Small Festivals Guide

Literature and Arts

Salisbury International Arts Festival
This friendly gathering offers the best from international music, dance, theatre and literature in the ancient town of Salisbury, just a stone’s throw from Stonehenge.
Where Salisbury, Wiltshire: 01722-332241, www.salisburyfestival.co.uk
When 22 May to 6 June

Curious Arts Festival
This is indeed a curious and exciting mix of both local and international offerings from the arts, all in the grand setting of Pylewell Park in the New Forest.
Where Pylewell Park, Lymington, Hampshire: 01590-673010, www.curiousartsfestival.com
When 17 to 19 July

Port Eliot Festival
Held in what Napoleon once described as ‘the most beautiful place in England’, this festival is an annual gathering of the best writers, artists and minds.
Where Port Eliot, St Germans, Saltash, Cornwall: 01503-232783, www.porteliotfestival.com
When 30 July to 2 August


Wilderness
This is a family-friendly festival set in a rambling deer park. Boutique glamping, banquets, immersive theatre and much more.
Where Cornbury Park, Charlbury, Oxfordshire: 0844-871 8819, www.wildernessfestival.com
When 6 to 9 August

On Blackheath
A festival of music, arts, magic and a food village held on one of London’s most idyllic open spaces. Entertainment and activities for families and friends.
Where Dartmouth Field, Blackheath, London SE3: www.onblackheath.com
When 12 and 13 September

Music

Wychwood Festival
This event prides itself on offering something for everyone, including live music, workshops, healing gardens or simply wholesome food and real ale.
Where Cheltenham Racecourse, Prestbury Park, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire: 01993-772580, www.wychwoodfestival.com
When 29 to 31 May


Red Rooster Festival
Founded by the Duke of Grafton, this festival brings the sounds and scents of America’s South to palatial Euston Hall. Where Euston Hall, Euston, Suffolk: 01842-766 6366, www.redrooster.org.uk
When 5 to 7 June

Hampton Court Palace Festival
World-renowned acts perform in the unique setting of the palace’s Tudor Courtyard – perfect for a midsummer evening concert. Dining packages and gourmet picnics are also available for your delectation before performances. Where Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey: www.hamptoncourtpalacefestival.com
When 11 to 23 June

Stour Music Festival
Founded by British counter-tenor Alfred Deller, this festival continues to be a Mecca for lovers of early music. And given its setting in the Garden Of England, Stour is a delight for all music fans.
Where All Saints Church, Boughton Aluph, Ashford, Kent: 05603-434123, www.stourmusic.org.uk
When 16 to 28 June


Proms at St Jude’s
This community-run festival hosts some of the classical music world’s biggest stars. Lunchtime recitals, daily concerts, literary festival and refreshments – all surplus profit goes to charity.
Where St Jude’s Church, Central Square, Hampstead Garden Suburb, London NW1: 020-3322 8123, www.promsatstjudes.org.uk
When 20 to 28 June

Burton Agnes Jazz and Blues Festival
Top acts will be performing in the grand setting of an Elizabethan stately home, this festival has come to be one of summer’s most popular musical events.
Where Burton Agnes Hall, Driffield, East Yorkshire: 01262-490324, www.burtonagnes.com
When 3 to 5 July

Music by the Sea
With a focus on musical highlights from the last 50 years, this free charity festival has quality acts, champagne marquees and dancing into the small hours.
Where Aldeburgh, Suffolk: 01728- 452720, www.musicbythesea.co.uk
When 4 July


Cornbury Music Festival
Best described as a quintessentially English summer party with a modern twist, this fun festival offers everything from Tom Jones to morris dancing.
Where The Great Tew Estate, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire: 0844-581 0777, www.cornburyfestival.com
When 10 to 12 July

Greenwich Music Time
Open-air concerts and spectacular shows in a prime location on the banks of the Thames.
Where Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, London SE10: 0844-844 0444, www.greenwichmusictime.co.uk
When 22 to 26 July

Galtres Parklands Festival
Held in the grounds of beautiful Duncombe Park, this festival features music, local produce and family fun.
Where Duncombe Park, Helmsley, North Yorkshire: 07977-408376, www.galtresfestival.org.uk
When 28 to 30 August


Sundown Festival
This smaller festival attracts big UK names who charge the event with a huge amount of energy.
Where Norfolk Showground, Norwich, Norfolk: 01603-748931, www.sundownfestival.co.uk
When 4 to 6 September

Two Moors Festival
Founded in 2001 to revive farming communities in Exmoor and Dartmoor, which were devastated by foot and mouth disease, this hugely popular celebration of classical music attracts artists from around the world.
Where Barkham, Sandyway, South Molton, Devon: 01643-831370, www.thetwomoorsfestival.co.uk
When 15 to 24 October

Food

Dalemain Estate Food Festival
Over 100 traders, top chef demos, live music, children’s entertainment, real ale, amazing street food and lots more, all in stunning surroundings.
Where Dalemaine Estate, Penrith, Cumbria: 01925-479140, www.greatbritishfoodfestival.com
When 29 to 31 August


Hastings Seafood and Wine Festival
Food, wine and themed activities to tempt everyone from wine connoisseurs and seafood sophisticates to those who just enjoy trying something different.
Where The Stade, Hastings, East Sussex: www.hastingsfestivals.com
When 19 and 20 September

Great Cornish Food Festival
Showcases the best in Cornish food and drink, with demos on everything from filleting fish to making perfect cocktails.
Where Lemon Quay, Truro, Cornwall: 01872-865101, www.greatcornishfood.co.uk
When 25 to 27 September