ART & CULTURE

LONDON: Taylor Swift Songbook Trail, V&A Museum, 27 July

It’s me, hi! Taylor Swift mania swept through the capital in June when she brought her Eras tour at Wembley, and now you can get another Swiftie fix courtesy of the V&A Museum in South Ken which is launching a free trail dedicated to the pop star this weekend (27 July). Taylor Swift, Songbook Trail will have 13 stops showcasing her iconic looks, from customised cowboys boots when she was a country singer through to a jet-black ruffled shoulder dress worn in her recent music video Fortnight. Warning: this will be popular.

SUFFOLK: Primadonna Festival, Stowmarket, Fri 26-Sun28 Jul

Not really a glow sticks and hot pants kind of festival goer? How about a nice festival of books, ideas and inspiration instead? Primadonna Festival in Stowmarket it is then! Though it’s no Hay Festival, as even if you don’t like books you’ll love the talks, interviews and discussions on a range of subjects including film, music and comedy. There’s also lots of delicious food and drink to be enjoyed alongside sets from DJs and wellness therapies.

LONDON: Paradox Museum, Knightsbridge, from July

Paradox Museum in Knightsbridge has just launched (from July; tickets £18.50), so if you want to immerse yourself in optical illusions this weekend, you know where to head. A hit overseas, this is the first time it’s come to London and you can expect more than 50 installations during your 90 minutes, including upside down rooms and camouflaged furniture. Insta opps a plenty.

DEVON: Susie Dent in Conversation, Barnstaple, Sun 28 Jul

Susie Dent, lexicographer extraordinaire, much loved for her countless appearances on C4’s Countdown over an astonishing 25 years, brings humour and a razor-sharp intellect to an evening’s discussion of her life in books and on TV while presenting her new book The Secret Life of Words.

OXFORDSHIRE: Oxford Shakespeare Festival, Oxford, 1 – 27 Jul

Over in Oxford, the Oxford Shakespeare Festival is back for its 14th year at Oxford Castle and Prison, starting with Wild Goose Theatre’s Twelfth Night (now – Sat 27 Jul) – all taking place in the yard with the castle as a backdrop. Hamlet plays Mon 29 Jul – Sat 10 Aug. Fingers crossed for no rain. Buy tickets (from £17) now.

A DAY AT THE FAIR

OXFORDSHIRE: The Game Fair, Blenheim Palace, Fri 26 – Sun 28 Jul

Green wellies at the ready! The Game Fair, is pitching up at Blenheim Palace for three days with plenty of family fun and shopping galore. Whether you want to try archery, watch a horsey display or eat like a lord, there’s something for everyone. Dog-lovers can enter their prize pooch in fun competitions and celeb chef James Martin will be cooking up a storm as host of the VIP Enclosure, joined by Escape To The Chateau duo Dick and Angel Strawbridge on the Sunday.

FESTIVALS & MUSIC

SUFFOLK: Latitude Festival, Henham Park, Thu 25 – Sun 28 Jul

Snag tickets ASAP for the most revered of East Anglian festivals, Latitude, returning to Suffolk this summer for another fun-filled, family-friendly experience. There’ll be music (Duran Duran, Kasabian, Keane, London Grammar, Nile Rodgers & Chic, Rag N Bone Man and Rick Astley), as well as dance, comedy (with headliner Sara Pascoe), poetry, theatre, literature, family activities and wellness. Phew. 

DORSET: Camp Bestival, Lulworth Castle, Thu 25 -Sun 28 Jul

The super child-friendly Camp Bestival has loads to keep little people happy while you empty that box of wine. This year’s line up includes Pete Tong (Ibiza classics), Paloma Faith, McFly, Orbital, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Gok Wan, and Mr Tumble (obvs). 

SURREY: Pete Tong’s Ibiza Classics, Sandown Park, Esher, Fri 26 Jul

Love a day of racing and live music under the stars? You can have both at Sandown Park in Esher this Friday. Following a day of racing your favourite club tracks will be reimagined by the 65-piece Essential Orchestra conducted by Jules Buckley. This new expertly combines the worlds of classical and club with stunningly reimagined versions of house tracks including ‘Rhythm Is A Dancer’ ‘Horny, and “Feel The Love” alongside forever fan favourites ‘Insomnia’ and ‘Cafe Del Mar’ and many more.

CORNWALL: Rock Oyster Festival, Rock, Fri 25 – Sun 28 Jul 

Celebrating the best of music and food at Dinham House near Wadebridge in Cornwall, this is a north coast favourite for everyone. Expect live music – including from headliners Sugar Babes, and Bombay Bicycle Club and The Human League, circus acts, yoga and a chance to try some of the best oysters, mussels, and artisan produce around. This family-friendly event also offers lots of fun for kids and includes loads of wellbeing activities like SUP, surfing, yoga and hot-tubs taking in the gorgeous view of the Camel Estuary, plus the legendary Sharp’s Silent Bistro.

BERKSHIRE: King George VI Weekend, Ascot, Sat 27 Jul

It’s summer which means the racing action across Berkshire’s fabulous racecourses is hotting up. At Ascot, the King George VI Weekend takes place Sat 27 Jul. After a top racing card during the day, off the track it’s going to be a riot of colour, laughter, and summer vibes as partygoers will enjoy the Don’t Cha Disco afterparty – an electrifying new show from Pussycat Dolls icon Kimberley Wyatt.

WITH THE KIDS

NORFOLK: Old Buckenham Airshow, Old Buckenham, Sat 27 – Sun 28 Jul

Eyes to the sky at the Old Buckenham Airshow! The jam-packed weekend features jaw-dropping aerobatics from The Red Arrows and jet-powered parachutes. On the ground is pretty cool too with classic cars, military displays and live music as well as a funfair, family centre and food village. Camp out or pop along for the day.

BERKSHIRE: Summer Knights, Windsor Castle, Sat 27 Jul – Sun 1 Sep

Berkshire’s crowning jewel, Windsor Castle have got a load of free activities for children during the summer holidays. Summer Knights takes place Sat 27 Jul – Sun 1 Sep where the little ones can learn all about knights, design a Coat of Arms, colour Garter Knights, and make their own ‘Knight of Horseback’ to take away. There’s armour handling workshops on weekdays, plus a free trail around the castle to learn how knights defended the castle in medieval times. Standard castle entry fees apply.

KENT: Summer Value Tickets, Howletts Wild Animal Park, now – Sun 8 Sep

Howletts, Kent’s original wildlife park, houses some of the world’s most endangered and rare animals. With over 390 animals, including Kent’s only giant anteaters, the largest herd of African elephants in the UK and more gorillas than any other zoo in the country. But that’s not all! This summer they have a theme for each week running til Sun 1 Sep where you can enjoy wild animal face painting, expert animal talks & feeds and themed activity trails. Let the children run wild in the play areas, bring a picnic to enjoy or try out some of the on-site catering options. You can also save a whoppin’ 35% on your tickets. One five-person family bundle is now £80, instead of £125 – a massive saving of £45!

BERKSHIRE: Ninjas Unite, LEGOLAND Windsor, until Mon 2 Sep

Over at LEGOLAND Windsor, the Ninjas Unite event kicks off on 20 Jul until 2 Sep with the chance to build, train and enhance your Ninja skills. Enjoy brick build activities, live shows, meet and greets, and performances.

FOOD & DRINK

WORCESTERSHIRE: Food & Drink Festival, Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Sat 27 – Sun 28 Jul

Phil Vickery, Matty Edgell and the Beefy Boys are just some of the show-stopping chefs cooking up a storm at this foodie heaven festival this month. Taste the very best street food with delicious dishes from around the world and sample and buy a fantastic range of artisan foodie goodies from 160 of the region’s producers. Watch and learn from special guest TV chefs in the live cookery theatre and treat yourself to the gifts and get stuck into  cocktail masterclasses, wine tasting and brilliant family-friendly activities at the Children’s Cookery School.

SURREY: Aroma Experience, Silent Pool Distillery, Albury, 27 July

A 90-minute masterclass where you will learn to create your own custom blended liquid garnish to take your G&T to the next level of sensory delight. You’ll be guided by Silent Pool’s aroma experts who will provide the botanical oils and bottles in their own mini aroma laboratory.