Outdoor Bound

Before long, all over the UK, the snow will start to melt, temperatures will slowly begin to climb, and the locals will emerge from their homes to test the waters of the outside world once more. Before you know it, it will be the season for outdoor events once more! We know it’s been a difficult few years, and most of the things you would usually have done outdoors in the summer months have been disallowed or only allowed with a number of extreme restrictions. Well, with a bit of luck, this will be the year that life in the UK allows us a little leeway and to indulge in our favourite warm-weather pursuits. To that end, we have put together a list of the most exciting things happening in amazing outdoor places this summer: from bands to hikes to walking tours. There’s something for everyone!

Ghosts, Ghouls and Ghastly Murder Tour

While this event is held in January, so it’s not strictly a warm-weather outdoor event, we know that it’s one you won’t want to miss! Besides, what better way to warm up on a chilly evening than with a good scare? Because, when the lights go down in London town, everything becomes just a little more spooky. Experience the Londoners of old as they rise from their slumber, walk in the shoes of various serial killers, gangsters, and the most monstrous of humans. Take the Ghosts, Ghouls, and Ghastly Murder Tour and see different places around London where various crimes and evil deeds occurred in the distant past. It’s a crime junkie’s dream!

The tour begins from Cleopatra’s Needle, WC2N 6PB. Look out for the guide with the red umbrella, and you’ll know you’re in the right place.

Westlife Wild Dreams Tour

Your boy band crushes of old are back. That’s right; Westlife is out on tour again! The Wild Dreams tour begins in July of this year, with the kickoff show taking place at Scarborough Open Air Theatre. If like me, you sang along to their biggest hits like Fool Again, Flying Without Wings, and Swear It Again while singing loudly (and off-key) into your hairbrush, then this is an unmissable event. While the boys are now four instead of five, there’s no denying that they still possess that boyband je ne sais quoi that has our hearts melting as soon as they start to sing.

Ironbridge and Buildwas Adventure

This event takes place on the 19th and 20th of February on a 7.2-mile trail near Broseley, Shropshire. This walking adventure takes participants along a partially rocky and often ascending trail, so this is one for the more experienced hikers among us. You’ll walk through woodlands, past a river, and the incredible Buildwas Abbey, a 12th-century church ruin. Here, you can explore the crypt chapel and experience the breathtaking vaulted ceiling that once, no doubt, sheltered many while they prayed. There is also a second-hand bookshop on the abbey grounds, so be sure to leave a little space in your backpack for any exciting finds. For those who are interested in roughing it on the 19th, there is a camping option, with the walk taking place on the 20th.

Interested parties should be sure to have comfortable, worn-in shoes, drinking water, a packed lunch, and warm clothes.

Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival

This event takes place in, you guessed it, Edinburgh, from the 15th to the 25th July. Join a 43-year-old tradition and celebrate the wonderful blues and jazz artists who come to play from all over the world. This year’s festival will boast over 170 performances over ten days and is known across the world as one of the best jazz festivals around. Head to Edinburgh to be moved by the music and share an incredible experience with more than 50,000 people. Depending on the state of the world, there may be safety measures in place, but these will be announced closer to the festival. Tickets are available to purchase now.

Hay Festival of Literature and Arts

While the full lineup for this year’s festival hasn’t been announced yet, tickets are already on sale for the Early Bird events taking place from 26th May to 5th June this year. You can check out the Shakespeare’s Globe tour production of Julias Caesar at the newly renovated Hay castle; there will be nine performances. Kate Rusby, the “first lady of folk,” will be playing on the 26th of May. Rusby’s incredible introspective songs are sure to resonate with old souls! Let her take you on an emotionally enriching journey through 30 years of music. Don’t miss David Olusoga’s lecture: Is History Under Attack? This thought-provoking talk delves deep into the murky subject of culture wars and the attacks taking place on relics of our history in the UK and abroad. He will mention a key point of how statues have become “lightning rods” in this debate and why they are such a sensitive topic. Check the Hay Festival website for details of which events will be indoors and which will be outdoors.

Wrap Up

There are so many exciting outdoor events coming up in the UK this year! Which ones will you be attending?