5 unusual bank holiday activities

The most anticipated bank holiday of all is soon upon us. Whilst we pray to be bathed in sun, rather than drenched in rain, you can never be sure what the weather will bring. With our guide to the 5 best alternative ways to spend your August bank holiday, come rain or shine you will be sure of a good time.

1) Brighton Mod Weekender

When & Where: 22-25 August, Brighton


Ever fancied seeing a horde of Liam Gallagher lookalikes tearing down Brighton seafront on gleaming Italian scooters? Well, the Mod scene returns home this August bank holiday with the Brighton Mod Weekender, and it’s where you’ll want to be. Day time events are family friendly, and include markets, food stalls, and the very best in Mod music. Evening events take place in Komedia theatre, featuring a mix of live music and DJs. The highlight of this event is undoubtedly the scooter cruise – where Mods from around the country join together to parade their treasured Vespas and Piaggios. Might be best to watch with fingers in ears though.

Where to stay:

0.5 miles away

Brighton Seafront

1.7 miles away

Brighton

2) Kynren – An Epic Tale of England

When & Where: 24 August, Bishop Auckland


Set on a seven acre stage with a cast and crew of 1,000, Kynren is surely the most epic show in the country. This breathtaking live show tells the 2,000 year story of the history of England. Set in the beautiful surroundings of Auckland Castle, join 8,000 spectators as the history of England is told through dramatic battles, royal extravagance, heroic sacrifice and peasant life. With death-defying stunts, dramatic pyrotechnics, and unbelievable horsemanship, this night-time show promises to leave you in a jaw-dropping state of astonishment.

Where to stay:

11 miles away

Sedgefield

3) Bog Snorkelling World Championships

When & Where: 25 August, Llanwrtyd Wells


With millions of spectators tuning in to the coveted world championships, bog snorkelling is quickly becoming one of the biggest sports in the world. Actually it’s not. But it should be. Bog snorkelling is a delightfully weird sport where competitors don snorkels and flippers and complete a timed swim through a 60m channel dug in a bog in Wales. Attracting competitors from around the world, and now in its 33rd year, this event is truly unique. Sign up and try your hand at becoming a world champion. There are a host of activities for families to stay entertained whilst the championships are taking place, including live music, great food, and a bouncy castle. There’s also a bog triathlon and competition for the best dressed bog swimmer.

Where to stay:

38 miles away

Merthyr Tydfil

4) The Monster

When & Where: 23-28 August, Alexandra Palace, London


It’s big. It’s bouncy. It’s bucket loads of silly fun. Kiddults of the world come together and take part in The Monster – the largest inflatable obstacle course in the world. At 300m in length, with over 40 obstacles to tackle, this course is no mean feat. But you’re guaranteed a good time with all-day DJ’s, delicious street food, and refreshing beverages on offer.

Where to stay:

1 mile away

London Wood Green

2.1 miles away

London Southgate

2.4 miles away

London Finsbury Park

5) Asylum Steampunk Festival

When & Where: 23-26 August, Lincoln


This bank holiday Lincoln will transform for its 11th annual Asylum Steampunk Festival. For those unfamiliar with the movement, Steampunk combines science fiction with 19th century fashion and steam-powered engineering to create a visually stunning style. This bank holiday, Steampunkers from around the globe will be out in force in their finest Victorian frocks and wielding some bizarre home-made steam powered contraptions as Lincoln is transformed into a fantasy world. Countless events are being held over the bank holiday weekend, including tea duelling – where competitors strive for the perfect dunk, the costume competition – self-explanatory, and a jet-pack race – not sure how this one’s going to work. The Asylum Steampunk festival is a truly global event and promises to be buckets of fun whether you’re a seasoned steampunker or completely new to the movement.

Where to stay:

0.2 miles away

Lincoln City Centre

5 miles away

Lincoln Thorpe on the Hill