July

CARDIFF FESTIVAL
Where: Various venues, Cardiff
When: 1 July-1 Aug
What: The Welsh capital’s culture fest lasts a full month and many of its quality live music, performance and street theatre events are completely free. The Cardiff Castle Open Air Theatre present a performance of Shakespeare’s ‘The Tempest’, there’s a proms programme packed with classical performances and West End hit ‘Calendar Girls’ comes to The Millennium Centre. Price: various. Web: www.cardiff-festival.co.uk

THE BEAT HERDER FESTIVAL
Where: The Ribble Valley, Lancs
When: 2-4 July
What: Friendly, fun and ever-so-slightly mental fest for beatophiles everywhere. DJ-wise, Alex Metric will be spinning electro on Friday and drum & bass meister Andy C plays Saturday, though there’s plenty of live music on offer too: Kitsune-signed electro-poppers Chew Lips, throwback rocker King Charles and boundary-dismissive collective Blasted Mechanism will all be providing jaunty tunes to throw some shapes to. Price: £70 w/e camping. Web: www.beatherder.co.uk

BLISSFIELDS
Where: Bradley Farm, Bradley, Alresford, Hants
When: 2-4 July
What: Tenth anniversary shindig for the Blissfields Festival, an intimate and laidback affair on the heart of rural Hampshire. This year’s line-up includes British psych-rock merchants Band of Skulls, indie-electro band Ou Est le Swimming Pool and Bristol’s own rabble rousers Turbowolf. Price: sold out. Web: www.blissfields.co.uk

LOCAL EVENT
BRISTOL WINE AND FOOD FAIR
Where: Harbourside, Bristol
When: 2-4 July
What: Foodies and vino lovers from Bristol and beyond converge at Bristol’s Harbourside to eat, drink and be merry. Sample wines from artisan local producers, nibble at the West Country’s fine produce and watch some of the country’s finest chefs demonstrate their skills in the kitchen. Bristol’s flagship food mecca Bordeaux Quay will also be hosting cookery workshops. Price: £15 w/e adult, £10 day ticket on the gate. Web: www.bristolwineandfood.co.uk

GODIVA FESTIVAL
Where: War Memorial Park, Coventry
When: 2-4 July
What: The UK’s biggest free family festival, where over 85,000 people will enjoy some of the best local, national and international artists completely gratis. And as it’s all in the name of Coventry’s nuddy icon Lady Godiva, there’s also a vibrant Godiva procession through the streets of the city to watch. The line-up is yet to be announced, but 2009 was soundtracked by indie stalwarts Idlewild, Brum-rockers The Twang and 80s hitmakers Go West. Price: free. Web: www.godivafestival.co.uk

WAKESTOCK
Where: Penrhos, nr Abersoch, Wales
When: 2-4 July
What: Gnarly, dude! Wakestock is Europe’s largest wakeboarding festival and is held on the fringes of Wales’s boho surfer retreat Abersoch. There’s plenty of exhibitions from wakeboarders extraordinaire and opportunities to get strapped to a kite yourself, but the festival has mainly built up such a devoted following because of its big-name line-up: Tyneside rockers Maximo Park, Eric Prydz, Chase and Status, N Dubz, Mr Hudson and squawking two-piece The Ting Tings have been confirmed so far, with many more to come. £120 w/e camping. Tel: 01758 710000, web: www.wakestock.co.uk

WIRELESS
Where: Hyde Park, London
When: 2-4 July
What: International superstars from the world of pop and beyond make Hyde Park’s flagship event a real heavyweight: P!nk takes to the stage Friday night, Jay-Z Sunday night, and producer James Murphy’s LCD Soundsystem hold the reins on Saturday. But it doesn’t end there – other acts confirmed to play include Missy Elliot, Lily Allen, The Ting Tings, The Temper Trap, DJ Shadow, Friendly Fires and Chase and Status (who are making themselves particularly busy this festival season). Price: £110 w/e, £47.50 per day. Web: www.wirelessfestival.co.uk

LEDBURY POETRY FESTIVAL
Where: Various venues, Ledbury, Herefordshire
When: 2-11 July
What: Chin-strokingly erudite celebration of the art of wordsmithery and the biggest of its kind in the UK, with 10 days of events around winsome Ledbury. Dozens of known and lesser-known poets will give readings of their work: at time of going to press, 40 national and international poets of renown are already confirmed to appear. There will also be talks, workshops and the final of an open-entry poetry competition. Price: various. Tel: 0845 458 1743, web: www.poetry-festival.com

LOCAL EVENT
HSBC CHELTENHAM MUSIC FESTIVAL
Where: Various venues, Cheltenham
When: 2-17 July
What: Music arm of the multi-limbed Cheltenham festival that dominates the city’s summer. As ever, live classical music will dominate the programme: the director’s picks of appearances for 2010 include Sarah Connolly, Michael Collins, Fretwork, Kirill Karabits, Alfie Boe, Steven Isserlis and Brett Dean, though the Rodgers and Hammerstein gala concert looks to be a particular highlight. Price: various. Tel: 0844 576 8970, web: www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/music

LOCAL EVENT
NIBLEY MUSIC FESTIVAL
Where: North Nibley, Glos
When: 3 July
What: Community and family-minded local event with a charming spirit in a beautiful spot in the Cotswolds. The main stage is headlined by pub rock stalwarts Eddie and the Hot Rods, and also sees Junkstar, RSVP and Fre3 Peace appear. There’ll be a craft tent and lots of inflatable madness to keep the young ’uns happy, and a Severn Ale Brewing Company stall to keep the adults merry. Price: £14 adult. Tel: 0870 224 7750, web: www.nibleyfestival.co.uk

LOCAL EVENT
ST PAULS CARNIVAL
Where: St Pauls, Bristol
When: 3 July
What: Big, bright and beautiful celebration by and for the St Pauls community, with a joyous Caribbean atmosphere illuminating the once troubled area. 60,000 people will take to the streets to revel in one of the highlights of Bristol’s annual calendar, with street stalls, performances, music and, of course, the exuberant carnival spirit to enjoy. Price: free. Tel: 0117 944 4176, web: www.stpaulscarnival.co.uk

LOCAL EVENT
BATH FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL
Where: Royal Victoria Park, Bath
When: 3-4 July
What: Good food, wine and real ale available in abundance at this celebration of good eatin’ and good livin’. Expect talks, exhibitions, live music and a restaurant trail, not to mention plenty of stalls and free tidbits to nibble on. Price: free. Web: www.garden-events.com/bath

CORNBURY FESTIVAL
Where: Cornbury Park, Charlbury, Oxon
When: 3-4 July
What: Most excellent music two-dayer situated right on the edge of the Wychwood Forest that manages to be family-orientated but very grown-up at the same time. There’s been a fayre on the site since 1796, though back then they weren’t attracting talent like David Grey, Squeeze, Buddy Guy and the Blockheads (in no way riding on the back of Andy Serkis’s ‘Sex & Drugs & Rock ‘n’ Roll’). Price: £115 w/e camping, day tickets. Web: www.cornburyfestival.com

LOCAL EVENT
THE COTSWALD SHOW
Where: Cirencester Park, Cirencester, Glos
When: 3-4 July
What: Livestock shows, country pursuits, arts and crafts and lots besides to enjoy at this exhibition of life in the Cotswolds. It’s not all rural activities though - 2010 will feature an appearance by ‘Big Pete’, a three-ton, 12ft monster truck, crushing everything in its path. Also alpacas. Price: £11 adult per day, concs. Tel: 01285 652007, web: www.cotswaldshow.co.uk

THE MOSTLY JAZZ FESTIVAL
Where: Mosely Park, Birmingham
When: 3-4 July
What: Outdoor jazz fest headlined by ex-Specials Jerry Dammers’ Spatial AKA Orchestra on Saturday, and influential sax virtuoso Courtney Pine on Sunday. In addition to the main stage, which will also feature the likes of Portico Quartet and The Fantastics!, there is a second stage for up-and-coming talent. Price: £48.50 w/e, £28.50 per day. Web: www.mostlyjazz.co.uk

LOCAL EVENT
TRUCKFEST SOUTHWEST
Where: Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet
When: 3-4 July
What: Not to be confused with Truck Festival - that only features one truck as such, whereas this one features absolutely loads of the things. Road haulage enthusiasts from all over the South West meet to watch shows, demonstrations and talk shop. Price: £12.50 advance adult day ticket. Web: www.truckfest.co.uk

HOP FARM FESTIVAL
Where: The Hop Farm, Paddock Wood, Kent
When: 3-5 July
What: The name might suggest a sleepy village fair but this is anything but: what village fair have you ever been to headlined by Bob Dylan? Ray Davies, Mumford and Sons, Seasick Steve, Peter Doherty and Laura Marling are also confirmed to appear at time of going to press. And when you’ve had your homesick subterranean blues, you can get really sick on the funfair attractions. Did someone say perfect festival? Price: £135 w/e camping. Web: www.hopfarmfestival.com

DURHAM INTERNATIONAL BRASS FESTIVAL
Where: Various venues, Durham, Northumberland
When: 3-18 July
What: Be it tubas, trumpets, saxophones, French horns or trombones, you’ll find it at this brass bonanza. Acts are taken from a wide variety of styles, be it jazz, funk, soul, ska or Balkan gypsy - the only constant is those big, beefy brass sounds. Price: various, many free. Web: www.brassfestival.co.uk

LOCAL EVENT
KEYNSHAM MUSIC FESTIVAL
Where: Keynsham, nr Bristol
When: 4 July
What: Appearances from the best local acts in and around the South West, from rock to roots and dance, as well as creative workshops, fun for the kids and plenty of food stalls to tempt you away from the music. And the best bit? It’s all totally free, though only the meanest of spirits will snub the suggested donation. Price: free. Web: www.keynshammusicfestival.co.uk

LOCAL EVENT
T4 ON THE BEACH
Where: Weston-super-Mare
When: 4 July
What: Bizarre half-breed of music festival and live TV event, with T4’s clownish presenting team mucking about in between performances from pop’s hottest property. This year sees JLS, Tinie Tempah, Jason Derulo and top-drawer muppets N-Dubz perform for the massed crowd on Weston-super-Mare’s beach. Price: £37. Web: www.channel4.com/t4

TAPESTRY GOES WEST FESTIVAL
Where: Shenley Park, Shenley, Herts
When: 4 July
What: Neat little one-dayer held in a walled Victorian garden, with The Trembling Bells, Jim Jones Revue, Kitty, Daisy & Lewis and James Walbourne’s Old Boy so far confirmed. There’s only space for 500 though, so don’t hang around if you fancy going. Price: £30 early bird. Web: www.tapestrygoeswest.com

BUXTON FESTIVAL
Where: Various venues, Buxton, Derbyshire
When: 7-25 July
What: Long-running and much-esteemed festival of opera, music and literature. Operas to be performed include Verdi’s ‘Luisa Miller’ and Cornelius’s ‘The Barber of Baghdad’: there will be music from the Russian Chamber Philharmonic, The Academy of Ancient Music and The Cellos of CBSO: and performances include the poetry of Philip Larkin and Carol Ann Duffy, as well as an appearance from Melvyn Bragg. Price: various. Tel: 0845 127 2190, web: www.buxtonfestival.co.uk

DRUM CAMP FESTIVAL
Where: Nr Bungay, Suffolk
When: 8-11 July
What: Learn while you party at this educational world music fest that boasts over 36 workshops in everything from the didgeridoo to capoeira. Headline performances come from Hossam Ramzy and his Egyptian Orchestra, Seckou Keita and Landing Mane. Prices: £160 adult w/e camping. Web: www.karamba.co.uk

SOMERSET HOUSE SERIES
Where: Somerset House, The Strand, London
When: 8-18 July
What: An 11-night series of open-air gigs held at The Strand’s spectacular Somerset House. Acts playing are Mystery Jets, Air, Noah and the Whale, The Temper Trap, N-Dubz, The xx, Gil Scott-Heron, Florence and the Machine, Corinne Bailey Rae, The Divine Comedy and Soul II Soul. Price: various. Web: www.somersethouse.org.uk

ELY FOLK FESTIVAL
Where: Ely Outdoor Centre, Ely, Cambs
When: 9-11 July
What: Happy 25th anniversary to the premier folk fest at Ely, which will be celebrating in style with the usual excellent combination of established and fresh-faced talent. Oyster Band, Lau, John Tams and Barry Coope, The Demon Barber Roadshow, Faustus, Vin Garbutt, Harvey Andrews and Les Barker appear among many others, and there will be ceilidh bands, morris dancing displays, a local bands showcase and a real ale bar too. Price: £58 w/e. Web: www.elyfolk.co.uk

FUSE THE EVENT IN A TENT
Where: Beacon Park, Lichfield, Staffs
When: 9-11 July
What: Another free community arts event, which originally grew out of what was Lichfield Festival Fringe. Thousands of midlanders will visit the various marquees erected in Beacon Park, enjoying music, performance, arts, crafts and workshops. Price: free. Web: www.lichfieldarts.org.uk

LOUNGE ON THE FARM
Where: Merton Farm, Canterbury, Kent
When: 9-11 July
What: Fifth event for this plucky little fest that has seen a vast increase in both size and quality of acts, but still retains its regional pride. Legendary saxophonist Courtney Pine, turntable-wizard DJ Yoda, electro-folkers Tunng, reggae stalwarts Toots and the Maytals and Motown’s finest, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, are all confirmed to appear. Now that’s a billing as eclectic as it is exciting. Price: £85 w/e camping, concs. Web: www.loungeonthefarm.co.uk

MARLBOROUGH JAZZ FESTIVAL
Where: Various venues, Malborough, Wilts
When: 9-11 July
What: Top-notch jazz fest that sees the little town of Marlborough transformed into a “a mini New Orleans” for the weekend, according to the Telegraph. A good balance of old favourites and new talent has kept the event at the forefront of British jazz, and this year promises to be no different: the programme includes The Tony Kofi Quartet, The Birmingham Blues Friends, Led Bib, The Richie Bryant Allstars, the Eduardo Niebla Trio and the Jive Aces. Price: £55 w/e. Tel: 01672 515 095, web: www.marlboroughjazz.co.uk

NOZSTOCK
Where: Bromyard, Herefordshire
When: 9-11 July
What: In no way related to ‘Fast and Furious’-style car tinkering, Nozstock is a little gem of a festival that will this year host a whopping 120 acts over eight stages in the idyllic grounds of a 17th-century farmhouse. The Blockheads and the Anomalies are already confirmed for the main Orchard Stage, though there will also be experimental sounds coming from the Garden Stage and bowel-wobbling bass in the converted barns. Price: £65 early bird. Web: www.nozstockfestival.co.uk

LOCAL EVENT
PRIDDY FOLK FESTIVAL
Where: Priddy, Somerset
When: 9-11 July
What: Calls itself, quite rightly, “the friendliest folk festival in England”, and is run by a committee of volunteers for the benefit of the local community. Occupying a lovely spot high on the Mendip Hills, Priddy will host folk talent such as The Battlefield Band, Spiers and Boden, The New Rope String Band, Vin Garbutt and Kerfuffle. There will also be late-night ceilidh sessions, a children’s festival, and open mic events. Price: £63 adult w/e camping. Web: www.priddyfolk.org

LOCAL EVENT
RELENTLESS NASS (NATIONAL ACTION SPORTS SHOW)
Where: Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet
When: 9-11 July
What: Young people with a total disregard for personal safety pull off lots of rad moves in totally dope extreme sports exhibitions, set to a soundtrack of some gnarly live music. Or something. In addition to the motocross, skateboarding and BMX shows, US punk-poppers Bowling for Soup, drum & bassers Chase and Status and new hot property Tinie Tempah appear. Price: £70 adult w/e, day tickets, concs. Tel: 0207 348 5200, web: www.relentlessnass.com

SMALL NATIONS
Where: Glangwenlais, Cilycwm, Carmarthenshire, South Wales
When: 9-11 July
What: It had to be the Welsh, didn’t it? A celebration of the music of Wales and other small nations takes place at the fields of Glangwenlais in Carmarthenshire, with an impressively genre-hopping bill already lined up. And with a total capacity of 1,500, you can be sure of an intimate affair. Price: £65 adult w/e. Tel: 01550 721375, web: www.smallnations.co.uk

T IN THE PARK
Where: Balado, Kinross Shire, Scotland
When: 9-11 July
What: The jewel in Scotland’s mainstream festival crown returns for 2010 with one of its best line-ups to date: headlining the three nights are Muse, Kasabian and middle America-baiting rapper Eminem: other highlights include Jay-Z, Dizzee Rascal, Madness, The Prodigy, Florence and Machine and Faithless - and that’s before you’re even halfway down the bill. But even amongst all these international superstars they’ve found room to squeeze in a ceilidh tent. Good on ’em. Price: £180 w/e camping. Web: www.tinthepark.com

YORK EARLY MUSIC FESTIVAL
Where: Various venues, York
When: 9-17 July
What: A programme of around 30 events, showcasing music from the middle ages to high baroque in various historic venues around York. This year’s theme is ‘Musical Marriages’, and includes a performance of Monteverdi’s 1610 Vespers and Schumann’s Frauenliebe und Leben and Myrthen. Price: various. Tel: 01904 658338, web: www.ncem.co.uk

LOCAL EVENT
FROME FESTIVAL
Where: Various venues, Frome
When: 9-18 July
What: Ten days of music, drama, literature, film, theatre and much more from this well-loved staple of the South West’s festival season - now celebrating its tenth birthday. With over 200 events all over the town, and an attendance of around 30,000, there’ll plenty to enjoy. This year, the Frome Festival Feast moves to a new, bigger location, so there’ll be a wealth of top-quality grub to nourish your body as well as your soul. Price: various. Tel: 01373 453889, web: www.fromefestival.co.uk

WAYS WITH WORDS FESTIVAL
Where: Dartington Hall, Devon
When: 9-18 July
What: An erudite event in a suitably sophisticated location. Voracious readers get the chance to meet celebrated writers, as well as take part in workshops to help them on their own literary odysseys. This year’s programme will be announced in May. Price: TBC. Tel: 01803 867373, web: wayswithwords.co.uk

KATE MELUA IN THE FOREST
Where: Thetford Forest, nr Brandon, Suffolk
When: 10 July
What: Gentle jazz pop in a clearing in Thetford Forest, courtesy of the Forestry Commission. Price: £33. Tel: 01842 814612, web: www.forestry.gov.uk

CASTLE CONCERTS
Where: Rochester Castle Rochester, Kent
When: 14-17 July
What: A series of big-name shows in the gardens of Rochester’s Norman castle. Treading the stage in the shadow of the imposing fort will be Status Quo, Will Young, The Saturdays and a proms concert from The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Price: various, Status Quo and Will Young sold out. Web: www.medway.gov.uk/castleconcerts2010

HEBRIDEAN CELTIC FESTIVAL
Where: Stornoway, Lewis, Outer Hebrides
When: 14-17 July
What: A multi-venue bonanza of Celtic music, hosted on the Hebridean island of Lewis. Quite a commute from the South West, but might just be worth it - especially with performances form Runrig, Afro Celt Sound System, Imelda May and Ade Edmondson and the Bad Shepherds. Price: £61 w/e, day tickets. Web: www.hebceltfest.com

LARMER TREE FESTIVAL
Where: Larmer Tree Gardens, nr Salisbury
When: 14-18 July
What: Entering its third decade and becoming a contender for one of the summer’s best festivals. Larmer Tree is held in the rather opulent locale of Wiltshire’s Larmer Tree Gardens, and in addition to the rather super musical offerings - Toots and the Maytals, Jools Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, Oysterband, The Unthanks and the West Country’s own the Mandibles so far - there’s also a comedy tent, with Rich Hall and David O’ Doherty confirmed. Price: £184 5-day, £150 4-day, £120 3-day, day tickets, concs. Tel: 01725 552300, web: www.larmertreefestival.co.uk

CANCELLED: GLADE FESTIVAL
Where: Matterly Bowl, Winchester
When: 15-18 July

LATITUDE FESTIVAL
Where: Henham Park, Southwold, Sunrise Coast, Suffolk
When: 15-18 July
What: Top-drawer indie, rock and alternative festival on Suffolk’s gorgeous Sunrise Coast. Music is the main attraction, with this year seeing Florence and the Machine, Vampire Weekend, Belle and Sebastian, Empire of the Sun, Laura Marling, Grizzly Bear, Richard Hawley and Charlotte Gainsbourg appearing - but there’s also a wealth of other distractions for the culturally minded, with a comedy tent, literary, poetry and film arenas, and a dedicated cabaret area to go all Berliner in. Price: £155 w/e camping. Web: www.latitudefestival.com

LOCAL EVENT
JLS IN THE FOREST
Where: Westonbirt Arboretum, nr Tetbury, Glos
When: 16 July
What: The West Country will ring with the hysterical screams of teenage girls as JLS take to a temporary stage in a clearing in Westonbirt Arboretum. Price: sold out. Tel: 01842 814612, web: www.forestry.gov.uk

SOUNDWAVES FESTIVAL
Where: Various venues, Brighton
When: 16-18 July
What: An experimental gumbo of video art, performance art, musical theatre, concerts and a symposium, with much of the music united by a strong visual element. Price: TBC. Web: www.soundwaves-festival.org.uk

LOCAL EVENT
2000 TREES FESTIVAL
Where: Upcote Farm, Withington, Cheltenham
When: 16-18 July
What: There’s much to applaud about 2000 Trees Festival. As you might imagine, it’s got some impressive green credentials: the tickets are still a recession-friendly 50 quid: and it puts on the best home-grown talent - this year Frank Turner, Metronomy, The Subways and superb college skippers Bombay Bicycle Club, among a ton more. Price: £50 w/e. Web: www.twothousandtreesfestival.co.uk

BRAMPTON LIVE
Where: William Howard Centre, Brampton, Cumbria
When: 16-18 July
What: That’s Brampton in Cumbria, in case you were wondering (not Lincolnshire, Derbyshire, Suffolk, Norfolk, Canada…). Folk and roots is the order of the day, with the folk critics’ new darlings The Unthanks already set to play alongside songwriters, poets and dance bands. Price: £84.50 w/e camping. Web: www.bramptonlive.net

FESTIVAL AT THE EDGE
Where: Stokes Barn, Much Wenlock, Shropshire
When: 16-18 July
What: Yarn-spinning du jour in
the bucolic Shropshire countryside? No problem - Festival at the Edge is a three-dayer devoted to the age-old art of storytelling. Comedy, performance and music are all duly represented, and there’s a children’s festival running consecutively to keep the nippers as interested as the adults. Taffy Thomas MBE, the legendary storyteller with a repertoire of 300 tall tales, will be performing. Price: £73 w/e. Tel: 01939 236626, web: www.festivalattheedge.org

GUILFEST
Where: Stoke Park, Guilford
When: 16-18 July
What: They have festivals in well-to-do Surrey too, y’know, and pretty decent ones at that. Orbital, electro-pop pioneers The Human League, dad-rockers Status Quo and cosmic rock adventurers Hawkwind are so far confirmed to play. Price: £110 adult w/e camping. Tel: 0871 230 1106, web: www.guilfest.co.uk

LOVEBOX
Where: Victoria Park, London
When: 16-18 July
What: Groove Armada’s baby has grown into quite a handsome thing since being born as a club night in 2002. There’s no camping, but the line-up is smartly split between the three days: Friday is radio-fare. Saturday caters more for the classic and throwback crowd and Sunday is for interstellar dance/electro-pop devotees. Price: £99 3 days, day tickets. Web: www.lovebox.net

BIRMINGHAM INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL
Where: Various venues, Birmingham
When: 16-25 July
What: With 180 gigs in 70 venues across the city, this Birmingham jazz bash is intent on bringing the bop to as many brummies as possible - they even moved the dates back so it didn’t clash with the World Cup finals. Price: various. Web: www.birminghamjazzfestival.co.uk

LOCAL EVENT
BOOGIE FOR BRIZZLE
Where: Bristol Zoo
When: Sat 17 July
What: Bristol Zoo’s biggest family-friendly festival (and the only evening the entire Zoo stays open late) features loads of live bands, including headliners Dreadzone, street theatre, circus and kids’ activities from 3pm onwards. Price: £13.50 adult, £8.50 child, £35.50 family (adv discounts available). Tel: 0117 974 7399, web: www.bristolzoo.org.uk

LOCAL EVENT
STATUS QUO IN THE FOREST
Where: Westonbirt Arboretum, nr Tetbury, Glos
When: 17 July
What: Boogie-woogie the night away to some jivin’ dad-rock at Westonbirt Arboretum, safe in the knowledge that all profits go towards preserving Britain’s many forests. Price: £33. Tel: 01842 814612, web: www.forestry.gov.uk

LOCAL EVENT
GRILLSTOCK
Where: Ampitheatre, Bristol Harbourside
When: 17-18 July
What: Barbecue-themed foody fest complete with live country/bluegrass music and cooking comps. Price: £5 per day / £4 adv. Web: www.grillstock.co.uk

LOCAL EVENT
JAMES MORRISON IN THE FOREST
Where: Westonbirt Arboretum, nr Tetbury, Glos
When: 18 July
What: Gravelly-voiced popster James Morrison appears in Westonbirt as part of the Forestry Commission’s ‘Forest Tours’. He also plays Delamere Forest Park on 3 July. Price: £31. Tel: 01842 814612, Web: www.forestry.gov.uk

SECRET GARDEN PARTY
Where: Nr Huntingdon, Cambs
When: 22-25 July
What: Smashing little boutique festival in a stunning secret location, complete with its own lake, river, boating pier and landscaped gardens. There are dozens of marquees hidden throughout the labyrinthine grounds to discover, and headline acts announced so far include the Gorillaz Sound System, Mercury Rev and Marina and the Diamonds. Price: £142 w/e camping. Web: www.secretgardenparty.com

LOCAL EVENT
TROWBRIDGE VILLAGE PUMP FESTIVAL
Where: Stowford Manor Farm, Wingfield, Trowbridge, Wilts
When: 22-25 July
What: The Trowbridge Village Pump Festival’s location has made it one of the festivals to visit - not least because it’s in the shadow of a 14th-century castle and contains a lake you can take a dip in. Musically, folk, roots and blues are the order of the weekend: The Handsome Family, Bellowhead, Show of Hands & Friends, Beth Porter and The Cedar have given the thumbs up so far. Price: £115 adult w/e. Web: www.trowbridgefestival.co.uk

LOCAL EVENT
BATH SUMMER CIDER FESTIVAL
Where: Bath Pavilion
When: 23-24 July
What: 100+ ciders and perries to savour over three sessions. Price: £6.50 adv / £7.50 on the door. Web: www.somersetmade.co.uk/ciderfestivals

BIG TENT FESTIVAL
Where: Falkland, Fife, Scotland
When: 23-25 July
What: Scotland’s largest eco festival, with plenty of talks and events geared towards highlighting ecological and environmental concerns. It’s very much a family-friendly affair with a dedicated kids’ area. Price: £63 w/e camping, concs. Tel: 01337 858838, web: www.bigtentfestival.co.uk

FREEROTATION
Where: Baskerville Hall, Clyro, nr Hay-on-Wye
When: 23-25 July
What: Fancy having a big dirty rave in a mansion? Well, that’s what uber-exclusive fest Freerotation is all about - premier genre-spanning electronic artists performing in one of three rooms inside Baskerville Hall, as well as a separate stage in the grounds. It’s quite unlike anything else out there, and to off-set all that apocalyptic partying, there’s an indoor swimming pool and saunas on site. You will have to be invited by a current member, though, unless there are some tickets left in April, in which case the general public will get a bite of the cherry. Price: £80 for members. Web: www.freerotation.com

INDIE TRACKS
Where: Midland Railway, Butterly, Derbyshire
When: 23-25 July
What: Indie pop and steam trains aren’t necessarily the most obvious of bedfellows, but that’s how Indie Tracks organise a festival - the best up-and-coming guitar-toting bands and the best steam-puffing locomotives. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Foxes! and Bristol’s Secret Shine are set to appear as part of the extensive bill. Not the most obvious way to raise money for the Midland Railway Trust, but probably the best. Price: £55 w/e. Web: www.indietracks.co.uk

MARYPORT BLUES FESTIVAL
Where: Maryport, Cumbria
When: 23-25 July
What: This festival boasts a rather novel Blues Trail around 14 of Maryport’s pubs and clubs, playing everything from blues (obviously) to rock, country and boogie-woogie. The Hoax headline on Friday and the Robert Cray Band on Sunday: many more are yet to be announced. Price: TBC. Web: www.maryportblues.co.uk

PORT ELIOT FESTIVAL
Where: Port Eliot, Cornwall
When: 23-25 July
What: Starting life as a literature festival (and the spiritual ancestor of the Elephant Fayre of the 70s
and 80s), Port Eliot is a boho heaven of music, art, fashion and literature. ‘Caught by the River’ is a particular highlight of the fest, with Fionn Regan, Danny and The Champions of the World and the Leisure Society performing this year. There’s also
an extensive list of authors and fashion designers appearing, and 2010 will also debut a brand new flower show. Price: £130 adult w/e camping. Tel: 01503 232783, web: www.porteliotfestival.com

TRUCK FESTIVAL
Where: Hill Farm, Steventon, Oxon
When: 23-25 July
What: Independently-minded and oh-so-welcoming, Truck has more of the air of a village fete than a music festival - but the coolest village fete that ever existed. There’s music in barns, music in tents and a main stage that will host Swedish art-rockers Mew, indie pop’s Good Shoes and wordy angsty types Los Campesinos! Only one truck, though, so if haulage is your thing, you’re better off with Truckfest. Price: £80 w/e camping. Web: www.thisistruck.com

WARWICK FOLK FESTIVAL
Where: Warwick School, Warwick, Warwickshire
When: 23-25 July
What: A folk festival set in the grounds of Warwick School: live performances this year come from Lau, Jim Moray, Mutenrohi, Breabach, Colvin Quarmby and The Wilsons. There’s also a world dance convention and a guitar convention, and the site is a short walk from the historic castle town of Warwick. Back to school it is, then. Price: £78 adult, £65 b4 15 June Tel: 01926 614932, web: www.warwickfolk
festival.co.uk

LOCAL EVENT
WOMAD
Where: Charlton Park, Malmesbury, Wilts
When: 23-25 July
What: That’s World of Music, Arts and Dance, in case you were wondering. And the line-up really does strive to reflect the world - it’s a pan-continental mash-up of sounds and genres, from the sun-soaked afro-pop of Malian superstar Salif Keita to heavy-breathing wobble board botherer Rolf Harris. There’s a global village with over 40 different types of cuisine to sample, and the festival is renowned as being one of the most family friendly there is. Highly recommended. Price: £125 w/e. Web: www.womad.org

SPLENDOUR
Where: Wollaton Park, Nottingham
When: 24 July
What: Annual Nottingham music festival with a family-friendly ethos returns to Wollaton Park for its third year with Neil Tennant’s influential electro-poppers Pet Shop Boys headlining. And there’s a true community-mindedness here: you get half-price tickets if you’ve an NG postcode. Hats off. Price: £30, or £15 if a Nottingham resident.
Web: www.splendourfestival.com

RHYTHMS OF THE WORLD
Where: Hitchin Priory, Hitchin, Herts
When: 24-25 July
What: Six stages and the very streets of Hitchin host the Rhythms of the World festival, a celebration of music from all over this big blue plant of ours. Expect a diverse programme, representing everything from the London Gypsy Orchestra to Strangler Hugh Cornwell, Burundi’s Steven Sogo to the wordy indie of Get Cape Wear Cape Fly. Price: £7 per day. Web: www.rotw.org.uk

LOCAL EVENT
INTERNATIONAL GUITAR FESTIVAL CHELTENHAM
Where: Park Campus, University of Gloucestershire, Cheltenham
When: 24 July-6 Aug
What: Have a finger-pickin’, pluckin’, shreddin’, strummin’ old time at the International Guitar Festival, where there are equal opportunities to spectate and participate. There will be a whole host of guitar workshops in every discipline - rock, jazz, blues, classical and beyond - as well as performances from some of the UK’s most respected axe-wielders. Price: various. Web: www.igf.org.uk

CO-OPERATIVE CAMBRIDGE FOLK FESTIVAL
Where: Cherry Hinton Hall, Cambridge
When: 29 July-1 Aug
What: Probably the UK’s most prestigious folk festival and, let’s be honest, there are a lot of them. The line-up goes beyond traditional folk - this year hobo bluesman Seasick Steve, country legend Kris Kristofferson, Seth Lakeman and the Imagined Village are appearing alongside more straight-down-the-line folk acts. Paul Simon’s son Harper Simon is even making his debut UK festival appearance here, and that’s got to be a pretty big endorsement. Price: £108 w/e, day tickets, camping available. Web: www.cambridgefolkfestival.co.uk

ROCK AND BLUES CUSTOM SHOW
Where: Catton Hall, Walton-on-Trent, Derbyshire
When: 29 July-1 Aug
What: You know a festival’s properly rock ’n’ roll when there’s a competition to win a Harley Davidson. In addition to the custom show of bikes, trikes, scooters and hot rods, there are also two stages of live music from guitar-toting roughnecks - the likes of Badness, Glenn Hughes and Magnum. Price: £40 adult w/e camping. Web: www.rockandblues.uk.com

LOCAL EVENT
FARM FESTIVAL
Where: Gilcombe Farm, Bruton, Somerset
When: 30-31 July
What: A chance to attend a festival that’s going strong and getting stronger, but still a largely underground affair. Now in its fifth year, Farm Festival is dedicated to giving its attendees as much great music, food and drink for as little as possible. Egyptian Hip Hop, Peggy Sue, Wild Palms and Bearsuit are amongst the many acts confirmed. It won’t be this small for long. Price: £30 adult w/e camping. Tel: 0845 838 9924, web: www.myspace.com/farmfestival

GLOBAL GATHERING
Where: Long Marston Airfield, Stratford-upon-Avon
When: 30-31 July
What: Clubbers, skankers and ravers unite for the UK’s biggest dance festival, celebrating its tenth anniversary. Faithless, Dizzee Rascal and Chase and Status headline, but there are over 150 DJs spinning every colour of music from the dance spectrum across a staggering 16 arenas, so the Global Gathering nights are long indeed. It’s an over-18s event, though, so leave the little ’uns at home. Price: £115 w/e camping. Tel: 0845 009 8885, web: www.globalgathering.com.com

CAMP BESTIVAL
Where: Lulworth Castle, Dorset
When: 30 July-1 Aug
What: The sister festival of the much larger Bestival, Camp Bestival is geared towards families with young children, so new parents needn’t give up on festivals until they’re too old to go. It aims to inject a bit of British holiday camp magic into the festival format, but that doesn’t mean the quality of the line-up suffers: this year’s headliners include Madness, Friendly Fires, The Human League, Billy Bragg and the Blockheads. Price: £155 w/e camping. Web: www.campbestival.net

LOCAL EVENT
INTERNATIONAL GYPSY GUITAR FESTIVAL
Where: Gossington, nr Slimbridge, Glos
When: 30 July-1 Aug
What: If you know your Django Reinhardt from your Pierre Ferret, then the Gypsy Guitar Festival may be for you. In addition to the range of performances, there’s also a ‘Gypsy Idol’ competition for aspiring players. Price: £45 w/e, day tickets. Web: www.iggf.co.uk

KENDAL CALLING
Where: Lowther Deer Park, Lake District
When: 30 July-1 Aug
What: Set in the stunning rolling landscape of the Lake District, Kendal Calling might be a relative newcomer to the festival circuit but it’s already drawing big names and big crowds to the Cumbrian countryside. Saturday and Sunday headliners are yet to be announced, but Friday is headed by Calvin Harris. Kendal natives Wild Beasts, the Futureheads, OK Go and superstar DJ Erol Alkan have also confirmed. Price: £85 w/e camping. Web: www.kendalcalling.co.uk

SONISPHERE
Where: Knebworth House, Herts
When: 30 July-1 Aug
What: A pan-European series of festivals that also has stop-offs in Poland, the Czech Republic, Spain, Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria, Romania and Switzerland. This leg’s now in its second year and sees the legendary Knebworth playing host to a bevy of tinnitus-inducing rock and metal acts: legendary heavy metallers Iron Maiden will headline one night and Industrial rockers Rammstein the next. Moltey Crue, Alice Cooper, The Cult, Iggy and the Stooges and Anthrax have also confirmed. Price: £157.50 w/e camping. Web: uk.sonispherefestivals.com

YNOT
Where: Pikehall, Matlock, Derbyshire
When: 30 July-1 Aug
What: Another festival kicking back against big corporate events and extortionate ticket prices. In keeping with the community atmosphere, many of the bands camp with the
punters, so you might end up pitched next to The Subways, OK Go, Get Cape Wear Cape Fly, Twisted Wheel or Turin Brakes. Price: £55 w/e camping. Web: www.ynotfestivals.co.uk

SIDMOUTH FOLK WEEK
Where: Various, Sidmouth, Devon
When: July 30- 6 Aug
What: Held in the centre of lovely Sidmouth and on the wild Devon coast, Sidmouth Folk Week is a seven-day event packed with well-known and up-and-coming folk acts. The Ham Marquee plays host to Julie Fowlis, Shoe of Hands, Blue Murder, Martin Simpson, Barry Coope and John Tams and many more: and you get all the joy of a British seaside holiday too, with “ice-cream, crab sarnies and lying
on the beach”. Price: £168 week, £50 camping week. Tel: 01395 578627, web: www.sidmouthfolkweek.co.uk

FIELD DAY
Where: Victoria Park, London
When: 31 July
What: Field Day started with a simple idea: rally some of London’s best alternative promoters together for one event in Victoria Park. Simple, maybe, but with a fantastic outcome - Field Day attracts some of the most discerning musical palettes around, and with good reason. This year East London’s hipsters will be treated to performances from Deerhunter off-shoot Atlas Sound, French alt-rockers Phoenix, Amiina, Beth Jeans Houghton, Caribou, Chilly Gonzalez and New York’s Hypnotic Brass Ensemble. Price: £33.33. Web: www.fielddayfestivals.com

LEOPALLOOZA
Where: The Wyldes, Bude, Cornwall
When: 31 July
What: Set in a scenic valley just a few miles from Cornwall’s finest beaches, Leopallooza is now in its fifth year, and while acts are yet to be announced, The Flying Squirrel bar and Hungry Badger Eatery are guaranteed to return. Price: £20. Web: www.leopallooza.com

LOCAL EVENT
BRISTOL HARBOUR FESTIVAL
Where: Bristol Harbourside
When: 31 July-1 Aug
What: A massive free party on Bristol’s historic Floating Harbour? Yes, please. One of the South West’s best shindigs features local and international music over a whopping eight stages, dance performances, circus and street theatre (presented by Cirque Bijou), market stalls and a Saturday night fireworks display. Oh, and lots and lots of boats. Keep checking Venue magazine for more details. Price: free. Tel: 0117 922 3287, web: www.bristolharbourfestival.co.uk

TATTON PARK PICNIC CONCERTS
Where: Tatton Park, Knutsford, Cheshire
When: 31 July-1 Aug
What: Two nights of musical and picnicking fun: the first an evening of opera from Halle featuring arias from Puccini, Verdi and Bizet and topped off with a fireworks display; and the second a set from velvet-voiced crooner Will Young. Price: £27.50 Halle, £31 Will Young, concs. Tel: 0844 844 2121, web: www.tattonparkconcerts.com

ALNWICK INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL
Where: Alnwick, Northumberland
When: 31 July-7 Aug
What: A mix of free and paid-for live events in the beautiful town of Alnwick, with folk and traditional dance music from all over the world. Expect ceilidhs and barn dances a-plenty, too. Price: TBC. Web: www.northumbelrandnationalpark.org.uk/alnwickmusicfestival

EISTEDDFOD GENEDLATHOL CYMRU (NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD OF WALES)
Where: Blaenau Gwent and Heads of the Valleys
When: 31 July-7 Aug
What: An eisteddfod is a traditional Welsh festival, dating back to at least the 12th century - so they’ve been at it a while, y’know. The national one attracts over 160,000 visitors to celebrate the rich culture and heritage of Wales, with a varied programme of music, dance, performance, art, ceremonies, comedy, competitions and market stalls. Price: £15 adult per day, concs. Tel: 0845 122 1176, web: www.esteddfod.org.uk

PRIDE IN BRIGHTON AND HOVE
Where: Brighton and Hove
When: 31 July-8 Aug
What: The main event takes place on the 7 Aug, with a parade through the streets of Brighton and a big gay knees-up in Preston Park, with music tents, cabaret, trade and food stalls and bars. Well-known for its joyous carnival atmosphere, the week leading up to the main parade day will also be packed with parties, performance and talks. Price: parade free, other events various. Tel: 01273 775939, web: www.brightonpride.org

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