Every year, for five days in May, the grounds of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, are transformed into the fabulous show gardens, inspirational small gardens and vibrant horticultural displays that make up the world’s most famous flower show. The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is the first event of the summer season and showcases the finest examples of horticultural excellence, created by the best garden designers, plantsmen and plantswomen. It sets the latest gardening trends, is plant breeders favourite place to launch new plants and features the newest and most desirable gardening products.
Founded in 1993 and now in its’ 15th year, the Hampton Court Palace Festival has firmly established itself on the music and social calendar. On warm summer evenings in June the Palace comes alive with world class artists performing in the intimate open air setting of the Base Court.
www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk
At last, a truly magnificent event in the heart of the city. A line up of talented artists combine with a World Heritage site to create a choice of exceptional evenings at The Tower Music Festival - London's newest and most exciting summer Festival, now in its second year. No matter what your music preferences are, there is a wide choice of renowned artists. Whether you are a Jamie Cullum fan or a Madeleine Peyroux devotee, all performances are from a high level of British and world artists and are set to inspire.
Now in its twelfth year, the festival giant returns with four massive, multi-genre stages pumping out mainstream pop, rock and dance with a smattering of up and coming acts. Two bills swap between two separate sites, on in Hylands Park, Chelmsford, Essex, and one in Weston Park, Staffordshire.
Reading is rivalled only by Glastonbury in its history and cultural importance. With its roots stretching back to the '60s, tens of thousands of rock fans make the annual pilgrimage to the banks of the Thames over the August bank holiday weekend. Reading still has its own unique resonance despite being twinned with Leeds Festival under the umbrella of the Carling Weekend.
Leeds Festival is a chance for the Northeners to get a taste of what it's southern sister Reading has been made of for the past 25 odd years. The same line-up, some extra additions thrown in with onsite activities, including fair ground rides and late night entertainment, as well as the feel of being out in the countryside means Leeds is the perfect other half of the Carling Weekend.