The festival season is fast approaching, but this year forget following the crowd: try something new by visiting one of the UK’s more obscure festivals. Whether you’re interested in music, food, or Medieval revelry, there’s something for everyone going on in the UK this summer.
Remember to check with the town’s visitor centre before heading to any of these events, as they can often be cancelled or moved if interest levels are low.
Carmethan’s Merlin Festival
Each August Carmethan celebrates its connection to the wizard from Arthurian legend with a massive festival. Everyone arrives dressed in their best magical regalia, so you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d accidentally wandered into Hogwarts. Entertainment includes horses dressed like dragons, stilt walkers, a Merlin hunt, and live performances .You can click here to see the full program.
Yorkshire Medieval Festival
Feasting, jousting, and making merry are the order of the day at the Yorkshire Medieval Festival, which is run by the JORVIK Viking Centre. Now in its second year, the festival is already proving to be a welcome addition to the region’s events calendar: probably due to the popularity of TV shows like Game of Thrones. While you’re visiting York take some time to enjoy the historical city with a spot of shopping in the Shambles. There is plenty to see and do around York, and there are certainly some good spots for getting refreshments.
St David’s Really Wild Food & Countryside Festival
The food and activity of the Welsh countryside are celebrated at this festival, which really champions rural life. There are lots of different exhibitions to see include birds of prey displays and gun dog shows. In addition to this there are free cooking demos and foraging lessons make the event educational as well as fun, while photography walks mean that you’ll have some great souvenirs to remember the day by.
Falmouth’s International Sea Shanty Festival
The festival was launched in 2003 by Falmouth Shout, a singing group who aim to keep Cornwall’s maritime heritage going strong. Now in its tenth year, the festival is growing in popularity with singers from around the world descending on Falmouth each June to get together and sing traditional sea shanties on the main stage, in cafes, and in pubs along the harbour. In 2013 the festival also included a fashion show, and took place at the same time as the regatta making it a great maritime event. Check out the website for further information.
Cockermouth Rock Festival
Affectionately known as the Cock Rock festival, this grass roots music fest still maintains an exclusive feel due to its maximum capacity of 5000. Big names from the indie scene such as The Cribs and Kids in Glass Houses are headlining in 2013, and local bands from Cumbria are given extra promotion. The festival is very family friendly, with a separate camp site for families, and a ‘noisy’ camp ground for those who like to party until the wee hours. The festival is non-profit, and raises money for Cockermouth Mountain Rescue and the Pride of Cumbria.
Julius Spry is interested in local history and vintage cars amongst other things.
