Summer’s in full swing and the UK is bursting with brilliant things to do in August 2024 🌻
While the weather might not be guaranteed sunshine, there’s a treasure trove of electrifying festivals historic sights, charming hidden gems and one-of-a-kind things to do in August.
We’ve got 16 exciting activities lined up, from exhilarating festivals to charming hidden gems, all guaranteed to make your August unforgettable. So buckle up because here comes a whirlwind of summer fun!
1. Enjoy the last Bank Holiday until Christmas
Monday 26th is the final bank holiday until Christmas – so it would be rude not to go all out and conclude the summer with a bang. Plus, the August bank holidays are well-known for their gorgeous weather.
So, what’s on the agenda? Perhaps you’re heading to Manchester Pride, the Rye International Jazz & Blues Festival in Herefordshire, or one of London’s buzzy beer gardens for a weekend pint. Whatever you’re getting up to, in the city or the countryside, this upcoming bank holiday is the perfect time to get away and enjoy the best of the UK!
2. Birmingham Restaurant Festival
1st – 31st August 2024
Feeling peckish? August is the perfect time to tantalise your taste buds in Birmingham! Crowned the Most Exciting Foodie Destination in 2022 by the Good Food Guide, the Birmingham Restaurant Festival is a delicious celebration of the city’s wonderfully diverse eateries.
Throughout August, restaurants across Birmingham – from Michelin-starred marvels like Purnell’s to trendy favourites like Dishoom and Tattu – will be creating special menus just for the festival. These amazing value and one-of-a-kind menus are the perfect excuse to expand your palate and try somewhere new – or even revisit an old favourite. So grab your fellow foodies, secure your reservation (booking is essential!) and get ready for a month of mouthwatering meals in Birmingham!
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3. Edinburgh Fringe Festival
2nd August – 26th August 2024
August is the perfect time to discover the UK’s vibrant arts scene! And with the world’s largest arts extravaganza returning to Edinburgh and summer sun bathing this historic city in gorgeous weather (fingers crossed), there’s no better place for a UK staycation than the Scottish capital.
The epic Edinburgh Fringe Festival isn’t your ordinary festival. Welcoming thousands of shows across theatre, comedy, music, and everything in between, the Edinburgh Fringe is a wonderland for all devotees to the arts. From hilarious stand-up routines to mind-blowing theatre acts all within the charming, buzzing streets of Edinburgh, buckle up for a month of belly-aching laughter and unforgettable performances you won’t want to miss.
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4. Brighton & Hove Pride Parade
2nd – 5th August 2024
Brighton, the UK’s rainbow capital, is preparing for their biggest pride party yet – and you’re invited! Get ready for the ultimate pride celebration in the heart of this British seaside gem, from the 2nd to the 5th August 2024.
The main stage will be bursting with your favourite music artists, from the iconic Girls Aloud to the electrifying Mika and the party-starting S Club. But wait, there’s more! The Cabaret Stage will be packed with dazzling drag queens and there’ll be plenty of funky surprises to discover – some acts are still a secret, but trust us, they’ll be extraordinary!
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5. Llyn and Eifionydd National Eisteddfod
3rd -10th August 2024
Love Wales? Llyn and Eifionydd National Eisteddfod is an unmissable event aimed at celebrating the country’s language and culture. This year it’s taking place in Llyn and Eifionydd, Boduan, Gwynedd for one week, from 3rd-10th August. Attendees are in for a real treat as there’ll be literature, visual arts, dance, music and plenty more to watch while you’re there. And even if you don’t speak Welsh, you can still attend! The event offers translation services, giving everybody a chance to celebrate Wales.
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6. Boardmasters Festival
7th – 10th August 2024
If you’re yearning for beachside vibes, stunning sunshine and awesome tunes this August, Boardmasters in Cornwall is the perfect place to get your fix. This lively music festival on the Cornish coast is back with its iconic weekend-long seaside party this August.
Catch huge names in rock, pop and electronic music live on stage – headline acts for 2024 include Chase & Status, Sam Fender and Stormzy! But when you’re not spotting the surfing pros on Fistral Beach or dancing your heart out at the main stage, why not grab some tasty festival grub and soak up the incredible atmosphere?
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Discover the ultimate guide to the UK’s music festival scene for 2024 here.
7. Bristol Balloon International Fiesta
9th – 11th August 2024
August is hot air balloon heaven in Bristol! The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta takes over Ashton Court Estate for four days of pure magic. Imagine waking up to a sea of colourful hot air balloons gently floating up into the sunrise – it’s a sight you won’t forget.
But there are more than just breathtaking views. The fiesta is a giant family-friendly event with live music, fairground rides and delicious food stalls. In the evenings, the hot air balloons come alive and light up to music like giant, magical lanterns! You and your little one will be mesmerised by the balloons in this unforgettable weekend in Bristol. And the best part? It’s completely free to enter!
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8. Edinburgh International Book Festival
10th – 26th August 2024
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Love getting lost in a good book? August is heaven for bookworms in the UK because the Edinburgh International Book Festival is back! Beloved as one of the largest celebrations of all things books in the world, the Edinburgh International Book Festival is like a giant book fair with a festival twist.
Held in the centre of Edinburgh, it’s a chance to meet your favourite authors (they might even sign your copy!), attend talks about the latest and greatest reads and discover incredible new writers you’ve never heard of before. There are even workshops to get your own creative juices flowing! Whether you’re a die-hard fantasy fan or a romantic novel buff, there’s something for everyone at this book lover’s paradise.
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9. Taylor Swift Fanpark at BOXPARK Wembley
15th – 17th & 19th – 20th August 2024
Swifties, assemble! August is looking pretty good for you. With four Wembley shows on the calendar, BOXPARK has returned with their epic fan park events. It’s the perfect place to get your pre-show energy out with hundreds of fellow fans.
Think fun DJs spinning all the Taylor Swift hits (and maybe some unexpected remixes!), live performances to get you pumped and even glitter stations ensuring you’ll be sparkling for the main event. There’ll be drinks specials fueling the fun and who knows, you might even make some new besties to sing along with during the concert! So grab your tickets and get ready for an unforgettable Taylor Swift experience at BOXPARK Wembley!
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10. All Points East Festival
16th – 17th & 23rd – 25th August 2024
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