What Where When: Bank Holiday

WHAT: Voewood Festival – Described by Time Out as ‘the perfect English Festival’ this unique experience offers its visitors a showcase of traditional, literary and entertaining events, including talks from screenwriters, historians and artists.
See: Literature lovers can experience talks from a variety of novelists and writers, such as the notorious Howard Marks, and MAN Booker Prize winner DBC Pierre. There are also more unusual sessions on the schedule, such as Bibliotherapy, in which Ella Berthoud prescribes a personalised reading list as the perfect antidote to your problems. History enthusiasts can likewise enjoy a range of symposiums, such as a discussion between esteemed historians Dan Jones and Ben Wilson.
Hear: The festival features live music performances, from artists such as Billy Bragg, British Sea Power and former Sex Pistol, Glen Matlock.
Eat and drink: Drinks and cocktails are provided by The Libation Library, alongside a delicious a tapas menu being served by the pop-up restaurant Brindisa.
Don't miss: The events are interspersed with enchanting garden walks every evening.
WHERE: Voewood House, Cromer Road, High Kelling, Norfolk, NR25 6QS, www.voewoodfestival.com
WHEN: 24 to 27 August
Greater Anglia runs trains to Sheringham via Norwich from Liverpool Street station, returns from £27.50

WHAT: Notting Hill Carnival – This historic carnival reappears for the Bank Holiday weekend, bringing its colourful and dynamic spirit to the streets of Notting Hill.
See: A truly electric carnival, comprising of floats, bands and unforgettable costumes. The entire event transforms the streets of London, with flamboyant dance displays, musical performances and exotic street food.
Hear: An incredible amalgamation of the more traditional Caribbean sounds, based on steel bands, calypso and soca music, combined with contemporary artists performing reggae, R&B and funk. Music is played from live stages and 40 different sound systems, showcasing local bands as well as international artists. The vibrant and eclectic mix really adds to the carnival’s inclusive community atmosphere.
Eat and drink: The carnival brings with it the unmistakable, tantalising smell of jerk chicken, accompanied by traditional Caribbean food such as peas, curried goat and fried plantain. Drinks typically include rum punch and Red Stripe.
Don't miss: The incredible costumes. It’s well worth bringing a camera as most of the dancers will happily stop for a photo with passers-by.
WHERE: Notting Hill, London, www.nottinghillcarnival.com
WHEN: 26 to 27 August. Note that Sunday is designated as a children’s day, whilst Monday is set-aside more specifically for adults.

Twinwood Festival

WHAT: Twinwood Festival – The country’s premier vintage festival, inspired by 1930s, 40s and 50s culture. The festival focuses on music and dance, supported by other events such as comedy, burlesque and vintage traders.
See: Each day offers opportunities to witness fashion shows, tea dances, variety shows and even dance lessons, all specialising in continuing the vintage spirit.
Hear: The festival has two stages and over 60 bands scheduled to perform, with even more still to be announced. The bands include Strollin’ Steve and Rockin The Joint, Casablanca Steps and The Jive Aces, as well as a variety of swing orchestras.
Eat and drink: A variety of quality caterers offer hot and cold food, and tea and coffee can be found at various locations around the site. The three bars inside the festival stock an extensive range of real ales, beer, wine and spirits, as well as soft drinks.
Don't miss: The all-day vintage markets.
WHERE: Twinwood Arena and the Glenn Miller Museum, Twinwood Road, Clapham, Bedfordshire, MK41 6AB, www.twinwoodevents.com
WHEN: 25 to 27 August

WHAT: Cheshire Game and Country Fair – This traditional fair is comprised of two arenas, and includes events such as scurry racing, angling, vintage vehicles, Gundog displays and the English Open Chainsaw Carving Competition.
See: The Craft Village encourages attendees to partake in a range of modern and traditional arts and crafts, as well as country stalls where you can buy crafts, food, and clothing. There is also a Target Sports Field, offering its visitors a chance to try out sports such as archery and clay shooting. For more intrepid visitors, there’s an opportunity to visit motorcycle experts at James Dylan’s Stuntworld, featuring the most experienced stunt team in Britain.
Eat and drink: The inclusion of Food Glorious Food is ideal for food lovers, with creations from chefs as well as the opportunity to sample and buy regional produce from local vendors.
Don't miss: The exotic and native Birds of Prey displays. There is an entire Falconry Village dedicated to showcasing these majestic birds. There is also an opportunity for visitors to interact with the birds, under the guidance of expert falconers.
WHERE: Cheshire County Showground, Tabley, Nr Knutsford, WA16 0HJ, www.livingheritagecountryshows.co.uk
WHEN: 25 to 27 August

Mathew Street Music Festival

WHAT: Mathew Street Music Festival – This free, annual street music festival is the largest of its kind in Europe. Designed to represent the importance of music to this lively, cosmopolitan city, the festival features an abundance of musical performances in an exciting atmosphere.
See: There is a new Strawberry Fields event to experience. Named after the Beatles’ song, this traditional garden party offers a relaxed, quieter atmosphere for younger families.
Hear: Over 80 hours of live outdoor music from 6 stages, performed by 95 bands and musicians from countries around the world, such as Canada, Brazil, Japan, Russia and Mexico. Performers include Gerry and The Pacemakers, The Shakers, and an array of comically named tribute bands. The on-stage performances are also broadcast on large screens at various locations around the site. The stages have been decorated in vibrant themes, giving the festival an energetic and colourful feeling.
Eat and drink: There are a large variety of restaurants, bars and cafes available in Liverpool city centre, including Shenanigans, the Lion Tavern and The Vernon Arms.
Don't miss: Merseybeat Monday, which celebrates all things Beatles.
WHERE: Liverpool city centre, events@liverpool.gov.uk
WHEN: 26 to 27 August

WHAT: The Hullabaloo Festival – This festival is aimed at entertaining the whole family, including activities such as comedy, poetry and an arts and crafts market.
See: Comedy performances from comedians such as Off The Cuff, Cerys Nelmes and James Doughty. There are also various poetry symposiums, including recitals from playwright Anna Freeman, actor Charlie DuPre and rapper Chris Fordwoh. It’s worth taking a walk around to seek out the market stalls, including second-hand clothing vendors, reflexology and massage activities, handmade jewellery and crafts, and even an eco-friendly hairdresser.
Hear: There are still more acts to be announced, but scheduled artists include John Fairhurst, who has played at events such as Glastonbury and The Edinburgh Festival, Jim Hones Revue, and Dub Pistol’s, who are responsible for soundtracks on films such as Blade II.
Eat and drink: Meat provided by Burley Fields Lake Farm Shop, fruit and vegetables supplied by The Stable Company, and vegetarian fare from specialists The Nomad Kitchen. Real ales and ciders are also available, and there will be a Ska-Bq, featuring barbequed food with a Caribbean theme.
Don't miss: The life drawing, sketching and water colour workshops, perfect for budding artists.
WHERE: Burley Fields Lake, Cheltenham, Gloucester, GL51 4XT, www.cyber-websites.com
WHEN: 25 to 27 August