Fire drill: You can expect to see the flames go up at the Celtic Harmony Iron Age village in Hertford And so the last big weekend of the summer is upon us, the sun just may - may - come out, and thoughts turn to where to spend a few hours with the family. From fishing in Cornwall to Vikings in Ayrshire, via medieval minstrels in East Sussex, we have a few suggestions...
THE NORTH-EASTTHE STREETS OF FESTIVALS, DURHAM
Historic Durham centre hosts three festivals this weekend: Streets Of Play (Saturday), Streets Of Folk (Sunday) and Streets Of Dance (Monday).
Attractions include an Australian strongwoman rubbing shoulders with Italian comedy acrobats and free-running from Urban Playground. On Sunday, the 'ultimate free folkie festival' kicks off, spearheaded by Scottish legends the Peatbog Faeries. On Monday, several danceathons, workshops and whatnot combine with flamenco and even a little Maypole Madness.
For quiet contemplation, relax in Crook Hall Gardens, a short walk away, with a contemporary art show until the end of August.
DETAILS: The Streets Of ... Festivals run from Saturday to Monday, free (0191 384 3720, www.streetsof.co.uk). Crook Hall Gardens, www.crookhallgardens.co.uk.
THE NORTH-WESTMATHEW STREET FESTIVAL, LIVERPOOL
Originally a tribute to The Beatles, this has evolved into a vast, family-friendly event - billed as Europe's biggest free city-centre music festival.
The six outdoor stages have Beatles at their core: choose late, early or classic albums depending on your mood, and watch some of the best tribute acts in the world.
Meanwhile, the fringe festival showcases the best contemporary bands.
DETAILS: The Mathew Street Festival takes place around Liverpool on Sunday and Monday, with music starting at 11am. Entry free. Fringe festival today to Monday (0151 233 2008, www.mathewstreetfestival.com and www.mathewstreetfestival.org/fringe)
THE MIDLANDSTHE GORGE MUSEUM, IRONBRIDGE
In the World Heritage Site around the Ironbridge Gorge, cradle of the Industrial Revolution, there are ten museums to wend between.
For the Bank Holiday two have special events. The Egyptians star at Enginuity, with a hands-on show making pewter amulets, building pyramids and learning hieroglyphs.
At Blists Hill Victorian Town, the weekend theme is pirates. A River Severn cargo boat is transformed into Treasure Island's Hispaniola, with actors recreating the R. L. Stevenson classic, plus a fancy-dress competition.
On Monday afternoon, the Ironbridge Coracle Regatta takes place nearby.
DETAILS: The Gorge Museum, Ironbridge, Telford TF8 7DQ (01952 844391, www.ironbridge.org. uk). Passport ticket for all museums: adult £21.95, seniors £17.60, child/student £14.25, family £59.95.
Gorge yourself: The Gorge Museum at Ironbridge has a host of fascinating exhibitionsTHE SOUTHCELTIC HARMONY, HERTFORD
Just beyond the northern reaches of the M25 is not where you'd expect to find Celtic roundhouses in the woods. This Celtic Iron Age village has a programme of Celtinspired activities. In and around the roundhouses, you can prepare food, and play traditional games and sports - longbow is big here.
The storytelling includes fireeating - great for the dragon tales - plus hog roasts, drummers and learning how to make fire with flints. You'll be busy.
DETAILS: Celtic Harmony Camp, Brickendon Lane, Brickendon near Hertford, Herts SG13 8NY. Complete programme and prices available (01438 718543, www.celticharmony.co.uk).
SOUTH-EASTHERSTMONCEUX CASTLE, EAST SUSSEX
The 15th-century moated castle hosts England's Medieval Festival, with a complete cast of minstrels, magicians, lords, ladies and serfs.
There will be duelling and cannon fire, falconry, craft workshops, tales of gallant knights and moping maidens, and the medieval kitchens will cook up authentic fayre.
The centrepiece is a siege of the castle, re-enacted by rampaging hordes of enthusiasts. And the seaside is a short hop away.
DETAILS: Herstmonceux Castle, Hailsham, E. Sussex BN27 1RN (020 8150 6767, www.englandsmedievalfestival.com). All Bank Holiday weekend, 10am to 6pm. Adults £17, seniors/students £16, children (5-13) £10. Discounts online.
WALESNATIONAL BOTANICAL GARDEN, CARMARTHENSHIRE
Wales's most visited garden has another string to its bow. Sunday and Monday see the Summer Harp Festival, with concerts, demos and workshops, harp art and the chance to have a session as a beginner at a very reasonable £10 a session.
You could not pick a nicer spot - key attractions include the Norman Foster-designed Great Glasshouse, the largest single-span glasshouse in the world, and Wales's rarest tree.
DETAILS: National Botanic Garden of Wales, Llanarthne, Carmarthenshire SA32 8HG.
Prices: Adults £8, OAPs £6.50, children (five to 16) £4, family £19.50. Open 10am to 6pm (01558 668768, www.gardenofwales.org.uk). Summer Harp Festival, tomorrow and Monday.
Sweet treat: Blists Hill Victorian Town at Ironbridge lets kids try their hand at time travelSOUTH-WESTNEWLYN FISH FESTIVAL
No excuse needed to get to the Cornish seaside... but if you did, this festival provides it.
At its heart, it supports fishermen and fish. Rick Stein will cut the ribbon this year, and as well as counters groaning with the local catch, experts will explain what to do with it all. There'll be demonstrations by other starry local chefs at the fish market.
There is also music, sculpture in Newlyn art gallery, lifeboat and helicopter rescue simulations to marvel at (weather permitting). And you will probably even find a cream tea.
DETAILS: Newlyn, Cornwall. Entry: £4 (children free). Monday, 9am to 5pm (07518 603 955, www.newlynfishfestival.org.uk).
SCOTLANDVIKING FESTIVAL, LARGS
The last Viking invasion of Britain took place at Largs, on the Ayrshire coast, in 1263. Nowadays they just do it for fun every August.
There is a village inhabited by the Swords of Dalriada, a hardy bunch who live the Viking life and explain it to visitors.
There are battle re-enactments, birds of prey displays, an aerobatic display and the historically accurate Largs Has Got Talent show. At the end of the week there is the ritual burning of a longship and a fireworks spectacular.
DETAILS: Viking Festival runs until September 5. Entry free, though venues may charge for some events (01475 672884, www.largsvikingfestival.com).
source :dailymail
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