Free festivals and events for summer 2015

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

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

City of London Festival                                                                               

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

When: 22nd June-10th 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: 30th-31st August

Where: Notting Hill

More info: www.thelondonnottinghillcarnival.com

 

More London Free Film Festival                 

What: Free outdoor film screenings including 'Ghostbusters’, ‘Selma’ and ‘Still Alice’.

When: 2nd-24th September

Where: The Scoop amphitheatre on the South Bank

More info:  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: 19th-28th June

Where: Various locations in Portsmouth

More info: 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: 6th-9th August

Where: Ashton Court, Bristol

More info: www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk

 

Ryde Carnival

What: The oldest carnival in the UK celebrates its 127th anniversary. Highlights include an illuminated carnival procession and regatta.

When: 26th, 27th August and 5th September

Where: Ryde, Isle of Wight

More info: www.rydecarnival.com

 

Central England

 

Godiva Music Festival

What: Live music including The Wombats and Embrace as well as local bands, plus stand-up comedy acts and family field with entertainment for all ages.                     

When: 3rd-5th 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: 4th-5th July

Where: Stratford-upon-Avon

More info: www.stratforward.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: 31st July-2nd August

Where: Victoria Embankment, Nottingham

More info: 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: 18th-20th September

Where: Various venues across Worcester

More info: 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: 21st June-6th 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: 24th-26th July

Where: Caerphilly

More info: www.caerphilly.gov.uk/bigcheese/

 

Talgarth Festival

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

When: 29th-30th August

Where: Talgarth

More info: www.talgarthfestival.org.uk   

 

Northern England

Brass: Durham International Festival

What: Live brass music and family events.

When: 16th-19th July

Where: Various venues in Durham

More info: 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: 30th July-2nd 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: 27st-31st August

Where: Sefton Park, Liverpool

More info: www.limfestival.com/

 

Scotland

Almost Blue

What: Blues music festival with over 90 live performances, featuring over 70 acts.

When: 3rd-5th July

Where: 20+ locations across Dundee

More info: www.facebook.com/almostblue

 

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: 7th-31st August

Where: Various locations around Edinburgh

More info: www.edfringe.com

 

Northern Ireland

Lidl Titanic Maritime Festival

What: Watch tall ship parades and races over four days along with talks, tours, fireworks and street theatre.

When: 2nd-5th July

Where: Belfast

More info: www.tallshipsbelfast.com

 

Red Sails Festival

What: Live music, theatre, magic, dance events, drum workshops and a childrens' fancy dress competition.

When: 19th-25th July

Where: Portstewart

More info: www.redsails.co.uk

 

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.

Tell us about your favourite

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

This article has been updated

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