Top 8 grown-up British festivals

'Festivals,' writes Alasdair Nicolson, new Artistic Director of the International Bath Music Festival, 'are about events that might not happen in the normal run of things, about gatherings of artists, about fresh collaborations and about participation for the whole community.' This year's festival, held 22 May to 2 June, has four themes: Monsters, Mystics, Myths and Magic, found in various guises throughout the programme.

Ingredients range from songs for young children from The Little Book of Monsters to the mystical world of Bach's solo violin sonatas. Among the diverse mix will be jazz from Norma Winstone, cabaret from the Australian Meow Meow, chamber performances by Measha Brueggergosman and the Belgian big band Flat Earth Society.

Tickets: 01225 463362; bathfestivals.org.uk. Pictured: The Hebrides Ensemble by Sussie Ahlburg. Discover more Bath holiday ideas with our travel suggestions for: Your extra-long weekend.

Art in Action is a gathering of hundreds of artists at work: painting, drawing, sculpting, stitching, hammering, weaving, blowing, shaping, dancing, singing and generally performing over four days in July (18th to 21st). Visitors can wander, watch, join in practical classes and often buy the various works. It's the 35thyear of the festival, held in the grounds of Waterperry House near Wheatley. Run almost entirely by volunteers, the website also offers the opportunity to 'join in.'

Tickets: 020 7381 3192; artinaction.org.uk. Discover more things to do in Oxfordshire with our blog: Head to Oxford, or should that be, Middle-earth

I've seen three performances of the Red Rose Chain's annual outdoor Theatre in the Forest and can't wait for this summer's romping rendition of Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew. This year there's a new location, the magical woods at Jimmy's Farm Near Ipswich, which is expected to attract around 10,000 over the summer schedule (from 23 July to 25 August). Bring a picnic or book a meal at the restaurant (01473 604206) and soak up the festive spirit.

Tickets: 01473 603388; redrosechain.com. Discover more to do in Suffolk with our article on: How to find the perfect villa

The Strawberry Fields Festival, held 9-12 Augustin the heart of the National Forest, is all about the 'Call of the Country'. Think tweed and jodhpurs, Lords and Ladies, mad cows and funky foxes, Old MacDonald and Farmer Giles.

Set in 100 acres of parkland at Cattows Farm in Leicestershire, Strawberry Fields Festival is becoming widely recognised as one of the fastest growing boutique festivals in the UK. Eight stages will play host to almost every genre of music across the weekend, plus there are interactive workshops, a theatre, pole dancing lessons and a vintage clothes fair.

Tickets: 0844 870 0000; strawberryfieldsfestival.co.uk. Picture by Mr Jones

Come and see all your favourite bands live. Or, sort of live. Tribfest is probably the largest festival in the world exclusively devoted to tribute bands.

Held from 15-18 August at Sledmere House just northwest of Driffield, this family-friendly music festival will be a trip down memory lane for parents and a lot of fun for the kids.

Tickets: tribfest.co.uk/tickets

The Just So festival, organised by the Wild Rumpus Community Interest Company, a not-for-profit social enterprise, is aimed squarely at a family audience. There's storytelling in gypsy caravans, pillow fights, dancing, crafts (including a muddy pottery workshop for babies) and the option to camp in yurts or gypsy caravans.

Held in a woodland setting at Rode Hall, near Scholar Green, from 16-18 August, the musical line-up is rife with accordions, ukuleles, banjos and horns while theatrical highlights include a 'Lost In Translation' Circus production of La Balade de Bergerac; The 'Revenge of Mr Trout', a zany chaotic, interactive outdoor adventure; and Taking Flight Theatre’s A 'Midsummer Night’s Dream'.

In addition, the Peekaboo area for 0-3 year olds will be providing high quality performances and experiences designed around their smallest visitors.

Tickets: justsofestival.org.uk

The UK’s hottest BBQ (and music) festival, Grillstock, is hosting two sizzling events, in Bristol Harbourside (11-12 May) and Manchester Albert Square (8-9 June) each combining a US-style 'low ‘n’ slow' BBQ competition, with Deep South music, a BBQ cooking academy, a unique US craft beer bar and both a chilli and rib eating competition.

Tickets: grillstock.co.uk

The 'Fringe' is the largest arts festival on the planet with performers and entertainers coming from all its continents. The statistics are mind boggling. Last year there were 2695 different shows, with 22,457 performers giving 42,096 performances in 279 venues. Take your pick from comedy, children's shows, cabaret, dance, exhibitions, opera, theatre and spoken word. The programme is an unfolding work in progress, best revealed on the website over the coming weeks... 

Tickets: edfringe.com, or box office 0131 226 0000.
Picture © Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society. Discover more to do Edinburgh with our articles on: Great British Autumn getaways and 6 great weekends away