5 - 6 JULY
Tarbert Seafood Festival Tarbert, Argyll, free www.5eafood-festival.co.uk Located around the scenic harbour village of Tarbert at the tip of Kintyre. this is one of the last remaining seafood festivals in the UK and also one of the best. A perfect pick for fish foodies, with its celebration of local produce. food tastings, stalls and workshops. the festival regularly welcomes some of the UK‘s most popular chefs. with Nick Nairn among those making an appearance in 2008.
5 - 12 JULY National Cherry Festival
Traverse City, Michigan, prices vary www.cherryfestival.org
With over half a million people flocking to this festival over its week-long run. the National Cherry Festival certainly isn't short of interest. Held for the first time in 1926. the Stateside shindig features 150 events and activities. 85% of which are free. such as cherry pie eating. entertainment stages. a Cherry Farm Market, air shows. food. drink. fireworks and carnivals. The cherry pit spit competition has become something of a national institution.
5 - 20 JULY Brass Durham
International Festival Millennium Place, Durham, Prices vary www.hrassfestival.co.uk Championing brass-based music from all around the world. acts come from far and wide to ply their trade here. From jazz to skat. all brass genres are well represented. with street performances. collective brass band marches and workshops for the brass novice all on offer. Comedian and singer/songwriter Earl Okin is also on the bill.
9 - 27 JULY
Buxton Festival
Buxton, Derbyshire, prices vary www.huxtonfestival.co.uk
A must for lovers of music and literature. this largely classical festival boasts appearances by one of the key figures of the opera scene. Sir Thomas Allen, with performances elsewhere in the programme from the Northern Chamber Orchestra and Victoria Simonsen. Literature fans can enjoy Tariq Ali. Joanne Harris. and lest we forget. everyone's favourite agony
24 THE LIST 5— 19 Jun 2008
uncle Raj Persaud as part of the books programme.
10 - 13 JULY
Exit Festival
Novi Sad, Serbia. £72 www.exitfest.org
Set within the confines of a 17th century fortress. EXit affords a truly stunning and unique backdrop for the biggest festival in south east Europe. Winner of the 'Best European festival at the 2007 UK festival awards. this is a great event. which attracts some of today's biggest music acts. The line Lip this year includes Primal Scream. Paul Weller and The Sex Pistols. Dance masters NERD and Roni Size ensure the party never stops.
it - 13 JULY T in the Park
Balado Airfield, Kinross, prices vary (limited tickets still available) www.tinthepark.com
Several years of continuous expansion has seen T grow to become one of the biggest events of its kind in the UK. never mind Scotland. Willi three days of the biggest international names gracing the fields of Balado. Among the 180 acts on offer this year are The Verve. REM. Amy Winehouse and Rage Against the Machine. See page (3 for a chance to Win tickets.
11 - 13 JULY
Lounge on the Farm
Merton Farm, Canterbury, Kent, 235—290 www.|ounge onthefarm.co.uk
Set in the idyllic surrounds of Merton Farm in Canterbury. Lounge On The Farm showcases 100 bands over six stages. from local talent to more familiar faces. including Mystery Jets. Billy Childish and the Bees. The Festival Folly tent features laidback acoustic jamming.
11-13 JULY
Oxeqen Punchestown Racecourse, Naas, Co Kildare, Eire, prices vary
www.0xegen.ie
CHIVIH Harris and Mylo join REM. The Verve. Amy Winehouse. The Prodigy. Manic Street Preachers. Stereophonics. Counting Crows and many. many more. as the great and
good of the music scene rock up to Eire's Punchestown Racecourse.
12 - 25 JULY
Skye Festival
(Feis an Eilein)
Sleat, Skye, free www.feisaneilein.com
Billed as 'the biggest small festival in Scotland' this multi disciplined festival incorporates music. dance. exhibitions and workshops attracting locals and tourists alike. Situated in the scenic surrounds of Sleat, this is the perfect opportunity to incorporate a spot of festival going With a week's stay on one of Scotland's most beautiful islands.
14 - 20 JULY
Aberdeen International Football Festival
Seaton Park, Aberdeen, free www.aiff.co.uk
A week-long football festival. aimed at 1/1 to lti—year—olds. promoting tolerance among different nationalities. A fun event for all the family.
16 - 19 JULY
Hebridean Celtic Festival Stornaway, Isle of Lewis, 217—254 www.hebceltfest.com
One thing the people of the l~lighlands and Islands definitely know how to do well is to throw party and the
Hebridean Celtic Festival seldom disappoints. taking up residence in a variety of venues across Lewis. This year's line up includes The Red Hot Chili Pipers. The Saw Doctors and Shooglenifty.
16 - 20 JULY
Larmer Tree Festival Sailsbury, near London, 23242172 www.|armertreefestival.co.uk
Now in its 18th year. the Larmer Tree offers not only an eclectic line—up of acts but also a visually stunning venue. set as it is amidst a beautiful Victorian Garden. Jools Holland & his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra headline. joined by Marc Almond and supported by bluesman Eric Bibb. while elsewhere festival regulars The Levellers make a welcome return. Support comes courtesy of Bellowhead. SixNationState and Park Bench Social Club.
17 - 20 JULY
Latitude Festival
Henham Park, Halesworth, Suffolk 255—2130 www.|atitude festival.co.uk
Flying the flag as far more than simply a music festival (Franz Ferdinand and lnterpol headline). Latitude also welcomes comedians. including Bill Bailey and Ross Noble. while across at the literaiy tent. Iain Banks. Hanif Kureishi and livine Welsh wax lyrical about their latest wordsmithery. As if that were not enough. theatre buffs can enjoy outdoor theatre and cabaret by the lake and. for moVie fans. there's an ever-expanding film arena on site.
17 - 20 JULY
British Open Golf Championship
Royal Birkdale, 25-2200 www.0pengolf.com
This world premier golf tournament returns Willi Padraig Harrington
packing his irons to defend his title. But can he tame the Tiger?