AUGUST

THE BIG CHILL
Where: Eastnor Castle Deer Park, Malvern Hills, Herefordshire
When: 1-3 Aug
What: Get crimping! The Mighty Boosh are on the bill at this year’s A-list boutique fest. Family-friendly, ridiculously laid-back and very friendly, The Big Chill is a little bit Ibiza, a little bit National Trust, a little bit village fête and a little bit your own back garden. Set around a lake in the grounds of a castle, it boasts a globe-straddling blend of live acts, this year including: Leonard Cohen, Roots Manuva, Nina Nastasia, Buzzcocks, Cornelius, Fat Freddy’s Drop, Luke Vibert and Thievery Corporation as well as poetry from John Hegley and an appearance from Big Chill perennial Norman Jay. New for 2008: pre-book a massage or treatment in the Body and Soul area. Price: £129 adult w/e, vehicles extra. Web: www.bigchill.net

LOCAL EVENT
BRISTOL HARBOUR FESTIVAL
Where: Bristol Harbourside
When: 1-3 Aug
What: Firmly established as one of the biggest and best free events in the SW of England, and with a growing national profile, the Bristol Harbour Festival starts with a free Friday night concert in the Amphitheatre and continues through the weekend with loads of free entertainment, including music on five stages, dance performance, circus and street theatre, markets and a Saturday night fireworks display, all set against the backdrop of Bristol’s beautiful historic harbour, full with ships and boats of all sizes. Check Venue nearer the date for more details. Price: free. Web: www.bristol-city.gov.uk

CLASSIC ROCK WEEKEND
Where: Caldicot Castle Park, South Wales
When: 1-3 Aug
What: Three days of loud ‘n’ hairy metal, with The Australia Pink Floyd and Man on Fri, Bad Company and a tbc headliner on Sat, and various unsigned rockers on Sun. Price: £42 adult w/e, day tickets, camping. Tel: 01291 627122, web: www.hmp-gigs.com

MAKER SUNSHINE FESTIVAL
Where: Maker Heights, Mount Edgcumbe, Cornwall
When: 1-3 Aug
What: Beachside fest with 100 acts across five stages (inc Dreadzone, The Beat and Asere), as well as natural therapies and workshops in circus skills, drumming, potting, weaving, bush craft, dance and more. Price: £80. Web: www.maker.ik.org

Y-NOT FESTIVAL
Where: Pikehall, Matlock, Derbyshire
When: 1-3 Aug
What: “Small, fresh, loud,” say the organisers of this intimate, non-corporate event in the Peak District, that started off very weeny and shambolic just three years ago and is now the proud host of two stages and a dance tent. Acts like Frank Turner, Hijack Oscar and The Skies top an eclectic, underground bill. Price: £36. Web: www.ynotfestivals.com

SIDMOUTH FOLK WEEK
Where: Various venues, Sidmouth, Devon
When: 1-8 Aug
What: “If you’ve never been,” it says here, “think of Folk Week as more like a collection of small festivals in the same place at the same time, with something for everyone and a very friendly feel to it compared with some big festivals.” Show of Hands, Martin Hayes & Dennis Cahill, Martin Simpson, Andy Cutting, Andy Seward & Kellie While, The New Rope String Band and many more on the seafront and elsewhere. Plus ceilidhs, workshops, social dance, children and teen events and traditional crafts. Price: £175 adult season ticket, some free, camping. Tel: 01395 578627, web: www.sidmouthfolkweek.co.uk

LOCAL EVENT
SEVERNSIDE MUSIC FESTIVAL
Where: Plough Inn, Pilning, Bristol
When: 2 Aug
What: All-day music event showcasing local bands, covering rock, soul, blues, funk and reggae. Price: £10 adult. Tel: 07770 950211, web: www.severnsidemusicfestival.co.uk

INNOCENT VILLAGE FETE
Where: Regent’s Park, London
When: 2-3 Aug
What: Live music (line-up tbc), welly wanging, morris dancing, duck herding, dog agility, bicycle gymkhana, fruit and veg competition, ferret racing, cream teas, maypole dancing, coconut shy, barn dancing, tug o’war, homemade cakes, tombola, funfair rides, and - understandably, given the organisers - “lots of smoothies”. No camping. Price: tbc, c£5 adult. Web: www.innocentvillagefete.com

ALNWICK INTERNATIONALMUSIC FESTIVAL
Where: Alnwick, Northumberland
When: 2-9 Aug
What: Traditional music and dance from around the world, including the odd big name (eg Jools Holland), in a stunning town once voted ‘The Best Place in Britain to Live’. Last year’s artists hailed from Poland, Turkey, Mauritius, Italy, Latvia, Greece, Slovenia and Argentina. Free events in the market square, as well as paid-for shows in the Playhouse Theatre come eventide. Also ceilidhs, barn dances and all the usual other folk staples. Price: various, many free. Web: www.alnwickfestival.com

EISTEDDFOD GENEDLATHOL CYMRU (NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD OF WALES)
Where: Cardiff, Wales
When: 2-9 Aug
What: “Imagine Brecon Jazz, the Hay Festival, the Edinburgh Festival and Glastonbury all rolled into one,” gushes president and BBC News chap Guto Harri of this annual celebration of Welsh culture, which is also the largest travelling festival in Europe and alternates yearly between north and south Wales. Song, dance and choral competitions, ceremonies and concerts. Highlights this year include Verdi’s ‘Requiem’ with Bryn Terfel. Tons of satellite events around the area, too. Price: various. Tel: 0845 122 1176, web: www.eisteddfod.org.uk

UNICORN CAMPS
Where: Child Okeford, Dorset
When: 2-10, 11-15 & 16-24 Aug
What: Series of ‘green’ camps on an organic farm in the heart of Dorset for those of all ages who love to sing, move, dance, make music and have fun together without the usual festival downers like litter, junk food, booze-fuelled idiots etc. Creative and musical programmes for teens and children. Three camps this year: Natural Voice Camp (2-10 Aug); Unicorn Movement Camp (11-15 Aug); Peace Through The Arts Camp (16-24 Aug). Price: £145-£175 adult, £65-£80 teen, £50-£60 child. Web: www.unicorncamps.com

EDINBURGH FESTIVAL FRINGE
Where: Various venues, Edinburgh
When: 3-25 Aug
What: Last year this legendary theatrical free-for-all, for which over a million tickets are sold, was transformed by a new director, who booked stadium gigs from Foo Fighters and Kaiser Chiefs, as well as the usual avant-garde new comedy, theatre and dance in smallish venues around the city. Details tbc as to what’s up his sleeve this year. Line-up announced 5 June and tickets on sale 9 June. New for 2008: George Square Theatre becomes the festival’s first dedicated musical theatre venue. Price: various, some free. Tel: 0131 226 0000, web: www.edfringe.com

RIP CURL BOARDMASTERS
Where: Fistral Beach & Watergate Bay, Newquay, Cornwall
When: 4-11 Aug
What: Principally a surfing contest, but with festival trimmings. Surfing, vert skate, bikini competition (details of the male Speedo comp presumably tbc) and evening beach sessions featuring bands such as Enter Shikari take place on Fistral Bay, while the music festival headlined by Groove Armada (to and from which you can get the free shuttle bus) is at Watergate Bay slightly up the coast. No camping at festival, but plenty of campsites nearby. Price: £54.99 adult w/e, day tickets. Tel: 0208 789 6655; web: www.ripcurlboardmasters.com

GREAT BRITISH BEER FESTIVAL
Where: Earls Court, London
When: 5-9 Aug
What: Over 700 tasty tipples from the smallest microbreweries and large regional brewers, plus the announcement of the CAMRA Champion Beer of Britain 2007, tutored beer tastings with brewing experts, food, live music, family room for under-18s, games, tombolas and quizzes. Over 66,000 attendees last year. Price: c£6 adult adv per day, c£8/£6 on gate. Tel: 0870 380 0150, web: www.gbbf.org.uk

PURAVIDA FESTIVAL
Where: Thorngrove House, Common Mead Lane, Gillingham, Dorset
When: 6-10 Aug
What: As Puravida Bank Holiday Weekender (see 2-5 May) and Long Weekender (see 3-6 July), but with the addition of outdoors acoustic bands. Price: tbc, c£95 w/e, concs, day tickets. Ffi: www.puravida.uk.com

FAIRPORT’S CROPREDY CONVENTION
Where: Cropredy, nr Banbury, Oxfordshire
When: 7-9 Aug
What: Much loved by The Word magazine, this super-friendly annual ‘reunion’ festival is run by folk legends Fairport Convention (today Simon Nicol, Dave Pegg, Ric Sanders, Chris Leslie and Gerry Conway) who headline the Sat night, this year supported by Midge Ure. You also get John Tams & Barry Coope and Supergrass (Thur), and The Levellers and Joe Brown (Fri). The likes of Julie Fowlis, Paul Brady and Whapweasel occupy the rest of the bill. Price: £72 adult w/e, under-12s free. Web: www.fairportconvention.com

LOCAL EVENT
BRISTOL INTERNATIONAL BALLOON FIESTA
Where: Ashton Court Estate, Bristol
When: 7-10 Aug
What: Fiesta director Susan Tanner was awarded the ‘Event Organiser of the Year’ gong by fellow industry professionals in January - an indicator of the size and scope of this jewel in the Bristol calendar. One of the largest outdoor events in the country, it is four days devoted to hot air balloons of all wacky shapes and sizes. Take in a ‘mass launch’ (Fri-Sun 6am & 6pm) of over 100 balloons, two wondrous twilight night glows (Thur & Sat 9.30 pm) with fireworks, plus a wealth of family entertainment all day, from daredevil stunts to stalls and funfairs. NB: try to time your visit around one of the mass launches or the Night Glows otherwise you could spend two hours here and not see a single balloon, as Venue once discovered. Price: free. Tel: 0117 953 5884, web: www.bristolfiesta.co.uk

BULLDOG BASH
Where: Shakespeare County Raceway, nr Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire
When: 7-10 Aug
What: What better way to enjoy the beautiful rolling landscape of Shakespeare country than to tear through it on a souped-up low-rider with the wind in your hair and the promise of a topless bike wash and wet T-shirt contest to come? Big, brash, paunchy biking convention with its own drag strip, full-on indoor Custom Bike Show (developed into the best in Europe by Gerry Tobin, the Hell’s Angel member who was murdered last year), stunt displays, DJs and live bands (last year Status Quo, The Damned, Sensational Alex Harvey Band and The Wurzels on stage). “No Dogs (either alive or cooked).” Price: tbc c£50 w/e. Web: www.bulldogbash.co.uk

STANDON CALLING
Where: Standon, Herts
When: 7-10 Aug
What: Summer party, this year with a Japanese theme (expect lots of samurai and Harajuku girls), in the grounds of a 16th-century manor house. Super Furry Animals, Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip, Acid Mothers Temple and The Cosmic Inferno, Dave Haslam, Joji Hirota & Taiko Drummers and Babyhead provide the tunes. There’s also a bar hewn out of an enormous oak tree where guests can get drinks in between dips in an open-air swimming pool. Price: £89 adult w/e. Web: www.standon-calling.com

UNDERAGE FESTIVAL
Where: Victoria Park, Hackney, London
When: 8 Aug
What: Booze-free, music-savvy event for 14 to 18 year olds, launched last year and run by London’s famous Underage club. Bombay Bicycle Club, Bonde do Role, Foals, Poppy and the Jezabels, Sons & Daughters, The Horrors, The Rifles, The Teenagers, Mystery Jets and many more do their stuff. Price: £22. Web: www.underagefestivals.com

SANCTUARY FESTIVAL
Where: Matterley Bowl, nr Winchester, Hants
When: 8-9 Aug
What: “The UK’s only true rave festival” is what they’re saying and indeed the 10k hardass dance fans who attended last year probably wouldn’t disagree. Now shifted to Aug (perhaps to lessen chances of a downpour like last year), this year’s outing promises more artists, more big tops, more supporting club brands, more attractions and more facilities (inc campsite bar and music arena, greater variety of food, better camping facilities and outdoor stage viewing platform). Drum & bass, hardcore, hard style, hard dance, trance, old skool, club classics, hard house, European techno, hard trance and hardcore techno - whatever turns you on, it’s here and it’s, well, hard. Price: £45 adult w/e, VIP tickets. Web: www.slamminvinyl.com

TAPESTRY FESTIVAL
Where: Margam Park, West Glamorgan, Wales
When: 8-9 Aug
What: Weird and wonderful little affair, back in South Wales for a second year of medieval-themed mischief. Last year’s line-up featured Chrome Hoof, Pete Molinari, The Tokyo Dragons, The Duke Spirit, Pink Grease and the Hot Puppies. “It will be more of the same this year,” promise organisers. Medieval village, archery, jugs of mead, karaoke and DJs, too. Medieval fancy dress encouraged. The brilliantly creative website has illustrations for those unsure about how to wear a tabard. Price: £60 adult w/e. Tel: 07770 577185, web: www.tapestrygoeswest.com

TARTAN HEART
Where: Belladrum Estate, Inverness-shire, Scotland
When: 8-9 Aug
What: Two days of rock/country/blues/world/Celtic music within a romantic stately home garden setting. About 45 acts over three stages: Scouting For Girls headline Fri; rest of line-up tbc. Plus food ‘n’ drink, cinema, theatre, alternative therapies, stalls and amusements for children. Price: £80 adult w/e inc camping, day tickets. Tel: 01463 741366, web: www.tartanheartfestival.co.uk

LOCAL EVENT
BLOOM FESTIVAL
Where: Seven Springs, Cheltenham, Glos
When: 8-10 Aug
What: Bigger venue this year for the new-ish and very hip 8k capacity boutique dance fest which serves up artists and DJs covering electro, house, hip-hop, folk, indie, rock, jazz, funk, reggae, dub, breaks and drum & bass and more, as well as high-end food concessions, comedy, cabaret, film screenings, interactive media, theatre, workshops and family-friendly zones. This year’s line-up is the best yet and includes The Magic Numbers, Roisin Murphy and Roni Size & Reprazent, Brand New Heavies, Cagedbaby, The London Breakbeat Orchestra and Tunng. Price: £85 adult w/e. Web: www.bloomfestival.com

BRECON INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF JAZZ
Where: Various venues, Brecon, Powys
When: 8-10 Aug
What: 25th anniversary of the smart jazz jamboree that takes over the streets of this pretty market town in the Brecon Beacons every year. Expect around 80 concerts, both formal and informal, featuring a great many household names. Price: various. Web: www.breconjazz.co.uk

DARTMOOR FOLK FESTIVAL
Where: South Zeal, nr Okehampton, Devon
When: 8-10 Aug
What: “Yer tiz again - zongs, music and danzin’ from dear ole Dart-i-moor! Welcum to this gurt weekend, ‘ope twill run proper zuent! Proper job.” So said festie founder and local musician Bob Cann back in the 70s and, frankly, we couldn’t have put it better ourselves. Top national and local artists, ceilidh, sessions, step- and broomdance championships, crafts, dances, Sunday ramble, children’s entertainers and much more. Plus our favourite homepage music of all this year’s festie websites. Price: £36 adult w/e, concs, day tickets. Tel: 01837 840102, web: www.dartmoorfolkfestival.co.uk

EARTHWISE 888
Where: Secret location in Oxfordshire
When: 8-10 Aug
What: No Big Green Gathering this year so expect the Birkenstock Brigade to be flocking here instead: “the Magik, clean, green, family gathering” near the Uffington Horse on the Berkshire Downs, that’s a haven of all that is renewable, sustainable and healthy. Music, kids’ stuff, workshops and seminars, film, market plus lashings of “Earth Mysteries and Healing...”. Price: £75 adult w/e. (No online bookings “because so far we haven’t found a provider that has any sort of ethical record, well not one that we would want to support”.) Web: www.earthwiseevents.co.uk

ENDORSE-IT-IN-DORSET
Where: Oakley Farm, Sixpenny Handley, Dorset
When: 8-10 Aug
What: If Thomas Hardy found himself alive in today’s Wessex, there’s no doubt he’d write about this rather special, straw-chewin’, zoider-swillin’, crustytastic knees-up in the Dorset countryside with music from manic hillbilly loons (and organisers) Proghorn, Cropdusters, Highliners, Imperial Leisure and other exciters of the madding crowd. Plus comedy, theatre, kids’ area, Ladies’ Day and more. Price: £75 adult w/e, concs. Web: www.lgofestivals.com

LOCAL EVENT
GLASTONBURY ABBEY EXTRAVAGANZA
Where: Glastonbury Abbey, Glastonbury, Somerset
When: 8-9 Aug
What: Michael Eavis’s other festival - and one that definitely don’t need no 12-foot steel security fence, on account of it being generally unbothered by lagered-up yobbos. Choose from two evening concerts in the shadow of the stunning abbey, headlined by Squeeze and Lulu (Fri) and The Feeling (Sat). Price: tbc, c£28-£30 (per event). Tel: 01458 834596, web: www.glastonburyextravaganza.com

SALTBURN INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF FOLK MUSIC, DANCE & SONG
Where: Various venues, Saltburn, North Yorks
When: 8-10 Aug
What: Vin Garbutt, The Sands Family, John Wright Band, Steve Tilston, Stan Gee, Trish McLean & Ian Wright and Jez Lowe & The Band Pennies join the bill at this seaside-based folk calendar stalwart. Plus ceilidhs, singarounds, dance displays, markets, indoor crafts and competitions. Price: £48 adult w/e before 1 June, £54 after, under-10s free. Tel: 01287 622623, web: www.saltburnfolkfestival.ukforum.com/index.htm

LOCAL EVENT
GLASTONBURY CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL
Where: Abbey Park Playground, Glastonbury
When: 8-11 Aug
What: See Bristol Children’s Festival, 15-18 Aug.

BROADSTAIRS FOLK WEEK
Where: Broadstairs, Kent
When: 8-15 Aug
What: Sandy old-time seaside resort sees its pubs, cafes and restaurants (plus a marquee and the Pavilion) overrun by fiddlers, acapella singers and men with big sticks. This year’s impressive bill includes Eliza Carthy, The Poozies, Cara Dillon and The Lark Rise Show. Plus the usual workshops and kids’ ents. Seven sandy bays to choose from, too. Price: £180 adult/full week with camping, concs, day tickets. Tel: 01843 604080, web: www.broadstairsfolkweek.org.uk

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL
Where: Various venues, Edinburgh
When: 8-31 Aug
What: Three weeks of quality opera, classical, theatre and dance performances, this year with an emphasis on global creativity. Highlights include Russian conductor Valery Gergiev and his Mariinsky Opera doing rarely seen Szymanowski opera ‘King Roger’, The State Ballet of Georgia doing ‘Giselle’ and the opening concert, Brecht/Weill’s ‘Rise & Fall Of The City Of Mahagonny’. Price: various. Web: www.eif.co.uk

FIELD DAY
Where: Victoria Park, London
When: 9 Aug
What: New ‘village fete’-style London one-dayer, launched last year, with a capacity of 5,000 and acts including Fionn Regan, Foals, King Creosote, Richie Hawtin, The Notwist, Tunng and other cultish sorts. If last year’s event is anything to go by, you can also expect ironic brass band, coconut shy, tombola, tea and cake, welly throwing, barn dancing, tug of war, morris dancing, burlesque tent, hoedown tent and largest marrow competition. The wags! Price: £26.50. Web: www.fielddayfestivals.com

SUMMER SUNDAE WEEKENDER
Where: De Montfort Hall & Gardens, Leicester
When: 10-12 Aug
What: Starting in 2001 as a humble one-day, two-stage event, this unpretentious Leicester-based lash-up has rapidly grown into a three-day multi-award-winning (including Best Small Festival 2006) affair. Five stages over which, this year, sprawl the likes of Supergrass, The Coral, Simian Mobile Disco, Roisin Murphy, King Creosote and many more. Plus designated children’s area. Terrific value and fun. Price: £100 adult w/e inc camping, under-5s free. Tel: 0116 233 3111, web: www.summersundae.com

BEAUTIFUL DAYS FESTIVAL
Where: Escot Park, Ottery St Mary, nr Honiton, Devon
When: 15-17 Aug
What: Just as “there’s only one way of life and that’s yer own”, there’s only one festival at which crusty gods The Levellers not only perform but also book the bands, obtain the licence and sing the feem choon - and that’s this one. Yep, now in it’s sixth year, the five-stager Beautiful Days is the baby of Brighton’s finest, who headline alongside sets from Squeeze, Supergrass, Alabama 3, Nouvelle Vague, Turin Brakes and comedian Ross Noble. Plus big children’s area and more. Prices held from 2007! Price: £90 adult w/e inc camping, day tickets. Web: www.beautifuldays.org

BLOODSTOCK (OPEN AIR)
Where: Catton Hall, Walton-on-Trent, Derbyshire
When: 15-17 Aug
What: One of the best-named festivals ever, we think, this cult outdoor black-, death-, goth-, power-, prog-, industrial- and thrash-metal event. Get peevish this year to the sounds of Nightwish, As I Lay Dying, Mob Rules, Alestorm, Dimmu Borgir, Opeth, Helloween, Iced Earth and many more tbc. Plus metal karaoke! Price: £85 adult w/e, day tickets. Tel: 0115 985 5251, web: www.bloodstock.uk.com

CROISSANT NEUF SUMMER PARTY
Where: Secret location, Mid-Wales
When: 15-17 Aug
What: Second full festie from a team of greenies who started off selling coffee and croissants at folk festivals 21 years ago. This furtively hidden bash mixes up cajun, Irish, trance, Breton, flamenco, soul and salsa with the help of Nizlopi, 3 Daft Monkeys, Martha Tilston, Sheelanagig and the FOS Brothers amongst others. Plus cabaret dome, organic food, local beers and wines, workshops, games and plenty for the ankle-biters. Apparently the largest solar-powered sound and lighting rig in the world, too. New for 2008: yurts! Price: £75 adult w/e, under 6s free. Web: www.partyneuf.co.uk

GREEN MAN FESTIVAL
Where: Glanusk Park, Usk Valley, Brecon Beacons, Wales
When: 15-17 Aug
What: If Syd Barrett was still alive, and wanted to return to public life, this is where he’d come. This fantastic boutique festie for neo-, wyrd- and psych-folk types is set in a vast country estate with a castle in the middle and surrounded by the Brecon Beacons. This year’s music line-up includes Super Furry Animals, Beirut, The National, Richard Thompson, Black Mountain, The Cave Singers, Nina Nastasia, Iron & Wine and many more tbc. Plus scads of intelligent literary, film, science and children’s entz, too. Price: £105 adult w/e inc camping, under-12s free. Tel: 01874 611129, web: www.thegreenmanfestival.co.uk

GWYL PONTARDAWE FESTIVAL
Where: Parc Ynysderw, Pontardawe, nr Swansea, Wales
When: 15-17 Aug
What: Annual, not-for-profit celebration of traditional Scottish and world music and dance which has taken place every August, with one exception, since 1978, and developed from a small, essentially Celtic folk event into an international one attracting up to 20,000 visitors. This year they’ll be listening to Ar Log, Berroguetto, Transglobal Underground and Kila, amongst other rootsy sorts. Price: tbc, c£50 adult w/e, day tickets, concs. Tel: 01792 830200, web: www.pontardawefestival.org

LOCAL EVENT
BRISTOL CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL
Where: Durdham Downs, Clifton, Bristol
When: 15-18 Aug
What: Going ahead despite the terribly sad death last Christmas of founder Arabella Churchill (lynchpin of Glastonbury Festival and grand-daughter of the No. 1 Greatest Briton). It’s kiddie heaven, basically, and all for charity. Expect around 20 live performances (clowns, children’s theatre, jugglers, storytellers, puppeteers and more), juggling and circus skills workshops, badge making, face painting, giant ‘monster ball’ and inflatables, giant inflatable slide, ball pool, clay workshops, daily Grand Parade and Talent Show. Pay once and enjoy everything free once you’re in. See also Glastonbury Children’s Festival, 8-11 Aug. Price: tbc, c£5 adult, £7 ages 5-12, £2 toddlers. Tel: 01458 832925, web: www.childrensworldcharity.org

V
Where: Weston Park, Staffs & Hylands Park, Chelmsford
When: 16-17 Aug
What: We’ll cut straight to the music since that - rather than, say, the food, beer or views - is what you go to V for. This year’s roster of chart-topping talent is (at time of going to print) a little less glitzy than previous years (they’ll be kicking themselves that Glasto got Jay-Z) but strong nonetheless: Muse, Sterophonics, The Prodigy, Alanis Morissette, Ian Brown, The Pogues, The Verve, Kings Of Leon, Amy Winehouse (hmm), Lenny Kravitz, Kaiser Chiefs, Chemical Brothers and Charlatans turn up this year. Price: £130 adult w/e, day tickets. Tel: 0870 120 2224, web: www.vfestival.com

THE CAMBRIDGE ROCK FESTIVAL
Where: Wood Green Animal Centre, Godmanchester, nr Huntingdon, Cambs
When: 17-20 Aug
What: Pity the poor critters also inhabiting this new 50-acre plot on the site of an animal shelter. Classic rock/rhythm ‘n’ blues long weekend formerly known as the Rockinbeerfest. Vanloads of grizzly guitar talent such as Marillion, The Blockheads and Bad Company, as well as tribute acts Led Zep Too and the Pure Floyd Show. Price: £79 adult w/e before 1 July, £89 after, concs. Tel: 0845 299 0845, web: www.rockinbeerfest.co.uk

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Where: Cinemas throughout Edinburgh
When: 18-29 Aug
What: “The UK’s coolest film festival,” quoth Empire about this film fest that’s up there with Cannes and Sundance. The longest continually running film festival in the world, it screens a vast and diverse selection from the best of British and world cinema, including documentary, animation, shorts, and proper, swanky red carpet events. Plus talks and masterclasses. Programme tbc. Price: various. Tel: 0131 228 4051, web: www.edfilmfest.org.uk

INTERNATIONAL BEATLE WEEK
Where: Various venues, Liverpool
When: 20-26 Aug
What: One place you’re guaranteed not to see Heather Mills-McCartney this summer. The biggest Beatles celebration in the world, held in the city where it all began - this year’s European Capital of Culture. Bands from over 20 countries play gigs across the city, and there are also art exhibitions, memorabilia sales, record fairs, guest speakers, video shows, tours and a full-day convention. Price: various packages, inc accommodation & individually priced tours. Tel: 0151 236 9091, web: www.caverncitytours.com

LOCAL EVENT
TRIBE OF DORIS INTERCULTURAL SUMMER SCHOOL
Where: Blackdown Hills, Somerset
When: 20-25 Aug
What: “Have you ever wanted to learn to drum, sing gospel harmonies, dance under the stars to live rhythms from around the world, find your animal spirit, be immersed in a world of cultural sharing, stretch yourself and let your spirit soar?” Well then, this unique spiritual summer camp will be right up your street. Mass singing and dancing inspired by various cultures, drumming, bonfires, ceremonies, pampering, global food, youth area and a crèche, too. Price: £220 adult, concs. Tel: 0845 458 0190, web: www.tribeofdoris.co.uk

LONDON FRIGHTFEST
Where: Odeon West End, London
When: 21-25 Aug
What: Premieres, personal appearances, signings and surprises at this popular horror and fantasy film festival organised by film critic Alan Jones. Price: various. Tel: 0208 296 0555, web: www.frightfest.co.uk

TOWERSEY VILLAGE FESTIVAL
Where: Towersey, nr Thame, Oxfordshire
When: 21-25 Aug
What: 44th outing for this little village do that punches above its weight with a big reputation. All of folk’s usual suspects are here - Show Of Hands, Jez Lowe, Martin Simpson, Kathryn Tickell, Whapweasel and Bellowhead plus many more - for five days of fine music, open-air theatre, market, craft fair, workshops, dances and packed children’s programme. Price: £81 w/e b4 31 May, £91 after, camping extra, concs. Tel: 01629 827016, web: www.towerseyfestival.com

AEON FESTIVAL
Where: Ullacombe Organic Farm, nr Haytor, Dartmoor, Devon
When: 22-24 Aug
What: “Come, the apocalypse is nigh/Come, mutants and renegades, lost souls of the night,” bid the organisers of this low-key bohemian happening set up two years ago. Communal barbie and picnic area as well as an on-site organic farm shop. Expect “a kick-ass selection of bands and DJs”, cinema, kids’ tent, art gallery and café. Stunning location, ideal for healthy walks. New for 2008: better security, more facilities and more artists. Price: £30 adult w/e, day tickets. Web: www.aeonfestival.com

READING & LEEDS FESTIVAL
Where: Richfield Ave, Reading & Branham Park, Leeds
When: 22-24 Aug
What: Who hasn’t got a soft spot for grungey old Readingunleeds, for many years the only real alternative to Glasto? This year’s 20th birthday is appropriately rock-heavy, with Rage Against The Machine, Manic Street Preachers, The Killers, Metallica, Queens of the Stone Age, Bloc Party, Tenacious D, The Fratellis, The Raconteurs, Slipknot, The Enemy, Editors, Feeder, Biffy Clyro, We Are Scientists, Babyshambles filling the bill. Acts play Reading one day, Leeds the next. Price: £155 adult w/e, day tickets. Tel: 020 8963 0940, web: www.readingfestival.com, www.leedsfestival.com

SHAMBALA FESTIVAL
Where: Kelmarsh Hall, Kelmarsh, Northampton
When: 22-24 Aug
What: Utopian, underground, non-commercial word-of-mouth success created by five friends in 1999 and full of good vibes and art. Two stages, a dance dome, cabaret village, kids’ area (the largest outside Glastonbury), cinema/debate/workshop village, multi-media tent, craft and healing areas, communal fire and shrine. Line-ups rarely announced in advance - don’t expect any big names. “Mysterious, cultish, romantic. If Johnny Depp was a festival, he would be Shambala,” quoth - ooh look! - Venue, a few years back. Price: £89 adult w/e inc camping, under-5s free. Tel: 0844 870 0000, web: www.shambalafestival.org

SOLFEST
Where: Tarnside Farm, Tarns, Silloth, Cumbria
When: 22-24 Aug
What: Supergrass, Roisin Murphy, Alabama 3, The Bees, Chas & Dave and The Pipettes storm the main stage at this 5k capacity affair (full name Solway Festival) which was conceived four years ago and is set between the mountains and the sea in picturesque west Cumbria. There’s also a dance tent, folk stage, children’s and adult workshops, and a fancy dress party on the Sat. Excellent drainage, apparently, on account of the sandy ground, so less muddy than other fests. NB: price increase this year because a grant has run out. Price: £80 adult w/e, concs. Tel: 0845 241 0530, web: www.solwayfestival.co.uk

BEACHDOWN FESTIVAL
Where: Near Devils Dyke, South Downs, East Sussex
When: 22-25 Aug
What: De La Soul hit the Sussex Downs, along with Lightspeed Champion, Reverend and the Makers, Terry Callier, Roy Ayers, Infadels, The Hat and Freakpower, Russ Dewbury, Bah Samba, Azymuth, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Jah Wobble All-stars and Amp Fiddler. Plus film, DJS, cocktails and fab sea views. Price: £85 adult w/e. Web: www.beachdownfestival.com

SW4
Where: Clapham Common, London & Coopers Field, Cardiff
When: 23 Aug
What: More bank holiday open-air clubbing, with big-name DJs dishing up the beats until the wee small hours. Price: tbc. Web: www.southwestfour.com

CREAMFIELDS
Where: Daresbury Estate, Halton, Cheshire
When: 23-24 Aug
What: Happy 10th birthday to the much-loved dance weekender which this year stretches to a whole weekend and welcomes Fatboy Slim, Kasabian. The Gossip and Underworld as well as the usual overpaid putters-on of records, such as Paul Van Dyk, Sasha, David Guetta, Ferry Corston, Judge Jules and loads more. Price: £115. Tel: 0151 707 1309 or web: www.creamfields.com

TWINWOOD FESTIVAL
Where: Twinwood Arena & Airfield, Clapham, Bedfordshire
When: 23-25 Aug
What: Iron those jazz pants, Daddio, for this nostalgic swing, jazz, jive and blues festival which incorporates the Glenn Miller Festival and is hosted by John Miller (Glenn’s nephew). Also WWII air displays, museums, 1940s re-enactments, trade and craft stalls, jive, swing and lindyhop dance lessons on wooden dancefloors, fashion shows, hangar dances and more. Price: £19.80 per day (more after 31 May). Tel: 01923 282725, web: www.twinwoodevents.com

LOCAL EVENT
GREENBELT
Where: Cheltenham Racecourse, Cheltenham, Glos
When: 24-27 Aug
What: Christian festival, and part of patron Archbishop Rowan Williams’s “mental furniture” along with sharia law. Expect Christian rock, communion and liturgies, bible-based theatre etc, plus some big names (Billy Bragg and Coldcut last year). Plenty for children, teens and families. Mass burning of Richard Dawkins effigies. Just kidding! Price: £80 before 31 July, £90 after, concs, day tickets. Tel: 020 7374 2760, web: www.greenbelt.org.uk

SHREWSBURY FOLK FESTIVAL
Where: West Midlands Showground, Shrewsbury
When: 24-27 Aug
What: This roots/world four-dayer formerly known as the Bridgnorth Folk Festival places the emphasis on all-ages fun, with plenty of entertainment and workshops for children and young people as well as concerts from Richard Thompson, The Duhks, Bellowhead, Lunasa, Rory McLeod and Oysterband amongst other circuit regulars. Plus about a dozen dance teams. Price: £89, concs, day tickets, under-11s free. Tel: 01746 768813, web: www.shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk

WADEBRIDGE FOLK FESTIVAL
Where: Wadebridge, nr Padstow, Cornwall
When: 24-27 Aug
What: Running in place of the now-defunct Cornwall Folk festival which last year culminated with a sell-out gig by Martin Simpson. New handlers Hobgoblin say: “As in 2007, but on a slightly more organised and grander scale, the festival will feature plenty of music from local bands, lots of free activities including street entertainment and pub sessions, music from several of the bands on the Hobgoblin Records label, several ceilidhs and, in addition, big-name artists, to be confirmed, to headline the main concerts.” Price: tbc. Web: www.cornwallfolkfestival.com

SECRET GARDEN PARTY
Where: Secret location nr Huntingdon, East Anglia
When: 24-27 Aug
What: Relaxed four-day party where you’re as likely to find Shakespeare being performed around a fire, or a custard pie battle, or an artist bidding you to make your own sculpture as you are a musical megastar of tomorrow (they were early employers of KT Tunstall and Lily Allen) or, indeed, of yesteryear: Grace Jones headlines this time. This year’s line-up tbc. Price: £125 adult w/e. Ffi: www.secretgardenparty.com

REM
Where: Cardiff Millennium Stadium
When: 25 Aug
What: The Athens, Georgia rocksters - recently returned to form with short, sharp new album ‘Accelerate’ - cross the Severn Bridge. Also: Manchester (24 Aug), Southampton (27 Aug) and Twickenham (30 Aug). Price: £45. Web: www.livenation.co.uk

LOCAL EVENT
BURNHAM-ON-SEA FOLKFEST
Where: Various venues, Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset
When: 29-31 Aug
What: Live, free folk music in various different venues from mid-day until 11pm (Sat), then a free all-day Folk in the Park event (Sun). Plus bars, kids’ stuff, clog and morris dancing, craft fair, workshops etc. Improvements expected this year to the workshops and kids’ programmes, open mic/sessions venue and possibly an extra venue specifically aimed at young performers. Acts booked for 2008 include: Sheelanagig, Bat Of Rats, Eddie Martin and Phil King. Price: free. Tel: 01278 794414, web: www.folkfest.co.uk

LOCAL EVENT
DIDMARTON-KEMBLE BLUEGRASS PICKING WEEKEND
Where: Kemble Airfield, Glos
When: 29-31 Aug
What: Concerts, open stage events, workshops and camping on a surprisingly scenic WW2 airfield. Confirmed so far include: Cadillac Sky (USA), More Growling Old Men (USA), Thunderbridge Bluegrass Boys, Down County Boys, Monroe’s Revenge and more. Price: £60 adult w/e. Web: www.didmarton-bluegrass.co.uk

HYDRO CONNECT FESTIVAL
Where: Inveraray Castle, Loch Fyne, Argyle, Scotland
When: 29-31 Aug
What: The Duke Of Argyll hosts this upmarket newcomer in the grounds of his 18th-century castle on the banks of Loch Fyne. Kasabian, Franz Ferdinand, Sigur Ros, Paulo Nutini, Manic Street Preachers, Duffy, Grinderman, Amy MacDonald, Elbow, The Gossip, Spiritualized, Mercury Rev, The Coral (acoustic) and heaps more entertain the proletariat. Organised by the T In The Park bods. Price: £140 adult w/e. No under-5s. Price: tbc, c£140 adult w/e. Web: www.connectmusicfestival.com/content

OFF THE TRACKS LATE FESTIVAL
Where: Donington Park Farmhouse Hotel, Castle Donington
When: 29-31 Aug
What: Follow-up, in a similar vein, to May’s weekend of folk, roots, dance and fusion (see Off The Tracks Spring Festival, 23-25 May). Price: tbc, day tickets. Tel: 01332 384518, web: www.offthetracks.co.uk

LOCAL EVENT
RAGGED HEDGE FAIR
Where: Abbey Home Farm, Cirencester, Glos
When: 29-31 Aug
What: 100% powered by the wind and sun, and with its own free cloth nappy service, this green, relaxed family-friendly weekend set on an organic farm presents music on two stages, healing and kids’ areas, internet cafe, eco-forum, performers, craft market and walks and trailer tours of the farm. Loads of organic food, an organic bar, hot showers and all the fun of the fair. Price: £35 adv adult w/e adv, day tickets. Tel: 01285 652808, web:www.raggedhedgefair.co.uk

RHYTHM FESTIVAL
Where: Twinwood Arena, Clapham, Beds
When: 29-31 Aug
What: “Aimed at people who enjoy festivals but who don’t appreciate rip-off burgers, Middle Ages sanitation and flavour-of-the-month programming” and nominated in five categories in 2007 UK Festival Awards. Acts this year include Big Star, Jefferson Starship, The Saw Doctors, Michelle Shocked, The Zombies, Chas & Dave, Jah Wobble, Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band. Plus kids’ field, cinema, funfair, workshops, therapies, comedy stage, folk club and solar-powered cinema. Price: £85.50 adult w/e, day tickets. Tel: 01923 282725, web: www.rhythmfestival.net

LOCAL EVENT
BRISTOL INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF KITES & AIR CREATIONS
Where: Ashton Court, Bristol
When: 30-31 Aug
What: Fantastic mix of national and international guest kite designers showing off their latest creations, and professional kite flyers wowing the crowds with spectacular displays. Highlights this year will include a 30m-long multi-coloured manta ray and a gaggle of geckos designed and made in New Zealand by festival favourite Peter Lynn, as well as aerial combat with traditional Japanese fighting kites. Plus children’s kite-making workshops, traders, food and drink etc. Price: free. Tel: 0117 977 2002, web: www.kite-festival.org.uk

JERSEY LIVE
Where: Royal Jersey Showground, Trinity, Jersey, Channel Islands
When: 30-31 Aug
What: “The biggest little indie rock festival in Europe,” squeal the organisers of this Channel Islands weekend, launched four years ago. Previous years have seen the likes of Snow Patrol and The Fratellis headline - expect similarly high-profile names to crop up this year. Price: c£80 adult w/e, concs. Web: www.jerseylive.org.uk

LOCAL EVENT
STAPLETON ROAD STREET FAIR
Where: Easton, Bristol
When: 30 Aug
What: Huge street party in the heart of Easton with live music, free workshops, a street lounge, stalls, an outdoor gallery, sports, food and more – all in a car-free environment. Tel: 0117 922 4642, email: ruth.essex@bristol.gov.uk

FYLDE FOLK FESTIVAL
Where: Marine Hall, Fleetwood, Lancs
When: 31 Aug-2 Sept
What: The golden sands of Lancashire’s Fylde coast provide the backdrop to this traditional folk festival. Show of Hands, John Tams & Barry Coope, Tim Van Eyken Trio, The Omega 3, Jez Lowe & The Bad Pennies, Nancy Kerr & James Fagan, Debby McLatchy (USA) and more provide the music and there are also Lancashire dialect, clog dancing and Worst Singer in the World contests. Campsite and caravan park nearby. Price: £53 w/e b4 1 July, £56 after, concs, day & single event tickets. Tel: 01253 770547, web: www.fylde-folk-festival.com

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