With the annual summer holiday exodus about to hit offices, those left behind to pick up the pieces can still escape to a weekend of fun and freedom at one of many Great British Summer Festivals. Proving there’s so much more to summertime frolics than Glastonbury, we’ve compiled a list of the most eclectic festivals taking place across the British Isles this summer. From hot air ballooning to oyster shucking, there’s a festival to suit everyone – some even with luxury toilets.
Whitstable Oyster Festival The landing of the oyster
Pommery Dorset Seafood Festival – 14&15 July 2018
One of Britain’s best summer foodie festivals, Weymouth harbour groans with local bounty ranging from traditional cod and chips through to Lyme Bay scallops, Seafood paella and Tandoori King Prawn kebabs. Grab a glass of fizz and pile your plate with an endless supply of salty and spicy crustaceans. Arrive early as supplies are likely to run out! Read more about it here.
Dorset Seafood Pommery Dorset Seafood Festival 2015
Laya Healthcare Dublin City Spectacular 8 July 2018
Proving it’s not all about St Patrick’s Day, the Dublin City Spectacular kicks off again in Merrion Square with street performers ranging from sword swallowers and strong women to acrobats juggling on giant trampolines. Throw some discreet shapes on a silent disco walking tour before stocking up on soda bread at the ever popular East Street Food Village. Truly one of the top Great British Summer Festivals.
Sasko Lazarov City Spectacular. Danish performer Mr. Toons with a gigantic colourful party balloon on Dublin’s Grafton Street to announce Laya Healthcares’ City Spectacular’s 10th Birthday. Ireland’s biggest summer festival
Whitstable Oyster Festival 21 & 22 July 2018
Transformed into St Tropez, Whitstable springs into life with the snap of oyster shells and the clonk of champagne corks as pop-up bars shimmer along the sea front. Not to be missed is the landing of the oyster – a ceremony to bless the first catch of the season – presided by the Lord Mayor of Canterbury who distributes them to local bars and restaurants around the town. After the parade, those with cast-iron constitutions can join in the annual oyster eating competition. The Whitstable Oyster Festival is up there with the quirkiest British summer festivals. Read more about it here.
Whitstable Oyster Festival Blessing of the Oysters
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta 9-12 August 2018
Hot-on-the-heels of the Bristol harbour festival, the skies over the Avon are filled with brightly bobbing nylon balloons. Experience the serenity of the early morning mass ascents or join in the night glow where teams of thirty balloonists light up the night sky in time to music. If you fancy taking to the skies yourself, flights are also available with advanced booking recommended. All balloon flights are weather dependent. Read more about it here.
Sam_Catch Bristol Balloon Festival
Number 6 Festival 6-9 September 2018
Wales meets the Med in the pretty village of Portmeirion – the Welsh Portofino. Billed as a bespoke banquet of music, arts and culture, the festival boasts an impressive range of live music and DJs and equally enthralling boutique camping options (tee-pees and luxury toilets) – eat your heart out Glastonbury. This year’s events also include torch-lit processions and of course, this being Wales, a 60-strong Welsh male choir. Find out more here.
Smabs Sputzer Portmeirion village
Do you have a favourite British summer festival? Let us know.