Looking for an event to feature? Here’s our pick of the best 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:
Welcome to a time that never was…
Taking Lincoln’s Cathedral Quarter by storm to a time that never was, the world’s largest steampunk festival returns with competitions, market stalls and the Grand Promenade. The Asylum Steampunk Festival (23-26 August), where Victoriana meets sci-fi, is a gathering of enthusiasts many of them dressed in flamboyant outfits and costumes. The street festival is free for spectators, but some venues may charge admission.
Paddle into the sunset
Take to the water on Hampshire’s Beaulieu River this summer and enjoy a Sunset Chasers Paddling Tours with New Forest Activities. Enjoy picturesque river views from the comfort of your own canoe or kayak and discover hidden spots with your guide as the sun’s last rays of the day settle on the calm waters. Tours are available 13-14, and 26-27 August, with ticket costing £46 per person (£42 when booking four or more people)
Music springs to life at Zebedee’s
A new live music weekend is coming to Hull this summer. Hosted in Zebedee’s Yard, Live from the Yard will run from 8 to 11 August 2024 featuring a variety of music, including from Ministry of Sound Classical, Razorlight and Calum Scott, along with premium local food and drink. Tickets from £16.80.
Trentham Live
Trentham Live is back with a line up of musical favourites over four days, all performing in the historic lakeside setting at The Trentham Estate, on the outskirts of Stoke-on-Trent in Staffordshire. Deacon Blue supported by Lightning Seeds and Hue & Cry take to the stage on Thursday 15 August followed by Jess Glynne supported by Sam Tompkins and Special Guest Nathan Dawe on 16 August. Saturday’s headliner Manic Street Preachers is supported by Public Service Broadcasting and The Anchoress, while Sunday features Busted supported by Soap and Dadi Freyr. Tickets from £47.25.
Dog Day Sundays in a lost garden
Visitors to Lincolnshire’s Easton Walled Gardens can bring along their four-legged friend to the 12-acre site every Sunday in August. Usually only assistance dogs are allowed, but during Dog Day Sundays the gardens will open from 2-5pm for owners and their well-behaved pets. The 400-year-old gardens were abandoned to nature for half a century until work began in 2001 to restore them to their former glory.
One Hundred, not out
After a record year in 2023, The Hundred will return to Hampshire in 2024, delivering a month of world-class cricket and blockbuster entertainment. The Utilita Bowl hosts the Southern Braves on Thursday 1 August, taking on Manchester Originals, before their final two matchdays on Saturday 10 August against Trent Rockets and Wednesday 14 August versus Welsh Fire. Tickets from £23.
Celebrate the longest-running craft market in the UK
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Lincolnshire’s Alford Craft Market. Set up to enable Lincolnshire artists and makers to sell their work and to promote an interest in arts and crafts, it is the longest running craft market in the UK with a shop, craft classes and events. Alford August Bank Holiday Weekend Craft Market (24 – 26 August) will be the main celebration in the Alford Manor House Grounds and Big Marquee over the August Bank Holiday weekend. Admission is by donation.
Savour a stately summer foodie favourite
Foodie fans are in for a stately treat at Burghley House’s annual summer celebration of food and drink. A host of artisan stalls and street food vendors will fill Burghley’s picturesque courtyards over the August Bank Holiday for the summer Fine Food Market (24 – 26 August 2024). With free parking and admission, there’s a chance to discover a world of tastes and flavours including Persian street food, wood fired pizzas, and locally distilled gins.
