There’s plenty to look forward to in the summer months. The heat (hopefully), the holiday trips and, of course, all the upcoming events. Here Antigoni Markitani has rounded up the 12 best festivals for your summer agenda.
1. COFFEE FESTIVAL
The Briggait, Glasgow
Saturday 4th of May until Sunday 5th, 10-6pm, Admission £16.50 (includes a goodie bag, a hot drink and entry to the prize draw),
www.glasgowcoffeefestival.com
Coffee lovers should take note of this festival which is guaranteed to leave you buzzing. It will have roasters, demonstrations, masterclasses, workshops and, of course, quality coffee. Visitors can look forward to art shows, competitions, films and photography. Profits will be donated to World Coffee Research and Glasgow City Mission and visitors are advised to bring their own reusable cup to help battle the insane amounts of coffee-cup waste produced in the UK.
2. SOUTHSIDE FRINGE
Friday 10th of May-Sunday 26th of May, Glasgow Southside, free, www.southsidefringe.org.uk
The Fringe Festival is in its seventh year. A volunteer-led festival that runs for 16 days and includes acts from art to drama, music, cabaret and comedy with 200 events spread across 50 venues. There’s plenty going on. From a top secret event that will launch the festival, to a comics workshop with Amy Tucker for kids to enjoy, and even Dick Valentine (from Electric Six) promoting his new album. Make sure to regularly keep checking their website and/or social media sites for further announcements, reservations and entrance fees.
3. BOSWELL BOOK FESTIVAL
Friday 10th of May-Sunday 12th of May, Dumfries House, Ayrshire, prices vary, www.boswellbookfestival.co.uk
This book festival, which celebrates its ninth year, is the world’s only festival dedicated to biography and memoir. This year it will host Faiza Hayani Bellili and Leila Hedjem; contributors of the bestselling cookbook produced by the women affected by the Grenfell Towers disaster in London. It will also feature authors Neil Oliver, Susan Calman, model Eunice Olumide, and many more. Additionally, it provides children's activities. There will be various performances throughout the weekend; from comedy shows to an ‘intimate’ musical performance by Alfie Boe.
4. HIGHLAND WHISKY FESTIVAL
Friday 10th of May-Friday 17th of May, prices and locations vary, www.highlandwhiskyfestival.co.uk
This is Scotland’s only festival of Highland Whisky and it truly is magnificent. It will take guests on a tour to experience the Highland’s finest whiskies. Each day is dedicated to one of the eight available distilleries. Each one promises its guests a wonderful experience. From Game of Thrones inspired tastings to four-course meals and masterclasses. The prices range according to each distillery and its events, but you can’t really put a price on quality.
5. TRUE ORIGINS – SCOTTISH GIN FESTIVAL
Friday 31st of May-Saturday 1st of June, The Briggait, Glasgow, £12, trueoriginsco.com
Gin enthusiasts, you are in for a treat. This festival gathers up an eclectic range of 70 fine gins from around the world. This is a celebration for the senses as you aren’t only in it to experience the best of gin, but also to combine it with street food and live music.
6. WEST END FESTIVAL
Friday 31st of May-Sunday 30th of June, free, Glasgow, www.westendfestival.co.uk
Many people around Glasgow will be familiar with the West End Festival. It has been running since 1996 and celebrates Scotland’s diverse cultural background by bringing in international performers as well as local ones. The festival takes place in venues around Glasgow’s West End and hosts multiple community oriented events as well as art, food and musical events. Last year it hosted more than 400 events in 80 venues and approximately one million people attended. So do yourself a favour and join the crowd this year.
7. FESTIVAL OF WINE
Saturday 29th of June, Glasgow Trades Hall, £25.50, 12:30-5pm, festival-of-wine.com
Whisky or coffee not your scene? Are you a passionate wine lover and you’re feeling left out? Worry not, we’ve got your back. This wine festival brings in more than 200 different wine selections. You will probably need to attend all the available days in order to be able to try all of them. And if the fine collection of wines isn’t enough, there are also delicious nibbles and masterclass sessions that will teach you how to become an expert wine taster yourself. There’s no doubt that you get your money’s worth with this one.
8. WEST END BEER FESTIVAL
Friday 5th of July-Saturday 6th of July, Hillhead Sports Club, Glasgow, £8, plus booking fee.
www.facebook.com/westendbeerfestival
This festival is bound to leave you delighted if you appreciate good beer. Now in its 5th year, it is a craft beer paradise. Bringing them in from breweries all around the UK and beyond, it combines savoury snacks along with quality beer. You can enjoy it all for the modest price of £8. It also offers sessions that are family friendly. Cheers!
9. REWIND SCOTLAND
Friday 21st of July-Sunday 21st of July, Scone Palace, prices vary, scotland.rewindfestival.com
This festival allows you to bust out your neon leg-warmers and spandex bodysuit without shame because it celebrates the 1980s. That’s why this year it is headlining with music icons such as Foreigner, Michael Bolton, Thin Lizzy and Gloria Gaynor. Rewind isn’t meant to appeal only to thirsty mums and mullet-bearing dads though; it is a family event. The organisers have made sure to make available a safe, family-friendly space that kids will be able to enjoy. There are plenty of activities for the little ones to enjoy like a scavenger hunt and 1980s costume design. No one is likely to be left out from this jazzy festival full of classic jams.
10. STRATHAVEN BALLOON FESTIVAL
Friday 23rd of August-Sunday 25th of August
John Hastie Park, free, www.strathavenballoonfestival.co.uk
The balloon festival has been running since 1999 and it is one of the more unusual festivals. Pilots from around the UK come in to provide their hot air balloons for one of the most aesthetically pleasing fairs that you could possibly take your little ones to (including your dogs). Even though hot air balloon rides aren’t available for visitors you can still attempt to win one at the fair’s raffle. If not though you can still enjoy the wonderful sight of them from afar as they light up the sky after the sun sets.
11. MHOR FESTIVAL
Friday 24th May to Sunday 26th, Monachyle Mhor Farm, Balquhidder, Perthshire, mhorfestival.net, ticket prices vary
A celebration of food from one of Scotland's finest boutique hotels. But there's much more, too, with live music, DJs, an oyster and champagne bar, and an artisan market. There is also camping available. Say hello to Rob Roy MacGregor for us.
12. BEER MAKES GLASGOW
Friday 24th of August-Monday 26th of August
Drygate Brewery, £5, www.facebook.com/BeerMakesGlasgow
Do you know what’s better than a beer festival? A beer festival that doubles as a charity. Beer Makes Glasgow, takes all the qualities of a regular beer fest but then offers the profits to the Drumchapel Food Bank. This festival has only been running for two years but it has already raised over £6000. This year you could be responsible for helping them raise even more by turning your love for craft beer into something good.
13. QUEEN'S PARK HARVEST FESTIVAL
Saturday 7th of September-Sunday 8th of September
Free, 12-5pm, www.facebook.com/events/421742451966891
If all the alcohol based festivals don’t do it for you then Queen's Park Harvest Festival might be the one to butter your scone. The festival incorporates food demonstrations and workshops which teach visitors about food waste and sustainable living. In other words, it is a great way to celebrate your love for food and help the environment.
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