Plenty of al fresco entertainment is heading our way over the next couple of months, with big names in music and comedy taking centre stage.
1. Party in the Paddock
17 August, Newbury Racecourse
Newbury Racecourse announced Dizzee Rascal as the headliner for BetVictor Hungerford Day, performing live after racing on Saturday, 17 August. Dizzee Rascal is easily the most acclaimed and influential artist associated with London’s grime scene and one of the most successful British rappers of all time. His widely praised 2003 debut, Boy in da Corner, released when the innovative MC and producer was only 18, won the UK’s prestigious Mercury Prize and remains the definitive grime full-length. Since then, he’s catapulted to international stardom, working with artists such as Calvin Harris, Arctic Monkeys, and Shakira. He scored four UK number-one hits from his fourth album, 2009’s dance-oriented Tongue N’ Cheek. He released his eighth studio album, Don’t Take It Personal, earlier this year, which marked a return to his earlier grime sound.
2. Heritage Live
19-21 July, Englefield House
The countdown has begun for Heritage Live’s huge outdoor summer concerts, which will take place from 19 July to 21 July on the spectacular grounds of Englefield House, an Elizabethan country house and estate in Berkshire.
Lineup Highlights
- 19 July: Madness, Lightning Seeds, Old Time Sailors
- 20 July: Pete Tong with Ibiza Classics, Jules Buckley, and the Essential Orchestra
- 21 July: Elbow performing a selection of their biggest anthems along with new material from their recently released album Audio Vertigo
3. Flackstock
22 July, Englefield House
Family and friends of TV presenter Caroline Flack have announced the performers and special guests for the third year of Flackstock. This intimate day festival celebrates Caroline’s life with comedy, dance, and music while raising critical funds for mental health charities.
Acts Announced
- Headliner: Olly Murs
- Special Guests: Shaznay Lewis, Rebecca Ferguson, Tom Walker, Chesney Hawkes, New Dad
- Stage Appearances: Joe Wicks, Janette Manrara and Aljaz Skorjanec
4. Reading Festival
21-25 August, Richfield Avenue
Reading Festival has revealed six stellar headliners for 2024: Fred again.., Lana Del Rey, Blink-182, Liam Gallagher, Catfish and the Bottlemen, and Gerry Cinnamon, who are set to top the bill on the most prestigious main stage of all.
5. Fi.Fest
12-13 July, Fifield Maidenhead
Fi.Fest returns to Fifield for what is set to be its biggest summer party to date.
Highlights
- Headliners: Cast, Heather Small, Rick Parfitt Jr, and the ‘JPJ’ band
- New Additions: Friday night festival pre-party, camping, and glamping on-site
6. Jools Holland
16 August, Windsor Racecourse
Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra will perform in Windsor for a special open-air performance. The event will feature a variety of bars and independent food traders, who will welcome concert-goers with fold-up chairs and blankets.
7. Towersey Festival
23-26 August, Claydon Estate
Towersey Festival, the UK’s oldest independent music festival, has announced a brand new programme of comedy, word, and song for its 60th-anniversary celebration.
Highlights
- Music: Billy Bragg, Seth Lakeman, The Staves, Tide Lines, Pokey Lafarge
- Comedy and Activities: Ceilidh dancing, festival choirs, dance classes, silent discos, circus skills, storytelling, children’s entertainers, crafts, and more
8. Henley Festival
10-14 July, Leander Club
Henley Festival has a sensational line-up for 2024, featuring five magical summer nights packed full of world-class music, comedy, dining, and dancing.
Headliners
- Nicole Scherzinger
- Dave Stewart’s Eurythmics Songbook
- Trevor Nelson
- Gladys Knight
- Rylan
- Nigel Kennedy
- Sam Ryder
9. Newbury Summer Fest
20 July, Newbury Showground
Newbury Showground’s Summer Fest is a big family day out in Berkshire. Throughout the day and into the evening, multiple zones of attractions and activities offer families a variety of activities.
10. Silverstone Festival
23-25 August, Silverstone
Silverstone Festival is your ticket to the best historic track action and three live music nights with headliners, including Sophie Ellis Bextor and Busted. The festival also plans to honour the incredible legacy of Ayrton Senna with a display of many of the cars that shaped his career.
