Music
Weekend city guide: 19 – 21 August
The penultimate weekend in August is overflowing with festivals, sport and activities for the whole family.
With the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in full swing (read our live blog here) and V Festival celebrating its 21st year with an insanely good line-up, you might feel torn in two directions. Not just that, but there’s great theatre, arts and music events in other cities across the UK. Rest assured, no matter what you choose, you’re going to have an amazing experience.
And if you haven’t made plans yet for the weekend just yet, we’ve got you sorted! Check out our handy guide to all the country’s hottest happenings. Plus discover more can’t-miss events in our London, Manchester and Scotland guides.
LONDON
Scooby-Doo! Live – Musical Mysteries
18 – 21 August
London Palladium
Jeepers, have you heard? A troublesome ghost is haunting the London Palladium. This weekend Scooby-Doo and the Mystery Inc gang are coming to investigate. Expect thrills and chills along with lots of groovy fun in this family-friendly musical show.
Until 21 August
Phoenix Theatre
Vivacious Aussie actress Rebel Wilson, best known for playing Fat Amy in the two Pitch Perfect films, has taken on the role of Miss Adelaide and given it a whole new pizzazz. Get tickets to see her and the rest of the brilliant cast right away because Guys and Dolls closes this weekend.
Until 21 August
London Coliseum
Dating back to 8th century China The Song of Everlasting Regret is a tragic poem about love and loss. The Shanghai Ballet Company brings it to life in Echoes of Eternity, a poignant production that’s sure to enchant you.
19 August
O2 Forum Kentish Town
We’re sad to bid adieu to Motion City Soundtrack. Having decided to part ways, the punk-pop group are in the UK on their So Long, Farewell tour. Don’t miss your chance to watch them perform live one last time.
MANCHESTER
20 August
Manchester Arena
All we need is… Morrissey. The former Smiths frontman and music legend is making only one UK appearance in 2016 and it’s in Manchester. Be there.
Salford Red Devils v Hull Kingston Rovers
19 August
AJ Bell Stadium
Get ready for some fantastic rugby action in this Super League match. Following a rib injury Hull KR’s Kieran Dixon is expected to return and make his 100th career appearance, so it’s guaranteed to be a memorable night.
EDINBURGH
Until 28 August
EICC
The young Scottish stand-up has been racking up awards for his razor-sharp wit including Best of the Fest at the 2016 Sydney Comedy Festival. Catch him at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where he’s debuting his new show So? before touring the UK with it.
Liquid Room
Southern rock fans, rejoice! The Alabama native and two-time Grammy winner is bringing his gritty mix of country, rock and soul to the UK. We’re eager to hear him play Palmetto Rose along with other songs from his latest album, Something More Than Free.
BIRMINGHAM
20 August
Edgbaston
The finals of the T20 Blast are finally here. Enjoy all the fast and furious cricket action as four teams – Yorkshire, Durham, Nottinghamshire and Northamptonshire – battle it out at Edgbaston. Who will be triumph?
MORE AROUND THE UK
CHELMSFORD & STAFFORD
19 – 21 August
Hylands Park, Essex & Weston Park, Staffordshire
Join the biggest birthday bash of the year. V Festival turns 21 in style with Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Sia, David Guetta, Bastille, Kaiser Chiefs, Jess Glynne, Tinie Tempah and many others. Held in two locations simultaneously, artists perform at one location on Saturday and then swap over to the other on Sunday.
MERTHYR TYDFIL
19 August
Cyfarthfa Castle, north of Cardiff
With hit after hit, Suggs and the band have dominated pop music in the UK for several decades. Expect them to turn this regal setting into a House of Fun. And if you can’t get to Wales this weekend, no worries. Catch Madness on Bank Holiday Monday in London at their House of Common festival. Like our Minimasters, we can’t wait!
