By Katie Wilson
The August Bank Holiday weekend is almost upon us and if you haven’t made any plans yet, we’ve got you covered.
Get ready for three days of fun, from music and foodie festivals to Pride events, Notting Hill Carnival and free crazy golf.
It’s all taking place from Saturday August 27 to Monday August 29, so here’s what you could be getting up to. Even better, some of it’s completely free!
Dance at Notting Hill Carnival
After a two-year break due to Covid, Notting Hill Carnival is back with a bang this year – and best of all it’s completely free to attend. Europe’s biggest street festival takes place over two days, starting at 10am on Sunday August 28 – which is ‘family’ day – and ending on Monday at 8.30pm. Expect parades, floats, dancers and 36 sound systems guaranteed to give you a good time. If you’ve never been, stick it on your bucket list. Download the free Notting Hill Carnival app for a live map of the floats, sound systems and food stalls on the day, plus information on how to get there.
Find out more at nhcarnival.org
Vogue at Manchester Pride
Manchester Pride is taking place across the full bank holiday weekend, from Friday to Monday. At the heart of the celebrations is the Gay Village Party. Tickets start from £17.50 for the day and big names playing include Mel C, Nadine Coyle, DJ Fat Tony, K-Klass, Alison Limerick, Duncan James and Charity Shop Sue. There are also free events, Superbia – celebrating the LGBTQ+ community through poetry, art, music and dance – and the Parade. The weekend ends with a Candlelit Vigil, which is also free to attend. Also worth checking are the Pride goings on at Ducie Street Warehouse, from a Ghetto Fabulous Brunch to Terrace Takeovers.
Find out more and buy tickets at manchesterpride.com
Eat delicious food at The Big Feastival
Blur’s Alex James brings together ‘good food, good music and good times’ for the Big Feastival, which takes place on his Cotswolds farm every August bank holiday weekend. This year’s line-up includes The Human League, Anne-Marie, Stereophonics, Sugababes, Gabrielle, Basement Jaxx, Sam Ryder and more. And you won’t struggle to find good grub here as there are supper clubs, workshops and Q&As with Michelin star chefs and host Alex James’ Cheese hub. Street food favourites include Libertine Burger, Poor Boys and DJ BBQ. There are also silent discos, a vintage funfair and family entertainment for little ones.
Find out more and buy tickets at thebigfeastival.com
Rave at All Points East
All Points East festival in east London’s Victoria Park started on Friday August 19 with a headline set by Gorillaz, but there’s a full line up of events this week which continues over the bank holiday weekend. Tame Impala play Thursday, catch The National on Friday night, Disclosure on Saturday and Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds closing the festival on Sunday. Kids activities and free film screenings are also running through the school holidays.
Find out more and buy tickets at allpointseastfestival.com
Have family fun at Gone Wild Festival
Join Bear Grylls for a weekend of adventure and fun at this family friendly festival with a difference in Devon. Held at Powderham Castle, the stunning setting is equipped for activities like paddleboarding, climbing, open water swimming, axe throwing and archery. Try your luck on the Commando Assault Range or go on a Desert Island Mission. Sophie Ellis-Bextor, The Script, The Darkness and the Ministry of Sound orchestra are just some of the artists providing the tunes.
Find out more and buy tickets at gonewildfestival.com
Play a game of free crazy golf
Swingers in London celebrates its sixth birthday on Monday August 29 – and their gift to you is free crazy golf. For one day only you can bag yourself a free game at Swingers City from 11am to 10pm. It will be on a first come, first serve basis and visitors can also enjoy street food, an exclusive birthday cocktail and half price Perrier Jouet Champagne.
Find out more at swingers.club/uk
Afternoon tea at the Duchy of Cornwall Nursery
For an afternoon tea with a royal seal of approval, pop into the Duchy of Cornwall Nursery. Part of Prince Charles’ estate, it’s nestled in a lush Cornish valley near the small town of Lostwithiel. Visitors can explore the beautiful gardens and orchards, try the Nursery Gin or indulge in a rather delightful afternoon tea served on individual ‘Duchy Woodland’ boards. Savoury highlights include quail’s Scotch egg, grilled foccacia open sandwiches and a seasonal tart. On the sweet side there is pistachio and lime meringue cake, rose and raspberry macarons and of course classic scones with lashings of Cornish clotted cream. Prices start from £25 or add a glass of Prosecco for £30.
Find out more or book a table at duchyofcornwallnursery.co.uk
Book a last-minute getaway by the sea
Not made August bank holiday weekend plans with friends yet? There’s still availability at Bedruthan Hotel and Spa in Mawgan Porth. Grab your group as they are running a Benefits with Friends package. It includes a room which can sleep six, food and fizz to share, a private dining experience and 10% off spa treatments. Facilities such as the Sensory Spa Garden are complimentary to use and the price includes an artisan bakery breakfast each morning and a late 12pm check out. From £410. Offer extends beyond the bank holiday.
Find out more and book at bedruthan.com
Have fun on the River cam
The University Arms hotel in Cambridge has launched a ‘Fun on the River Cam’ experience offering guests the chance to get active, reconnect with nature and rejuvenate this August bank holiday weekend. The package includes an overnight stay for two with breakfast, one riverside experience such as paddleboarding or a rowing session with a local boat captain, plus an afternoon tea and use of the hotel’s chic branded bicycles to get around on. Prices start from £489 for two. Offer extends beyond the bank holiday.
Find out more and book at universityarms.com
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