Mar 2012

• CRUFTS DOG SHOW ___ 8 – 11th Mar ___ National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham
  Crufts maintains its status of being the World's Greatest Dog Show. Crufts is officially recognised as the world’s largest dog show by the Guinness Book of Records with over 23,000 dogs entered, including over 1000 dogs from overseas and 160,000 dog loving visitors.
  
  
• CHELTENHAM JUMP RACING FESTIVAL ___ 13 Mar - 16 Mar ___ Cheltenham Racecourse, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
  Cheltenham Festival, now established in a four day format, attracts the best steeplechasers and hurdlers from across Britain, Ireland and Europe to compete for a record £3m in prize money in the most dramatic Cotswold setting. This event which is the most important of its kind in the world attracts racing fans worldwide including a large number from Ireland.
  
  

Apr 2012

• UNIVERSITY BOAT RACE ___ 7 April ___ River Thames - Putney to Mortlake, London
  The 2 university rowing teams have been racing down the Thames since 1829. As one of the few free sporting spectacles in London, the Boat Race creates a festival atmosphere on the banks of the River Thames and marks the start of the English "social season". Thousands of people flock to the river each year to join in the celebrations and watch the Oxford and Cambridge University crews as they race over the famous 4-and-a-quarter mile course from Putney to Mortlake.
  
  
• GRAND NATIONAL STEEPLECHASE ___ Sat 14th Apr ___ Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool, Lancashire
  Often called the world's greatest steeplechase, The Grand National is one of the most famous steeplechases in the world. It is a unique test of horsemanship for the rider and also a test of a great significance for a horse. The course is nearly two and a quarter miles in length and has 16 unique fences.
  
  
• LONDON MARATHON ___ 22 April ___ Grenwich to The Mall
  A major London sporting event that attracts many of the worlds best long distance male and female runners. It covers many of the great tourist sites of London and is well supported by the English public. For most, it is a festival of running where a great number take part in costume to raise money for charity.
  
  

May 2012

• FA CUP FINAL ___ 5 May ___ Wembley Stadium, Wembley, London
  One of the largest and most historic of the English Football events.
  
  
• NEWMARKET GUINEAS MEETING ___ 5 - 6 May ___ Newmarket Racecourse Suffolk and Cambridge border
  First run in 1809 the 2000 Guineas takes place takes place at Newmarket racecourse on the Rowley Mile course in late April / early May; It is a mile flat race for thee year old thoroughbreds (excluding gelding) - Although eligible, fillies rarely take part in the race any longer. Like its counterpart the 1000 Guineas, the race takes it name from the guaranteed prize fund on offer.
  
  
• GLYNDEBOURNE FESTIVAL OPERA ___ 20 May - 26 Aug ___ Lewes in East Sussex
  For three and a half months, every summer, the Glyndebourne Estate, with its purpose built opera house and its own opera company, hosts the Glyndebourne Festival Opera. An evening at Glyndebourne is an essential part of an opera fan's summer social season. And, an essential part of that evening is evening dress - black tie is not optional. Another essential is a picnic on the grounds of the estate before the production. Some people book their champagne picnic hampers from Glyndebourne's caterers, others bring their own, but either way, elegance is the name of the game.
  
  
• RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW ___ 22 - 26 May ___ Royal Hospital, Chelsea, London SW3
  The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is the ultimate event in the gardening year. It sets the latest gardening trends, features the newest and most desirable gardening products and creates an explosion of colours and scents.
  
  
• ISLE OF MAN TT ___ 28 May - 8 June ___ Isle of Man
  The Isle of Man TT Races - the worlds greatest road race. As well as the racing, there was a huge variety of supporting events, including trials, rallies, beach racing and motocross. For the less active there are owners' club meetings and lively evening entertainment all around the Island.
  
  

Jun 2012

• GLYNDEBOURNE FESTIVAL OPERA ___ 20 May - 26 Aug ___ Lewes in East Sussex
  For three and a half months, every summer, the Glyndebourne Estate, with its purpose built opera house and its own opera company, hosts the Glyndebourne Festival Opera. An evening at Glyndebourne is an essential part of an opera fan's summer social season. And, an essential part of that evening is evening dress - black tie is not optional. Another essential is a picnic on the grounds of the estate before the production. Some people book their champagne picnic hampers from Glyndebourne's caterers, others bring their own, but either way, elegance is the name of the game.
  
  
• VODAFONE DERBY FESTIVAL ___ 1 - 2 Jun ___ Epsom Racecourse Epsom Downs, Surrey
  Located on the beautiful Downs, Epsom Racecourse is a magical backdrop for inspirational performances and memorable occasions. A wonderfully stylish day out, Vodafone Ladies Day is the place to dress up in your best to see the finest fillies competing in the feature race – The Vodafone Oaks. The Vodafone Derby is one of the most famous sporting occasions in the world. The Derby remains the race that everyone wants to win, as horses and riders are pushed to their limit around the unique and challenging course.
  
  
• ISLE OF MAN TT ___ 28 May - 8 June ___ Isle of Man
  The Isle of Man TT Races - the worlds greatest road race. As well as the racing, there was a huge variety of supporting events, including trials, rallies, beach racing and motocross. For the less active there are owners' club meetings and lively evening entertainment all around the Island.
  
  
• WYCHWOOD MUSIC FESTIVAL ___ 8 - 10 June ___ Cheltenham Racecourse, Prestbury Park, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
  The very family-friendly Wychwood aims to be intimate and inclusive for audience and musician alike, blending world, roots and contemporary music, and encouraging new collaborations, with an ethical bent to its theme, fundraising for Oxfam. There's also comedy, workshops, and more.
  
  
• DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL ___ 8 - 10 Jun ___ Donington Park, Leicestershire
  As well as music, expect lots of on-site activities in ‘The Village’. The Download Festival includes many heavy rock bands.
  
  
• QUEEN’S CLUB GRASS COURT TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS ___ 11 - 17 Jun ___ Queen’s Club in West Kensington, London
  For many years, this has been a highlight of the male lawn tennis circuit. An important tournament during the lead up to the Wimbledon Championships which are held a week later.
  
  
• TROOPING THE COLOUR ___ 16 June ___ Horse Guards Parade
  A celebration of the queen's birthday that takes place on Horse Guards Parade. Regiments of the Commonwealth and the British Army take part in a military ceremony. Lots of marching, horses and military bands. A wonderful, traditional event that should not be missed.
  
  
• NATIONAL TRANSPORT FESTIVAL OF WALES ___ 16 - 17 June ___ Swansea
  Swansea to Laugharne Road Run. Main Event at Swansea.
  
  
• ROYAL ASCOT ___ 19 - 23 Jun ___ Ascot Racecourse Ascot, Berkshire
  The undoubted highlight of Ascot’s year is Royal Ascot featuring the greatest five days of flat racing anywhere in the world. The Gold Cup is run on Thursday. The high standards continue in July with King George Day featuring The King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes. This is the top flat race in the world and draws the cream of horses racing on the world stage.
  
  
• ISLE OF WIGHT FESTIVAL ___ 22 - 24 Jun ___ Seaclose Park, Isle of Wight
  This festival voted 'Best Major UK Festival' at the 2007 UK Festival Awards. Blue skies throughout, happy people, seamless organisation and superb headline sets.
  
  
• WIMBLEDON CHAMPIONSHIPS ___ 25 Jun - 8 Jul ___ Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Club, Wimbledon, SE London
  Strawberries and cream, centre court – June / July can only mean one thing... Wimbledon. One of the major Grand Slam events of the professional tennis circuit. Wimbledon is a place full of sporting history complete with its very own tennis museum.
  
  
• HENLEY ROYAL REGATTA ___ 27 June - 1 July ___ Henley-on-Thames, London
  Henley Regatta is a historic occasion, set in a riverside village that has hardly changed in the last two centuries and bringing some serious competition to the water in one of the world's most physically challenging sports. It has been running since 1839, and has grown from a local event into one of the biggest meetings in rowing, attracting crews of international quality to an array of Challenge Trophies. The draw is still conducted on a knock-out basis with only two boats racing in each heat. Nineteen events take place over the five days including six classes of races for Eights and aces for Coxless Pairs and Double Sculls. Come and admire one of the country's loveliest areas and some of the toughest sports stars in the world
  
  
• GOODWOOD FESTIVAL OF SPEED ___ 29 June - 1 Jul ___ Chichester , West Sussex
  Complementing the overall Festival theme will be a host of other attractions at the world’s greatest celebration of motoring. The promise is a spectacular array of cars and motorcycles, plus fabulous star drivers and riders to thrill the crowds,"
  
  

Jul 2012

• GLYNDEBOURNE FESTIVAL OPERA ___ 20 May - 26 Aug ___ Lewes in East Sussex
  For three and a half months, every summer, the Glyndebourne Estate, with its purpose built opera house and its own opera company, hosts the Glyndebourne Festival Opera. An evening at Glyndebourne is an essential part of an opera fan's summer social season. And, an essential part of that evening is evening dress - black tie is not optional. Another essential is a picnic on the grounds of the estate before the production. Some people book their champagne picnic hampers from Glyndebourne's caterers, others bring their own, but either way, elegance is the name of the game.
  
  
• WIMBLEDON CHAMPIONSHIPS ___ 25 Jun to 8 Jul ___ Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Club, Wimbledon, SE London
  Strawberries and cream, centre court – June / July can only mean one thing... Wimbledon. One of the major Grand Slam events of the professional tennis circuit. Wimbledon is a place full of sporting history complete with its very own tennis museum.
  
  
• GOODWOOD FESTIVAL OF SPEED ___ 29 June - 1 Jul ___ Chichester , West Sussex
  Complementing the overall Festival theme will be a host of other attractions at the world’s greatest celebration of motoring. The promise is a spectacular array of cars and motorcycles, plus fabulous star drivers and riders to thrill the crowds,"
  
  
• HENLEY ROYAL REGATTA ___ 27 June - 1 July ___ Henley-on-Thames, London
  Henley Regatta is a historic occasion, set in a riverside village that has hardly changed in the last two centuries and bringing some serious competition to the water in one of the world's most physically challenging sports. It has been running since 1839, and has grown from a local event into one of the biggest meetings in rowing, attracting crews of international quality to an array of Challenge Trophies. The draw is still conducted on a knock-out basis with only two boats racing in each heat. Nineteen events take place over the five days including six classes of races for Eights and aces for Coxless Pairs and Double Sculls. Come and admire one of the country's loveliest areas and some of the toughest sports stars in the world
  
  
• RHS HAMPTON COURT PALACE FLOWER SHOW ___ 3 - 8 July ___ Hampton Court, London
  At the height of summer, the RHS hosts one of the largest annual flower shows in the world with outstanding new garden designs, exhibitors and plants, all in the majestic grounds of Hampton Court.
  
  
• T IN THE PARK ___ 5 - 8 July ___ Balado, near Kinross. Scotland
  Scotland's biggest festival is renowned for integrating a wide selection of genres and it even includes a traditional ceilidh dancing tent. Rock and pop's biggest names sit side-by-side with world-class DJs, hip hop masters, dance supremos and local talent that's given the chance to shine on the T-Break stage. Expect a line-up of around 180 artists to play over 11 stages.
  
  
• BRITISH FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX ___ 6 - 8 July ___ Silverstone
  Nothing beats the atmosphere at Silverstone when a British driver takes to the circuit. Both Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button will be aiming to impress the loyal British fans at their home race and hoping to mount the steps of the Silverstone podium.
  
  
• ROYAL INTERNATIONAL AIR TATTOO AT RAF FAIRFORD ___ 7 - 8 July ___ RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire
  A large Air show of modern military aircraft and an air display from many different countries around the world. This is no back number and attracts many thousands of spectators from up and down the country. It usually includes flying displays from The Red Arrows...
  
  
• GUILFEST ___ 13 - 15 Jul ___ Stoke Park, Guildford, Surrey
  This festival has a lovely friendly and laid-back vibe. Unlike some other festivals, you can immediately feel that this festival is being run to give everyone a great time. The extensive KidZone offers arts, crafts, workshops, talent shows, parades, circus skills and much more and elsewhere there's comedy, street theatre and art installations to keep all ages entertained.
  
  
• BRITISH OPEN GOLF TOURNAMENT ___ 15 - 22 July ___ Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club
  The Open Championship returns to Royal Lytham in July 2012 which will be the 141st Open Championship. Once again the worlds' greatest golfers will gather to do battle for the famous Claret Jug on England's west coast where Darren Clarke will be looking to defend the trophy he famously won at Royal St Georges in 2011.
  
  
• GLORIOUS GOODWOOD ___ 21 - 27 Jul ___ Goodwood Racecourse Sussex Downs
  Widely regarded as the world’s most beautiful racecourse, Goodwood is set high on the South Downs and with far reaching views across the Solent, it really is the perfect place to enjoy horseracing and socialising at its very best. It has always been about effortless chic at Goodwood and coupled with some of the best horseracing in Europe, it really is ‘the place to be and be seen’.
  
  
• SUNDERLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRSHOW ___ 21 - 22 Jul ___ Seaburn and Roker in Sunderland
  An award winning Airshow guaranteed to give you a fun filled family day out . Voted England’s Best Tourism Experience, you will see an amazing display of aircraft in the sky and entertainment on the ground. High-speed jets, precision flying and displays that will take your breath away. Come down and enjoy this superb FREE weekend - you will not be disappointed.
  
  

Aug 2012

• GLYNDEBOURNE FESTIVAL OPERA ___ 20 May - 26 Aug ___ Lewes in East Sussex
  For three and a half months, every summer, the Glyndebourne Estate, with its purpose built opera house and its own opera company, hosts the Glyndebourne Festival Opera. An evening at Glyndebourne is an essential part of an opera fan's summer social season. And, an essential part of that evening is evening dress - black tie is not optional. Another essential is a picnic on the grounds of the estate before the production. Some people book their champagne picnic hampers from Glyndebourne's caterers, others bring their own, but either way, elegance is the name of the game.
  
  
• BIG CHILL @ EASTNOR CASTLE ___ 2 - 5 Aug ___ Eastnor Castle, Ledbury, Herefordshire
  Eastnor Castle provides a picturesque location for both families and ravers and a diverse range of music including folk, jazz, African, dub, and unique collaborations; as well as art, films, poetry, cabaret and gourmet food. The site has four lakes, thick woods and an arboretum at Eastnor Castle in Herefordshire.
  
  
• EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO ___ 3 - 25 Aug ___ Edinburgh Castle
  From the dazzling esplanade of Edinburgh Castle, Scotland's 2010 Military Tattoo presents a colourful kaleidoscope of music, dance and display. The Massed Bands of Her Majesty's Royal Marines • The celebrated Massed Pipes & Drums and The Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland • Acts from Australia, the United States, Canada and the Far East, along with Massed Highland Dancers and the haunting sound of the Lone Piper...
  
  
• THE NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD OF WALES ___ 4 - 11 Aug ___ Vale of Glamorgan
  Traditionally held in the first week of August and is conducted entirely in the Welsh language. The festival has a heavy druidic flavour, with the crowning and chairing ceremonies for the victorious poets being attended by bards in flowing white costumes, dancing maidens, trumpet fanfares and a symbolic horn of plenty.
  
  
• EASTBOURNE INTERNATIONAL AIRSHOW ___ 9 - 12 August ___ Eastbourne
  Enjoy 4 days of action packed flying on Eastbourne seafront every August. This is the World’s Biggest Seafront Airshow! and fills the skies with spectacular aerobatics. Plenty of stuff for kids including Airbourne games and puzzles.
  
  
• BEAUTIFUL DAYS ___ 17 - 19 Aug ___ Escot Park, near Fairmile, Devon
  This hugely popular event is about people young and old coming together and taking part in something that will be remembered for a long time. It offers not only the best in live music today but to re-create a community spirit. It's certainly succeeded in that aim, and is fast becoming one of the most popular and talked about festivals in the UK.
  
  
• V FESTIVAL ___ 17 - 19 Aug ___ Hylands Park, Chelmsford, Essex
  V Festival, sponsored by Virgin Mobile, is back again. The festival renowned for its huge guestlist and many of the hottest acts will belt out tunes across five stages. A host of established acts along with more than a smattering of the industry's hottest hopes for the future will entertain you over the weekend.
  
  
• SUMMER SUNDAE WEEKENDER ___ 17 - 19 Aug ___ De Montfort Hall, Granville Road, Leicester
  The Summer Sundae Weekender - into it's ninth year - with five packed stages of music, comedy and cabaret rolling across three days. It features internationally known and cutting edge artists on stages both indoor and outdoor, plus the eFestivals Cabaret Tent.
  
  
• V FESTIVAL ___ 18 - 19 Aug ___ Weston Park (6 miles west of Penkridge in the heart of Staffordshire)
  V Festival, sponsored by Virgin Mobile, is back This year over 100 of the hottest acts will belt out tunes across five stages. A host of established acts along with more than a smattering of the industry's hottest hopes for the future will entertain you over the weekend.
  
  
• COWAL HIGHLAND GATHERING ___ 23 - 25 Aug ___ Dunoon, Argyll Scotland
  The Cowal Gathering has become a Scottish institution since it was first held in 1894. It is quite simply, the biggest , most traditional and best organised Highland Gathering you will find anywhere. With Cowal's reputation as a major promoter of Highland music, dance, and tradition, exiles over the world have turned to Dunoon for advice and practical assistance in setting up their own gatherings. This event attracts more than 3000 competitors - many from Canada and New Zealand.
  
  
• READING FESTIVAL ___ 24 - 26 Aug ___ Little Johns Farm, Richfield Avenue, Reading, Berkshire
  The line-up over six stages will include the biggest names in rock and pop.
  
  
• LEEDS FESTIVAL ___ 24 - 26 Aug ___ Bramham Park, Leeds, West Yorkshire
  The Leeds Festival, still the North of England’s only music festival, now a world famous rock n roll spectacular that we all know and love.
  
  
• CREAMFIELDS ___ 24 - 26 Aug ___ Daresbury Estate, Halton, Cheshire
  Described as "the best school disco ever," unlike Glastonbury this event is crammed into just one long summer's day - and they really do cram them in.
  
  

Sep 2012

• BURGHLEY HORSE TRIALS ___ 30 Aug - 2 Sep ___ Stamford, Lincolnshire
  Set in the grounds of Burghley House, one of England’s greatest stately homes, located in Stamford, Lincolnshire, Burghley Horse Trials offers exclusive entertaining facilities at its prime location adjacent to the Member’s Lawn. The Burghley Horse Trials is one of the world's most exciting three-day events
  
  
• DONCASTER ST LEDGER FESTIVAL ___ 5 - 8 Sept ___ Doncaster Yorkshire
  Doncaster is the only Northern racecourse to stage a Classic. Every September the St. Leger is celebrated with four days of festivities and the stunning new facilities create an even greater sense of style and spectacle at this historic occasion. The St. Leger was first run in 1776, making it the oldest classic in the world. The St. Leger Festival is acclaimed as the premier sporting occasion of the Autumn calendar, an exciting spectacle which is also an important social event - a place to see and be seen. Doncaster is undoubtedly one of the finest racecourses in Europe, with facilities to match.
  
  
• BESTIVAL ___ 6 - 9 Sep ___ Robin Hill Country Park, Downend, Nr Arreton, Isle of Wight
  Bestival is an award winning 3 day boutique music festival set at Robin Hill - a beautiful leafy country park (a veritable Garden of Eden!) near Downend and Newport in the heart of the Isle of Wight.
  
  
• BUPA GREAT NORTH RUN ___ 16 Sept ___ Newcastle upon Tyne
  The BUPA Great North Run is the world's most popular half marathon (13.1 miles) road running event. Participants run between Newcastle upon Tyne and South Shields in England. This event was devised by former Olympic 10,000 m bronze medallist Brendan Foster. Foster who was inspired to do so after taking part in the Round the Bays Race in New Zealand in 1979.
  
  
• BURGHLEY HORSE TRIALS ___ 30 Aug - 2 Sep ___ Stamford, Lincolnshire
  Set in the grounds of Burghley House, one of England’s greatest stately homes, located in Stamford, Lincolnshire, Burghley Horse Trials offers exclusive entertaining facilities at its prime location adjacent to the Member’s Lawn. The Burghley Horse Trials is one of the world's most exciting three-day events
  
  

Dec 2012

• LONDON INTERNATIONAL HORSE SHOW ___ Dec. 18 - 23 ___ Olympia Exhibition Centre
  The London International Horse Show has been one of the highlights of the equestrian calendarsince 1972. It attracts an international crowd with world-class showjumping, dressage, displays, dog agility, arena competitions and the Finale.