Festivals

Festival fever

Whether you want to watch the sun set in the company of one of the world’s biggest rock bands or whet your appetite with some of the UK’s finest foods, the 2008 festival calendar has something for you. Whether it’s set in castles or racecourses, in Balado or Barcelona, featuring street theatre or seafood, old, new or just downright weird, the party starts here

Leith Festival

Until 8 June
Various venues, Leith, Edinburgh, prices vary www.leithfestival.com
Leith Festival showcases its trademark brew of home-grown talent and big name headliners with over 100 musical acts, 50 comedians and a dozen visual artists all within a mile of the foot o’ the Walk. Polish physical theatre troupe Gappad make an appearance, as do dance collective the Osiligi Maasai Warriors. Other highlights include music from St Jude’s Infirmary, acclaimed indie-punks Isa & the Filthy Tongues.

Coloursfest

7 June
Braehead Arena and Waterfront, Glasgow, £42.50 www.colours.co.uk
A huge pull for dance music fans, Coloursfest welcomes back the mighty Paul van Dyk and Judge Jules to headline this ten hour event which boasts six dance arenas and over 50 DJs. See preview, page 42.

RockNess

7 – 8 June
Loch Ness, £45–£155 www.rockness.co.uk
A relative newbie on the festival scene, RockNess, besides having fun with a pun, features a cunning crossover of quality dance music with mainstream indie artists. Fatboy Slim takes headlining duties alongside the mighty Calvin Harris and Underworld, while Razorlight, The View and Editors do plenty to service the rock fans present.

Halt Bar Hijack! Festival

13 - 15 June
The Halt Bar, Woodlands Road, Glasgow, free www.myspace.com/haltbarofficial
Brings together some of Scotland’s best up-and-coming bands, with around 40 acts over three days.

Download

13 – 15 June
Donington Park, Derby, £130–£150 www.downloadfestival.co.uk
The rock daddy of music festivals, Download this year bows at the alter of rock legends Kiss, Judas Priest and Motörhead, with Lost Prophets and The Offspring completing the headlining action.

Grassington Festival of Music and Art

13 – 28 June
Grassington, Wharfedale, prices vary www.grassington-festival.org.uk
With evenyts straddling 15 days, Grassington has a voluminous mix of classical concerts, jazz, folk and comedy. Don’t miss jazz legend Courtney Pine and stand up from Irish funnyman Dara O’Briain.

Isle of Wight Music Festival

13 – 15 June
Isle of Wight, £52–£125 www.isleofwightfestival.com
Voted ‘Best Major UK Festival’ at the 2007 UK Festival Awards, and one of the highlights of the festival season, the increasingly popular Isle of Wight shindig returns with headliners The Police, Sex Pistols and Kaiser Chiefs.

West End Festival

3 – 29 June
West End, Glasgow, prices vary www.westendfestival.co.uk
Glasgow’s own local smorgasbord of arts and music that includes the now legendary street parade.

Leamington Peace Festival

13 – 15 June
Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, free www.peacefestival.org.uk
It is the 30th year of this much loved meeting of minds, with live music all day, plus a substantial kids and arts activities programme promoting positive, ethical, sustainable living.

Edinburgh TreeFest

114 - 15 June
Inverleith Park, Edinburgh, free www.edinburghtreefest.org.uk
This is the kind of community-oriented event the entire family can get something out of. Try your hand at axe throwing, tree climbing, or really push yourself with a beginners dose of extreme mountain biking. There will also be live music with a carnival of the Trees procession on the Saturday.

The Old Town Festival

16 - 29 June
Various venues, Edinburgh, prices vary www.scottishstorytelling centre.co.uk
Learn about the history of Edinburgh with a wide range of events for all ages, including storytelling performances, family activities, lectures, tours, talks, music, poetry, visual arts and book events, all celebrating the unique heritage, culture, community and stories of Edinburgh’s Old Town.

Edinburgh International Film Festival

18 – 29 June
Various venues, Edinburgh, prices vary www.edfilmfest.org.uk
This year showcases the EIFF’s inaugural outing away from its former August slot, and launches in style with a screening of John Maybury’s The Edge of Love starring Keira Knightly. Other highlights include retrospectives on French screen siren Jeanne Moreau and late American filmmaker Shirley Clarke. See the first of our preview coverage on page 16.

Dundee Literary Festival

19 – 22 June
University of Dundee, prices vary www.dundeeliteraryfest.org
Talks by internationally acclaimed writers, local authors and poets, opportunities to take part in workshops and events especially for children. This year they’ve bagged fashion icon Vivienne Westwood to make a special appearance.

Sónar

19 – 21 June
Barcelona, Spain, £23–£133 www.sonar.es
Sónar’s reputation and seemingly inexhaustible capacity for fusing electronica with contemporary art and culture, from Spain and worldwide has made this one of the festival highlights in Barcelona’s cultural calendar. Look out for queen of electro-house-techno-clash Miss Kittin and ‘parents of synthpop’ Yazoo.

The Royal Highland Show

19 – 22 June
Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh, £18 (£13, under 16s free) www.royalhighlandshow.org
This annual agricultural jamboree has established itself as the highlight of Scotland’s countryside calendar. In addition to the traditional displays of animals, agricultural machinery, flowers and crafts, the show also boasts the country’s largest showcase for food and drink, alongside an exciting programme of competitions, including show jumping, sheep shearing, heavy horses and farriery.

Ottawa International Jazz Festival

20 June – 1 July
Confederation Park, Ottawa, Canada, prices vary www.ottawajazzfestival.com
Featuring some of the world’s most established jazz acts, the OIJF is Canada’s premier jazz festival. Now in its 28th year, highlights include the mighty Wynton Marsalis and French chanteuse Madeleine Peyroux.

Hurricane Festival

20 – 22 June
Einchenring, Scheeßel, Germany, £90 www.hurricane.de
An annual feature in the German calendar since it started in 1997, this increasingly popular rock festival sets out its stall near Scheeßel in northern Germany on a motorcycle speedway. This year’s acts include Radiohead, The Chemical Brothers and Foo Fighters.

The Scottish Traditional Boat Festival

20 – 22 June
Portsoy, Banff, free scottishtraditionalboatfestival.co.uk
As this unique festival enters its 15th year, it continues to be a must for all those with a passion for sailing. Sea legs aren’t mandatory, though, with a wide variety of music, crafts, cultural and historic exhibitions catering for all those who want to avoid the wet stuff.

Glasgow International Jazz Festival

20 – 29 June
Various venues, Glasgow, prices vary www.jazzfest.co.uk
Grammy-award winner Buddy Guy headlines this year’s Festival alongside ‘Birth of the Cool’ alto sax player Lee Konitz and soul chanteuse Mari Wilson. Elsewhere on the bill, international acts include Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, saxophonist Bobby Watson and avant garde trumpeter Tomasz Stanko, power trio The Bad Plus and West Coast bluesman Herb Geller. Scottish Showcase, Homegrown expands this year to a full weekend and boasts over 70 fringe events for all ages, with local talent the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra performing a tribute to Steely Dan.

Africa Oye Festival

21 – 22 June
Sefton Park, Liverpool, free www.africaoye.com
Unashamedly billed as the biggest free African music festival in the UK, artists from Malawi, Mali, Egypt, Kenya, Mozambique and more perform as the focal point for two days of music, food, drink, dance, arts and crafts.

Hove

23 – 27 June
Tromøy, Norway, £179, www.hovefestivalen.com
With a line-up including Goldfrapp, rap royalty Jay-Z and Jack White leading his Racounteurs, Hove looks set to put Norway on the festival map, mixing big international acts with Norwegian bands, all in the picturesque surrounds of Tromøy. As well as music, this eco-friendly festival, boasts film and food events as part of the five-day experience.

Glastonbury

27 – 29 June
Glastonbury, Somerset, £155, www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk
One of the world’s most famous music festivals, Glasto organisers sparked controversy earlier this year when they announced its somewhat eclectic mix of headliners. Crowded House, The Gossip, Mark Ronson and James Blunt (among many, many others) will join Jay-Z and Shakin’ Stevens at this year’s Glastonbury fest.

Bilboa BBK Live Festival

4 – 6 July
Kobetamendi, nr Bilboa, Spain, £56–£130 www.bilbaobbklive.com
Located in the midst of Bilboa’s Basque Country, the BBK bill features some of the biggest old-timers in rock, including REM and The Police. Lenny Kravitz, The Prodigy and The Charlatans offer solid support.

Open’er Festival

4 – 6 July
Gdynia, Poland, £32–£61, www.opener.pl
Setting its stall out in the intriguingly monickered Babie Doly airport, this hardcore outdoor festival has attracted some of this year’s biggest festival names with The Cribs, Jay-Z, Goldfrapp, The Chemical Brothers and Sex Pistols all rocking up to support headlining acts, Editors, Interpol and Massive Attack.

Blissfields Festival

4 – 6 July
Matterley Bowl, Winchester, Hampshire, £30-£60 www.blissfields.co.uk
Named the Best Small Festival 2007 at the UK Festival Awards, Blissfields combines well-known names from the world of musi and up-and-coming acts. Highlights from the eclectic bill include Lethal Bizzle, The Wonder Stuff, Sam Isaac and The Subliminal Girls.

Frome Festival

4 – 13 July
Frome, Somerset, prices vary www.fromefestival.co.uk
Somerset’s largest community festival pitches up in over 160 venues around the town, boasting a full programme of music, literature, drama, dance and workshops. Boasting a special green theme for part of its activities, eco-friendly visitors can take full advantage of a specially designed Green Fair, the Green is the New Black Fashion Show and even a Green Farmer’s Market.

Cornbury Festival

5 – 6 July
Near Chalbury, Oxfordshire, £27–£110 www.cornburyfestival.com
A hit with all the family, this festival is pitched at a Radio 2-listening crowd who like their music festivals with a little less mosh. Among the attractions are Paul Simon, Crowded House, KT Tunstall and Beverley Knight.

Rising Styles

5 – 12 July
Various venues, Brighton, prices vary www.risingstyles.com
Previously known as the Brighton Hip Hop Festival, Rising Styles claims to be Britain’s largest celebration of hip hop culture and this year promises to be bigger and better than ever with a slew of new events, including the Fresh Styles Hip Hop Film Festival, poetry and MC shows, Battlejam (a day long breakdance event) and several visual art events celebrating the history and legacy of hip hop.

Tarbert Seafood Festival

5 – 6 July
Tarbert, Argyll, free, www.seafood-festival.co.uk
Located around the scenic harbour village of Tarbert at the tip of Kintyre, this is one of the last remaining seafood festivals in the UK and also one of the best. A perfect pick for fish foodies, with its celebration of local produce, food tastings, stalls and workshops, the festival regularly welcomes some of the UK’s most popular chefs, with Nick Nairn among those making an appearance in 2008.

National Cherry Festival

5 – 12 July
Traverse City, Michigan, prices vary www.cherryfestival.org
With over half a million people flocking to this festival over its week-long run, the National Cherry Festival certainly isn’t short of interest. Held for the first time in 1926, the Stateside shindig features 150 events and activities, 85% of which are free, such as cherry pie eating, entertainment stages, a Cherry Farm Market, air shows, food, drink, fireworks and carnivals. The cherry pit spit competition has become something of a national institution.

Brass Durham International Festival

5 – 20 July
Millennium Place, Durham, Prices vary www.brassfestival.co.uk
Championing brass-based music from all around the world, acts come from far and wide to ply their trade here. From jazz to skat, all brass genres are well represented, with street performances, collective brass band marches and workshops for the brass novice all on offer. Comedian and singer/songwriter Earl Okin is also on the bill.

Buxton Festival

9 – 27 July
Buxton, Derbyshire, prices vary www.buxtonfestival.co.uk
A must for lovers of music and literature, this largely classical festival boasts appearances by one of the key figures of the opera scene, Sir Thomas Allen, with performances elsewhere in the programme from the Northern Chamber Orchestra and Victoria Simonsen. Literature fans can enjoy Tariq Ali, Joanne Harris, and lest we forget, everyone’s favourite agony uncle Raj Persaud as part of the books programme.

Exit Festival

10 – 13 July
Novi Sad, Serbia. £72, www.exitfest.org
Set within the confines of a 17th century fortress, Exit affords a truly stunning and unique backdrop for the biggest festival in south east Europe. Winner of the ‘Best European festival’ at the 2007 UK festival awards, this is a great event, which attracts some of today’s biggest music acts. The line up this year includes Primal Scream, Paul Weller and The Sex Pistols. Dance masters N.E.R.D and Roni Size ensure the party never stops.

T in the Park

11 – 13 July
Balado Airfield, Kinross, prices vary (limited tickets still available) www.tinthepark.com
Several years of continuous expansion has seen T grow to become one of the biggest events of its kind in the UK, never mind Scotland, with three days of the biggest international names gracing the fields of Balado. Among the 180 acts on offer this year are The Verve, REM, Amy Winehouse and Rage Against the Machine. See page 6 for a chance to win tickets.

Lounge on the Farm

11 – 13 July
Merton Farm, Canterbury, Kent, £35–£90 www.loungeonthefarm.co.uk
Set in the idyllic surrounds of Merton Farm in Canterbury, Lounge On The Farm showcases 160 bands over six stages, from local talent to more familiar faces, including Mystery Jets, Billy Childish and the Bees. The Festival Folly tent features laidback acoustic jamming.

Oxegen

11 – 13 July
Punchestown Racecourse, Naas, Co Kildare, Eire, prices vary www.oxegen.ie
Calvin Harris and Mylo join R.E.M., The Verve, Amy Winehouse, The Prodigy, Manic Street Preachers, Stereophonics, Counting Crows and many, many more, as the great and good of the music scene rock up to Eire’s Punchestown Racecourse.

Skye Festival (Feis an Eilein)

12 – 25 July
Sleat, Skye, free www.feisaneilein.com
Billed as ‘the biggest small festival in Scotland’ this multi-disciplined festival incorporates music, dance, exhibitions and workshops attracting locals and tourists alike. Situated in the scenic surrounds of Sleat, this is the perfect opportunity to incorporate a spot of festival going with a week’s stay on one of Scotland’s most beautiful islands.

Aberdeen International Football Festival

14 – 20 July
Seaton Park, Aberdeen, free www.aiff.co.uk
A week-long football festival, aimed at 14 to 16-year-olds, promoting tolerance among different nationalities. A fun event for all the family.

Hebridean Celtic Festival

16 – 19 July
Stornaway, Isle of Lewis, £17–£54 www.hebceltfest.com
One thing the people of the Highlands and Islands definitely know how to do well is to throw party and the Hebridean Celtic Festival seldom disappoints, taking up residence in a variety of venues across Lewis. This year’s line up includes The Red Hot Chili Pipers, The Saw Doctors and Shooglenifty.

Larmer Tree Festival

16 – 20 July
Sailsbury, near London, £32–£172 www.larmertreefestival.co.uk
Now in its 18th year, the Larmer Tree offers not only an eclectic line-up of acts but also a visually stunning venue, set as it is amidst a beautiful Victorian Garden. Jools Holland & his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra headline, joined by Marc Almond and supported by bluesman Eric Bibb, while elsewhere festival regulars The Levellers make a welcome return. Support comes courtesy of Bellowhead, SixNationState and Park Bench Social Club.

Latitude Festival

17 – 20 July
Henham Park, Halesworth, Suffolk £55–£130 www.latitude festival.co.uk
Flying the flag as far more than simply a music festival (Franz Ferdinand and Interpol headline), Latitude also welcomes comedians, including Bill Bailey and Ross Noble, while across at the literary tent, Iain Banks, Hanif Kureishi and Irvine Welsh wax lyrical about their latest wordsmithery. As if that were not enough, theatre buffs can enjoy outdoor theatre and cabaret by the lake and, for movie fans, there’s an ever-expanding film arena on site.

British Open Golf Championship

17 – 20 July
Royal Birkdale, £5-£200 www.opengolf.com
This world premier golf tournament returns with Padraig Harrington packing his irons to defend his title. But can he tame the Tiger?

Melt!

18 – 20 July
Ferropolis, Germany, £35-£66 www.meltfestival.de
This über-hip German weekender combines rock, rave and hip hop with a line-up that pitches hardcore talent like Björk and Editors alongside less familiar but no less brilliant European acts, such as Belgium’s seminal rap/rock experimentalists dEUS and Iceland’s sublime art-meets-house music collective Gus Gus.

Camp Bestival

18 – 20 July
Lulworth Castle, Dorset, £120, (£60 for 13-15-year-olds, under 13s free) www.campbestival.net
A festival of family fun combining music – Chuck Berry, The Flaming Lips and Kate Nash – with cracking comedy – Andrew Maxwell, Roy Walker and the Cuban Brothers – while there is a spoken word stage headlined by sardonic rap poet Scroobius Pip. All of which is done in the spirit of a Butlins holiday camp. There will be special Bestival Bluecoats roaming the site ready to inject a bit of festival spirit into any situation. See page 32 for a chance to win tickets.

Dunstaffnage Music Festival

19 - 20 July
Oban, £35-£60 or £150 for a family ticket www.dunstaffnagemusicfestival.co.uk
Situated on the shore by Dunstaffnage Castle with magnificent views west to Lismore and Mull, this family friendly festival features a diverse line-up with art installations, puppetry and food stalls alongside five stages offering national and international talent spanning new bands, indie, rock, reggae, folk, Celtic, electronic, funk, soul, jazz, dance, film and comedy. See page 6 for a chance to win tickets.

Secret Garden Party

24 – 27 July
East Anglian, near Huntingdon, £100–£125 www.secretgarden party.com
See Strange Days Indeed.

Wickerman Festival

25 – 26 July
East Kirkcarswell Farm, Dundrennan, £50-£75 www.thewickermanfestival.co.uk
See Strange Days Indeed.

Fuji Rock Festival

25 – 27 July
Naeba Ski Resort, Fuji, Japan, £80–£191 www.smash-uk.com/frf08
Located high up in the mountains of Fuji, this three-day festival features My Bloody Valentine and Underworld on headlining duties and the likes of Ben Folds, Feeder, Gossip and Kate Nash providing suitably enticing support. We’ve seen Beth Ditto rock out the stage at the Brits, now imagine her yodeling from the top of a mountain.

Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival

25 July – 3 August
Various venues, Edinburgh, prices vary www.edinburgh jazzfestival.co.uk
See Capital Gains.

The Big Tent

26 – 27 July
Falkland Palace, Fife, £6–£14 www.bigtentfestival.co.uk
The Palace plays host to an array of music, art and theatre this year with acts and activities for all ages. King Creosote leads the musical posse, alongside Peatbog Faeries, Moishe’s Bagel, Voces Del Sur and more. This year includes welcome additions, such as the Eco Campsite, alongside a Food Village featuring local, organic and Fair Trade foods. Elsewhere, budding environmentalists can enjoy the following zones: Sustainable Living (everything to green your home); One Planet (biodiversity and climate change); The Body and Soul Zone (with massage, holistic therapies and treatments); Head Zone (with talks, debates, poetry and books) and the Children’s Zone (with workshops, games, crafts and other fun for kids).

Aberdeen International Youth Festival

30 July – 9 August
Various venues, Aberdeen, prices vary www.aiyf.org
A diverse arts festival that aims to promote the best young performers in the country with a programme boasting music, dance, theatre and workshops. Highlights include The Little Sweep, part of Britten’s Entertainment for Young People, performed by Haddo Junior Choirs, AIYF and RSAMD.

Edinburgh Art Festival

31 July – 31 August
Various venues, Edinburgh, prices vary www.edinburghartfestival.org
See Capital Gains.

The Edge Festival

1-27 August
Edinburgh, various venues, prices vary, www.theedgefestival.com
Formerly known as T on the Fringe, the Edge is the new contemporary music strand to the Edinburgh Festival and will this year feature a phenomenal 50 performances across various venues ranging from 250 to 2800 in capacity. Acts confirmed so far include Kate Nash, Dizzee Rascall, Maximo Park, Xavier Rudd, Kristen Hersh’s Paradoxical Undressing and Pendulum with many more to be announced.

Horsecross Southern Fried Festival

1 - 3 August
Perth Concert Hall and Perth Theatre, prices vary www.horsecross.co.uk
American roots music comes to the Scottish Lowlands with a celebration of New Orleans funk, blues and Americana from international names and Scots talent including Eddi Reader, Nanci Griffith and Dean Owens.

The Big Chill

1 – 3 August
Eastnor, Castle Deer Park, Great Malvern, Herefordshire, free–£129 www.bigchill.net
Another festival season, another Big Chill: music acts include popular chanteuse Beth Orton, electro pop songwriters Hot Chip and cult acid house band Alabama. Literature lovers, meanwhile, can look forward to the likes of Lemm Sissay, Apples & Snakes and Elvis McGonagall.

Edinburgh Military Tattoo

1 – 23 August
Edinburgh Castle, prices vary www.edintattoo.co.uk
See Capital Gains.

Live at Loch Lomond

2 – 3 August
Balloch Castle Country Park, Balloch, £49–£89 www.liveatlochlomond.com
After its extremely successful debut last year, Live at Loch Lomond returns for its second outing. This year’s line-up includes performances from Groove Armada, Sex Pistols, Happy Mondays and Pete Doherty.

Festival of Orchids

2 – 3 August
Scone Palace, Perth, £5–£24 www.scone-palace.co.uk
Ideal for the green-fingered, this floral fest showcases some of the finest flowers in the world, complemented by the beautiful backdrop of Scone Palace. Buy orchids from top orchid-growers, gain tips and ideas from talks and demonstrations and enjoy the orchid displays in the beautiful staterooms of Scone Palace.

Skandia Cowes Week

2 – 9 August
Cowes, Isle of Wight, free www.skandiacowesweek.co.uk
One of the UK’s longest running events in the sporting calendar, 8500 competitors and over 100,000 spectators coverge to witness everyone from weekend sailors to olympic champions in a whole servies of thrilling competitive sailing events.

Pittenweem Arts Festival

2 – 10 August
Pittenweem, East Neuk of Fife, free www.pittenweemartsfestival.co.uk
See Something For Nothing.

Nairn International Jazz Festival

2 – 10 August
Various venues, Nairn, prices vary www.nairnjazz.com
Seven days of live world-class jazz entertainment from a range of players from home and abroad.

Festival of Spirituality and Peace

3 – 24 August
Various venues, Edinburgh, prices vary www.festivalofspirituality.org.uk
See Capital Gains.

Edinburgh Festival Fringe

3 – 25 August
Various venues, Edinburgh, prices vary www.edfringe.com
See Capital Gains.

The Great British Beer Festival

5 – 9 August
Earls Court, London, prices vary www.greatbritishbeer.co.uk
Britain’s biggest beer festival boasts over 450 real ales and ciders from golden ales, fruit beers and stouts to bitters, cider and perry. Expect informative talks and tasting sessions.

Festival del Film Locarno

6 – 16 August
Locarno, Switzerland, prices vary www.pardo.ch
Throughout its 60 year history, Locarno has built a reputation as one of Europe’s premier film festivals and each year over 190,000 cinema-goers flock to this small Swiss-Italian town. The International Competition gives young auteurs the chance to rub shoulders with some of Europe’s most talented directors.

Tartan Heart Festival: Belladrum 2008

8 – 9 August
Beauly, Inverness-shire, £50–£80 www.tartanheartfestival.co.uk
Setting its stall in a haven in the Highlands, this event starts with a ground-stomping ceilidh and has live music acts from renowned artists throughout its two-day run. This year’s cracking line-up includes Scouting For Girls, Idlewild, The Waterboys and Edwyn Collins, alongside numerous events for all the family, including poetry, comedy and debates.

Edinburgh International Festival

8 – 21 August
Various venues, Edinburgh, prices vary www.eif.co.uk
See Capital Gains.

Edinburgh International Book Festival

9 – 25 August
Various venues, Edinburgh, prices vary www.edbookfest.co.uk
See Capital Gains.

Piping Live

11 – 17 August
Various venues, Glasgow, prices vary www.pipingfestival.co.uk
Quickly establishing itself as one of Glasgow’s most progressive festivals, Piping Live showcases a programme with everything from the very traditional through to the most contemporary. Must-see acts include Alasdair Gillies, Chris Armstrong and Willie McCallum, and The After World Shindig is not to be missed.

Fringe By the Sea

13 - 16 August
Various venues, North Berwick, prices vary www.fringebythesea.com
Making its debut into the festival madness, the Fringe By the Sea offers four days of music with concerts frm the likes ofDougie MacLean, Tommy Smith’s Youth Jazz Orchestra and the Seaside Skiffle Band.

Croissant Neuf Summer Party

15 – 17 August
Usk, Monmouthshire, Wales, £75 (£30 children 5-15) www.partyneuf.co.uk
See panel, page 28.

The Green Man Festival

15 – 17 August
Glanusk Park, Brecon Beacons, Wales, £35–£105 www.thegreenmanfestival.co.uk
Embracing the bonhomie festival vibe in all its glory, the Green Man boasts a line-up including the Super Furry Animals and Spiritualized, as well as a flock of family led events over its three-day run.

VW Festival

16 – 17 August
Harewood House, Leeds, prices vary www.vwfestival.co.uk
Get your Volkswagen running at this two day car event, boasting traders and club stands to entice anyone from the vehicle novice to the serious aficionado.

Festival of Politics

20 – 23 August
Scottish Parliament Campus, Holyrood Road, prices vary www.festivalofpolitics.org.uk
The newest addition to Edinburgh’s summer festival line-up, which explores a range of social and political issues.

Mull of Kintyre Music Festival

21 – 25 August
Various Venues, Mull of Kintyre, prices vary www.mokfest.com
This celebration of traditional and contemporary Scottish and Irish music and dance has been a favourite with locals since its conception in the early nineties. Highlights include the Friday night ceilidh.

Orkney Beer Festival

22 – 24 August
The Stromess Hotel, Orkney, free, www.visitorkney.com
See Something For Nothing.

Reading and Leeds Festival

22 – 24 August
Branham Park, Leeds and Richfield Avenue, Reading, £155 www.readingfestival.com
With 150 acts playing over three days in both cities, the Reading and Leeds Festival has something for everyone. This year’s bill boasts Metallica, Rage Against the Machine and The Killers on headlining duty.

Creamfields

23 – 24 August
Daresbury Estate, Halton, Cheshire, £57.50–£115, www.creamfields.com
One of the top picks for dance lovers everywhere, Creamfields celebrates its tenth anniversary this year with big name acts such as Fatboy Slim, Kasabian and Underworld coming along for the ride. You can even rest your head in one of festival’s on-site pod-pads after a hard day on the dancefloor.

Mela

25 – 31 August
Beside Ocean Terminal, Edinburgh, price TBC www.edinburgh-mela.co.uk
See Capital Gains for Edinburgh’s multi-cultural jamboree.

Burning Man Festival

25 August – 1 September
Black Rock City, Nevada, prices vary, www.burningman.com
See Strange Days Indeed.

Bournemouth Air Festival

28 – 31 August
Various venues, Bournemouth, free www.bournemouth.co.uk
See Something For Nothing.

Hydro Connect

29 – 31 August
Inveraray Castle, Argyle, £120 www.connectmusicfestival.com
Back by popular demand, this intimate three-day shindig prides itself on excellent local grub – Loch Fyne oysters and mussels, lamb burgers, hand made puddings and regional brews – combined with a music for the more discerning palette, with Goldfrapp, Sigur Rós, Franz Ferdinand among the acts performing against the backdrop of Loch Fyne.

Dundee Flower and Food Festival

5 – 7 September
Camperdown Country Park, Dundee www.dundeeflowerandfoodfestival.com
See Something For Nothing.

Black Bottle Islay Jazz Festival

12 – 14 September
Various venues, Islay, prices vary www.islayjazzfestival.co.uk
Described by its organisers as the ‘best wee jazz festival in Scotland,’ this affords a slew of jazz talent on one of Scotland’s fairest islands over one full-on weekend.

Ludlow Marches Food and Drink Festival

12 – 14 September
Ludlow, Shropshire, England, prices vary www.foodfestival.co.uk
Capitalizing on the town’s solid reputation for good food and drink, Ludlow Marches showcases more than 120 top quality small independent food and drink producers from the surrounding area.

Creetown Country Music Weekend

18 – 21 September
Various venues, Creetown, £15–£45 www.creetown-countrymusic-festival.com
Cowboy hats at the ready for what has quickly become one of Scotland’s largest country music festivals. This year’s line up includes Blue Horizon, Brian Hughes and The Lone Sharks together with a giant street fair.

Loopallu

19 - 20 September
Ullapool. £50 for weekend (under 12s free) www.loopallu.co.uk
Two nights of live music against a stunning and romantic backdrop. Last year included Franz Ferdinand with this year yet to be announced.

The Hairth Festival

19 – 21 September
Knockengorroch Farm, Kirkcudbrightshire, prices vary www.knockengorroch.org.uk
With Warsaw Village Band’s modern take on Poland’s folk roots to Kathryn Tickell’s Northumbrian folk, the Hairth affords a wholesome line-up for those seeking some acoustic, grassroot sets. Fire shows, children’s marquee, and good food and ales complete the mix.

Galway International Oyster Festival

25 – 28 September
Galway, Republic of Ireland, prices vary www.galwayoysterfest.com
If you like gourmet seafood, live music and a great pint of Guinness this is the festival for you, attracting as it does those with a taste for fine food and Irish charm. Specialities include the now annual Guinness World Oyster Opening Championships.

Merchant City Festival

25 - 28 September
Various venues, Glasgow. Prices vary www.merchantcityfestival.com
A lively four-day programme featuring many events including exhibitions, plays, concerts and a street parade, centred on Glasgow’s vibrant cultural quarter. The festival showcases new talent alongside established names, promising something for everyone.

Autumn Speyside Whisky Festival

26 - 29 September
Various venues, Dufftown. Prices vary www.dufftown.co.uk
Whisky, music, food and fun in malt country in this celebration of Speyside’s whisky heritage, including specialist distillery tours, tastings and dinners.

Wigtown Book Festival

26 September – 5 October
Various venues, Wigtown, prices vary www.wigtownbookfestival.com
A celebration of literature in Scotland’s national book town with talks and readings from various authors.

More: Aberdeen International Football Festival, Aberdeen International Youth Festival, Africa Oye Festival, Art Festival, Autumn Speyside Whisky Festival, Bilboa BBK Live Festival, Black Bottle Islay Jazz Festival, Blissfields Festival, Book Festival, Bournemouth Air Festival, Brass Durham International Festival, British Open Golf Championship, Burning Man Festival, Coloursfest, Cornbury Festival, Creamfields, Creetown Country Music Weekend, Croissant Neuf Summer Party, Days out, Download, Dundee Flower and Food Festival, Dundee Literary Festival, Dunstaffnage Music Festival, Edinburgh Art Festival, Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Edinburgh Festivals, Edinburgh International Book Festival, Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh International Film Festival, Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival, Edinburgh Mela, Edinburgh Tattoo, Edinburgh Treefest, Exit Festival, Features, Feis an Eilein, Festival del Film Locarno, Festival of Orchids, Festival of Politics, Festival of Spirituality and Peace, Festivals, Film Festival, Fringe, Fringe by the Sea, Frome Festival, Fuji Rock Festival, Galway International Oyster Festival, Glasgow International Jazz Festival, Glastonbury, Grassington Festival of Music and Art, Halt Bar Hijack! Festival, Horsecross Southern Fried Festival, Hove, Hurricane Festival, Hydro Connect, International Festival, Isle of Wight Music Festival, Jazz & blues, Jazz & Blues Festival, Larmer Tree Festival, Latitude Festival, Leamington Peace Festival, Leith Festival, Live at Loch Lomond, Loopallu, Lounge on the Farm, Ludlow Marches Food and Drink Festival, Mela, Melt!, Merchant City Festival, Mull of Kintyre Music Festival, Nairn International Jazz Festival, National Cherry Festival, Orkney Beer Festival, Ottawa International Jazz Festival, Outdoor, Oxegen, Piping Live, Pittenweem Arts Festival, Previews, Reading and Leeds Festival, RockNess, Secret Garden Party, Skandia Cowes Week, Skye Festival, Sónar, T in the Park, Tarbert Seafood Festival, Tartan Heart Festival: Belladrum 2008, The Big Chill, The Big Tent, The Great British Beer Festival, The Green Man Festival, The Hairth Festival, The Old Town Festival, The Royal Highland Show, The Scottish Traditional Boat Festival, The Wickerman Festival, VW Festival, West End Festival, Wigtown Book Festival

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