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“Remember, remember, the fifth of November…” Thanks to this helpful rhyme, Guy Fawkes Night is a date not to be forgotten! But what about other exciting events taking place this month?
We’ve rounded up 15 cracking things to do to make sure your November goes with a bang…
Cornwall Film Festival
Where: Various venues in Cornwall
When: 2 – 13 November
The theme of this year’s fascinating festival is ‘Boundaries’ and filmic work from local, national and international directors will be on show. From eye-opening shorts to Shakespeare’s classics, this Cornish celebration of the screen has something for everyone.
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EFG London Jazz Festival
Photo credit: Jeremy Tarling (license) via Flickr.com
Where: Various venues across London
When: 11 – 20 November
Showcasing a toe-tapping range of talented musicians, this annual event takes place across a plethora of different venues in London. From elegant grand-piano jazz to French electronia, expect an eclectic mix of styles that will delight and surprise.
Book a melodious getaway in London
Down Royal Festival of Racing
Where: Lisburn, Northern Ireland
When: 4 & 5 November
Down Royal Racecourse has been entertaining its visitors since the 17th century with the “Sport of Kings” and this two-day festival epitomises everything to love about racing. Place your bets on the runners and riders while enjoying a three course meal in one of the hospitality suites. Or simply enjoy a cool glass of bubbly while propping up the bar, allowing yourself time to deliberate which horse is the one to back.
Gallop off for a weekend break in Lisburn this November
Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival
Where: Somerset
When: 5 November
Consisting of street entertainers, live musicians, breathtaking floats and, of course, jaw-dropping fireworks, this Fawkes-inspired fiesta needs to be seen to be believed. The festival is the proud winner of the 2015/16 Gold award in the South West Tourism Excellence Awards for the Tourism Event of the Year and is set to win another award this year.
Find a fun-filled weekend break in Bridgwater
Kendal Mountain Festival
Where: Kendal
When: 17 – 20 November
If you like nothing better than hiking through the hills, mint cake at the ready, then you’ll love this celebration of the great outdoors. Athletes, outdoor brands, artists, photographers, explorers and inspirational speakers will be sharing their love of adventuring. The event is known as the ‘Oscars of outdoor film making’ as over 70 films are showcased on the big screen.
The International North Wales Choral Festival
Where: Llandudno
When: 4 – 6 November
Held in the picturesque Victorian seaside town of Llandudno, this choral celebration sees singers from all over the world compete in a variety of categories. There’s a huge range of styles, from ladies choirs to barbershop quartets, so be prepared for a weekend of magnificent music!
Look for a holiday rental in Llandudno
Light up Lancaster
Where: Lancaster
When: 4 & 5 November
This spectacular event started life as an annual fireworks display and grew into a weekend-long festival of art and light. From viewing contemporary installations to admiring the Lancaster Priory bathed in candlelight, this uplifting festival will light up your winter.
Illuminate November with a stay in Lancaster
The Perthshire Amber Festival
Where: Perthshire
When: 3 – 6 November
Scottish singer-songwriter Dougie MacLean’s unique festival in Scotland celebrates the culture of Perthshire through music. From open mic to large ensemble performances, expect inspiring concerts in amazing venues, such as the atmospheric Dunkeld Cathedral and the grand concert hall.
Pick a Scottish escape in Perthshire
William Kennedy Piping Festival
Photo credit: Lume de Biqueira Pipe Band (license) via Wikimedia Commons
Where: Armagh
When: 17 – 20 November
The Armagh Pipers Club is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2016, so this year’s festival looks to be the most extraordinary yet. Pipers from Scotland, Brittany, Bulgaria and more will be playing traditional folk music that will leave you entranced and might even inspire you to pick up a pipe yourself.
Pick a place to stay in Armagh
The Regent Street Motor Show
Photo credit: Garry Knight (license) via Flickr.com
Where: London
When: 5 November
Showcasing 125 years of motoring, this street festival on London’s Regent Street includes interactive displays and a huge range of cars from vintage classics to modern makes. As the street is pedestrianised from Piccadilly Circus to Oxford Circus, it’s a great opportunity to get some Christmas shopping done, too!
Motor off to London for a refueling weekend away
The 2016 Shoreham Beach Family Bonfire and Fireworks
Where: Shoreham-by-Sea
When: 12 November
This fun-filled fireworks event proves that the beach is a great place to be, whatever the time of year. Highlights include the samba procession, beach bonfire, dazzling fireworks display and kids’ entertainments, such as face-painting.
Stay near the sea at a family-friendly rental in Shoreham
Edenbridge Bonfire Night
Where: Edenbridge, Kent
When: 5 November
This picturesque town in the Garden of England has one of the most traditional and atmospheric bonfire nights in the country. The Bishops of the Bonfire lead the procession through the town including effigies of Guy Fawkes himself, General Wolfe and Anne Boleyn. Who will be the celebrity Guy this year? Katie Hopkins, Katie Price and Tony Blair have been Guys in the past and this year, the front runners are Donald Trump, Nigel Farage and Boris Johnson! The celebrations continue well into the night at the recreation ground where you’ll find stalls, fairground rides and much, much more.
Highbridge & Burnham-on-Sea Carnival
Where: Highbridge & Burnham-on-Sea
When: 7 November
Celebrating 70 years of festivities, this year’s festival is shaping up to be a joyous event. Carnival highlights include the town firework display, the amazingly-decorated floats and the Carnival Queen & Princess Pageant.
Galloway Antiques Fairs 2016
Where: Various venues
When: Nov in 2016 and extra dates in 2017
If bargain hunting for precious treasures gets your pulse racing, then this series of antique fairs will be a special find. In November, head to Scone Palace in Perth, Scotland where you’ll be able to rifle through hundreds of unique items. Maybe someone on your Christmas list is in for a real treat this year!
Pick a relaxing retreat in Perth
Scots Fiddle Festival
Where: Edinburgh
When: 18 – 20 November
From pipes to fiddles! This inspiring event will have you dancing in the isles as fiddlers from the world over seek to entertain their audiences. The traditional music is timeless and the ceilidhs and late night sessions invite everyone to pick up a bow and have a go!
Dance the night away with a stay in Edinburgh
Tags: events Things to do UK
