Free festivals and events for summer 2013

Sue Hayward
by Lovemoney Staff Sue Hayward on 31 May 2013  |  Comments 0 comments

You don't have to spend a penny to enjoy music, theatre and more in the outdoors over the coming months.

Free festivals and events for summer 2013

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 all the West End musicals plus live bands and interactive exhibits from museums and galleries across the capital.

When: 22–23 June

Where: Trafalgar Square                                                                                  

More info: www.westendlive.co.uk

Notting Hill Carnival

What: One of the world’s most famous free carnivals takes over the streets of west London.

When: 25-26 August

Where: Notting Hill

More info: www.thenottinghillcarnival.com/

More London Free Film Festival                 

What: Free outdoor film screenings including ‘Skyfall’, Hitchcock’s ‘The Birds’ and ‘Back To The Future’.

When: 11-27 September

Where: The Scoop amphitheatre on the South Bank

More info:  http://www.londontown.com/London/London-Outdoor-Film-Screenings#More-London-Free-Film-Festival-at-The-Scoop

City of London Festival                                                                               

What: Music and arts against the backdrop of some of the capital’s most iconic landmarks and open spaces.                                                                           

When: 23 June–26 July

Where: Venues across London

More info: www.colf.org/

Southern England

Weston Beach Kite Festival

What: Stunt kite displays, free kids’ kite-making workshops and synchronised performances set to music.   

When: 8-9 June

Where: Weston-Super-Mare seafront

More info: www.westonkitefestival.co.uk

Bristol International Balloon Fiesta

What: Over 150 hot air balloons of all shapes and sizes take to the skies along with evening firework displays.

When: 8-11 August

Where: Ashton Court, Bristol

More info: www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk/

Ryde Carnival

What: The oldest carnival in the UK celebrates its 125th anniversary.  Highlights include an illuminated carnival procession and regatta.

When: 16, 17 and 31 August

Where: Ryde, Isle of Wight

More info: www.rydecarnival.com

Central England

Leicester Caribbean Carnival

What: A celebration of the city’s Afro-Caribbean culture.

When: 3 August

Where: Victoria Park, Leicester

More info: www.leicestercaribbeancarnival.co.uk

Godiva Music Festival

What: Live music including Echo and the Bunnymen, local bands, comedy and a kids tent.                     

When: 5 – 7 July

Where: War Memorial Park, Coventry

More info: www.godivafestival.com

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: 2 - 4 August

Where: Victoria Embankment, Nottingham

More info: http://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=14480

Wales

The Big Cheese Festival

What: Entertainment, fireworks and the ‘Great Cheese Race’ all in celebration of Caerphilly’s history.

When: 26-28 July

Where: Caerphilly

More info: http://www.visitcaerphilly.com/events/item/33401/The_Big_Cheese_Festival_2013.html

Cardiff Festival

What: Series of events throughout the summer. Free events include the International Food and Drink Festival, Cardiff Carnival and carnival workshops.

When: 12 June – 31 August

Where: Cardiff Bay

More info: www.cardiff-festival.com

Talgarth Festival

What: Music and entertainment in the shadow of the Black Mountains.

When: 24-25 August

Where: Talgarth

More info: www.talgarthfestival.org.uk   

Northern England

Whaley Water Weekend

What: Free boat rides, mini zoo with meerkats and birds of prey, Punch and Judy, climbing wall and live music.                                                                         

When: 7–9 June

Where: Whaley Bridge, near Buxton, Derbyshire

More info: www.whaleywaterweekend.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: 1-4 August

Where: Stockton-on-Tees

More info: www.sirf.co.uk

Liverpool International Music Festival

What: Live music including the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Beatles tribute bands.                                                                                                       

When: 23-26 August

Where: Sefton Park, Liverpool

More info: http://www.visitliverpool.com/whats-on/search/liverpool-international-music-festival-p127331

Scotland

Dundee Blues Bonanza

What: Blues music festival with over 125 live performances, featuring artists and fans from across Europe.

When: 28–30 June

Where: Various pubs and clubs 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: 1-25 August

Where: 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: 21-27 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: 3-10 August

Where: Londonderry

More info: www.maidencityfestival.com

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.

This article has been updated

Tell us about your favourite

If you have a favourite free festival or event, add it in the Comments box below.

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