Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Top 10 British summer events

From iconic sporting events to fish festivals and celebrations of the best of British music and culture, this summer is alive with events around the UK. Here are 10 not to miss…
Wimbledon
Wimbledon Tennis Championships, London, England
20 June-3 July
Undoubtedly one of the most famous tennis tournament in the world, Wimbledon is also one of the players’ favourites. To see Nadal, Federer and co. do battle for glory on the lush green Centre Court surface you’ll need to enter the public ballot for tickets at the end of the previous year. But if you missed the deadline don’t despair. You can still queue for tickets on the day to see all the action on surrounding courts at this unique blend of word-class sport and British tradition.
Eden Sessions, Eden Project, Cornwall, England
Various dates from 23 June-12 July
The UK has hundreds of summer music festivals to enjoy, but the Eden Sessions are truly unique. See artists including Primal Scream, the Flaming Lips, Pendulum and the Fleet Foxes against the verdant backdrop of the Eden Biomes, the largest greenhouses on earth. This year also marks the Eden Project’s 10th anniversary so the atmosphere is set to be extra special.
Pembrokeshire Fish Week, Pembrokeshire, Wales
25 June-3 July
Get along to one of the UK’s most spectacular stretches of coastline for this celebration of seafood, coastal beauty and maritime heritage. Learn how to fish and forage for local seafood, take a sunset boat trip, get involved in watersports and sample some of the finest fish our seas have to offer. Try local lobster, crab straight from the boat, fresh silvery mackerel and much much more.

Llangollen International Eisteddfod, Llangollen, Wales
4-10 July
The Welsh are known for their sweet voices and deep connection with music and this is never more evident than at the event billed as the ‘world’s greatest folk festival’. This huge celebration of Welsh and international music sees up to 2,000 participants and 50,000 spectators cram into the small town as it explodes in a whirl of music, dance and poetry. Join the costumed participants from around the world and get singing.
Proms
The Proms, London, England
15 July-10 September
This two-month long classical music extravaganza includes over 70 choral, symphonic and operatic performances at the Royal Albert Hall and other London venues. For many, the highlight is the famous Last Night where popular patriotic songs are performed in an irreverent atmosphere with the audience singing along. A great way to experience the Last Night is to attend one of the Proms in the Park events where the festivities in London are broadcast alongside local live concerts in parks around Britain.
Glorious Goodwood, Sussex, England
26-30 July
Glorious is the word as world-class horseracing meets a sublime setting at Goodwood racecourse on the rolling South Downs in Sussex. This five-day festival of racing is where celebrities, fashionistas and high society go to see and be seen. Have a flutter on the Sussex Stakes, get dressed in your best for Ladies’ Day or simply sup Champagne and bask in the sunshine and revel in the atmosphere
Festival Fringe, Edinburgh, Scotland
5-29 August
Now in its 65th year, the Fringe is officially the biggest arts festival in the world, providing a typically diverse and exciting line-up comprising a staggering number of shows throughout the month of August. Thousands of performers take to a multitude of stages all over Edinburgh to present shows of every hue. From big names in the world of entertainment to unknown artists performing surreal comedy, the festival caters for everyone and includes theatre, comedy, dance, physical theatre, musicals, operas, music, exhibitions and events. 
Notting Hill Carnival, London, England
27-29 August
Groove to sizzling summer sounds at the largest free carnival in Europe when 20 miles of vibrantly dressed revellers get down to booming tunes from 40 static sound systems pumping out everything from reggae to house, drum and bass and dubstep. Join the party, grab some delicious Jamaican jerk chicken and dance through the streets as authentic Caribbean carnival ignites the streets of West London.
 Braemar
Braemar Gathering, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
3 September
Dust off your caber, don a kilt and get along to Scotland’s most famous Highland Games. It may not be the biggest of Scotland’s celebrations of Highland culture, but it’s the one to go for if you’re after a healthy dose of regal tradition. The Chieftain of the Braemar Gathering is none other than HRH Queen Elizabeth II so there’s nearly always a Royal guest or two to cheer on the sports, piping and dancing.
Ludlow Marches Food Festival, Ludlow, England
9-11 September
Ludlow, described by the poet John Betjeman as the ‘perfect historic town’ is home to Britain’s first, and some would say finest, food festival. The event highlights the great local food and produce from Shropshire and the England-Wales border area with chefs and producers offering delicious tastings, demonstrations and the chance to buy everything from award-winning sausages to locally made cider. Supping on a craft beer and enjoying an organic homemade pork pie against the craggy backdrop of the Ludlow Castle is an experience not to be missed.

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