Study, work or travel in the UK. British
culture and life.
Things to do in the UK in August 2011
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Study, work or travel in the UK. British
culture and life.
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Things to do in the UK in August 2011
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AUGUST
2011
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 Seaside fun (Brighton) |
 Harvest time (Somerset)
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| Fri 15 Jul - Sat 10 Sep 2011 |
Proms, Central London The BBC Sir Henry Wood Promenade Concerts. A series of classical concerts at London's Royal Albert Hall. See: For full details, see the BBC's Proms website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/proms. * Further information: Life/Entertainment/Concerts |
| Sat 23 Jul - Mon 3 Oct 2011 |
Summer opening of the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace,
Central London While the Queen visits Scotland each summer, it is possible to buy a ticket to see the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace. See: http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/default.asp?action=article&ID=30 * Further information: Travel/Tours/London/BuckinghamPalace |
| Fri 29 Jul - 1 Oct 2011 |
Houses of Parliament Summer Opening, Central London During the summer break for Parliament it is possible to buy a ticket for a 75-minute guided tour of the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Tours are not available for a 2-week period in September, but Saturday tours are run throughout the year. See: http://www.parliament.uk/visiting/visitingandtours/summeropening.cfm * Further information: Travel/Tours/London/Parliament |
| Sat 30 Jul - Sat 6 Aug 2011 |
National Eisteddfod of Wales, Wrexham and District A week-long Welsh festival of singing, music and dance, including competitions between the various categories of Welsh choir. Each year this event takes place in a different part of Wales: in 2011 it will be in the Wrexham area. For full details, see: http://www.eisteddfod.org.uk/english * Guide to Wales: Travel/Tours/Wales |
| Mon 1 Aug - Tue 30 Aug 2011 |
Ramadan Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. It lasts about 30 days, starting and ending with an official sighting of the new moon. Healthy Muslims who follow this tradition are not supposed to eat or drink between dawn and sunset during Ramadan - they eat meals just before and after these times. It is also a spiritual time: Muslims are encouraged to pray, to do good deeds (avoiding bad behaviour, thoughts or sights), and if possible to spend time with family members. For further information, see: http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/uk/ramadan-begins |
| Mon 1 Aug 2011 | Summer Bank Holiday, Scotland A public holiday in Scotland and Ireland, but not in England or Wales. |
| Tue 2 Aug - Sat 6 Aug 2011 |
Great British Beer Festival, West London Drink, music and other entertainment. This is held at Earls Court (nearest tube station: Earls Court on the District line). See: http://www.gbbf.org (or http://www.camra.org.uk). * British pubs and drinks: Britain/Food/Pubs |
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 Great British Beer Festival |
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| Thu 4 Aug 2011 | Scottish Higher results, Scotland Scottish Higher exam results are published in Scotland. Students who have received offers from Scottish universities but whose grades are not high enough can enter a process known as clearing, which tries to match them with available places. See: http://www.ucas.ac.uk/students/importantdates or http://www.sqa.org.uk |
| Fri 5 Aug - Sun 7 Aug 2011 |
Tours from London If you want to join a tour this weekend (starting in London), these are some options: Fri -Sun: Amsterdam & Brugge Budget ; Edinburgh Festival and Tattoo ; Paris Eurostar ; The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Tour ; Edinburgh, Loch Ness and Highlands by train Sat -Sun: Overnight Hilton - Northern England Peaks and York ; Oxford, Cotswolds, Bath, Lacock & Stonehenge Sat: A Day in Wales ; Isle of Wight ; Cambridge ; Bath, Stonehenge & Secret Places Sun: Brighton ; Stratford & Warwick Castle ; Brighton, Seven Sisters & Lewes Castle * List of tours: Travel/Tours/Dates |
| Fri 5 Aug - Mon 29 Aug 2011 |
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Edinburgh Entertainers perform shows in hundreds of venues across Edinburgh. For details, see: http://www.edfringe.com. * Photos of Edinburgh: Travel/Tours/Scotland/Edinburgh |
| Fri 5 Aug - Sat 27 Aug 2011 |
Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Edinburgh A daily show outside the walls of Edinburgh Castle - a mixture of marching bands, dance and spectacle. See: http://www.edintattoo.co.uk * Photos/further information about this event: Ideas/Album/Tattoo |
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| Wed 10 Aug 2011 | Euro 2012 Qualifiers The following international football matches take place today as part of the qualifying stages for the Euro 2012 competition: Northern Ireland v Faroe Islands (Group C) For further information see: http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro2012 * Football: Life/Sport/Football |
| Wed 10 Aug 2011 | Twilight Delights, London Free concert in Canada Square Park (Nearest Tube/DLR: Canary Wharf) from 7pm. Acoustic folk and blues music will be performed. See: http://www.canarywharf.com/visitus/Arts--Events1/Events/Twilight-Delights-Folk-Night * Concerts: Life/Entertainment/Concerts |
| Wed 10 Aug - Sun 14 Aug 2011 |
Cricket: England v India The third of four test matches between England and India. This game is played at Edgbaston cricket ground (Birmingham) * Cricket: Life/Sport/Cricket |
| Wed 10 Aug - Sun 14 Aug 2011 |
Robin Hood Festival, near Nottingham Medieval festival in Sherwood Forest - according to legend, Robin Hood was based here during the reign of King John, robbing from the rich to give to the poor. Entertainment includes displays of archery, falconry and jousting, as well as storytelling, music, juggling and jesting. For details, see: http://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/robinhoodfestival. |
| Thu 11 Aug - Sun 14 Aug 2011 |
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, Bristol Europe's largest hot air balloon festival, with over 100 balloons taking part. For details, see: http://www.bristolfiesta.co.uk |
| Thu 11 Aug - Sun 14 Aug 2011 |
Airbourne (Eastboune Air Festival), Eastbourne Free airshow on Eastbourne's seafront. See: http://www.eastbourneairshow.com |
| Fri 12 Aug - Sun 4 Sep 2011 |
The Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh A major annual festival of classical music, theatre, opera and dance in Edinburgh. For details, see: http://www.eif.co.uk. * Photos of Edinburgh: Travel/Tours/Scotland/Edinburgh |
| Fri 12 Aug - Fri 26 Aug 2011 |
Kids Week, London London theatre events and discounts for children. See: http://www.kidsweek.co.uk * London theatre: Life/Entertainment/Theatre |
| Fri 12 Aug - Sun 14 Aug 2011 |
Tours from London If you want to join a tour this weekend (starting in London), these are some options: Fri -Sun: Edinburgh Festival and Tattoo ; Paris Eurostar ; The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Tour ; Edinburgh, Loch Ness and Highlands by train ; Paris by Coach Sat -Sun: Horse Riding Wales ; Overnight Hilton Hotel Oxford, Stonehenge & Bath ; Oxford, Cotswolds, Bath, Lacock & Stonehenge ; Wales Coast & Mountains Sat: Cambridge ; Cycling in the New Forest ; York ; Bath and Stonehenge ; Bath, Stonehenge & Secret Places Sun: Cotswolds ; Stratford & Warwick Castle ; Oxford, Stratford On Avon, Cotswolds * List of tours: Travel/Tours/Dates |
| Fri 12 Aug - Sun 14 Aug 2011 |
Canary Wharf Jazz Festival, London Free outdoor jazz concerts in Canada Square Park (7-10pm on Friday, 1:30-10pm on Saturday, 1:30-8:15pm on Sunday). See: http://www.mycanarywharf.com/whats-on * Concerts: Life/Entertainment/Concerts |
| Sat 13 Aug 2011 | Brighton Pride: Carnival Parade, Brighton A free event in Brighton organised by the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community. The Carnival Parade starts at Madeira Drive and finishes in Preston Park. Entertainment continues in Preston Park until the early evening. See: http://www.brightonpride.org * Photos from the Pride London event: Ideas/Album/Pride * Guide to visiting Brighton: Travel/Tours/England/Brighton |
| Wed 17 Aug 2011 | Twilight Delights, London Free concert in Canada Square Park (Nearest Tube/DLR: Canary Wharf) from 7pm. Famous arias from operas will be performed. See: http://www.canarywharf.com/visitus/Arts--Events1/Events/Twilight-Delights-A-Night-At-The-Opera * Concerts: Life/Entertainment/Concerts |
| Thu 18 Aug - Mon 22 Aug 2011 |
Cricket: England v India The last of four test matches between England and India. This game is played at The Oval (London) * Cricket: Life/Sport/Cricket |
| Thu 18 Aug - Sun 21 Aug 2011 |
Bournemouth Air Festival, Bournemouth The UK's biggest free aviation festival. See: http://www.bournemouthair.co.uk |
| Thu 18 Aug 2011 | A Level results, England & Wales A Level results are published. Students who have received offers from universities but whose grades are not high enough can enter a process known as clearing, which tries to match them with available places. See: http://www.ucas.ac.uk/students/importantdates or http://www.qca.org.uk/qca_4130.aspx |
| Fri 19 Aug - Sun 21 Aug 2011 |
Tours from London If you want to join a tour this weekend (starting in London), these are some options: Fri -Sun: Paris Eurostar ; The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Tour ; Edinburgh, Loch Ness and Highlands by train Sat -Sun: Isle of Wight Overnight ; Overnight Bath including Windsor & Cheddar Gorge ; Oxford, Cotswolds, Bath, Lacock & Stonehenge Sat: Cycling in the New Forest ; Oxford and Stratford ; York ; The Cotswolds ; Bath, Stonehenge & Secret Places Sun: Leeds Castle and Rochester ; Brighton, Seven Sisters & Lewes Castle * List of tours: Travel/Tours/Dates |
| Sat 20 Aug - Sun 21 Aug 2011 |
V Festival, Chelmsford and Birmingham Weekend music festival at Hylands Park near Chelmsford and Weston Park near Birmingham. See: http://www.vfestival.com * UK rock festivals: Life/Entertainment/Festivals |
| Sat 20 Aug 2011 | On The Edge, Richmond Free festival of world music, with live performances taking place on Richmond Riverside. See: http://www.richmond.gov.uk/home/leisure_and_culture/arts/music/on_the_edge.htm |
| Wed 24 Aug 2011 | Twilight Delights, London Free concert in Canada Square Park (Nearest Tube/DLR: Canary Wharf) from 7pm. Beatles songs will be performed by The Bootleg Beatles. See: http://www.canarywharf.com/visitus/Arts--Events1/Events/Twilight-Delights-The-Bootleg-Beatles * Concerts: Life/Entertainment/Concerts |
| Fri 26 Aug - Sun 28 Aug 2011 |
Reading Festival / Leeds Festival, Reading &
Leeds Weekend music festival both at Reading and at Leeds. See: http://www.readingfestival.com and http://www.leedsfestival.com. * UK rock festivals: Life/Entertainment/Festivals |
| Sat 27 Aug - Mon 29 Aug 2011 |
Tours from London If you want to join a tour this weekend (starting in London), these are some options: Sat -Mon: Belgium ; Germany Rhineland Bank Holiday ; Holland and Belgium ; Paris & The Champagne Region ; Paris Eurostar ; Edinburgh, Loch Ness and Highlands by train ; Amsterdam & Bruges coach tour ; Paris by Coach Sat -Sun: Horse Riding Wales ; Oxford, Cotswolds, Bath, Lacock & Stonehenge Sat: A Day in Wales ; Oxford and Stratford ; Canterbury ; Bath, Stonehenge & Secret Places Sun: Brighton ; Stratford & Warwick Castle ; Cambridge, Ely & the Fens Mon: Cambridge ; Stonehenge Private Viewing Late Evening ; Bath, Stonehenge & Secret Places * List of tours: Travel/Tours/Dates |
| Sat 27 Aug 2011 | South West Four, South London Music festival on Clapham Common. See: http://www.southwestfour.com * UK rock festivals: Life/Entertainment/Festivals |
| Sun 28 Aug 2011 | Get Loaded in the Park, South London Music festival on Clapham Common. See: http://www.getloadedinthepark.com * UK rock festivals: Life/Entertainment/Festivals |
| Sun 28 Aug - Mon 29 Aug 2011 |
Notting Hill Carnival, West London A free colourful street festival in London on Sunday and on Monday (a public holiday in the UK). This is one of Europe's largest carnivals, attended by up to a million people each year. Sunday is known as Children's Day. This day is less crowded, so you may be able to get a better view of the procession and find it easier to leave afterwards. The main event is on Monday: it can get extremely crowded. Important note: compared to previous years, this year the carnival will start earlier (at about 9am) and will end earlier (at about 6:30-7pm) (so that crowds will have gone before it is dark). The procession route is along Great Western Road, Chepstow Road, Westbourne Grove and Ladbroke Grove. Bus and Tube services in the area will be disrupted on Sunday and Monday. For details, check the Transport for London website: http://www.tfl.gov.uk Some hints: - Take a map of the area, so that you can go there and get back easily (note that many of the bus and Tube services in the area will not stop in the carnival area). Check the maps on the carnival websites for the route of the march and for the location of toilets (these will be quite basic; take your own toilet paper). - Use sunscreen (you may be in the sun a long time) - Consider protecting your ears, as the music can be loud (tissue paper can work well) - Be very careful with your belongings, as there will be pickpockets there. If possible, just carry a small amount of cash and your travel tickets. Leave credit cards and mobile phones at home. - The less you carry, the less tired you will feel at the end of the day. - When it is crowded, the police may need to direct you in a certain direction. - Allow plenty of time to leave the area. It may be slow moving through the crowds, some exit routes may be closed, and you may need to walk quite a long way to get to a Tube or bus station which is open. For more information, see: http://www.timeout.com/london/feature/1226/notting-hill-carnival-2011-information * Photographs from the Notting Hill Carnival: Ideas/Album/NottingHillCarnival |
 Notting Hill Carnival: steel drums |
 Notting Hill Carnival: street parade |
| Sun 28 Aug - Mon 29 Aug 2011 |
Mathew Street Festival, Liverpool An annual free music festival in Liverpool. See: http://www.mathewstreetfestival.com * The Beatles: Britain/Music/Beatles. * Visitor guide to Liverpool: Travel/Tours/England/Liverpool |
| Mon 29 Aug 2011 | Summer Bank Holiday A public holiday in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (but not in Scotland). Transport services often run to a timetable similar to those on Sundays. * To check timetables use the links in: Travel/Transport |
| Wed 31 Aug 2011 | Twilight Delights, London Free concert in Canada Square Park (Nearest Tube/DLR: Canary Wharf) from 7pm. Popular classics and film themes, followed by traditional proms favourites including Rule Britannia, Jerusalem and Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance. See: http://www.canarywharf.com/visitus/Arts--Events1/Events/Twilight-Delights-Proms-Spectacular * Concerts: Life/Entertainment/Concerts |
 Summer Opening of Parliament |
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