BHT's Summer Festival Guide

A day at the races, music from classical to rock or a hot air balloon: Party into the long summer evening wherever you are heading across our sceptered isle this summer.

Edinburgh International Festival • August 5–19

The Edinburgh Festival may well be the most spectacular celebration of visual and performing arts in the world. The event began in 1947, out of the ashes of World War II. Organizers hoped to create an international, world-class cultural event to attract audiences and artists from around the globe. In short, they hoped to bring people together—and so they did.

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A Lone Piper traditionally echoes from the battlements of Edinburgh Castle at the finale of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.[/caption]

Festival highlights this summer include the European premiere of the Tony-award–nominate production of Tennessee Williams’ The Glass Menagerie, a multi-award-winning spectacle with the Scottish Ballet, a Festival celebration of Pierre Boulez, the Salzburg Festival’s production of Bellini’s Norma and too many more to list. Scan the diary of scores of performances and make bookings at www.eif.co.uk. If you want to be present this summer, though, make plans for lodging well in advance.

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Top performance companies in dance, theater and music from around the world are invited every August to perform at the Edinburgh Festival.[/caption]

From its outset, the Festival inspired fledgling performers not officially part of the program to put on their own shows in the streets of Edinburgh. These impromptu performances evolved into one of the Festival’s most beloved events, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The culture of inclusion has continued, and today the Festival is not simply one event, but a hodgepodge of art, music, dance, theater and comedy performances spanning the month of August. If you can’t enjoy the Edinburgh Festival, then you simply don’t know how to have fun.
Apart from the hundreds of smaller festivals and street performers to be found along the Royal Mile and throughout the city, this year’s major events include the Edinburgh Art Festival ( July 28–August 28), Edinburgh Festival Fringe (August 5–29), Edinburgh International Book Festival (August 13–29), and the local favorite, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (August 5–27). To check out a full calendar of Edinburgh’s many festivals and buy tickets, visit www.edinburghfestivalcity.com.

Barclaycard British Summer Time—Hyde Park

In 2013, credit card giant Barclaycard hosted the first of a planned fiveyear summer concert series in Hyde Park. Past performers have included the likes of the Rolling Stones, Black Sabbath and The Who—and, for the younger crowd out there, Taylor Swift and Ellie Goulding. July 1–10, Hyde Park will be transformed once again into a festival ground. Good music, food and drink are guaranteed to abound. This year’s lineup includes Carole King, Stevie Wonder, Don Henley and Pharrell Williams. Check the website for tickets and details. www.bst-hydepark.com

Glorious Goodwood—West Sussex

From July 26 to 30, the world’s preeminent racehorses and jockeys will descend on the rolling Sussex countryside during this year’s Glorious Goodwood. Five days of horseracing will be accompanied by live music, fashion and great food and drink. Day three is “Ladies’ Day,” when female celebrities take to the saddle—supermodel Edie Campbell won the race in 2014. At Glorious Goodwood, horseracing is just half the fun! www.goodwood.com

Bristol International Balloon Fiesta

This port city’s celebration of hot-air balloons is the largest in Europe. Every August more than 100,000 spectators gather on the lawns of the Ashton Court Estate to watch hundreds of balloons launch at dawn and dusk. A particularly popular attraction is the Night Glow, when grounded balloons are lit up like Chinese lanterns in the night sky. Other entertainment includes food stalls, bars, fireworks and musical performances. www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk

Three Choirs Festival—Gloucester

Celebrating its 301st anniversary this summer, the Three Choirs Festival is the oldest non competitive classical music festival in the world. Each year, this weeklong program of choral concerts, theater performances, exhibitions and lectures rotates between the English cathedral cities of Hereford, Gloucester and Worcester. This year’s Festival will be held in Gloucester July 23–30. The Three Choirs Festival offers a truly unique opportunity to celebrate British music, culture and history. For more information, go to www.3choirs.org.

Cricket—England and Wales

If you’re in England or Wales this summer, take the opportunity to take in a cricket match—a popular national sport. The national team competes in an international series called the Test Matches. Eighteen “First Class” County clubs form the major league of English cricket, but Minor Counties Cricket clubs offer a wonderful experience without the formality (or expense). Cricket may at first seem confusing to Americans, but the sport is sure to entertain—every match is a festival. For clubs and schedules near your travels, check at www.ecb.co.uk.

Notting Hill Carnival—West London

London’s first Caribbean carnival was held in 1959, a cabaret in St. Pancras Town Hall. From those modest beginnings, the Notting Hill Carnival has grown to be Europe’s largest street festival. The flamboyant display of London’s significant Caribbean culture showcases vibrant parades of colorful floats and costumes, steel bands and calypso dancers. Open-air concerts and Caribbean food stalls abound. Best of all, it’s free. Take the kids on Sunday’s Family Day, with a Children Parade and kid-friendly floats. www.thenottinghillcarnival.com

Southampton Boat Show

For one of Europe’s preeminent boat shows, visit Southampton this September 16–25. Exhibitors showcase the newest technology the marine industry has to offer, from boats to electronic gadgets and equipment. Climb aboard harbor cruises, visit the University of Southampton’s aquarium, and enjoy good food and musical entertainment. Keep your eye out for the Red Arrows’ flyover. Learn more at www.southamptonboatshow.com.

Rewind Scotland—The 80s Festival

If you’re missing the music, fashion and famous hairstyles of the 1980s, make your way to Perth, Scotland, for July 22–24’s ultimate ’80s experience. The festival will include the best of ’80s music, food and even “glamping” (glamorous camping) for those looking to make a weekend out of this throwback event. www.rewindfestival.com

Glyndebourne Summer Festival—East Sussex

This English country home set in the picturesque countryside of East Sussex began hosting its annual summer opera festival in 1934. Over the years, the Glyndebourne Festival has expanded its repertoire from solely Mozart’s operatic works to the compositions of Benjamin Britten, Giuseppe Verdi, Gioachino Rossini, and many others. Bring out your best dress and make plans for a traditional picnic on the lawn during the interval. This year’s Festival runs from May through the end of August. The lineup includes Wagner’s Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, Rossini’s The Barber of Seville, Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro and Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Peruse the website for an introduction to the Glyndebourne experience, and tickets, at www.glyndebourne.com.

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The chorus of fashionable ladies titters and vamps during Glyndebourne Festival’s production of Gaetano Donizetti’s comic opera Don Pasquale.[/caption]

Bestival—Isle of Wight

Close out your summer the “best” way this September by attending the Isle of Wight’s lesser-known music fiesta, Bestival. This alternative, diverse festival began in 2004 and was attended by 10,000 people. Turnout this year is expected to be over 50,000. Past performers have included everyone from Elton John to Duran Duran to Snoop Dogg. Bestival’s vegetarian cuisine and themed days (bring your best fancy dress) are big hits. For tickets and this year’s lineup, visit www.bestival.net.

Cowes Week—Isle of Wight

A quiet seaport on the Isle of Wight, Cowes began attracting competitive sailors in 1826. Today, the Solent port hosts the world’s largest regatta every summer. From August 6–13, Cowes Week features up to 40 daily races. Some 1,000 sailboats and yachts of many classes crewed by more than 8,000 sailors will ply the breezy waters of the Solent in search of one of the regatta’s many trophy cups. Parties and live performances entertain Cowes Week’s 100,000 spectators throughout. www.aamcowesweek.co.uk