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Free festivals and events for summer 2014
Tickets for big name music festivals like Glastonbury, V and T in the Park can set you back over £200 for a weekend but there’s lots of fun festivals and outdoor events you can enjoy for free.
Here’s our round-up of twenty summer events across the country.
London
West End Live
What: Performances from West End musicals plus live bands and interactive exhibits from museums and galleries across the capital.
When: 21–22 June
Where: Trafalgar Square
More info: www.westendlive.co.uk
City of London Festival
What: Music and arts against the backdrop of some of the capital’s most iconic landmarks and open mspaces.
When: 22 June–17 July
Where: Venues across London
More info: www.colf.org/
Notting Hill Carnival
What: One of the world’s most famous free carnivals takes over the streets of west London.
When: 24-25 August
Where: Notting Hill
More info: www.thenottinghillcarnival.com/
More London Free Film Festival
What: Free outdoor film screenings including ‘The LEGO Movie’, ‘Philomena’ and coming of age classic ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’.
When: 3-26 September
Where: The Scoop amphitheatre on the South Bank
More info: http://www.morelondon.com/events/about
Southern England
Portsmouth Festivities
What: Ten days of theatre, art, film, music and talks to celebrate culture and heritage in Portsmouth.
When: 20-30 June
Where: Various locations in Portsmouth
More info: http://www.portsmouthfestivities.co.uk/whats-on
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
What: Over 100 hot air balloons of all shapes and sizes take to the skies along with evening firework displays.
When: 7-10 August
Where: Ashton Court, Bristol
More info: www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk/
Ryde Carnival
What: The oldest carnival in the UK celebrates its 126th anniversary. Highlights include an illuminated carnival procession and regatta.
When: 2, 29 and 30 August
Where: Ryde, Isle of Wight
More info: www.rydecarnival.com
Central England
Godiva Music Festival
What: Live music including We Are Scientists and Funeral for a Friend as well as local bands, plus stand-up comedy acts and family field with entertainment for all ages.
When: 4 – 6 July
Where: War Memorial Park, Coventry
More info: www.godivafestival.com
Stratford-upon-Avon River Festival
What: Two-day free festival featuring live performances and workshops as well as illuminated boat parade and fireworks display on the River Avon.
When: 5- 6 July
Where: Stratford-upon-Avon
More info: http://www.stratfordriverfestival.co.uk/
Nottingham Riverside Festival
What: Nottingham’s largest outdoor festival with live music, street theatre, dragon boat racing and fireworks on the banks of the River Trent.
When: 1- 3 August
Where: Victoria Embankment, Nottingham
More info: http://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/riverside
Worcester Music Festival
What: Live music from hundreds of up and coming bands and artists as well as workshops led by the musicians and artists who perform.
When: 29-31 August
Where: Various venues across Worcester
More info: http://www.worcestermusicfestival.co.uk/
Wales
Cardiff Festival
What: Series of events throughout the summer. Free events include the International Food and Drink Festival, Classic Car and Boat Rally and Cardiff Carnival.
When: 21 June – 6 September
Where: Cardiff Bay
More info: www.cardiff-festival.com
The Big Cheese Festival
What: Entertainment, fireworks and the ‘Great Cheese Race’ all in celebration of Caerphilly’s history.
When: 25-27 July
Where: Caerphilly
More info: http://www.caerphilly.gov.uk/bigcheese/
Talgarth Festival
What: Music and entertainment in the shadow of the Black Mountains.
When: 23-24 August
Where: Talgarth
More info: www.talgarthfestival.org.uk
Northern England
Brass: Durham International Festival
What: Live brass music and family events.
When: 11-20 July
Where: Various venues in Durham
More info: http://www.brassfestival.co.uk/
SIRF 13 (Stockton International Riverside Festival)
What: One of the largest free arts festivals. Four days of street theatre, circus, dance and music.
When: 31 July - 3 August
Where: Various venues around Stockton-on-Tees
More info: www.sirf.co.uk
Liverpool International Music Festival
What: Live music including the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Shaggy, Lemar and The Hoosiers.
When: 22-25 August
Where: Sefton Park, Liverpool
More info: http://www.limfestival.com/
Scotland
Dundee Blues Bonanza
What: Blues music festival with over 120 live performances, featuring UK and international artists.
When: 27–29 June
Where: 30 locations across Dundee
More info: www.dundeebluesbonanza.co.uk
Free Edinburgh Fringe Festival
What: A free companion to the main Edinburgh Festival including comedy, theatre and cabaret events. Events take place in nightclubs, caves, bars and buses.
When: 31 July -24 August
Where: Various locations around Edinburgh
More info: http://www.laughinghorsecomedy.co.uk/edinburgh/index.asp
Northern Ireland
Red Sails Festival
What: Live music, theatre, magic, dance events, drum workshops and pavement art and cocktail making competitions.
When: 20-26 July
Where: Portstewart
More info: www.redsails.co.uk
Maiden City Festival
What: A celebration of local history and heritage through music, dance and drama.
When: 02-09 August
Where: Derry/Londonderry
More info: www.maidencityfestival.com
More free festivals
You'll find lots more free festivals and events at the Free Events website but it's worth checking details with individual locations before setting off.
