Welcome to the land of royals, tea, and stunning architecture – Great Britain. This gem of a country is a treasure trove of picturesque villages, vibrant cities, and awe-inspiring landscapes. From the windswept coastlines of Cornwall to the mystical moors of Scotland, the UK has something for every kind of traveller all year long. So come, let’s journey together and explore the top annual events spring through summer 2023 in the UK.
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Spring 2023 in the UK
Here are the most anticipated upcoming events scheduled during spring in the UK, ranging from empowering festivals to iconic rowing competitions to once-in-a-lifetime coronations
The WOW Festival: Celebrating Women, Girls, and Non-Binary People
Dates: 10 – 12 March 2023
Location: London
Join the biggest and most far-reaching festival celebrating women, girls, and non-binary people at the WOW Festival. This empowering event features world-class speakers, inspirational activists, musicians, artists, and comedians, with crucial discussions, workshops, performances, and debates on various topics. Come together with like-minded individuals and engage in meaningful conversations about the issues facing women and gender minorities today.
The Gemini Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race: A Sporting Tradition Unlike Any Other
Date: 26 March 2023
Location: London
Experience one of the world’s most iconic rowing competitions at the Gemini Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race. For nearly 200 years, this annual contest between students from Oxford and Cambridge Universities has captured the imagination of the British public and attracted a global following. Watch as the two teams compete on the River Thames between Putney and Mortlake and witness the adrenaline-fueled energy that makes this event so special.
Glasgow International Comedy Festival: Get Ready to Laugh Until It Hurts
Dates: 15 March – 20 April 2023
Location: Southern Scotland
Get ready to laugh until it hurts at the Glasgow International Comedy Festival. With 2023 marking the festival’s 20th anniversary, this event promises to be bigger and better than ever before. From top-notch comedians like Ardal O’Hanlon, Phil Wang, and Maisie Adam to some of Glasgow’s most atmospheric venues, this festival has something for everyone. Come along and immerse yourself in the hilarious world of comedy.
The Coronation of King Charles III: Witnessing History in the Making
Dates: 6 & 8 May 2023
Location: London
Be a part of history in the making as the coronation of King Charles III will be held in Westminster Abbey this May. This ancient ceremony has largely remained the same for 10 centuries and will see the Archbishop of Canterbury leading the service. With Camilla also being crowned as Queen Consort, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness a significant moment in the history of the UK. As a bonus, Monday, 8 May will be a bank holiday in honour of the occasion.
Spalding Flower Parade: Floral extravaganza
Date: 13 May 2023
Location: Lincolnshire
Experience the beauty of spring in Lincolnshire with the famous Spalding Flower Parade. This once-in-a-decade celebration of the region’s tulip-growing industry is set to bloom once again after a 10-year hiatus. Marvel at over 200 million stems grown each year in glasshouses as they are crafted into elaborate and vibrant floats. Be immersed in a world of colour, fragrance, and creativity, and witness the power of nature and human imagination come together in a magnificent display.
Summer 2023 in the UK
Summer in the UK is a season of endless possibilities, vibrant energy, and unforgettable experiences. True to the spirit of summer, there are several events hosted across the country worth visiting.
Taste of London: A Tantalising Celebration of London’s Top Restaurants
Date: June 2023
Location: Regent’s Park, London
Indulge in a tantalising selection of London’s top restaurants at the Taste of London festival in Regent’s Park. This mouth-watering event rounds up the hottest London restaurants, hunts down the future food heroes, and brings together chefs who are about to launch their next big thing. From the delicious food to the stunning outdoor setting, this event is the perfect way to celebrate the best of London’s culinary scene in the summer of 2023.
London Fashion Week: A Celebration of All Things Fashion
Date: June 2023
Location: London
Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of fashion at the June edition of London Fashion Week 2023. This event is devoted to all things fashion, with a lineup full of designs, events, shows, and tips. Whether you’re a fashion industry insider or a casual fashion enthusiast, London Fashion Week has something for everyone.
Festival of Archaeology: Exploring the Rich History of England
Dates: 15-30 July 2023
Location: Various locations across England
Join the UK’s biggest annual celebration of archaeology at the Festival of Archaeology. This event involves hundreds of events, delivered in person and online by heritage organizations, communities, universities, commercial units, and more. The festival’s focus is on exploring human stories and understanding our connection to places and environments. The theme changes every year, with 2023’s theme set to be revealed in February.
Green Gathering: A Community Passionate About Celebrating and Saving the Earth
Dates: 3-6 August 2023
Location: Chepstow, Southeast Wales
More than just a festival, Green Gathering is a community of people passionate about celebrating and saving the earth – all while having a good time! This eco-campaigning event, set in the grounds of a dilapidated neoclassical mansion, is all about skill sharing, creative solutions, and off-grid living. The line-up is as varied as the issues at stake, with everything from punk and protest bands to poetry, folk, and spellbinding storytellers – all powered by wind and solar power.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe: The World’s Largest Arts and Media Festival
Dates: 4 – 28 August 2023
Location: Edinburgh, Southeast Scotland
Get ready for unexpected, challenging, and a lot of fun at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world’s largest arts and media festival. With thousands of shows from street performers, artists, comedians, dancers, poets, musicians, and more, this festival is a celebration of all things creative. Whether you’re in the mood for comedy or theatre, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe has something for everyone.
Autumn 2023 in the UK
Get ready for an autumn full of fun and entertainment with these upcoming festivals and events across the UK.
Blackpool Illuminations: A Million Lightbulbs Shining Bright
Dates: September 2023 – January 2024
Location: Lancashire
Step into a world of light as the enchanting Blackpool Illuminations welcome visitors from around the globe. This awe-inspiring annual event has been captivating visitors since 1879 and boasts over 10km of light installations. With more than one million lightbulbs illuminating the sky, it’s a magical experience that must not be missed. This year, the Illuminations will be accompanied by the Festival of Light – a contemporary take on entertainment made from light and art. Look out for the Switch-on Festival Weekend, where you’ll witness bespoke illumination performances, and the Lightpool Festival – a spectacular walking route that links Blackpool’s most iconic buildings through light installation artworks.
2023 ICF Slalom World Championships: A Display of Raw Talent
Dates: 19 – 24 September 2023
Location: London
Get ready for a high-octane experience as the world’s top kayakers and canoeists gather in London to compete in the 2023 ICF Slalom World Championships. Witness the incredible raw talent on display as around 300 athletes go head-to-head on the Lee Valley White Water Centre’s Olympic course. With nations competing to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, the competition is set to be fierce. Be sure to catch the extreme slalom events for an extra surge of adrenaline.
Christmas at Kew: A Sparkling Winter Wonderland
Dates: November 2023 – January 2024
Location: London
Get into the festive spirit at one of London’s most enchanting events – Christmas at Kew Gardens. Against the backdrop of picturesque Kew Gardens, you’ll experience a winter wonderland like no other. Previous years have included a Fire Garden, towering fairy-lit trees, and the breathtaking Palm House light display. Prepare to be spellbound as you wander through the sparkling after-dark experience, complete with mulled wine and festive treats. Exact dates for 2023 are yet to be announced.
Bonfire Night: A Night of Blazing Bonfires and Sparkling Fireworks
Date: 5 November 2023
Location: Nationwide
Experience the unique British tradition of Bonfire Night as the night skies light up with blazing bonfires and sparkling fireworks. Celebrating the foiling of the infamous Gunpowder Plot, this festival is a spectacle to behold. Bonfire Night is celebrated across the nation, with towns and cities hosting their own events. From the impressive fireworks displays in Sheffield, Lewes, and Battle in Sussex, to the atmospheric celebrations at Leeds Castle in Kent, Kenilworth Castle in Warwickshire, Segedunum Roman Fort on Hadrian’s Wall, and Ottery St Mary in Devon – there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Winter 2023 in the UK
Winter in the UK is a truly magical period, and here are the most anticipated upcoming events scheduled during this winter in the country.
Burning the Clocks: Winter Solstice Parade
Date: 21 December 2023
Location: Brighton
When the days get shorter and the winter chill sets in, there’s no better way to celebrate the season than by joining Burning the Clocks in Brighton. This unique and vibrant parade started in 1993 as an alternative to the commercialized Christmas season. People from all walks of life gather to make paper and willow lanterns, which they then carry through the streets of Brighton, creating a sea of mesmerizing light. The procession ends on the beach, where the lanterns are set ablaze, symbolizing the end of the year and the promise of longer days to come. Join thousands of people in this magical event, which combines creativity, community, and a deep connection to nature.
Christmas markets: Soak in the Holiday Atmosphere
Date: November – December 2023
Location: Nationwide
Nothing quite sets the festive mood like the scent of mulled wine, mince pies, and roasting chestnuts wafting through the air. The Christmas markets, held nationwide in November and December, are a beloved tradition that bring people together to celebrate the season. Each market has its own unique charm and flavor, from Bath’s cobbled streets to London’s bustling Southbank Centre. The Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market is a must-visit for anyone who loves authentic German cuisine and handmade crafts. Winchester Cathedral’s market is set against the stunning backdrop of one of England’s most beautiful cathedrals. And let’s not forget the Christmas markets in Nottingham, Stratford-upon-Avon, Exeter Cathedral, and Manchester, among others.
Kendal Mountain Festival: Wilderness, Adrenaline and More
Date: November 2023 (TBD)
Location: Cumbria
Calling all thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts! The Kendal Mountain Festival is the biggest mountain festival in the world, and it’s an event you won’t want to miss. This festival celebrates film, outdoor sports, literature, art, and legends that inspire people to explore and enjoy mountains and the wilderness. The highlight of the event is the Mountain Film Competition, where filmmakers compete for the grand prize. Come and experience the exhilarating energy of the festival, and get inspired to explore the great outdoors!
Women in Revolt!: Women and Art
Date: 2 November 2023 – 7 April 2024
Location: London
For those interested in art, the Women in Revolt! exhibition at Tate Britain is a must-visit. This exhibition showcases a generation of artists who worked outside the mainstream in the UK from 1970 to 1990. Influenced by the slogan ‘the personal is political’, the exhibition reassesses their contribution to art history and their connection to events such as the equal pay act, Greenham Common, Rock Against Racism, Section 28, and the AIDS crisis. Discover the thought-provoking art of these groundbreaking women and learn about the social and political movements that shaped their work.
Orchids 2023: Captivating Flora and Fauna
Dates: 4 February – 5 March 2023
Location: London
The Orchids festival at Kew Gardens is a must-visit for anyone seeking respite from the winter gloom. The 2023 festival is inspired by the biodiversity and wildlife of Cameroon, and the horticultural displays and living plant sculptures will take your breath away. Stroll through the Princess of Wales Conservatory and marvel at the warm and colorful orchids, which offer a glimpse of the exotic beauty of Africa. With the temperatures dropping outside, this is the perfect way to lift your spirits and soak in the tranquility of nature
