June

LOCAL EVENT
ROYAL BATH & WEST SHOW
Where: Royal Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet
When: 2-5 June
What: A huge celebration of the West Country’s rural life that offers, among its many attractions, the National Cheese Awards and the UK’s biggest cider competition (take that, Alistair Darling). In addition there are dog shows, horse shows, goat shows, livestock shows - every kind of show really, and over 600 trade stalls to boot. Among the many kids’ attractions is a Farming for the Family section, so you can demonstrate to the kids why it’s not practical to keep pigs in the house. Price: £17 pre-show saver ticket. Tel: 01749 822200, web: www.bathandwest.com

SPANDAU BALLET AT THE RACES
Where: Sandown Park Racecourse, Esher and Newmarket Racecourse, Newmarket
When: 3 and 25 June
What: Top 80s romantics and champion balladeers Spandau Ballet play two individual shows, having put some very public spats and legal messiness to bed last year. Expect all the hits from ‘Gold’ to ‘Only When you Leave’ and ‘True’. Price: £27. Web: www.spandauballet.com

LOCAL EVENT
SUNRISE CELEBRATION
Where: Bruton, Somerset
When: 3-6 June
What: Uber-ethical affair with a commitment to social and environmentally-minded festivalling (and quite right too). Powered entirely by renewable energy, there’s plenty of organic and local food on offer (so no dogmeat burgers) and talks/workshops to get involved in. Sunrise prides itself on a firm family approach, so young ’uns are most definitely welcome - but that doesn’t mean the adults have to suffer: there’s a diverse line-up of roots, world music, folk and dance on offer, featuring Zion Train, Eat Static and Belleruche. Price: £105 w/e. Tel: 0845 009 0246, web: www.sunrisecelebration.com

WESSEX FOLK FESTIVAL
Where: Around the Old Harbour, Weymouth, Dorset
When: 4-6 June
What: A cross-Weymouth folkathon with music, dance and workshops a-plenty. In addition to performances from Vin Garbutt, The Yetties and many more folk acts, you can learn to play such tools of the folk trade as the bodhran, bluegrass fiddle or open-tuning guitar. Plus more morris dancers than you can shake a stick and handkerchief at. Price: headline concerts £15 or £12 b4 31 May, others various. Tel: 01305 823 013, web: www.wessexfolkfestival.co.uk

LOCAL EVENT
WYCHWOOD MUSIC FESTIVAL
Where: Cheltenham Racecourse, Cheltenham
When: 4-6 June
What: Relaxed, fun and family-friendly festival with a musical bill not to be sniffed at either. For the kids, there’s workshops, circus and street performers, a children’s literature festival and a dedicated toddlers’ area; and for the adults, music from legends like Happy Mondays, Lightning Seeds, Levellers and the West’s own Seth Lakeman. Price: £110 w/e adult, concs, day tickets. Tel: 01993 772580, web: www.wychwoodfestival.com

LOCAL EVENT
KONA BRISTOL BIKEFEST
Where: 5-6 June
When: Ashton Court, Bristol
What: Since Bristol is the UK’s cycling city, it’s only right it should have its own cycling festival too. The Kona Bristol Bikefest will take place throughout Saturday and through half of Sunday, with a range of cycling events for seasoned veterans and newcomers alike. On Saturday there’s a mammoth 12-hour endurance event for solo and team athletes, and on Sunday, six- and three-hour events for those not quite ready to find out how sore your bum is after the full 12 on a bike. There are also camping facilities available. Price: £30 per solo rider and £30 for teams of 2-4. Tel: 0117 953 2698, web: www.bike-fest.com

LOCAL EVENT
TRANQUIL MOMENTS HOLISTIC WEEKEND
Where: Winscombe, Somerset
When: 5-6 June
What: Two days of new-age hocus pocus including healings, reflexology, aromatherapy, Indian head massage and crystal treatments. Once your body is suitably refreshed, you can also engage in a bit of retail therapy around the many arts and crafts stalls. All proceeds are donated to Bluebell Cancer and Mooseheart Welfare. Price: £5 per day, £7.50 2-day pass. Web: www.holisticweekend.co.uk

LOCAL EVENT
BRISTOL MINI DAY
Where: Washingpool Farm, Easter Compton, Bristol
When: 6 June
What: Mini lovers unite! Enthusiasts of the classic British car design meet at Washingpool Farm (a new venue for 2010) to share in their love of all things Mini. There will be a trade show, show-and-shine displays, a food court and lots of football-orientated competitions in line with this year’s World Cup theme. Price: £6, children under 12 free. Web: www.bristolminiday.co.uk

CAMDEN GREEN FAIR
Where: Camden, London
When: 6 June
What: The hip Camden borough of London hosts this free fair in the hope of converting Londoners to more ecologically sound principles. There will be a science and art area, a Ye Olde Village Green (complete with tug of war) and much, much more. Price: free. Web: www.camdengreenfair.org.uk

RAGE FACTOR
Where: Finsbury Park, London
When: 6 June
What: Rage Against the Machine promised a free show to reward all the fans that helped them keep Simon Cowell’s latest conveyor-belt pop tart from the Christmas number one slot, and here it is. Tickets to see the “victory party to end all victory parties” have all been allocated. Price: all allocated. Web: www.theragefactor.co.uk

SUMMER BREAK
Where: Travelgue Holiday Park, Newquay, Cornwall
When: 6-10, 13-17 & 20-24 June
What: Hordes of party-hungry revellers free from the shackles of school descend on Cornwall to celebrate the end of term. Engage in top-notch frolickery in the daytime with the likes of Space Hopper Relays and Flipper Sprints, and then get down to the likes of Tinie Tempah and Chipmunk in the evening. “Caravan-hopping, bed-swapping, sunset-snogging” promised - oh, to be 16 again. Price: £64 camping, from £94 caravan. Tel: 0845 331 3040, web: www.summerbreak.co.uk

LOCAL EVENT
THE TIMES CHELTENHAM SCIENCE FESTIVAL
Where: Various venues, Cheltenham
When: 9-13 June
What: Top-notch brainiac guest directors for this year’s premier celebration of scientific thought: egg-headed culinary alchemist Heston Blumenthal and physics poster boy Brian Cox. Under this year’s theme of ‘Decadence’ are events on everything from engineering the Paralympics to the plight of the humble bee, with dozens more varied and fascinating talks etc already announced. Big-name guests include Bill Bryson, Robert Winston, Tony Robinson and Heston himself (in conversation with Harold McGee). Price: various. Tel: 0844 576 8970, web: www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/science

THE SHIRES SHOW
Where: Ternhill, Shropshire
When: 10-12 June
What: Areet me old mucker! The Shires is predominantly a custom bike show, but being as it’s turning 10 this year, there will also be three days of live music to enjoy, with Levellers, Dr Feelgood & Anibus and Leatherat among the acts performing. Price: £30 w/e camping, day tickets. Web: www.chopper-club.com/eastshropshire/shires

THE PICKERING 60S FESTIVAL
Where: Various venues, Pickering, North Yorks
When: 10-12 June
What: For those hankering for the bygone 60s era, then North Yorkshire hosts three days of quality 60s tunes, all for a wallet-friendly price of zero pounds. Headline acts include The Persuaders, The Mindbenders and Something Nasty In The Woodshed. Price: free. Web: www.pickering60sfestival.co.uk

DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL
Where: Donington Park, Leics
When: 11-13 June
What: Huge feast of rock and metal hosted at the venerable Donington Park. Rock’s most fearsome dinosaurs mass to party like its 25 years ago: expect AC/DC, Megadeth, Aerosmith, Motorhead, Billy Idol and Ratt. Fortunately, Deftones, Lamb of God and Rage against the Machine will also be on hand to keep the average age down a bit. Air guitar, head-banging and wanton devil horn salutes actively encouraged. Price: £145 w/e camping. Web: www.downloadfestival.co.uk

GOWER FOLK FESTIVAL
Where: Gower Heritage Centre, Parkmill, Gower, nr Swansea
When: 11-13 June
What: Seventeenth instalment of one of Wales’s finest traditional folk festivals, with music from local and international talent such as Spiers and Boden, Kerfuffle and the Climax Ceilidh Band. In a typically inclusive spirit, there are also classes and workshops on traditional folk dancing and playing, and plenty of activities to keep the kiddies occupied. Price: £35 w/e camping b4 15 May, £45 thereafter, concs, day and evening tickets, camping various. Tel: 01792 850803, web: www.gowerfolkfestival.co.uk

LOCAL EVENT
HERITAGE BRISTOL VOLKSWAGON WEEKEND
Where: Washingpool Farm, Easter Compton, Bristol
When: 11-13 June
What: You can’t beat a bit of sturdy German engineering, as the patrons of this motor meet-up will no doubt agree. Campers, Beetles, Golfs and Polos a-plenty, as well as VW specialist area, trade arena, a performance from Soul Destroyers on Saturday night and show-and-shine on Sunday. Price: £20 w/e, £10 Sat. Tel: 0117 954 0045, web: www.bristolvolksfest.co.uk

ISLE OF WIGHT FESTIVAL
Where: Seaclose Park, Newport, Isle of Wight
When: 11-13 June
What: A formidable line-up of the brightest stars in pop’s galaxy make this year’s Isle of Wight Festival look particularly strong, and the headline combination of Jay Z, The Strokes and Paul McCartney might be hard to beat for sheer star power. Pink, Florence and the Machine and Blondie also appear, alongside foppish balladeers Spandau Ballet, who have somehow sneaked onto the bill. More power to them. Price: £150 adult w/e camping. Tel: 0844 499 9955, web: www.isleofwightfestival.com

ROCKNESS
Where: Dores nr. Inverness, Scotland
When: 11-13 June
What: Big old raucous knees-up on the banks of the Loch Ness, soundtracked by top DJs (Fatboy Slim, Boys Noize, Chase & Status) and indie/rock acts (The Strokes, Ian Brown, Friendly Fires). Bestival also host the Nesstival area for a slightly more laidback vibe in the eye of the storm. Price: £149 w/e camping. Web: www.rockness.co.uk

SELLINDGE MUSIC FESTIVAL
Where: Hope Farm, Sellindge, Kent
When: 11-13 June
What: A culturally rich and diverse festival that has a dedicated theatre and performing arts space, interactive children’s play area, market place and European food market in addition a five stages of live music. The Sugarhill Gang, Reverend and the Makers and Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry headline the three nights; there is also a Dance Tent, Wofo (World and Folk) Tent, BBC Introducing Tent and the laidback Side Lounge. Price: £79 w/e camping. Web: www.sellindgemusicfestival.co.uk

WIMBORNE FOLK FESTIVAL
Where: Various venues, Wimborne Minster, Dorset
When: 11-13 June
What: Traditional English and Celtic music is the name of the game at the Wimborne Folk Festival, hosted at venues in and around the town. Dancing demonstrations, workshops and children’s entertainers will also descend on the town to ensure every corner is suitably folked up. Price: £78 w/e including camping. Web: www.wimbornefolkfestival.co.uk

MELTDOWN
Where: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, London
When: 11-20 June
What: An artist-curated festival that is this year headed by Richard Thompson, ex-Fairport Convention man and frequently lauded songwriter extraordinaire. This year opens with a performance of his new ‘Cabaret of Souls’ musical, about a talent contest set in hell. The festival will also feature a tribute to influential folk singer and mother of Rufus Wainwright, Kate McGarrigle, a performance from Wainwright collaborator Van Dyke Parks, and a set from Elvis Costello. Price: various. Web: www.meltdown.southbankcentre.co.uk

GRASSINGTON FESTIVAL
Where: Grassington, nr Skipton, North Yorks
When: 11-26 June
What: A diverse and esteemed cultural festival hosted in and around the Dales’ most treasured honeypot. Music, art, film and an anything-goes fringe programme are all on offer: highlights look to be a performance from self-proclaimed grumpy old rock star Rick Wakeman and, at the more serious end of the spectrum, Alistair Campbell giving an insight into the Blair years - a contrast which pretty much sums up the eclecticism of the festival. Price: various, many free. Tel: 01756 752691, web: www.grassington-festival.org.uk

SPITALFIELDS MUSIC
Where: Various venues, Spitalfields, London
When: 11-26 June
What: Top-drawer classical, folk and jazz event in the Spitalfields area of London, with the majority of the programme composed of classical music from throughout the ages. Listen to the choir of Clare College, Cambridge one night and attend the premiere of James Weeks’s Tide Trilogy the next. Price: £149 w/e camping. Web: www.spitalfieldsfestival.org.uk

DOVES IN THE FOREST
Where: Thetford Forest, nr Brandon, Suffolk
When: 12 June
What: As part of the Forestry Commission’s new initiative to bring music to Britain’s many fine and atmospheric forests, pleasantly MOR indie-popsters Doves play Thetford Forest in Suffolk. Price: £28. Tel: 01842 814612, web: www.forestry.gov.uk

ESCAPE INTO THE PARK
Where: Singleton Park, Swansea
When: 12 June
What: Wales’s largest annual electronic music fest, with all manner of bleeps ’n’ beats madness planned for the one-day event. Above and Beyond headline the main stage, as well as sets from Judge Jules, Andy C, Darren Styles, Steve Angello, Scratch Perverts and the appropriately named Technoboy. Well-known for its salubrious VIP section, which has its own exclusive stage and seating (though VIP tickets are an extra £17). Price: £45 day ticket. Tel: 0844 457 2505, web: www.escapefestival.com

LOCAL EVENT
BRISTOL FESTIVAL OF NATURE
Where: Bristol Harbourside
When: 12-13 June
What: Bristol can legitimately claim to be one of the most important cities in the UK for the research and documentation of natural history and wildlife. With that in mind, the Bristol Festival of Nature hosts environmental and conservation organisations, exhibitions, animal encounters, walks and talks in one big Mother Nature backslap. Price: TBC. Web: www.festivalofnature.org

LOCAL EVENT
EASTON ARTS TRAIL
Where: Easton, Bristol
When: 12-13 June
What: Local artists in and around Easton turn their homes into a very personal gallery for art enthusiasts, or else showcase their work in community venues such as cafes, pubs or churches. This fourth Easton Arts Trial has the theme of Arts and Flowers, so expect lots of horticulturally-minded exhibitions - as well as participants opening up their gardens too. Price: free. Web: www.eastonartstrail.co.uk

BEACH BREAK LIVE
Where: Pembrey Country Park, South Wales
When: 14-18 June
What: What do students love? Baked beans, ‘Neighbours’, high-minded philosophical discussion and festivals, of course. They’ve even got their own - Beach Break Live, located on the beautiful South Wales coast. Only four years old, its profile has rocketed from humble beginnings on the Cornish coast and that’s reflected in the line-up - so far, Scottish dancefloor-anthem merchant Calvin Harris, oh-so-now Ellie Goulding and Sting’s offspring’s vehicle I Blame Coco, among many other dance, indie and pop staples. Non-students with a working week to spare are welcome too, but it’ll cost you £109. Price: £89 w/e camping. Web: www.beachbreaklive.com

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Where: Cinemas across Edinburgh
When: 16-27 June
What: Hobnob with international film talent at the world’s longest-running film festival, 12 days crammed full of premieres, screenings, workshops, appearances and parties at which to celeb spot. This year’s programme is yet to be announced, but last year’s was mighty impressive, featuring the premieres of Lars Von Trier’s squirm-worthy horror nasty ‘Antichrist’, Duncan Jones’s ‘Moon’ and the Oscar winning ‘The Hurt Locker’. Price: various. Tel: 0131 228 4051, web: www.edfilmfirst.org.uk

LOCAL EVENT
WESTLIFE AT ASHTON GATE STADIUM
Where: Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol
When: 17 June
What: The multi, multi, multi-number one gobblers and Louis Walsh tutees Westlife play at the home of Bristol City in a one-off show before heading back for a series of dates in their native Ireland. Prices: £35-50. Web: www.westlife.com, www.seetickets.com

BLUES ON THE FARM
Where: Pump Bottom Farm, Chichester, West Sussex
When: 17-20 June
What: From classic to contemporary blues as well as soul and roots, Blues On The Farm will host 8,000 blues lovers and feature performances from Point Blank, Popa Chubby, The Hoax and Ian Siegal. Plus it’s only a few miles from the sea, so you can always pop down for a dip. Prices: £99 4-day w/e, camping from £10. Web: www.bluesonthefarm.co.uk.

LONBOROUGH FESTIVAL OPERA
Where: Longborough, Moreton-in-Marsh, Glos
When: 17 June-31 July
What: Not an opera festival but a festival opera, though we’re not sure if there’s a difference. Running since 1991, this year’s event will showcase new productions of Mozart’s ‘Don Giovanni’, Wagner’s ‘Die Walküre’ and Puccini’s ‘Madame Butterfly’. Price: £35-£105. Tel: 01451 830292, web: www.lfo.org.uk

AFRICA OYE
Where: Sefton Park, Liverpool
When: 18-20 June
What: Africa Oye will see a huge celebration of African culture and music brought right into the heart of Liverpool. There will be performances from artists hailing from all over the continent, as well as the odd Cuban or Jamaican act, and plenty of food and craft stalls to taste and touch the spirit of the place. The best part of it all is it’s absolutely free, so if you can’t afford to go to the World Cup, you can still experience a little bit of Africa. Price: free. Web: www.africaoye.com

BEVERLEY FESTIVAL
Where: Beverly, Yorks
When: 18-20 June
What: Previously the Beverley and East Riding Folk Festival, the slimline new moniker hides no concession to quality: this year’s event features old timers The Proclaimers and Eddie Reader as well as The Demon Barber, Roadshow, Dervish, Brighouse and Rastrick, Martin Simpson Trio, Blazin’ Fiddles and the rather splendidly titled Gandalf Murphy and the Slambovian Circus of Dreams. Only in Yorkshire. Price: £87 w/e (Winter Weekend Special), camping £15 for 3 nights, day tickets, event tickets. Tel: 01377 217569, web: www.beverlyfestival.com

THE BIG SESSION FESTIVAL
Where: De Montford Hall and Gardens, Leicester
When: 18-20 June
What: Those Proclaimers boys will be busy this weekend as they’re playing Beverley Festival as well as the Big Session. Other acts, mainly in the folk, acoustic and roots vein, include Kate Rusby, Stornoway, Oysterband, Dervish and Chumbawamba. They did say you’d never keep them down. Price: £75 w/e, £82.50-£90 w/camping. Tel: 0116 233 3111, web: www.bigsessionfestival.com

MIDDLEWICH FOLK AND BOAT FESTIVAL
Where: Various venues, Middlewich, Cheshire
When: 18-20 June
What: If you’ve always been desperate to combine your love of folk music and boating, then this might just be the festival for you. Expect lots of live music, workshops, free fringe events, morris dance display teams and plenty of messing about on the river. Price: £67 w/e, concs, youth tickets. Web: www.midfest.org.uk

THREE COUNTIES SHOW
Where: Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcs
When: 18-20 June
What: A celebration of the best bits of rural life - British food, farming and countryside pursuits for city dwellers and out-of-towners alike. The livestock shows are always good for a laugh, the Young Farmers Competitions are always rowdy and there’ll be plenty of food and booze stalls to keep you in good spirits. Price: £13.60 adult per day, concs. Tel: 01684 584900, web: www.threecountiesonline.co.uk

THREE WISHES FAERY FEST
Where: Colliford Lake Party, Bodmin Moor, Cornwall
When: 18-20 June
What: Yes, you read that right - a faery festival. Live music, guest artists, workshops, a fashion show and more set in 57 acres of Cornish countryside, all in celebration of the little sprites that live down the bottom of your garden. Apparently, there’s quite a thriving sub-culture based on the winged inhabitants of magical realms, and the Three Wishes Faery Fest is its annual aria. Price: £89 adult w/e, children under 12 free. Tel: 01736 330201, web: www.3wishesfaeryfest.co.uk

WILLOWMAN FESTIVAL
Where: Lenthor Farm, Northallerton, North Yorks
When: 18-20 June
What: Not quite as foreboding as Wickerman Festival, Willowman is a free-lovin’, hippy-trippin’, family-friendly event on the edge of the North Yorkshire moors. Acts confirmed include The Beat, The Blockheads and Sarah Gillespie, and you’ll still have a week to recover before heading down to Glastonbury for the summer solstice. Prices: £40 w/e camping. Web: www.willowmanfestival.co.uk

LOCAL EVENT
BILL BAILEY AT ASHTON GATE STADIUM
Where: Ashton Gate Stadium
When: 19 June
What: Bill Bailey hits the big time with a stadium-sized tour. He promises to tackle life's grey area! Prices: £20-£30. Tel: 0871 222 6666 Web: www.ashtongatestadium.co.uk

PARADISE GARDENS
Where: Victoria Park, London
When: 19-20 June
What: Jazz Jamaica, The Correspondents and Movit are confirmed for this festival based on Victorian pleasure gardens, and the best bit is it’s totally free. And besides the music there’s a steam fair, side shows, circus acts, street arts, a village fete and plenty of market stalls. Sounds like a right 19th-century-style hoot. Price: free. Web: www.pleasuregardensfestival.org.uk

LOCAL EVENT
UKULELE FESTIVAL OF GREAT BRITAIN
Where: Various venues in Cheltenham
When: 19-20 June
What: The ukulele has been enjoying somewhat of a renaissance in recent years, with seemingly every willowy new-folkster picking one up. So just in time, it’s now got its own festival, complete with a uke-toting line-up, workshops, jam sessions, a Ukulele Club competition and open mic events. Prices: £24 adult w/e. Web: www.ukulelefestival.co.uk

LOCAL EVENT
CORSHAM FESTIVAL
Where: Corsham, Wilts
When: 19-26 June
What: Arts and performance across a wide range of platforms from this small-in-size, big-on-quality arts fest. This year’s programme is yet to be announced, but last year’s highlights included a performance from virtuoso guitarist Antonio Forcione, a stage version of Carol Anne Duffy’s ‘The World’s Wife’ and a concert by the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group. Tel: 01249 701628, web: www.corshamfestival.blogspot.com

PRIDE LONDON
Where: Various venues, London
When: 19 June-4 July
What: The UK’s biggest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender celebration, with a whole host of events and parties scheduled in the fortnight leading up to the big parade. The 3 July event, travelling from Baker St to Trafalgar Square, remains the main draw though: expect colourful, outrageous and oh-so-fabulous floats and a joyous carnival atmosphere. Soho will be pedestrianised for that night for a humongous street party. Price: various, main parade free. Web: www.pridelondon.org

LOCAL EVENT
OPERA AT IFORD
Where: Iford Manor, nr Bath
When: 19 June-7 Aug
What: The stunning Peto Garden at Iford Manor is an enchanting enough location without any extra cause to travel there, but throw an internationally-renowned opera festival in the mix, and you have a truly special event. This year’s season showcases ‘La Cenerentola’ (Cinderella) by Rossini, ‘Serse’ (Xerxes) by Handel and ‘Rigoletto’ by Verdi, and also features some promenade jazz events. Price: various. Tel: 01225 868124, web: www.ifordarts.co.uk

LOCAL EVENT
BLONDIE IN THE FOREST
Where: Westonbirt Arboretum, nr Tetbury, Glos
When: 20 June
What: NYC’s classic new wavers Blondie play the marvellous Westonbirt Arboretum in what promises to be very special gig, as part of the Forestry commission’s new ‘Forest Tours’ initiative. Price: £33. Tel: 01842 814612, web: www.forestry.gov.uk

LOCAL EVENT
BRISTOL’S BIGGEST BIKE RIDE
Where: Sets off from Millennium Sq, Bristol
When: 20 June
What: This council-organised event celebrates Bristol’s cycling city status and launches Bike Week. Five rides set off from Millennium Square, ranging in distance from nine to 38 miles, and return to the Harbourside where there will be food, drinks, demonstrations and stalls waiting. Price: free. Web: www.bristol.gov.uk/biggestbikeride

MANANAN INTERNATIONAL FESTIVALS
Where: Erin Arts Centre, Port Erin, Isle of Man
When: 20 June-3 July
What: With 35 years in the festival game, Mananan has established itself as the leading cultural festival on the Isle of Man, and 2010’s event should live up to that reputation. It’s organised by the Erin Arts Centre, which seeks to provide access to arts-based activities for all inhabitants of the island, so expect a feast of music and performance there. Price: various. Web: www.erinartsfestival.com

STONEHENGE SUMMER SOLSTACE
Where: Stonehenge, Wilts
When: 21 June
What: Celebrate the longest day of the year in quintessentially English pagan style - around an ancient and mysterious monument. English Heritage will once again employ their policy of ‘managed open access’. Price: free. Web: www.efestivals.co.uk/festivals/stonehenge/2010 (unofficial)

CITY OF LONDON FESTIVAL
Where: Various venues, London
When: 21 June-9 July
What: For these precious few weeks, the square mile plays host to a celebration of arts and culture rather than money for a change. There’s plenty for classical music enthusiasts to take in: this year’s programme includes a performance from the Choir of St Paul’s Cathedral in St Paul’s itself, Portuguese pianist Arto Pizarro with the English Chamber Orchestra, and a performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No 9 by the London Symphony Orchestra and Monteverdi Choir. Price: various, many free. Tel: 0845 120 7502, web: www.colf.org.uk

LOCAL EVENT
GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL
Where: Pilton, nr Glastonbury, Somerset
When: 23-27 June
What: Naturally, it sold out months ago, but we couldn’t very well omit it, could we? This year’s predictably huge and diverse line-up is headed by Stevie Wonder, Gorillaz and Muse, with Empire of the Sun, MGMT, Orbital, The Stranglers, Vampire Weekend and Willie Nelson all mooted to play - but none of that really matters since Vanilla Ice announced his appearance. Last year’s Glastonbury defied all the odds and the meteorologists’ predictions to stay (mostly) dry, and odds are on for the same this year, but the weather never seems to stop the 150,000 or so attendees having fun anyway. Price: sold out. Web: www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk

LICHFIELD REAL ALE JAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVAL
Where: Lichfield Rugby Club, Staffs
When: 24-27 June
What: Enjoying its 21st birthday in the only way it knows how - a strong-line up of classic and contemporary jazz/blues acts. Confirmed are the Blues Band, Bare Bones Boogie Band, Chicago Red and the fantastic Sarah Gillespie with Gilad Atzmon. Price: £36 w/e camping. Tel: 01543 262223, web: www.lichfieldarts.org.uk

EDEN SESSIONS
Where: Eden Project, St Austell, Cornwall
When: 24 June-13 July
What: For all those who’ve ever wanted to go to a gig on the set of a sci-fi film, the Eden Sessions make that wish come true. The world’s largest greenhouse certainly makes for a memorable experience, and the music ain’t too forgettable either: Vampire Weekend (24 June), Jack Johnson (26 June), Mika (27 June), Doves and Mumford and Sons (2 July), Calvin Harris (3 July) and Paolo Nutini (13 July) are all holding a session. Price: Mika and Calvin Harris £35; Paolo Nutini, Doves and Jack Johnson sold out. Web: www.edenproject.com/sessions

CRAWLEY FOLK FESTIVAL
Where: The Hawth, Crawley, West Sussex
When: 25-27 June
What: Three days of folk-mad festivities in The Hawth Theatre, with Vivian - excuse me, Ade Edmondson - appearing on Friday night, Bad Shepherds in tow. Saturday night will host a ceilidh with music from the Jigalots and Fee Lock calling. Otherwise it just wouldn’t be a folk festival, would it? Price: £37.50 w/e, day tickets. Tel: 01293 553636, web: www.hawth.co.uk

HARD ROCK CALLING
Where: Hyde Park, London
When: 25-27 June
What: Full details of the line-up are still being fleshed out, but it’s already looking fat as a Christmas goose. Pearl Jam, Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney headline Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights respectively: other acts confirmed to appear are rootsy soulman Ben Harper, Zeppelin-alikes Wolfmother, gruff punk rockers The Gaslight Anthem and funk/funky hat enthusiast Jamiroquai. Price: £47.50 Fri, £50 Sat, £62.50 Sun. Web: www.hardrockcalling.co.uk

ENGLISH HERITAGE PICNIC CONCERTS
Where: Kenwood House, Hampstead, London and Audley End, Saffron Walden, Essex
When: 26 June-2 Aug
What: An English Heritage-organised picnic concert might not sound like the most exciting proposition - in fact, you’d probably expect to be drifting off mid cucumber sandwich. But thanks to some excellent booking, these look like a great series of events: there are performances from Blondie, Rufus Wainwright, Will Young, Jamie Cullum and Jools Holland featuring Alison Moyet. Price: various. Web: www.picnicconcerts.co.uk

KINGS OF LEON AT HYDE PARK
Where: Hyde Park, London
When: 30 June
What: After blitzing the festivals last year, Tennessean rockers Kings of Leon are cutting down on their festival appearances while they prepare to record their fifth album. Nonetheless, they’ve still managed to squeeze in this headline date to keep British fans ticking over. Support comes from The Black Keys, The Drums, The Whigs and The Features. Prices: £47.50. Web: www.kingsofleon.com

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