Above: Futon new Leeds store
With temperatures hitting the high 20s this week, we can finally revel in the summer we’ve been waiting for – hurrah! School will soon be out for the kids, making it the perfect time to get together with friends and family. We look forward to filling our social calendar for the sunny days ahead. Whether you love your food, crave a touch of zen, or are into literature and culture, here are our top favourite events for the summer season:
Foodie heaven
The Cardiff Food and Drink Festival (5 – 7 July 2024) is a summer highlight in Roald Dahl Plass, Cardiff Bay. Free to enjoy, it features a producers fair and farmers market with quality produce, a street food piazza with tasty offerings, and a bandstand with live music. There’s something for everyone! If you’ve never visited Cardiff, make a weekend of it and explore this fantastic city.
Above: Cardiff Food and Drink Festival
For the youngsters
Six weeks is a long time to fill, but Natasha at the brilliant Kiddo Adventures has shared over 70 free activities for families to do in London this summer. From Oscar Murillo’s interactive painting garden in the Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall, connecting with nature at one of London’s Royal Parks Discovery Days, and family gaming at Canary Wharf, to outdoor water fountains in the courtyard at Somerset House, there’s plenty of fun to be had in the capital these holidays!
Above: The Royal Parks Discovery Days
Music enthusiasts
The Bristol Harbour Festival (19 – 21 July 2024) is a must-see event! Featuring the best of Bristol’s emerging artists, as well as established performers across all genres, you can expect three days of nonstop entertainment along with maritime magic in its on-the-water programme. Held in the streets and squares around Bristol’s historic harbour, the best part is that the whole weekend is completely free!
Loud and proud
Bolder, brighter and bigger than ever! Leeds Pride 2024 (21 July) promises to be the city’s best pride celebration yet. It attracts visitors from all over the world and proudly stands as the UK’s friendliest and largest free pride event. If you can’t make it on the day, there are many other events happening in and around the city throughout the summer. While you’re visiting this fab destination, be sure to check out our brand-new Futon store on Vicar Lane!
Above: Futon new Leeds store
Literature lovers
Every August, the Edinburgh International Book Festival (10 – 25 August 2024) presents the world’s largest public celebration of the written word. With over 500 events featuring some of the most exciting writers and thinkers, the festival aims to ignite imaginations, foster human connection and challenge the status quo. Whether you attend in person or online, you can experience a wealth of interesting and inspiring events, many of which are free or ‘pay what you can’.
Above: Edinburgh International Book Festival
Need for speed
If you’re a fan of fast cars and fundraising, don’t miss Car Fest (23 – 25 August 2024). Created by DJ Chris Evans to support UK children’s charities, this fun-filled festival combines the fastest cars with performances by some of the UK’s best artists and DJs, along with food demos and talks. You can also camp out at the festival, held at the picturesque family-run Laverstoke Park Farm in the beautiful Hampshire countryside. Enjoy starry skies and great music with friends and family.
Chilled vibes only
Broadcaster and author Fearne Cotton hosts another year of the Happy Place Festival (31 August – 1 September 2024) at Tatton Park in Cheshire. The festival showcases independent brands in health, fitness, wellbeing and the arts, promoting what’s good for people and the planet. Enjoy vegetarian street food with gluten-free and vegan options, as well as talks, live podcasts, wellness classes and a kids’ area. It’s the perfect spot for self-care and relaxation.
Will you be marking any of these events on your calendar? For more ideas, go to the Visit Britain website and explore its event schedule for additional inspiration.
Our new Leeds store is located at 60 – 64 Vicar Lane, Leeds LS1 7JH. Opening hours: Monday – Friday 10:00 – 18:00, Saturday 09:00 – 18:00 and Sunday 11:00 – 17:00.
