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This annual celebration of LGBTQ+ life on Tyneside is one of the biggest and most diverse free events in the North East. Taking place virtually in 2021, expect a day of music, education, fun and celebration. Established in 1947, the Film Festival is renowned for discovering and promoting the very best in international cinema, and for heralding and debating changes in global filmmaking. The festival seeks to spotlight the most exciting and innovative new film talent and brings a mix of red-carpet glamour, innovative and exciting cinematic discoveries and massive audience appeal. There’s a rich explosion of festivals in the planning right now, from big hitters to smaller niche pleasures. This isn’t an exhaustive list, but a taster of what’s coming up in 2023′s cultural festivals around Ireland. While some programmes are well along, others will announce details later in the year, so watch their spaces online and on social media. JANUARY Cruinniú na nÓg Jun 10: Creative Ireland’s national day of creativity with free events and activities for children and young people all over Ireland. cruinniu.creativeireland.gov.ie
What is it: Celebrating the best of the 80s, Rewind Festival pops up in three different locations throughout the summer: Rewind Scotland, Rewind North and Rewind South, with mostly the same (albeit slightly varied) musical line-up, but all are an absolute blast. Another particularly family-friendly affair, there’s also a fun fair and kidzone – and 80s dress up is definitely encouraged.
Isle of Wight
Music in Monkstown Sep 8-10: Classical music festival featuring some of the world’s great musicians in Monkstown’s parish church, Co Dublin: international violin and piano duo Maria and Nathalia Milstein, and the Piatti String Quartet, both performing with festival founder, clarinettist John Finucane; plus premiere of new commission for clarinet and piano by Shaun Davey, Irish traditional musician Aoife Ní Bhriain and friends, flautist Valentine Laporte (winner Irish Freemasons Young Musician of the Year) and post-concert jazz. musicinmonkstown.ie
The Isle of Wight’s popular walking festival has a full schedule of walks for all ages and abilities. Locals and visiting walkers can explore trails across the island, taking in chalky cliffs and rolling hills, sand dunes and pebbly beaches, bustling towns and sleepy villages of thatched cottages. An event flooded with talent, Hay’s Festival offers guest a chance to collaborate with the creative industry’s leading writers, comedians, musicians, poets and more! Commencing over 11 days, the festival promises to inspire and entertain those who seek a bit of fun, community, and imagination. Enjoy performances, bookshops, workshops and readings in spaces accessible for all guests. Featuring the best children’s and teen authors, incredible illustrators, favourite characters, professional storytellers and the biggest names in children’s literature from across the world. Each competitor is allowed three skims using specially-selected slate skimming stones. For a skim to qualify, the stone must bounce at least three times; it is then judged on the distance achieved before it sinks. The championships were launched in 1983 and now attract many participants and spectators, hailing from around the world. St David is the patron saint of Wales and this day is a celebration of all things Welsh. Expect plenty of red dragons adorning Welsh flags, as well as parades of daffodils, leeks and flags of St David himself. Traditionally, the capital of Cardiff holds a National St David's Day Parade, but this year the event will be celebrated with a 72-hour digital festival from 26 February-1 March, featuring events ranging from yoga and music to cookalongs and celebrity appearances.
Shropshire festivals and Events: celebrate with us
Insider tip: Head to the boogaloo woodland stage for a change of scene – expect VR workshops, pub quizzes and lectures on the history of punk is past years are to go by. Feel free to bring pooches along also – the festival is largely dog-friendly.
If you’ve never tried the traditional British delicacy that is a pork pie, the Melton Mowbray Food Festival is the place to go for your initiation; it’s known as one of the top regional food events in the country. Mouth-watering stands showcase some of the region’s finest food and drink, alongside a street food area serving hot food from around the world. We tried it…’Food is really at the heart of this experience so I would suggest trying lots of small dishes from a few stands. There is something glorious about sitting with your friends in the sun, sipping on a gorgeous glass of wine and sampling a pot croquettes – plus there was great music to dance to. It really is a fun day out. A personal shout out to the toilets that were a huge improvement on the normal portaloo!’ Sophie Dearden, fashion director Hampton Court Palace Festival Dingle Lit Nov 17-19: Promising the best little book festival in the west, with events in English and as Gaeilge. Literature lovers converge in the scenic west Kerry Gaeltacht for a mix of author events, atmosphere and Dingle magic. dinglelit.ie Insider tip: make the most of the South Downs by doing some hiking; here’s even a special route mapped out for festival-goers What is it: Taking place on the Belladrum estate near Inverness, this music and arts festival has rapidly grown in popularity since launching in 2004.Open House Dublin Oct 13-15: Irish Architecture Foundation’s annual free festival of architecture and urban design, with more than 100 guided tours and events for all ages across Dublin city and county. openhousedublin.com Brighton’s other best-known festival is Brighton Pride, which takes place in August and has been described by The Guardian as “the country’s most popular LGBT+ event”. Pride’s daytime parade turns the city into a riot of music, colour and eye-popping costumes, while past artists who have taken to the stage in Preston Park include Britney Spears, Kylie Minogue and the Pet Shop Boys. If you’re coming to Brighton for Pride, be sure to book accommodation as early as possible. The launch of Bualadh Bos Children’s Festival at Lime Tree Theatre last year. Photograph: Diarmuid Greene Baboró International Arts Festival for Children Oct 13-22: Ireland’s flagship festival devoted to children, in Galway city and county. Irish and international theatre, dance and puppetry performances plus exhibitions and workshops. baboro.ie
Tipperary Dance International Festival Oct 2-15: The 14th annual festival of cutting-edge national and international programme of live dance events across the county, indoor and outdoor performances, masterclasses, schools performances and roundtables. tipperarydance.com SummerTyne Americana Festival is a popular weekend event that attracts visitors from across the world for a sizzling celebration of Americana music in and around the spectacular setting of Sage Gateshead, on the south bank of the River Tyne. All Together Now Aug 4-6: The initial line-up at Curraghmore Estate, Co Waterford, includes Iggy Pop, Jamie xx, Caribou, Loyle Carner, Villagers, Jessie Ware, Sugababes, Lankum, Max Richter & RTÉ Concert Orchestra, Billy Bragg, TV Girl, Saint Sister, The Scratch. alltogethernow.ie
Bearded Theory
Insider tip: go off-map – the deeper into the forest you go, the more you can immerse yourself in a meticulously crafted universe Along the Sussex coast lies the Goodwood Motor Circuit near Chichester. Each summer the circuit is the venue for the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the largest car culture event in the world. Automobile fans attend four days' worth of races to celebrate the history of motor racing, including a hill climb featuring classic Formula One cars, and a forest rally stage. This annual contest is held at The Bridge Inn pub in Santon Bridge, a hamlet of the Lake District. The competition is held in honour of 19th-century Bridge Inn landlord Will Ritson, who was famous for his incredible stories. Competitors are given five minutes to impress the judges with an outrageous but convincing lie.
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