists and poets read from their latest works. Head to a vintage festival or antique fair to revel in the music, fashion, film, art and design that shaped the 20th century.
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August events: Lytham 1940s Wartime Festival
Come and enjoy the atmosphere and immerse yourself in heritage, entertainment, re-enactment and have-a-go fun.
Location: Lytham Green, Lancashire
July events: Holmfirth Art Week
Over 400 artists combine art, music, comedy, theatre and literature for the UK's largest open art exhibition.
Location: Holmfirth, West Yorkshire
November events: Get stuck into a flick at the Cornwall Film Festival
Get involved in a unique celebration of local and international films at the Cornwall Film Festival.
Location: Newquay, Cornwall
November events: Join the highbrow chit-chat at Chester Literature Festival
There’s no shortage of wordy stimulation and novel debate for book worms at the Chester Literature Festival.
Location: Chester, Cheshire
July events: Penzance Literary Festival
A literary festival on the Cornish coast with a distinctly local flavour and a relaxed atmosphere that’s ideal for book lovers.
Location: Penzance, Cornwall
September events: Experience Agatha Christie's Riviera in Devon
Discover Agatha Christie's Riviera and follow in her footsteps by attending her namesake festival, and walking the Agatha Christie Mile in the bustling harbour town of Torquay.
Location: Torquay, Devon
Experience York's Literature Festival
Rub shoulders with best-selling authors as York gets all bookish.
Location: York, North Yorkshire
October Events: Read and be merry at the Ilkley Literature Festival
Book lovers simply can’t miss this prestigious literature event in the Yorkshire Dales, that's taking place between 1 and 17 October.
Location: Ilkley, West Yorkshire
Feel the winter glow of a city illuminated for Light Night
See Nottingham become filled with after dark illuminations and neon displays as it blinds the winter chill from the air with live music and street theatre.
Location: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Tickle your ribs at Bristol's Slapstick Festival
A unique celebration of silent film and slapstick comedy, the festival offers a unique chance to watch silent films with a live orchestra along with a VIP list of guests and celebrities sharing their passion for this genre.
Location: Bristol
May events: See Salisbury's amazing Art Festival
Take part in the Salisbury International Arts Festival, and immerse yourself in music, art, dance, and theatre of the highest caliber.
Location: Salisbury, Wiltshire
Get a fix at the London Coffee Festival
Master your latte art and sample some of the best small batch and specialist coffee at the city’s annual Coffee Festival in March.
Location: Brick Lane, London