Music
Weekend city guide: 5 – 7 August
The first weekend in August boasts some of the best entertainment of the summer, so drop everything and head to one of these UK events.
Like what, you ask? Get into gear at a motoring show, laugh it up with one of America’s top comedians or enjoy a huge football friendly. Needless to say, you can choose from loads of festivals too.
And if you’re looking to make plans beyond this weekend, we’ve got you covered. Use our London, Manchester and Scotland guides to find fun things to do year-round.
LONDON
Bill Burr
5 – 6 August
Eventim Apollo
Watch the man behind the animated Netflix series F Is for Family and The Monday Morning Podcast wield his razor sharp wit. Burr is on the road with his brand new stand-up tour and he’ll be in London on Friday and Saturday nights.
International Champions Cup: Liverpool FC v FC Barcelona
6 August
Wembley Stadium
There’s about a week to go before the Premier League season kicks off. Get ready for all the action by attending this rousing pre-season exhibition game between Liverpool and Barcelona.
Visions Festival
6 August
St John Hackney and several other London venues
What better place than a church with its classic architecture, high ceilings and dramatic lighting to take in performances by Young Fathers, Anna Calvi, Cate Le Bon and many others. At Visions you can also check out local art, savour yummy street food (hello there, Cheese Truck) and much more.
Caught by the River Thames
6 – 7 August
Fulham Palace
This new riverside festival is overflowing with entertainment. Listen to music from Low, Super Furry Animals and Beth Orton or sit in on poetry readings in a Victorian chapel, join nature talks and imbibe brews at a craft beer fair.
MANCHESTER
Eddi Reader
5 August
Gawsworth Hall, Macclesfield
Don’t miss her! The Scottish songstress is the perfect performer, merging traditional and contemporary musical styles while creating an onstage energy dripping with emotion.
GLASGOW
Summer Nights
4 – 14 August
Kelvingrove Park
Running across two weekends, Summer Nights is laying on a series of nine open-air gigs featuring a line-up that includes Van Morrison (4 August), Idlewild (5 August), Super Furry Animals (6 August), Lloyd Cole/Justin Currie (7 August) and folk rock legends The Waterboys (8 August).
Ignition Festival of Motoring
5 – 7 August
SECC Glasgow
Motoring fans, start your engines and speed over to this three-day festival celebrating all aspects of the automotive world. See leading motor sport personalities and be wowed by a specially constructed street circuit where the Red Bull Racing Formula One Team, David Coulthard and The Stig will be in action.
CARDIFF
Status Quo
6 August
Caldicot Castle, Monmouthshire
Catch one of the most successful bands of all time in a setting that’s sure to impress – a medieval castle. Featuring founding members Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt, Status Quo are marking five decades in the music business.
BLACKPOOL
Rebellion Festivals
4 – 7 August
Blackpool Winter Gardens
Four days dedicated to all things punk rock? Yes, please! Now in their 20th year, Rebellion truly know how to put on a riff-tastic festival experience. Expect lots of thrashing over multiple stages (including a new outdoor stage) along with punk art, performance poetry and plenty of bars.
CHARLBURY
Wilderness
4 – 7 August
Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire
Back again for its sixth year, Wilderness is showcasing Robert Plant & The Sensational Space Shifters and The Flaming Lips – two UK exclusives! – as well as electronic folk band Crystal Fighters. In addition to music galore, prepare yourself for four days of arts and theatre, yoga, swimming, communal feasting, croquet and much more.
LYTHAM
Lytham Festival
4 – 7 August
Lytham Green
With Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds appearing on opening night and West End Proms closing out the festival, what more could you want? Two words: Bryan Adams. The Canadian rock legend is headlining Saturday night. During four fantastic days at the seaside, Lytham Festival also boasts a mix of fringe events as well as the Picnic Cinema and a Mix Tape night presenting pop stars from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s.
