Festivals in and near Stratford-upon-Avon

Banbury Folk Festival

A Full Weekend of Exciting Main Concerts, Acoustic Concerts, Ceilidhs, Morris Dancing, Workshops, Folk Theatre, French Dance, Canalside Events, Singing and Music. This is a folk festival that everyone can enjoy ... more

England is host to large, lavish and world-class festivals of all kinds. So whether you're interested in music, food or culture, or even if you just want an excuse for a great party along with crowds of other revellers, make sure your trip includes one of England's fabulous festivals.

Festivals in England range from first-rate cultural showcases to fun folk festivals and trade fairs devoted to specific local products. Some of the festivals are massive and world-famous, and you'll need to book months in advance to secure a coveted ticket. Others are smaller or underground, but can often be just as enjoyable - who knows, you may discover a gem of hidden musical talent, or meet some wonderful friendly locals. Some of the festivals are even free, and give everyone the opportunity to join in the fun.

England is known for its rich and appealing folk traditions, and these are lauded by means of various celebrations, such as annual folk festivals in Oxford and its surrounding hamlets. Festivals in Cambridge generally put emphasis on tradtional folk music- and dancing, as does folk festivals in Salisbury.

There are also some special dates throughout the year that have been celebrated in England throughout the ages, and continue to prompt hearty celebrations. May Day is an ancient English festival, celebrating the end of the gloomy winter. Traditional English May Day rites and celebrations include Morris dancing, crowning a May Queen and the Maypole, around which traditional dancers circle with ribbons. Festivals in Tintagel tend to get particularly festive and many other towns still celebrate the coming of spring by decorating the street with flowers and with processions through the streets, and there are even still maypoles in some towns.

Every year on the 5th November, the sky above England is ablaze with sparkling fireworks and the flames from massive bonfires: this is Guy Fawkes night, which has been celebrated in England for more than 400 years. On 5th November 1605, a group of Catholic militants decided to blow up the British Parliament, but the plot was discovered and the plotters executed. Although not the leader of the plotters, Guy Fawkes was the man who was caught setting up the explosives. The Parliament buildings' lucky escape is celebrated each year with huge bonfires and breathtaking fireworks displays that are mainly held in town parks.

It's no surprise that England hosts some awesome music festivals: this is after all the home of The Beatles, Led Zepellin, the Police, Pink Floyd, The Clash and other legendary artists, as well as more recent stars like Coldplay, Lily Allen, Amy Winehouse and the Arctic Monkeys.

England's festival calendar is full of celebrations covering every genre of music, from classical to hip-hop. Many of these involve the opportunity to camp at the festival grounds, and are just as much about the festive atmosphere as the world-class performers. Some of the best music festivals include Download for metalheads and Glade for ravers. Festivals in Reading lean towards rock, as does V-festival, Get Loaded in the Park.

Do NOT miss the king of all English festivals in Glastonbury, which was named International Festival of the Year in 2007. Held on a farm near the historic town of Glastonbury, it's the largest greenfield music performing arts festival in the world. The vast fields are covered once a year in a sea of tents and stage areas. The often wet weather and resulting mud doesn't seem to deter the thousands of gumboot clad revellers, who get the chance to see world-class acts, including musicians, theatre, circus and cabaret. There are more bands than at any other weekend festival, ranging from top pop musicians to lesser-known indie acts. There is even a kid's field, and a huge food market, contributing to the famous festival's unique atmosphere.

Festivals in Liverpool culminate in the fabled Beatle Week. The birthplace of the Fab Four annually hosts a celebration of all that is Beatle, with international bands, art exhibitions, memorabilia sales, record fairs, guest speakers, video shows and tours livening up the streets.

If a vibrant atmosphere is what you're after, festivals in London will surely float your boat, as the capital city always seems to be celebrating something. London's famous river is celebrated in the Thames Festival, which includes open air arts exhibitions, pyrotechnics, river events, street theatre, massed choirs and music and culminates in a spectacular Night Carnival and fireworks display.

The City of London Festival is an annual arts festival that takes place in June and July, and mainly focuses on classical music, but also has a great programme of jazz, world music, opera and film. A great advantage of this festival is that the performances are often held in London's most beautiful churches, including St Paul's Cathedral. One of the best free festivals in London has to be Rise Against Racism, which is held in North London, is organised to oppose racism and celebrate London's diversity and features top hip-hop, pop, indie and jazz acts.

You're guaranteed to have a great day out at any of England's amazing festivals: mingle, take in some amazing music and art, or simply enjoy the fabulous atmosphere.