Festivals you shouldn’t miss when you are in the UK

Festivals are the days that bring out the joy in most of us. And every country is known for its culture depicted through festivals. Of them all, one stands apart, the United Kingdom. Situated in the islands off the northwest shore of Europe. It is a one-of-a-kind nation comprised of four countries: England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Common Festivals in the UK :

• January – Scotland’s Burns Night.
• February – York’s Jorvik Viking Festival
• May – Hastings Jack in the Green Festival
• June – Aldeburgh Festival, Suffolk.
• June- Glastonbury Festival.
• July – WOMAD, Malmsbury,Wiltshire.
• August- Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
• Autumn – Diwali, Leicester
• November – Catholic Guy Fawkes Day or Bonfire Night
• December – Hogmanay, Scotland

Also Read: What Will UK Holidays Look Like This Summer?

1. JANUARY – Scotland’s Burns Night.

To start with the first festival, the life and works of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns, are commemorated on January 25th with a special Burns Supper. It could range from being a small get-together of friends to being a larger, more formal supper. The Menu only has Stuffed Sheep. A poem of culture called ‘Address to a Haggis’ is performed. Pipers may be present at certain Burns Suppers to greet the guests and the haggis. The evening continues with toasts to Burns, additional poems, and the song ‘Auld Lang Syne at the finale.

2. Feb. -York’s Jorvik Viking Festival

The second festival is York’s Jorvik Viking Festival. Around 40,000 Viking fans gather in York to participate in the festivities. Many family-friendly events are held. Even a friendly battle is enacted. This year the festivities have been postponed until May due to covid restrictions.

3. May – Hastings Jack in the Green Festival

In May, the 3rd festival arrives. The first week of May has filled with green colours all around. May Day festivities stretch back to the Celts. Jack in the Green was created when fireplace clears started to wear such enormous embellishments. There are other Jack in the Green celebrations in the UK, yet Hastings is believed to be awesome. Everybody spruces up, and a leaf-shrouded ‘Jack’ marches around the Old Town with conventional music. The Parade proceeds until West Hill, where Jack is killed to introduce the soul of summer. The festivals depict the culture and tradition for years which is still carried out with the younger generations.

Also read: Top 10 Road Trips to Take in United Kingdom: Mini-Guide for Travellers

4. June – Aldeburgh Festival, Suffolk

The Aldeburgh Festival, which takes place in June in Aldeburgh on the Suffolk coast for 17 days, attracts many of the world’s top classical musicians. Composer Benjamin Britten, his collaborator Peter Pears, and Eric Crozier built it in 1948 as a place for musicians and listeners to produce and enjoy music in a beautiful natural setting. The Pumphouse periphery hosts a large portion of the program, while the Bandstand on the Beach hosts free music every noon. The Place is not only for the amazing culture and the festival you could also take in the sea breeze since Aldeburgh is a gorgeous seaside town where you can enjoy the view with a side of fantastic chips and fish.

5. June – Glastonbury Festival

The five-day Glastonbury festival is one of the world’s largest, most famous, and muddiest music culture and arts festivals. It’s a massive festival that spans 900 acres and features over 100 stages. It’s held on the grounds of Worthy Farm, just outside the mystical town of Glastonbury in Somerset. The festival not only covers music, but it is also an experience for comedy, drama, circus, and other forms of arts. Bring a tent and ‘wellies’ for the whole ‘Glasto’ experience.

6. July – WOMAD, Malmsbury, Wiltshire

The festival WOMAD founded by Peter Gabriel, stands for World of Music, Arts, and Dance, in 1980. Music and culture from all around the world are celebrated. WOMADs is hosted all over the world, but the UK edition is annually in Wiltshire’s Charlton Park. Many attractions are kept during this time. Few of them like open-air stages, dance classes, etc. Even a few therapy sessions are held.

Also Read – UK Visa For Indians – The Complete Guide For Your Perfect Trip.

7. August – Edinburgh Fringe Festival

The Fringe festival is celebrated in Edinburgh and is known for its culture. For Instance, The Fringe Festival is the world’s largest arts festival. Over 50,000 performances of over 3,000 productions in 300 venues across Edinburgh. Throughout the last three weeks of August, performers take to the stage. You’ll see well-known musicians as well as up-and-coming talents just starting out their careers.

8. Autumn – Diwali, Leicester

Outside of India, the greatest festival of Diwali (the Festival of Lights) happens in the city of Leicester. Everybody, including Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs, assembles and celebrates Diwali. There are heaps of moving, music, and discourses all around. A huge number of multi-hued lights are turned on. Around 35,000 individuals of all religions go to the switch-on of the lights on the Golden Mile. This festival is celebrated all around the world.

9. 5th November – Catholic Guy Fawkes Day or Bonfire Night

The festival of Bonfire Night is celebrated all around the UK on the 5th of November. It is set away from firecrackers in nurseries or, at coordinated occasions in recreational areas. It remembers the Catholic Guy Fawkes’ bombed endeavour to explode the Protestant Houses of Parliament on 5 November 1605. The most fantastic spot to go in the evening of Guy Fawkes Day is the East Sussex town of Lewes. Where seven huge fire social orders march through the town in the ensemble. There are models including the Pope’s and Guy Fawkes’, with immense flaring peevish. On the day, they roll barrels of blazing tar down the roads as people walk to the edge of town which lights up the whole surrounding. Hope to be squashed as the tight roads are loaded up with a huge number of revellers and onlookers.

Also Read – Best UK Beach Destinations – Plan Your Perfect Beach Holiday

10. 31st December – Hogmanay, Scotland

The festival of New Year commences all around the UK with gatherings and free-streaming liquor. It has exceptional significance in Scotland and is called Hogmanay. The remains were cleaned from the fire. All the obligations were cleared on 31st December to make a new beginning for the New Year. Nowadays, there are parades, outside shows, road gatherings, and firecrackers in urban areas. After the clock ringers have tolled 12 PM, neighbours visit each others’ homes as ‘first footers’, customarily conveying a piece of coal, shortcake or whisky to be the first over the limit to wish everybody a cheerful New Year.

It is pretty clear why the UK is a country filled with culture and festivals. Not just a single month but there are celebrations throughout the year. Can’t wait to celebrate with them? Head on to Pickyourtrail website, check out UK tour packages and plan an amazing trip to the United Kingdom.