Looking to make 2025 unforgettable? 📆
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a music lover, or just looking for a new adventure, we’ve rounded up 19 of the most exciting events in the UK to help you fill your calendar. So grab your tickets early, mark those dates and get ready to dive into some of the best moments 2025 has to offer!
Here’s what to book now for an epic year ahead.
1. Chinese New Year
29th January 2025
Ready to celebrate the Year of the Snake this Lunar New Year? Chinatown London is the place to be! This January, head to the capital’s centre for a vibrant celebration filled with tradition, delicious food and exciting festivities.
From dazzling dragon parades to vibrant street performances, there’s something for everyone. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, sample delectable Chinese cuisine and explore the colourful shops and markets. Don’t miss the chance to witness the stunning decorations and unique traditions that make Chinese New Year so special.
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2. Celtic Connections in Glasgow
16th January – 2nd February 2025
For those who can’t get enough of folk, roots and world music, attending Glasgow’s renowned Celtic Connections is a must this January. Held at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, this incredible winter festival celebrates the city’s connections to cultures all over the globe. Festival-goers are in for a real treat with over 2,100 musicians attending to showcase their talent – many of whom you may recognise.
Prepare for a myriad of performances from concerts to engaging talks, as well as art exhibitions, workshops and much more. With shows running for 18 days from mid-Jan to early Feb, what are you waiting for? Embrace the magic of music at Celtic Connections 2025!
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3. Dark Skies Festival – North York Moors
14th February – 2nd March 2025
Why not plan a trip up north this February and experience the true beauty of our skies? Throughout February, the Dark Skies Festival will be taking place to celebrate the ‘jewels of the night sky’ in both the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales.
Immerse yourself in different activities and events by starlight, including arts and photography workshops, coastal walks, mindfulness groups and of course, breathtaking stargazing. There are even exciting trails for the kids to join in on the action. Running for seventeen days throughout the month, you’re sure to find an activity that takes your fancy.
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4. Crufts 2025 in the NEC Birmingham
6th – 9th March 2025
This tail-wagging celebration is one of the biggest March events of the month. Crufts 2025 is returning to the NEC Birmingham for four jam packed days!
Founded in 1891, this annual K9 competition sees dogs of all breeds compete for the prestigious Best in Show title. But that’s not all. With plenty of other categories, including agility, obedience, heelwork (and even music!), this ticketed event is the perfect day out for any dog enthusiast.
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5. The Boat Race 2025
13th April 2025
The annual iconic race between two of the UK’s most prestigious universities, The Gemini Boat Race, takes place in April next year. Originating over two centuries ago, the now ‘Gemini’ Boat Race sees Oxford and Cambridge University rowing teams go head-to-head in a tense race along the River Thames.
And with the hope of early spring sunshine to keep the spirits up, The Gemini Boat Race is the perfect excuse to head to southwest London for a day at the pub. With plenty of taverns along the river, our favourites being Stag Brewery and Crabtree Tavern, this four-mile boat race is a stellar British event to catch from a riverside beer garden.
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6. Vaisakhi Festival in Trafalgar Square
19th April 2025
Immerse yourself in the vibrant celebration of Vaisakhi, one of the biggest Sikh festivals, happening right in Trafalgar Square! Witness cultural performances, learn about the Sikh faith through educational talks and workshops, and savour delicious food stalls. This family-friendly event also offers exciting Gatka martial arts demonstrations and free refreshments. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the richness of Sikh heritage and history, supported by the Vaisakhi Community Advisory Group. Happy Vaisakhi!
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7. London Marathon
27th April 2025
2025 marks the 44th London Marathon, and it’s gonna be epic! Witness the streets of London explode with energy as thousands of runners take on the 26.2-mile challenge. Cheer on everyday heroes, from seasoned marathoners to fancy-dress enthusiasts, all pushing their limits and conquering the course. It’s a day filled with incredible athleticism, contagious enthusiasm, and a whole lot of fun.
So grab your friends, your pom-poms (optional, but highly encouraged!), and head down to London to experience the magic of the marathon!
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8. Brick Lane Jazz Festival, London
25th – 27th April 2025
Discover London’s dynamic jazz scene with the ultimate three-day music experience. Brick Lane Jazz Festival is a community-centred extravaganza showcasing some of the jazz scene’s most up-and-coming artists.
Taking over East London’s most iconic venues, including Truman Brewery, Village Underground, Rough Trade East and Cafe 1001 to name a few, Brick Lane Jazz Festival is the perfect way to immerse yourself in non-stop music.
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9. MCM Comic Con
23rd – 25th May 2025
A three-day celebration of all things pop culture, MCM London brings together the worlds of anime, TV and film under one roof. Artists, writers and actors will be at signing tables at every turn, as well as hosting panels, talks, screenings and performances. Cosplay is an integral part of the event, where children and adults alike dress up to pay homage to their favourite characters.
Get your hands on consoles, retro machines, board games and RPGs – all available and free to play! Plus, an exhibition area will be bursting with unique shopping stalls.
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10. WingJam at Peckham Arches
24th – 26th May 2025
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Get ready to devour the incredible food at London’s favourite chicken wing festival! An electrifying array of attractions includes DJs, a hot sauce market, a craft beer and music room and a legendary Hot Wing Contest! The main event though is the huge array of wing flavours on offer for you to try.
Pineapple, buffalo, smokey honey jalapeño, berry, doughnut, buffalo, Korean BBQ, sticky toffee, nacho, insanely spicy and tequila are just the tip of the wing!
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11. City Splash
26th May 2025
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Hear the Sounds of the city at this music festival celebrating the impact of Caribbean and African culture in the UK and beyond. An impressive lineup guides listeners through the heritage of Roots, Dub and Dancehall to the birth of Jungle and Garage. But City Roots isn’t a nostalgia festival.
This celebration of Black music, food, dance and style also showcases the most up-and-coming talent today.
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12. Trooping the Colour
14th June 2025
June in the UK is bursting with events, but for a truly iconic, British experience, look no further than Trooping the Colour, also known as the King’s Birthday Parade. This spectacular ceremony celebrates the King’s Official Birthday (while his actual birthday falls in November) with a display of splendid pageantry unlike any other.
Witness over 1,400 officers and soldiers from the Household Division march in perfect unison down The Mall, accompanied by hundreds of musicians and the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery. The parade itself can be viewed for free along The Mall, so pack a picnic, grab a Union Jack flag and soak up the atmosphere of this historic and joyous occasion.
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13. Round the Island Race, Isle of Wight
7th June 2025
If you love a good dose of nautical flair, mark your calendar for the 7th of June 2025! The exciting Round the Island Race sets sail on the Isle of Wight. As one of the biggest yacht races in the world, the Round the Island Race attracts over 1,000 boats and 16,000 sailors as they take on the 50-mile Solent route.
Head to Cowes, the bustling race starting point and soak up the atmosphere as you witness the magnificent fleet take off onto the water. Or find a scenic viewpoint along the island’s coast to watch the vibrant boats as they pass by.
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14. The Royal Highland Show 2025, Edinburgh
19th – 22nd June 2025
Edinburgh in June isn’t just about exploring historic landmarks and charming cobblestone streets in the sunshine. The Scottish capital is also renowned for the spectacular annual Royal Highland Show, a celebration of all things Scottish agriculture – food, farming and rural life!
This jam-packed June event is a fantastic family day out, perfect for locals and tourists alike looking to experience the sights, sounds and smells of Scotland’s rich heritage. Wander through impressive livestock displays, marvel at impressive sheepdog trials and witness breathtaking displays of horsemanship. Don’t forget to leave room to indulge in delicious Scottish treats!
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15. Stonehenge Summer Solstice
21st June 2025
Did you know? The iconic Stonehenge was erected to align with the sun on the solstices in midsummer and midwinter. On June 21st, the sun will rise behind the Heel Stone, where blinding rays will then flood into the centre of the monument to mark the longest day of the year. Visitors typically arrive the evening before to secure their viewing location and watch the sunset.
Whether watching in-person or from afar, as dawn breaks and the light emerges, we’re sure you’ll agree that the Stonehenge Summer Solstice is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
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16. Wales Airshow
5th – 6th July 2025
Looking for family fun and exciting things to do in July? Get ready for some serious wow factor this summer, because the Wales Airshow is back and it’s completely free! Taking place at Swansea Bay, witness incredible jets and the legendary Red Arrows soaring through the sky and performing daring aerial acrobatics. But the fun doesn’t stop there!
On the ground, you’ll find a festival atmosphere with delicious food stalls to tempt your taste buds, live bands setting the beat and amusement rides to keep everyone entertained. So pack your picnic blanket, grab your sunglasses and get ready for an unforgettable weekend at the Wales Airshow.
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17. Gin & Rum Festival Cardiff
2nd August 2025
Calling all gin and rum lovers! If you’re on the search for fantastic spirits this Spring from the finest producers in the UK, then look no further. The Gin and Rum Festival will be arriving in Cardiff in August.
This lively event is a true celebration of all things gin and rum, featuring an exquisite lineup of over 120 British spirits as well as plenty of international favourites. Sample outstanding gins and indulge in hand-picked rums whilst award-winning DJs and live entertainment play throughout. Each ticket includes entry, a reusable stainless-steel straw and your own G&R branded cup and carry satchel.
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18. Bristol Balloon International Fiesta
8th – 10th August 2025
August is hot air balloon heaven in Bristol! The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta takes over Ashton Court Estate for four days of pure magic. Imagine waking up to a sea of colourful hot air balloons gently floating up into the sunrise – it’s a sight you won’t forget.
But there are more than just breathtaking views. The fiesta is a giant family-friendly event with live music, fairground rides and delicious food stalls. In the evenings, the hot air balloons come alive and light up to music like giant, magical lanterns! You and your little one will be mesmerised by the balloons in this unforgettable weekend in Bristol. And the best part? It’s completely free to enter!
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19. Goodwood Revival
12th – 14th September 2025
Love all things vintage? Then buckle up, because September has a real treat in store for you! The Goodwood Revival is a three-day festival that catapults you right back into the golden age of motor racing, from 1948 to 1966. Think sleek, iconic racing cars roaring around the Goodwood circuit, just like they did in the past.
But it’s not all about the racing! Goodwood Motor Circuit transforms into a vintage wonderland, with visitors dressed to the nines in period outfits creating a buzzing atmosphere that’s equal parts nostalgia trip and electrifying fun. So, whether you’re a petrolhead or just love a good dose of retro charm, the Goodwood Revival is definitely worth checking out in September!
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