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Art and culture festivals in the UK 2023

Just like spring sunshine, these art and culture festivals are set to light up the months ahead. From intellectual leaps to flights of fancy, epic outdoor staging to intimate gigs, there’s so much wonderful stuff to see and do, right on our doorsteps. So pick what art and culture festivals in the UK most speaks to you and get that YHA stay booked.

Cambridge Literary Festival

Panoramic view of Cambridge city centre

19th – 23rd April 

We live in extraordinary times. And where better to debate, discuss, debunk and deconstruct current issues than this glorious city and seat of learning. At its heart, Cambridge Literary Festival is a celebration of art, creativity and conversation.

Brighton Festival

Deck chairs on Brighton beach

6th – 28th May

The wonderfully colourful Children’s Parade kicks off England’s biggest and boldest curated mixed art and culture festivals in the UK on 8th May. The rest of the month is spent showcasing the best in cutting-edge dance, theatre, circus, and music in Brighton’s many arts venues, parks and public spaces. And as if that weren’t enough, the Fringe promises a joyful explosion of comedy, cabaret, music and visual arts.

Stay at YHA Brighton

Stratford Literary Festival

View of the Hall's Croft gardens in Stratford upon Avon, England

2nd – 7th May

Where better to attend a literary festival than Shakespeare’s birthplace? There’s so much on offer from workshops in fiction writing and copper plate calligraphy to stories and crafts for children. Big names are down to do talks, such as Sir Derek Jacobi and Maggie O’ Farrell who no doubt will be discussing her Shakespearean novel Hamnet. Plus, there are newcomers such as Moses Mackenzie whose novel An Olive Grove in Ends explores the life of a young black man from Bristol, and has been chosen as one of the Observer’s 10 must-read debut novelists of 2023. This festival is a book worm’s dream.

Hay Festival

Hay Festival sign

25th May – 4th June

Hay is home to a festival of the mind which brings together writers from around the globe to debate, tell stories and celebrate the great ideas that have the power to change our way of thinking. And it’s all set against the beautiful backdrop of the Welsh Borders. Looking for an art and culture festival in the UK for you and your loved one to attend? This is the festival for you!

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Photo credit: Sunshine Seeds / Catalina / Michael Gray / dudlajzov / Hay Festival / Adobe Stock

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Written by Ruby Higton

Here is Ruby and she is a digital marketer at YHA. She looks after social media, content writing and SEO. Her favourite hostel is YHA Perranporth.

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ActivitiesArt and culture festivals in the UK 2023