BRITS BITS: U.K. Festivals

  • Published
  • By Gina Randall
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  Festivals are a great way to get out and enjoy the U.K. while stationed on RAF Mildenhall. Many are on farms and set in the beautiful countryside, and provide a great opportunity to explore the British Isles while stationed here. Some are family friendly and others are more suitable for adults, so it's best to check with the organizers to ensure members and their families have an enjoyable experience.

Camping is the best way to get the most out of a festival, but there is the option to stay in hotels locally if preferred. The summer weather can be unpredictable so it may be worth packing both wellies and sunscreen.

Here are some of the many festivals the U.K. has to offer.

1. T in the Park. Scotland's largest music festival takes place in July each year. It's held in Kinross-shire and includes nine stages and approximately 180 artists.

For more information, visit www.tinthepark.com.

2. New Forest Fairy Festival. This weekend is packed with workshops and entertainment for the whole family. Discover the magic of nature with handmade arts and crafts and enjoy live acoustic music, Morris dancers, storytelling, costumes and live demonstrations. It takes place in Hampshire Aug. 16 and 17 this year.

For more information, visit
www.thefestivalcalendar.co.uk/festivals/New_Forest_Fairy_Festival_2014.

3. V Festival. This year the music festival will be held Aug. 16 and 17 and set in south Staffordshire. The lineup includes Justin Timberlake, Ed Sheeran, Lily Allen and many more.

For more information, visit www.vfestival.com.

4. Reading Festival. As the name suggest, this music festival takes place in Reading and will be held this year Aug. 22 to 24. Music includes rock, metal, punk and indie.

For more information, visit www.readingfestival.com.

5. Bath Folk Festival. This event runs Aug. 9 to 17, 2014 and provides concerts, education and opportunities to play folk music at different locations in the historic city of Bath.

For more information, visit
www.thefestivalcalendar.co.uk/festivals/BATH_FOLK_FESTIVAL_2014.

6. Farmfestival. This music and farm produce festival is set in the Somerset countryside. It will be held this year from Aug. 1 to 3. This will mark the ninth year for this festival that offers alternative music and local produce.

For more information, visit www.farmfestival.co.uk.

7. Silverstone Classic. This is a car festival that hosts approximately 1,000 race cars competing in more than 20 races. It takes place at the Silverstone Circuit, Northamptonshire and will be held from July 15 to 27, 2014.

For more information, visit
www.thefestivalcalendar.co.uk/festivals/Silverstone_Classic_2014.

8. Creamfields. Held in Cheshire, this multi award-winning dance festival takes place this year Aug. 22 to 24. Its lineup includes disc jockeys and live musicians performing across an outdoor stage and eight to 10 arenas.

For more information, visit www.creamfields.com.

9. Woolley Festival. This family music festival mixes local talent with national and international bands. This year it takes place Sept. 5 to 7 and is held in Wiltshire.

For more information, visit
www.thefestivalcalendar.co.uk/festivals/Woolley_festival_2014.

10. Strawberry Fields Festival. This year this boutique festival takes place Aug. 8 to 10 in Leicestershire. New for 2014, there is a dedicated family camping area.

For more information, visit www.strawberryfieldsfestival.co.uk.

(Editor's note: no federal endorsement implied or intended for any of the events listed above)