Press Release 25 June 2019
Make Time for Wiltshire's Summer of Fun, Festivals and Fairies
This summer, Wiltshire is offering a jam-packed schedule of world-class entertainment, including internationally-renowned music festivals, open-air theatrical performances, garden parties as well as an immersive fairy and dragon event.
VisitWiltshire has put together a selection of this summer’s extra special treats aimed to appeal to audiences of all ages and interests.
All the world’s a stage and Wiltshire is a hub for all things theatrical in July, with a host of dramatic performances taking place.
Arundells in Salisbury will be playing host to Chapterhouse Theatre Company’s production of The Secret Garden on 11 July. Join young Mary Lennox on a journey of discovery as she is sent to her uncle’s house in the countryside, where mysteries and secrets lurk around every corner.
On the same day, visitors to Lacock Abbey can enjoy a performance of Pride & Prejudice, featuring Jane Austen's notorious heroine, Elizabeth Bennet. Bring along a rug and a picnic and settle in for an evening of classic theatre beneath the stars.
On 12 July, Lydiard House & Park, close to Swindon, is staging A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Set just before the start of the Great War, this hilarious and highly accessible adaptation sees Shakespeare's fantastical characters transported to a time of unparalleled peace and prosperity. Bring picnic blankets, rugs or low-back chairs and enjoy live theatre in the beautiful surroundings of Lydiard Park.
One of Salisbury Museum’s flagship events, the Festival of Archaeology brings with it a weekend of discovery, entertainment and fascination (13-14 July). Aimed at families and history buffs, this event includes talks, hands-on activities, and information on some of the latest archaeological discoveries.
To celebrate the arrival of its colony of lovable koalas, Longleat is staging An Australian Summer from 21 July until 2 September. There will be the UK’s largest indoor beach; with deckchairs to lounge in, a gnarly graffiti wall, sand to build castles in, surf-style wobble boards to strike a pose on, and Aussie themed games and refreshments.
At the heart of Longleat is the Main Square, which will be transformed into the outback, staging diverse and delightful daily performances, including acrobatic break dancing and live didgeridoo music. Each day will culminate with Hooroo - a vibrant spectacle of colour, music, dancing and excitement.
Larmer Tree Festival returns to its beautiful home on Cranborne Chase from 18 – 21 July, and the line-up is set to be the most exciting yet. Mercury Prize winner, Kate Tempest, is topping the bill following performances from folk-tinged acoustic singer-songwriter, Jack Savoretti, and Australian party-starters, The Cat Empire.
There will be stand-up comedy, a dazzling array of workshops, a thrilling theatre, poetry and talks programme plus kids will be delighted to see children’s TV favourite, Andy Day, live on stage with his band, Andy and the Odd Socks.
RAF Fairford is the venue for the annual Royal International Air Tattoo from 19 – 21 July. Renowned as the world's largest military airshow, it has gained the well-earned reputation as one of the UK's top outdoor family events.
The first of three themed events is taking place at Roves Farm Activity Centre near Swindon, from 22 – 26 July. Summer Holidays at Roves Farm kicks off with a Bear Hunt.
Hop on a tractor ride to swish, splosh, squelch and tiptoe on a Bear Hunt, as the classic story is brought to life. There’s also the chance to enter the Enchanted Forest and explore the Jurassic Farm later in the year. As well as daily farm activities, including meet and feed the animals, animal racing, egg collecting, play and more.
Malmesbury Carnival & Festival blasts off on 20 July, with a family-friendly day out at Malmesbury Victoria Football Ground, featuring live music that includes a DJ; a steel band and the Malmesbury Concert Band, as well as a gigantic climbing wall, a bouncy castle, face painting, sideshows and an exhibition match of ‘walking football’.
Malmesbury is also the venue for WOMAD, the World’s Festival, which has been held at Charlton Park annually since 1982. Running from 25 – 28 July, this exciting event is a global fiesta of music, food, dance & art, and a place where everyone is welcome.
Kick-start the beginning of the summer holidays at Bowood's Summer Garden Party on Saturday, 27 July. This year, Bowood House & Gardens is hosting Tricky Micky's Punch and Judy show and Calne Silver Band for an afternoon of entertainment, alongside a BBQ in the Adventure Playground, face painting, flower pot planting, bouncy castles and much more.
Following the huge success of last year’ inaugural event, the Avebury Fairy and Dragon Day returns on 28 July. Taking place at Elements of Avebury in the heart of the village, there will be complimentary talks, workshops and storytelling, as well as stalls, music and a host of other gorgeous fairy things to do on the day.
For budding stars, the British Youth Music Theatre (BYMT), the leading music theatre company for young people, is running the Wiltshire Musical Theatre Summer Camp from 29 July to 3 August, in Warminster. This fun-filled, six-day summer activity holiday, provides intense creative training for anyone aged 11-17, who is looking to explore their potential and develop their acting, singing and dancing abilities. You'll work with top theatre professionals and create a brand-new show in less than a week.
Check out the variety of accommodation options available in Wiltshire, from B&Bs to farm stays, self-catering cottages, to hotels. Kids go free at The Bishopstrow Hotel and get 10 to 25 per cent off during July, August and September at Waterlake Cottage.
- Book tickets to a range of fabulous attractions and activities at: www.visitwiltshire.co.uk/tickets
- For more information and to plan your Wiltshire break visit: www.visitwiltshire.co.uk
Issued on behalf of VisitWiltshire. For further information or to arrange a press visit please contact Holly Windsor, PR & Communications Manager, hollywindsor@visitwiltshire.co.uk Tel: 01722 324888 or 07444 601421.
Notes to Editors
VisitWiltshire is the official Destination Management & Marketing Organisation for Wiltshire representing 600 partners. It is a public/private sector membership organisation. VisitWiltshire's priority is to grow the county's Visitor Economy by raising awareness of the destination and generating additional tourism visits and spend. Wiltshire's Visitor Economy currently generates an estimated £1.5billion and supports over 29,000 jobs.
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