Looking for an event to feature? Here’s our pick of events coming up in August. As ever, please check individual websites for the latest details.
Discover more…
There’s plenty more to experience, for details on the full range of events check out each destination’s What’s On pages:
Flight of fancy in Hampshire
Visitors can now catch the first glimpse of a Hampshire wildlife park’s latest additions – Britain’s largest bird of prey. New Forest Wildlife Park is home to two white-tailed Sea Eagles, which boast 2.5-meter wingspans. While the birds arrived in May, they have been kept away from prying eyes as they settled into their new enclosure, but now visitors can walk the Wallaby Wood path to observe them. Day tickets cost £15.95 adults and £12.50 children (3-15 years) or £51 for a family.
Wondrous woodlands in Staffordshire
This summer families can discover the great outdoors with Wondrous Trees, the National Memorial Arboretum’s summer programme, exploring the stories, science and sounds of trees, which runs until 31 August. It features CANOPY, a new sound art installation by the Lorna Rees Company, celebrating the relationship between humans and trees featuring a thought-provoking audio journey around 24 suspended Sonic Seed pods.
Back to a time that never was
Taking Lincoln’s Cathedral Quarter back to a time that never was… the largest steampunk festival in the world returns to the city this month with market stalls, talks and the Grand Promenade. The Asylum Steampunk Festival (22-25 August 2025) is a gathering of steampunk enthusiasts sharing their passion of the genre, a mixture of science fiction and fantasy that takes its inspiration from Victorian fashion and steam-powered technology. There is free access for spectators along the Bailgate area for the grand parade.
Pay tribute to the world’s best in East Yorkshire
It’s back for summer 2025. Billed as the world’s biggest summer tribute band music festival, Tribfest will be staged in the grounds of East Yorkshire’s Sledmere House (15-17 August) featuring top tribute bands, along with a host of other entertainment, plus retail and food and drink stalls. Tickets from £82.50 for a day and £165 for the weekend.
Dig into summer fun at Burghley
Adventurous youngsters can turn into junior spymasters to dig out secrets on stately mole missions at one of England’s greatest Elizabethan houses this summer. Burghley House and Gardens is rolling out a packed calendar of family-friendly activities and events throughout August – led by its adventure play character, Cecil the Mole. Gardens and Adventure Play tickets cost from £10 adults and £8 children, booked in advance.
Freedom celebrated on the streets of Hull again
Award-winning international arts event, the Freedom Festival, returns with a programme of free to attend outdoor street performances along with ticketed indoor shows celebrating the city’s cultural heritage and diversity through music, dance, theatre, and visual arts. Inspired by the reformist legacy of Hull-born William Wilberforce, this year’s festival takes place between 28-31 August, this year’s programme is spread across three distinct city zones, with large-scale performances and immersive theatre in Queen Victoria Square, music on Humber Street and headline shows at Hull Truck Theatre.
A sculptural summer
The popular Sculpture Exhibition is now back at Lincolnshire’s Doddington Hall (until 7 September). The walled gardens and wild gardens of the Elizabethan gem provide the setting for over 300 works of art made by 58 sculptors from across the UK and beyond. A large indoor gallery will also exhibit a variety of smaller-scale pieces and almost every item in the exhibition is for sale. Tickets cost £9.50 adults, £4.50 children and £22 for a family.
Magic movie moments in Hampshire
Summer and outdoor cinema go together like blockbusters and popcorn, so a guide to the best movies under the stars in Hampshire should be just the ticket. Among the scenic screen showings is a chance to celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday with a screening of 2005’s Pride & Prejudice at Houghton Lodge Gardens (15 August). Or how about a spot of Dirty Dancing at Lainston House (23 August).
Sausage Stroll anyone?
For one evening, Lincolnshire’s ‘lost gardens’ will turn into a dachshund den! Easton Walled Gardens, which once lay derelict for 50 years, is hosting its second ever Sausage Stroll – and dachshunds get free entry. The event, on Sunday 24 August, takes place 4.30-6.30pm after the Gardens normally close. And for visitors with any four-legged friend, Easton hosts regular Dog Days on Sundays in August (£12 adults, £5 children).
Savour a stately summer treat
Foodie fans are in for a treat at Burghley House’s annual summer celebration of food and drink. Quality food producers selling Persian street food, wood fired pizzas, locally distilled gins and award winning ciders, as well as plenty more, will set up stalls in the picturesque Courtyards for the free-to-enter Summer Fine Food Market (23 – 25 August).
