Home · Europe · United Kingdom

Documented festivals in the United Kingdom

This index brings together festivals in the United Kingdom documented from official sources and arranges them by town and venue. The first entry covers Orkney, United Kingdom.

Historical development of festivals

Festival culture in United Kingdom has developed through religious and civic calendars, seasonal cycles and regional customs passed between generations. That historical continuity now coexists with contemporary cultural formats.

Festive tradition and cultural diversity

The cultural diversity of United Kingdom is visible in historic fairs, traditional games, open heritage, science, music and performing arts. Local forms preserve distinct territorial identities within a varied national calendar.

Continental relevance

Within Europe, United Kingdom contributes its own traditions and takes part in regional cultural exchange through heritage celebrations and contemporary festivals.

International reach

The international reach of United Kingdom is expressed through cultural networks, co-productions and gatherings connecting communities, institutions and artists from different countries.

Principal festival categories

Major festival families in United Kingdom include historic fairs, traditional games, open heritage, science, music and performing arts. The inventory on this page documents specific examples through official sources.

Kirkwall and the Orkney venues

Kirkwall and other Orkney locations in the United Kingdom host a programme of science, history, music, film, visits and workshops.

3-9 September 2026 · Kirkwall and Orkney · various venues

Orkney International Science Festival 2026

Orkney International Science Festival runs from 3 to 9 September 2026 in Orkney, United Kingdom, with science, history, music and workshops.

Read the full festival record and programme

Braemar and the memorial park

Braemar, Scotland, United Kingdom, hosts the games at The Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park and the pipe-band parade through the village.

5 September 2026 · Braemar · park and parade route

Braemar Gathering 2026

Braemar Gathering takes place on 5 September 2026 in Braemar, Scotland, United Kingdom, with Highland games, dancing and massed pipe bands.

Read the full festival record and programme

England and its heritage venues

Historic buildings, archives, museums, workplaces and other heritage venues across England, United Kingdom, take part in a free nationwide programme.

11-20 September 2026 · England · 13,189 events

Heritage Open Days 2026

Heritage Open Days runs from 11 to 20 September 2026 across England, United Kingdom, with free openings, visits, exhibitions, trails and community activities.

Read the full festival record and programme

London and its cultural and music venues

The British Library, Outernet Live, FOLD and EartH host conferences, professional sessions and electronic music nights in London, United Kingdom.

24-26 September 2026 · London · various venues

AVA London 2026

AVA London runs from 24 to 26 September 2026 in London, United Kingdom, with electronic music, visual culture, creative technology and professional gatherings.

Read the full festival record and programme

Documented places and venues

Kirkwall and other Orkney venues; Braemar, The Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park and the pipe-band route; heritage venues across England; and the British Library, Outernet Live, FOLD and EartH in London, all in the United Kingdom.

Official sources