Time out
Castle Combe Cycling Festival
What’s occurring? Yep, you read right, petrol is being swapped for pedal power, for one day only, in the first ever Castle Combe Festival of Cycling. For serious cyclists there will be the 100 mile and 100km ‘Severn Bridge Sportive’ as well as a series of (British Cycling registered) races in the morning for competitive youngsters, while for those that just fancy a bit of a pootle, you can of course just complete as many laps of the circuit as you feel comfortable with. Why are we excited? It’s a great excuse to bring all the family together whether they’re 2 or 102, and we love the idea of stunt cycling and the vintage bike display. Did you know? Ayrton Senna, Nigel Mansell and David Coulthard have all had a spin round this 1.85 mile track. • 26 August, Castle Combe Circuit, near Chippenham;
castlecombecyclingfestival.co.uk
Jane Austen Festival
What’s occurring? The grand Regency costume parade – always a spectacle – officially kicks off proceedings on 15 September, while there’s all sorts of revelry planned during the course of the nine days from ‘at home soirees’ to music recitals, dance lessons and performances, all culminating with the Regency Ball at the Guildhall. Why are we excited? Because although we live here, it’s our annual excuse to dress up in our best Lizzie Bennett/Mr Darcy* (*delete as appropriate) outfits and, for the first time, Milsom Street will be closed to traffic on promenade day – it’s going to look like a costume drama in the making. Did you know? Those well-dressed folk at last year’s festival found themselves being cooked for by the Masterchef hopefuls on the Royal Crescent lawn, which was then later transmitted on BBC 1. • 14 – 22 September, various venues;
janeausten.co.uk
Royal Bath & West Show
What’s occurring? A fun-filled four days celebrating all aspects of farming and rural life, from the country’s finest livestock, over 600 trade stands, art exhibitions, an old-time fairground to the UK’s biggest cider competition – plenty to keep families, farmers and foodies entertained.
30 Bath Life
www.mediaclash.co.uk
Need an excuse to dress up in your best Regency garb? Look no further than the annual Jane Austen Festival
Why are we excited? As committed turophiles, the thought of 67 categories in this year’s National Cheese Awards has already got the old taste buds going. Did you know? It’s not just for farmers to eye the latest agricultural gadgets and brand new combine harvesters; recent years have attracted around 160,000 visitors with everyone from HRH Prince of Wales, Sophie Wessex, David Attenborough, David Cameron, Noel Edmonds to The Wurzels making an appearance. • 30 May – 2 June, Royal Bath & West Showground, near Shepton Mallet;
bathandwest.com
The Roman Baths by
Torchlight What’s occurring? Not so much a festival as an awesome, not-to-be-missed sight. The Roman Baths (and shop) are open until 10pm every evening in July and August, meaning you can miss the crowds and take in the ruins of this vast Roman building in romantic flickering torchlight. Why are we excited? No matter how many times you’ve been there, seen it, got the t-shirt, we never miss the opportunity to walk on those 2000-year-old pavements and admire one of the city’s biggest landmarks in a whole new light. Did you know? The Roman Baths is featured in the second part of the Royal Mail’s A-Z of Great Britain stamp set (hence our ode on the cover). The beautiful image of the baths taken in early mist will be in good company alongside the likes of York Minster, the Old Bailey
and Portmeirion. • 1 July – 31 August, Roman Baths, Abbey Churchyard;
romanbaths.co.uk
The Last Jubilee
What’s occurring? The ‘alternative’ Jubilee weekend is a celebration in the true spirit of ’77 and all the musical excitement that was generated that year; punk, new wave, ska and reggae. As well as some of the best live bands on the circuit – Buzzcocks, The Damned, Eddie and the Hot Rods – there’ll be cool bars, market stalls, excellent food, spacious camping grounds, family-friendly facilities and much more. Why are we excited? It’s a double bank
The Royal Bath & West Show – it isn’t just for farmers you know
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