It really feels like summer has officially arrived come July. The kids break up for the school holidays, it’s supposed to be the hottest month of the year, and all the good vibes are flowing.
So, how can you ensure you make the most of this month? We’ve rounded up 17 things to look forward to in July 2023!
1. Pride in London
Celebrate diversity at the UK’s biggest Pride event taking place in London on Saturday 1st of July. This iconic day will see thousands parade through the streets of the capital to support the LGBTQ+ community. There will also be several stages dotted about, such as one in Golden Square and Trafalgar Square. Here, you can expect unique stalls, food and drink trucks, and incredible performances from musicians and entertainers. Bringing the kids? St Giles in the Fields will have family-friendly activities all day. And even if you’re not directly getting involved, you can still play your part. Simply head to any of the public spaces along the parade route to show support!
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2. Alice’s Day in Oxford
If you want to be grinning like a Cheshire cat for hours on end, then we’ve got the ultimate day out! The 1st of July sees the return of Alice’s Day in Oxford, a celebration of Alice in Wonderland at the Story Museum. There’ll be a myriad of delightful activities and events to get involved in. From craft workshops to theatre shows, family-friendly games and exciting trails, this is a jam-packed day you cannot miss out on. With the official theme of ‘The Great Outdoors’, there’s every reason to get involved this summer. And for the grown-ups, why not round off the day with a trip to The Mad Hatter for a wonderland-themed cocktail and some top-notch entertainment?
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3. Wales Airshow
Everybody loves a free day out, so why not head to Swansea Bay to watch the Wales Airshow? This annual event sees some of the best pilots in the world put on a show unlike any other. Be prepared to see huge jets and the infamous Red Arrows zip through the skies, showing off their skills with an impressive aerial acrobatic routine. No doubt the pulsing sound of the aircraft will make your hairs stand on end in the best way possible. But it’s not just the skies that will bring thousands to Swansea from the 1st-2nd of July. Expect food and drink stalls, live bands, rides, VR experiences, and much more throughout the weekend!
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4. Wimbledon
Wimbledon is the oldest tennis tournament in the world, with the first match played over 145 years ago in 1877. But it’s also known as one of the most prestigious, attracting royalty, celebrities, and tennis enthusiasts from around the globe. The matches will take place over two weeks, from 3rd-16th of July. And although the public ticket ballot has now closed, you can still get involved. There’s the infamous Murray Mound outside the courts, or you can head to the nearby Wimbledon Piazza to watch the action unfold on a big screen. Wherever you’re watching from, there are sure to be some nail-biting matches heading our way!
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5. RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show
The RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, also known as the Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, runs from July 4th-9th. This is the world’s largest festival of flowers spanning 34 acres, and it takes the festival organisers a staggering 21 days to set up the entire show. Visitors can expect engaging talks and demonstrations, insights from the likes of Dame Mary Berry, and plenty of tips on how to spruce up their own gardens. There’s even an opportunity to enjoy some high tea!
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6. Formula 1 British Grand Prix
This July, on Sunday 9th, racing car fanatics can witness the Formula 1 British Grand Prix at Silverstone Circuit in Northamptonshire. The fantastic event sees the world’s top racers tackle a series of challenging corners (and each other) over 52 gruelling laps. Why not make a weekend of it? Head to the track on Thursday for the first-ever British GP Launch Party, witness the practice sessions on Friday, and the crucial qualifying on Saturday. The season’s off to an interesting start with Aston Martin’s performance launching them out of the midfield and into the Championship battle. Will we see Fernando Alonso back on the Silverstone podium once again? Plus, when the racing stops the party starts with DJs and global sensations performing across the weekend. One thing’s for sure, this is certainly an event not to miss!
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7. The Open Championship
The Open Championship is golf’s original major. It’s mostly played by professionals, although amateurs often get involved by qualification or formal invitation, hence the name “Open” Championship. From July 16th-23rd, the championship will play out at Royal Liverpool to celebrate 151 years of the event. Golf fanatics can watch live coverage throughout the week, but undoubtedly, the best way to watch the action is to be a spectator. This way, you’ll be alongside thousands of other golfers and can really feel the buzz of each round. But there are also shopping stalls and tempting food and beverages on offer all week long.
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8. Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival
Are you a lover of jazz and blues music? The Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival will certainly elevate your appreciation for the genres to an entirely new level. This iconic event first started back in 1978, and has since become one of the most highly regarded jazz festivals in Europe. This year, you can watch concerts all over the city, from Edinburgh’s most prestigious theatres to local parks and clubs. Expect to see exquisite performances from Scottish musicians and other artists from across the globe!
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9. Birmingham Mela Asian Music Festival
It’s been 10 years since Europe’s biggest South Asian music festival first launched, so the 2023 event promises to be unlike any other. Taking place in Victoria Park, Smethwick in Birmingham, it runs over two days from July 22nd-23rd. There are set to be over 150 artists gracing the stage, with more than 30 food stalls and plenty of shopping opportunities. However, there’s also an arts village, a funfair for the kids, and breathtaking visual arts. Get ready to embrace South Asian culture in a way you never have before!
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10. Bristol Harbour Festival
Held at the harbour from July 14th-16th, the Bristol Harbour Festival sees Bristolians and other upbeat festival-goers come together to celebrate the city’s heritage, diverse communities, and unmatched talent. The Amphitheatre is where you’ll find the DJ stage, food and drinks, as well as prime viewing spots for flyboarders, jet skiers, and the infamous cardboard boat race. However, there’ll also be lots going on in Millenium Square and Queen’s Square, plus there’s a brilliant children’s area. Take the whole family for a day you’ll never forget.
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11. The BBC Proms
This year, the BBC Proms is back with a bang for eight weeks, beginning July 14th. This world-renowned event sees fantastic artists come together to put on a once-in-a-lifetime performance of a classical concert inside the Royal Albert Hall. First launched in 1895, the annual concerts have come a long way, presenting ticket holders with an incredible experience all-round. You can enjoy a bite to eat and a tipple with a choice of over 20 restaurants at the venue, including a relaxed spot for afternoon tea. Or, you can have food delivered to your seats, meaning you can truly sit back and relax at the concert. If you adore classical music, a visit to the BBC Proms is the ultimate July activity!
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12. RHS Flower Show Tatton Park
The summer months are filled with beautiful plants and flowers, but there’s nowhere that has a better display in Cheshire than the RHS Tatton Park Flower Show. Running from July 19th-23rd, visitors can take a peek into the incredible glasshouses, the Japanese Garden, and the Kitchen Gardens. With 28 acres to explore, you could spend hours in this gardener’s haven. But there’ll also be insightful talks, demos, family activities, and opportunities to grab a new plant or a thoughtful gift.
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13. Northern Pride
The 22nd-23rd of July marks Northern Pride weekend. This fabulous event takes place in Newcastle Upon Tyne and is organised by the northeast’s biggest LGBTQ+ charity. The Festival Arena is where all the magic happens – expect well-known performers, dancing, and cabaret, as well as an array of food and drinks stalls, a funfair, and a chillaxed garden area. The nearby community village is free for anyone to enter and will have family activities, market stalls, sports opportunities, and the Curious Arts Stage. Of course, a march will also take place on Saturday. Let’s come together to support the LGBTQ+ community!
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14. Camp Bestival, Dorset
The last weekend in July brings unmissable entertainment to Lulworth Castle, Dorset at Camp Bestival. This family-friendly festival promises over 100 free activities included in every ticket price, from silent discos to bouncy castles, ice baths, and yoga sessions. Throughout Friday to Sunday, there’ll also be one-off appearances from some of your fave celebs, such as Fearne Cotton, Mr Tumble, and Mister Maker. But we can’t forget about the music. Craig David, Ella Henderson, Scouting for Girls, and The Kooks will take to the stage across the weekend. Whether you stay for all three days or pop along for just one day, you’re guaranteed to make memories that’ll last a lifetime.
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15. Edinburgh Art Festival
Now in its 19th year, Edinburgh Art Festival is the UK’s largest festival of visual art. From July 27th to August 27th, it will bring together museums, galleries, artist-run spaces, and production facilities to showcase works in Scotland and the rest of the globe. But it’s up to you how you spend your time at the festival. There will be numerous performances, exhibitions, screenings, talks, and guided tours to immerse in. So, for those that adore art in all its many forms, the Edinburgh Art Festival is definitely worth a trip this summer!
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16. Cowes Week
If you’re craving an escape from your busy lifestyle and want to embrace a slower pace of life, a trip to Cowes is perfect. But the infamous Cowes Week makes it even more enjoyable. This prestigious sporting event sees sailors take place in several races from 29th of July to 4th of August. There are rumoured to be 1,000 yachts taking to the waters, with 100,000 spectators watching over 8,000 competitors. You can even get involved with the races if you fancy – there are yachts to hire and a qualified crew to show you the ropes!
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17. Buckingham Palace Summer Opening
Fancy a peek into the royal lifestyle? Buckingham Palace is open to the public every year for 10 weeks over the summer. This year, the grand opening is on July 14th. By booking onto a guided tour, you can explore the infamous public State Rooms where King Charles and the Royal Family entertain their guests. And when you’re done, you can stop by for a classically British scone with cream and jam in the Garden Cafe. If you love the monarchy, a trip to Buckingham Palace is a must-have on your July itinerary.
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