The UK festival season is well and truly underway, with some of the best and biggest summer events taking place every weekend. But let’s face it, whilst they’re certainly worth it, they do come with a hefty price tag. One that not everyone can justify right now.
But pricey tickets don’t mean you have to miss out on festival fun this summer, all over the country, there are a whole host of festivals for food lovers, drinks connoisseurs and even artists to enjoy. The best part is entry won’t cost you a penny!
To help you get started, London Northwestern Railway (LNR) has pulled together a handy guide complete with some of the best ones around the UK this summer. And don’t worry about the drive – as they’re all accessible by train.
Birmingham Festival 2023
In celebration of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth games, Centenary Square will host Birmingham Festival 23. From 28th July to 6th August, the square will be full of sensational live music from local artists as well as a range of family-friendly activities like the animal-themed party picnic! This 10-day free festival is perfect for the whole family, and with so many fun things happening, it’s one you won’t want to miss out on.
Travel tip: Centenary Square is located just a short walk (seven minutes) from Birmingham New Street.
Cannock Food and Drink Festival
Perfect for any foodie, the Cannock Food and Drink Festival will be a weekend for everyone to get involved in. Taking place on the 5th and 6th of August at Mill Lane in Wolverhampton, the free festival will have over 100 food and drink stalls and a host of craft stands to explore. There’ll be a live DJ playing tunes to get you in the festival mood, inflatable slides, bouncy castles and much more. What better way to spend a sunny August weekend?
Travel tip: From Wolverhampton station, the festival is just a leisurely 24-minute walk away.
Free From Festival
With tickets free from 4pm, the UK’s first ever gluten, dairy, and refined-sugar-free food festival is taking place in Birmingham on the 16th September. Indulge in delicious desserts and chocolates and experience scrumptious street food all made from small UK businesses. The Free From Festival will also have a variety of different talks from nutritionists and professionals to help you learn all about cooking tasty free from food. Who knew you could return from a festival with more knowledge than when you arrived?!
Travel Tip: If you travel by train to Birmingham New Street, it’s just a 15-minute walk to The Bond.
Totally Thames Festival
For the whole of September, the Thames will be filled with music, art, film and more! From amazing art installations to boat rides along the Thames, this month-long celebration of art, culture and the river itself promises to be a sensastional month you won’t want to miss.
The Totally Thames Festival Education Programme is a great way for kids to get creative, connect and become inspired as they learn about rivers and ecology. And the Heritage programme unearths the rich history surrounding the Thames as well as bringing local communities together.
Travel Tip: Hop on a train to London Euston and take a short tube ride, or take a stroll seeing the sights en route to one of the festival hubs located at Brentford, Royal Docks; London Bridge and Southbank; Greenwich; and Kingston upon Thames.
Notting Hill Carnival
The annual Caribbean festival will return to the streets of Notting Hill on the 27th and 28th of August. The food stalls at Notting Hill Carnival mainly emphasise the delicious array of Caribbean classics, and with over 300 across the festival to choose from, there is guaranteed to be something everyone will love. Over the August bank holiday weekend, Notting Hill will come alive with colour, music and laughter as thousands of people take to the streets to embrace and celebrate Carribean culture.
Travel Tip: From London Euston, take a short walk (four minutes) to Euston Square and get a 13-minute tube to Ladbroke Grove. From there, it’s just three minutes to get to Notting Hill to join the festival fun.
Images: Unsplash
