August Bank Holiday events. Cheap, fun days out for the whole family.
It’s the last bank holiday of the year, make the most of the long weekend with our pick of fun, family-friendly events across East Anglia on August bank holiday weekend.
August Bank Holiday Contemporary Craft Fair, 23-26 August
RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 8ET
This craft event will showcase 140 of the very best contemporary craft makers and artists in the UK and will give the public the opportunity to view and purchase direct from talented designer makers who have a real passion for the work that they create. www.craftinfocus.com
Maui Waui Festival, 23-25 August
Peakhill Farm, Theberton, Suffolk
The Maui Waui Festival gets bigger each year, with a three day programme of international music, performance and vibrant arts. The festival brings together accomplished and undiscovered bands and performers from all around the globe. In addition to music there are full circus shows in a dedicated circus tent, small upbeat bands and acoustic acts, plus cabaret and comedy. Highly regarded as one of the most family friendly festivals in the region, the festival has plenty of activities for children too such as circus acts, musical workshops, storytelling, crafts and a pirate ship disco! www.mauiwauievents.co.uk
Essex Sausage, Cider and Music Festival, 24-25 August
Barleylands Farm, Billericay
A fantastic Bank Holiday family event, the festival has a great line up of tribute bands including Noasis, Kaiser Thiefs, Kopycat Killers, Guns 2 Roses, Cheatles, So Pink and one of the UK’s leading Michael Jackson impersonators Navi. Glamping facilities are available, and under 6s go free! www.jamesdeanevents.com/festival/essex-s-and-c-2/
Bedford Detective Day, 24 August
Town Centre, Bedford
CluedUpp is the exciting detective game that’s just like a giant, outdoor version of the board game Cluedo – and it’s happening in Bedford! Your team of detectives will be tasked with cracking the case as you stalk the streets, tracking down virtual witnesses and eliminating suspects. Between 10am and 1pm – Finish before 5pm. Full details at www.cluedupp.com/bedford.html
World Pier Crabbing Championships, 25 August
Town Centre, Cromer, Norfolk
Join in the fun of the World Crabbing Competition as a team or individual competitor, go to your assigned pitch, and try to catch the most crabs or the biggest crab. Registration starts at 9.30am with the competition kicking off at 10.30am. Winners will be announced on the Pier at 1.30pm. www.crabandlobsterfestival.co.uk/what-s-on/crabbing-competition
Classic Motor Show, 25-26 August
Knebworth House, Old Knebworth Lane, Knebworth, SG3 6HQ
With up to 1,000 classic and collectable vehicles taking part each day, the Knebworth Classic Motor Show is not to be missed. There will be a number of static displays to see, as well as a show arena hosting stunning parades. Vehicles include saloons, sports, American, commercial, military and classic motorcycles. The team of judges will be in attendance to select the concours winners with an award ceremony taking place in the arena at 4pm. Motoring history will be brought to life for all the family to enjoy. www.knebworthhouse.com
WWII Weekend, 25-26 August
Audley End House and Gardens, Saffron Walden, Essex
An action packed weekend which will transport you to wartime Britain. Visitors can experience the Trooper of the D-Day landings, learn about soldiers and rations. There’s also 1940s entertainment with music, food and fashion. www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/audley-end-wwii-weekend-25–26-aug
Bury St Edmunds Food & Drink Festival, 25-26 August
Town Centre, Bury St Edmunds
With an annual line-up of cooking demonstrations from top celebrity chefs, the chance to taste and purchase food and drink from over 100 stalls and a popular farmer’s market, this is a foodie’s heaven. There’s a great atmosphere, alongside entertainment. www.ourburystedmunds.com
Raver Tots Summer Festival, 25 August
Garon Park, Southend on Sea, Essex
Raver Tots’ Summer Festival is returning to Southend after two back to back sell out shows featuring world famous DJs, circus style big top tents, free fairground rides, mini go-karts, inflatables, crazy golf, face painting and a whole heap of glitter, confetti, stilt walkers and pyrotechnics! Tickets start at £10. www.ravertots.co.uk/event/raver-tots-outdoor-festival-august-bank-holiday-2019/
St Ives Antiques Fair, 25-26 August
The Burgess Hall (One Leisure), Westwood Road, St Ives, PE27 6WU
This is a fun and friendly antiques fair features around 50 dealers offering affordable quality antiques and vintage pieces. Items include ceramics, glass, silver, china, jewellery, small items of furniture, paperweights, postcards and other interesting treasures of yesteryear at prices to suit all pockets. Open: 10am – 4pm.
