What’s on in August?

The countdown to the school summer holidays is now on. With only a matter of days to go, it’s time to start planning some great days out in the UK with your kids.

August is absolutely jam-packed with family-friendly events, festivals and summer activities, so here are just a few that we have hand-picked for you.

Whether you are travelling across the country by train, by bus or by car, you are 100% guaranteed some seriously fun times ahead….

NE1 Screen on the Green

Where? Old Eldon Square, Blackett Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne

When? Throughout August

What? Love movies? Love the open air? Well, if so, chances are you will love NE1’s Screen on The Green. Taking place in Newcastle’s Old Eldon Square, you can enjoy over 80 open-air movies throughout the six-week school holiday, and the even better news is that it’s absolutely free! Grab a deck chair, take a picnic and enjoy some all-time family classics on the big screen.

Plus, some of the summer’s hottest sporting events will also be screened on selected dates, including Wimbledon and the Women’s Football World Cup.

Countryfile Live

Where and when? Blenheim Palace, 1-4 August and Castle Howard, 15-18 August

What? If you are a fan of the BBC series Countryfile, then this event is going to be right up your street. Taking place over two separate weekends, in two separate locations, Countryfile Live celebrates the great outdoors and everything it has to offer.

See all your favourite BBC Countryfile presenters as they host interactive shows on the Main Stages, learn about the local marine wildlife in the Wildlife Zone and find out how to live a more sustainable lifestyle with advice from the experts in the Time for a Change Theatre. Plus, watch a bunch of your favourite TV chefs cooking up a storm in the live Kitchen Theatre!

Happy Place Festival

Where? Chiswick House & Gardens:

When? 3-4 August

What? A whole festival dedicated to wellbeing, yoga, healthy eating and happiness - this sounds like our kind of event! From yoga to meditation to origami making and empowerment talks, the Happy Place Festival offers the chance for some serious you-time.

The brainchild of Fearne Cotton, and an extension of her best-selling book, Happy, the festival will host a number of speakers including fitness guru Joe Wicks, actor-turned-yoga-guru Russell Brand and healthy-cooking expert Jasmine Hemsley. No kids are allowed at this one (or dogs either), but it might be a great event for when you are mid-way through the holidays and need a bit of time out to relax and re-group! 

Notting Hill Carnival

Where? Notting Hill, London

When? 25-26 August

What? A celebration of the Caribbean and all it has to offer; prepare your ears, your hips and your taste buds for the joys of Notting Hill Carnival. Join the dancers on the streets to the energetic beats of soca and calypso music, or choose a good spot to spectate and munch on jerk chicken and sizzling BBQ food, while sipping on fresh coconut water.

Sunday is the family-friendly day with lots of fun activities for all the kids to take part in, but the main carnival day is on bank holiday Monday, 26^th August, which is when the huge crowds come out. If you love steelbands, masquerade and spicy food, then you need to ensure that you have taken part in Notting Hill carnival at least once in your lifetime!