Music
Bumper August Bank Holiday weekend guide: 26 – 29 August
Ready for summer’s last hurrah? With September looming, here’s a look at some most unmissable events taking place across the long weekend.
If you haven’t made plans yet, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. Make the most of the August Bank Holiday weekend with our round-up of festivals, mega music events, edge-of-your-seat sport and family-friendly activities happening across the UK.
SO. MANY. FESTIVALS
Creamfields
25 – 28 August
Daresbury, Cheshire
This dance festival isn’t holding anything back for 2016. Expect tons of big-name DJs including Calvin Harris, Avicii, Tiësto, Axwell Λ Ingrosso and Fatboy Slim, plus prepare to be blown away by new experiences like the colossal Horizon Stage, The Steel Yard superstructure and The Vault.
Glasgow Summer Sessions
26 – 27 August
Bellahouston Park, Glasgow
This annual concert series returns for its fourth straight year with another extraordinary line-up. Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds take the stage on Friday while Biffy Clyro, Fall Out Boy and Wolf Alice play on Saturday. Yep, it’s a music lover’s paradise.
Reading Festival
26 – 28 August
Richfield Avenue, Reading
When it comes to line-ups Reading & Leeds Festival always impresses. Over three days, listen to five incredible headliners: Foals, Disclosure, Biffy Clyro, Fall Out Boy and Red Hot Chili Peppers, who will take you to the place you love.
Leeds Festival
26 – 28 August
Bramham Park, near Wetherby
Note to readers: see Reading Festival (above). Everything’s exactly the same except the days when the headliners appear will get the ol’ switcheroo.
The Big Feastival
26 – 28 August
Alex James’ Farm, The Cotswolds
We’re already salivating in anticipation of this event. Come for mouth-watering food from chefs like Jamie Oliver, Raymond Blanc and Tom Kerridge and stay for the pulse-pounding performances from Mark Ronson, Tinie Tempah and Kaiser Chiefs.
Manchester Pride’s The Big Weekend
26 – 29 August
Manchester’s Gay Village
Head to Manchester for one of the most popular (and most fun!) LGBT pride events in the country. In addition to the parade and candlelit vigil, The Big Weekend showcases artists such as Heather Small, MNEK and Shura and offers events like the Coronation Street bowling tournament as part of the celebration.
South West Four
27 – 28 August
Clapham Common, London
Pace yourself for two days packed with the finest electronic artists around featuring Rudimental, Andy C, Dizzee Rascal, The Chemical Brothers, Carl Cox and so many others. Plus, when the music wraps up in the wee hours, the fun continues with the South West More after-parties at Electric Brixton.
House of Common
29 August
Clapham Common, London
Easy-going partying is what this inaugural one-day event is all about. House of Common boasts a line-up curated by Madness and will conclude with a headline performance from the pop legends themselves.
EVEN MORE MUSIC…
Pop, R&B or metal? Whatever your taste, there’s a gig for you. Loads of talented artists are performing in the UK during August Bank Holiday weekend (listed below). And whenever you’re looking for live music or you just want to know if your favourite band is out on tour, visit our Gigs & Tours page.
Eagles of Death Metal
26 August
O2 Forum Kentish Town, London
Matt Berry and the Maypoles
26 August
Hoxton Hall, London
KT Tunstall
26 – 28 August
Various venues in Inverness, Aberdeen & Perth
Good Charlotte
27 August
O2 Institute Birmingham
Little Mix
27 August
Newmarket Racecourses
Machine Gun Kelly
27 August
O2 Academy Islington, London
Will Young
27 August
Vivary Park, Taunton
Jools Holland and His Rhythmn and Blues Orchestra
28 August
Vivary Park, Taunton
Queensryche
28 August
O2 Academy Islington, London
CATCH SOME SPORT!
Challenge Cup Final
27 August 2016
Wembley Stadium, London
Warrington Wolves or Hull FC? Support your favourite team and see the stars of tomorrow compete at Rugby League’s big day out.
GB Basketball v Netherlands
27 August 2016
Belle Vue, Manchester
The GB national b-ball team face the Dutch in what’s sure to be a slammin’ good time!
FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
Coronation Street on Tour
Opens 27 August 2016
Scottish Exhibition & Conference Centre, Glasgow
Fans can experience Corrie as never before. Enter the world of the long-running TV soap and explore its famous cobbles, sets and props. You can even step behind the Rovers Return bar and have a souvenir photo snapped.
The Secret Garden
Until 31 August 2016
The Ambassadors Theatre, London
On stage for a limited run, the young and young-at-heart will delight in the timeless story about a magical locked garden. Based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, this new 70-minute youth edition of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical is simply enchanting.
The Scarecrows’ Wedding
Until 4 Septmber 2016
Leicester Square Theatre, London
Here’s another heart-warming production where you can unleash your inner child. Based on the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, The Scarecrows’ Wedding follows the lovable Betty O’Barley and Harry O’Hay as they plan for their special day.
Luna Cinema
26 – 28 August 2016
Hatfield House, Hertfordshire
Films and popcorn under the stars… yes, please! Go to this this magnificent Jacobean Manor on the site of Elizabeth I’s childhood home to enjoy three open-air cinema screenings – Star Wars: The Force Awakens (26 August), Grease (27 August) and Labyrinth (28 August).
Horrible Histories – Barmy Britain
Until 3 September
Apollo Theatre, London
Get your horrible history fix here. Find out about the putrid plague, the Great Fire of London and other bad bits of the past in this special production celebrating the fifth anniversary of Barmy Britain in the West End.
EXHIBITIONISM: The Rolling Stones
Until 4 September 2016
Saatchi Gallery, London
Time is running out to see the ultimate Rolling Stones exhibition curated by the band. Providing insight into their fascinating 50-year history, this multimedia experience showcases more than 500 artefacts in nine themed rooms. Night owls will be pleased to hear that it stays open late on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
