4 Must-See Summer Events in the UK
Summer is arguably one of the best times to visit the UK. Like Ireland, the UK really comes alive in the summer. Not only are the British Isles blessed with beautiful countrysides and delightfully temperate weather in the summer months, they’re also home to some of the best summer events and festivals in the world. These are just a few picks from my own bucket list of fun, must-see summer events in the UK that everyone should check out on their next visit!
1. Glastonbury
I LOVE attending music festivals. It’s one of my favorite things to do. England is undoubtedly home to some of the greatest music festivals in the world. And Glastonbury might be the most famous of them all. This particular festival has been on my bucket list since I can remember.
Last year brought 135,000 people to Somerset, and this year even more folks are likely to show up. British rock stalwarts Muse and Coldplay have been announced as headliners and Billboard reports that Adele will join them. Can you get a more fantastic group of headliners? Prog-rockers ELO (Electric Light Orchestra) and PJ Harvey are also among those confirmed. And there will be plenty more acts expected to sign on in the coming weeks and months. Come for the incredible line-up of legendary stars, stay for the three-day party. Oh, and be sure to bring your wellies.
2. The Grand National
A Baseball game in America, a Hurling game in Ireland… sporting events can be an excellent way to absorb the culture of a different country. And few things speak to the culture of the United Kingdom quite like the Grand National.
The world-famous event is the most valuable jump race in all of Europe. Last year’s purse was worth £1 million (around $1.5 million). Not unlike the Super Bowl in the States, the Grand National is an event watched by virtually everyone, regardless of whether they’re actual sports fans. It’s commonplace for everyone, even those who aren’t huge fans, to place bets on their favorite horses. Whether you’re a clueless gambler (like me, because I basically ALWAYS lose) or your an experienced one, it’s still part of the fun to place bets on a horse.
Unlike the Kentucky Derby and the American Triple Crown, a much wider variety of horses appear in the Grand National, with many being much older. Some fans have followed specific horses for years, lending much more personal investment into the event. I would love to dust off my sundress and rock one of those crazy hats for one of the most exciting spring events.
3. The Championships, Wimbledon
Speaking of sports, nothing quite says England the way Wimbledon does. This iconic sporting spectacle is the oldest tennis tournament in the world and was founded in 1877, a whopping 139 years ago! I’m not a huge tennis aficionado, but it can be fun to watch. And Wimbledon is such a British institution that it’s worth adding to any bucket list.
The tournament features the best players in the world and makes up one quarter of the prestigious Grand Slam of tennis tournaments. According to Wimbledon’s site, this year’s tournament will take place from June 27 to July 10, making it one of the biggest events of the summer.
Although it’s SO hard to get tickets to this popular tournament, apparently it’s so worth it. The last time I was in London over the summer happened to be during Wimbledon, but the only way to score a ticket was to basically sell your first-born child.
But if you plan ahead and arrange tickets, you’re guaranteed to have a great time watching the tournament in (hopefully) good weather. You may even be surrounded by some big celebs! So put on your finest and indulge in some strawberries and cream as you watch the world’s best tennis players compete.
4. Farmfestival
Farmfest isn’t quite as well known as festivals like Glastonbury, Reading, and the Isle of Wight (read about my experience here). But, The Independent calls it one of the best festivals of the summer thanks to three days of music, food, and festivities that’s great for the whole family. Whether you’re with a group of friends or there with kids, Farmfest has something for everyone. In addition to the perfect sunny mix of folk, house, and dub music, the event also hosts a wide variety of artists and perhaps more importantly, amazing local and organic foods. Also, compared to most of the other massive, multi-day music festivals, Farmfest is incredibly affordable. Tickets are only £67 (just under $100).
From what I’ve read and seen about this festival, it reminds me a lot of Ireland’s Body & Soul Festival, which was one of my best weekends in Ireland. So if it’s anything like that, I know I would LOVE it.
