An outline of the events happening in Britain's Heritage Cities.
1: New Year in Carlisle Walking Tour. http://greatguidedtours.co.uk/
6: Bangor on Dee Races www.bangorondeeraces.co.uk
21: Holly Holy Day The 1644 Civil War Battle of Nantwich, a spectacular Sealed Knot re-enactment in Nantwich. www.hollyholyday.org.uk
25: Burns Supper, one of the most celebrated events in the Scottish culture calendar and throughout the entire world! Tullie House will host a traditional Burns Supper at 7.30pm http://www.discovercarlisle.co.uk/
28 Jan - 12 March: Snowdrop Walks Rode Hall and Gardens, Congleton. Discover over 40 varieties of snowdrops www.rodehall.co.uk
10: Bangor on Dee Races www.bangorondeeraces.co.uk
13 - 17: Characters of the Castle tour. See Carlisle castle from a new perspective, through the eyes of a member of the dedicated staff, who have many a tale to tell. Murder, mystery and mayhem abound within the walls. http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/
13 - 17: Horrid History Tours. The history of Carlisle's Old Gaol, the condemned cell, the old cells and the Crown Court. http://greatguidedtours.co.uk/
24 - 25: Bath Bachfest, A Celebration of J S Bach www.bathbachfest.org.uk
March - October: Motor Racing at Oulton Park, near Tarporley www.motorsportvision.co.uk
2 - 11: Bath Literature Festival www.bathlitfest.org.uk
24: Bangor on Dee Racing www.bangorondeeraces.co.uk
25 - 31: Bath in Fashion 2012. Bath in Fashion brings together the world's most prolific milliner, Stephen Jones and Manolo Blahnik, the world's most revered shoe designer. www.bathinfashion.co.uk
30 March - 9 April: Bath Comedy Festival, 2012 will be our fourth annual celebration of the art of making people laugh. www.bathcomedy.com
23 - 25 March, 31 March & 1 April: York Open Studios – local artists in an informal setting. http://www.yorkopenstudios.co.uk/
2 - 8: Oxford Jazz Festival http://www.oxfordjazzfestival.com/
7: The Boat Race, 250,000 spectators crowd the banks of the Thames from Putney to Mortlake to witness the action. http://www.theboatrace.org/
5 – 9: Nantwich Jazz, Blues and Music Festival http://www.nantwichjazz.com/
5 - 9: Carlisle Easter Continental Market. http://www.discovercarlisle.co.uk/
7: Easter Saturday Family Day, Carlisle Racecourse http://www.discovercarlisle.co.uk/
7 - 9: Chester Food, Drink and Lifestyle Festival Chester Racecourse. Chester Food, Drink and Lifestyle Festival is the festival for all those who love food, drink, homes and gardens. 10am - 5pm. Tel: 01244 355474 www.chesterfoodanddrink.co.uk . 7 - 9: York Model Railway Show, York Racecourse Tel: 01653 694319 www.yorkshow.org.uk 21: Bangor on Dee Races www.bangorondeeraces.co.uk
21 - 22: Sandbach Transport Festival www.sandbachtransportfestival.co.uk
21 - 22: St George's Day Weekend Tours in Carlisle http://greatguidedtours.co.uk
27 - 28: Pirelli International Rally. Over the years the Pirelli International Rally has become one of the countries classic events offering competitors in the MSA British Rally Championship, and the thousands of enthusiasts who annually flock to Cumbria, a great weekend’s motorsport.The rally will again be based in Carlisle with the Rally Headquarters including start and finish at Carlisle Racecourse. http://www.pirelliinternationalrally.co.uk/
1: Oxford May Day, Centuries-old traditions are upheld for Oxford May Day by the population of this student town. Spectators gather in their thousands to hear the choir of Magdalen College sing in the new May dawn from the top of their chapel tower. From 5am www.oxford.gov.uk/maymorning
3 – 7: Badminton Horse Trials. tel: 01454 218375
4 – 7 and 11 -13: Spring Steam Gala, North Yorkshire Moors Railway Tel: 01751 472508, http://www.nymr.co.uk/
5 - 6: Stepping Stones Festival. A music festival to celebrate 10 years of music courses held at Stones Barn by folk singer Maddy Prior. http://www.steppingstonesfestival.co.uk/
6:Abingdon Air & Country Show at Dalton Barracks, Abingdon Airfield, Oxford. Flying and static aircraft displays,classic cars and other vehicles,craft/farmers mkt/general trade stalls,childrens amusements,live music and much more http://www.abingdonfayre.com/
6: Wallingford Regatta, Wallingford Town, Oxfordshire http://www.wallingford.rowing.org.uk/
May – August: Chester Town Crier public proclamations www.chestertowncriers.com
9: Chester Races May Festival Tel: 01244 304615 http://www.chester-races.com/
10: Chester Races Boodles Ladies Day Tel: 01244 304615 http://www.chester-races.com/
10 - 12: Banbury Beer Festival, Banbury Town Centre http://www.northoxfordshirecamra.org.uk/
11: Chester Races Boodles City Day Tel: 01244 304615 http://www.chester-races.com/
12 - 13: The Thundersprint, Northwich. T: 01928 740498/ 01606 867531 http://www.thundersprint.com/
13: Talkin Tarn Triathlon. Carlisle triathlon will include a 750 metre swim in the tarn, a 20 kilometre road cycle ride via Castle Carrock and back and a five kilometre run via Talkin village and back into the park, finishing near the cafe.
16 – 18 & 26: York Races Tel: 01904 620911, http://www.yorkracecourse.co.uk/
24 – 26: York National Centre for Early Music Beverley Early Music Festival Tel: 01904 658338 http://www.ncem.co.uk/
tba: Bath Coffee Festival, is a celebration of everything related to coffee and offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the world’s most popular drink.Bath Recreation Ground. Tel: 01179 291 900
26: Chester Races Roman Day Tel: 01244 304615 http://www.chester-races.com/
29: Olympic Torch Relay arrives in Chester
30 May - 10 June: Bath International Music Festival, celebrates the world's best jazz, classical, folk and world music. Various venues.Tel: 01225 463362 www.bathmusicfest.org.uk
30 May - 2 June: The Royal Bath and West Show, a fun filled family event celebrating all aspects of farming and rural life. Royal Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet. Tel: 01749 822200
tba: York Roman Festival http://www.yorkromanfestival.org.uk/
1 - 4: Bolesworth Showjumping Classic, Bolesworth Castle near Chester. www.bolesworthclassic.co.uk 1 – 4: Chester Folk Festival http://www.chesterfolk.org.uk/
1 - 5: The 6th English Music Festival at Dorchester The English Music Festival celebrates Britain’s rich musical heritage by showcasing the brilliance, innovation and beauty of English music. http://www.englishmusicfestival.org.uk/
tba: Coutts International Polo Weekend, Chester Racecourse, The Roodee, Chester Tel: 01244 304615 http://www.chester-races.com/
2 – 3: Chester Roman Festival http://www.romantoursuk.com/
2 June – 14 July: Chestival, Chester http://www.chesterfestivals.co.uk/
2 - 10: Railfest 2012,National Railway Museum, York Feel the energy at this huge celebration of Britain’s railways to mark the Olympic year. Get up close to record-breaking locomotives, ride on trains big and small, climb inside drivers’ cabs and stand on footplates. Plus trade stalls, hands-on family activities and much more. www.nrm.org.uk
4 - 10: Carlisle Music City. A brand new music festival building on the success of BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend in Carlisle. http://www.discovercarlisle.co.uk/
9: Chester Races Jubilee Day, Chester Racecourse, The Roodee, Chester Tel: 01244 304615 http://www.chester-races.com/
9: Cumberland Show. A celebration of the Cumbrian Countryside - agriculture, food, country pursuits. Thousands of animals, entertainment all day and loads to see and do. Shetland Pony Grand National will be a main ring attraction. http://www.cumberlandshow.co.uk/
15 - 16: York Races, Tel: 01904 620911 http://www.yorkracecourse.co.uk/
tba: Race for Life, Chester City Centre, Annual 5 km race for ladies in aid of Cancer Research -Tel: 0871 641 1111 http://www.raceforlife.org/
15 – 16: Middlewich Folk & Boat Festival, Middlewich http://www.midfest.org.uk/
15 - 17: Cholmondeley Pageant of Power, Cholmondeley Castle, near Chester. www.cpop.co.uk 16 - 17: Chester Rocks, Chester Racecourse www.chester-rocks.com
19 - 20: Cheshire County Show, Tabley, Knutsford. www.cheshirecountyshow.org.uk
19: Olympic Torch Relay comes to York
20: Olympic Torch Relay comes to Carlisle followed by Bowness on Windermere
20 - 24: Lanercost Festival, Carlisle http://www.lanercostfestival.co.uk/
22 - 24: River Weaver Festival, Northwich www.riverweaverfestival.org.uk
23 - 24: Midsummer Watch and Giant Parade, The annual Midsummer Watch Parade joined by guest giants from across the country! Watch and follow the visual spectacle of the parade as it winds its way through the city. 1pm.Tel: 01244 976741 http://www.midsummerwatch.co.uk/ 23 - 24: York Cycle Show, York Racecourse Tel: 0844 7368456 http://www.yorkcycleshow.co.uk/
24: World Worm Charming Championship, Northwich A host of worm charmers come from around the world. www.wormcharming.com
24: The Bath Triathlon, a sporting event in Bath including a swim in the River Avon, multi-lap bike route and fast city centre run. Various venues.
26: Glastonbury Festival 2013 (there is no festival in 2012), tel: 0844 412 4626
27 June - 1 July: Henley Royal Regatta at Henley On Thames The Henley Royal Regatta is both an international rowing event and a must for hat fans. Champagne picnics, elegant women and men in striped blazers fill the Thames banks for five days of revelry, reunions and rowing http://www.hrr.co.uk/
29: Chester Races Ladies Evening Tel: 01244 304615 http://www.chester-races.com/
30: Chester Races Midsummer Meeting Tel: 01244 304615 http://www.chester-races.com/
30: Chester Philharmonic Orchestra Summer Concert, Chester Cathedral, 7.30pm to 9.30pm, Tel: 0151 6321633 http://www.chesterphilorchestra.co.uk/
30 June – 14 July: Chester Summer Music Festival www.chesterfestivals.co.uk
1 July - 31 August: Roman Baths by Torchlight, as darkness falls, the ruins of this vast Roman building are an awesome sight. Roman Baths, Roman Baths. Tel: 01225 477785
Until 14 July: Chestival, Chester http://www.chesterfestivals.co.uk/
5 July - 19 August: Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre, Chester http://www.chesterperforms.com/
7: The Stobart Group Summer Family Festival. Carlisle Racescourse http://www.discovercarlisle.co.uk/
8: Chester Races Ladies and Gents Evening Tel: 01244 304615 http://www.chester-races.com/
tba: York Early Music Festival National Centre for Early Music Tel: 01904 658338 http://www.ncem.co.uk/
11 - 15: Carlisle Festival http://www.carlislefestival.org.uk/
13 – 14 and 27 – 28: York Races, Tel: 01904 620911 http://www.yorkracecourse.co.uk/
13 – 15: Festival of British Eventing, Bath, tel: 01423 339423
13: Chester Races Ladies and Gents evening Tel: 01244 304615 http://www.chester-races.com/
14: Chester Races City Plate Day Tel: 01244 304615 http://www.chester-races.com/
9 – 10: Vintage Vehicle Weekend North Yorkshire Moors Railway Tel: 01751 472508 http://www.nymr.co.uk/
tba: York Festival of the Rivers, Tel: 01904 554253 http://www.yorkfestivals.com/
tba: York Dragon Boat Racing Riverbanks and Museum Gardens area www.yorkrotary.co.uk/
Mid July – early September: York Maze http://www.yorkmaze.co.uk/
18 – 22: RHS Flower Show Tatton Park. http://www.rhs.org.uk/
21 - 29: Love Parks Week. Residents and visitors will be invited to enjoy Carlisle's action-packed, nine-day programme of free 'Love Parks Week' events and activities.The week will culminate in the hugely popular ‘Flicks at Bitts’, an open air screening in Bitts Park of two blockbuster films! http://www.discovercarlisle.co.uk/
27 – 29: WOMAD Festival, Bath, tel: 01189 606060
29: Carlisle Racecourse Family Fun Day http://www.discovercarlisle.co.uk/
31: Family Fun Day at Chester Races Chester Racecourse http://www.chester-races.co.uk/
1 - 12: Notorious Border Reivers Tours. Carlisle Castle http://greatguidedtours.co.uk/
2 - 22: York Mystery Plays, Museum Gardens, York The world famous York Mystery Plays are set to make a return to their original setting in Museum Gardens in the summer of 2012. The Passion Plays of England are some of the oldest pieces of English literature. http://www.yorkshiremuseum.org.uk/
4 - 5: Midlands History Festival, Ragley Hall, Alcester Living History Camps, Battles, Cannons, Historic Market, Combat Displays, Falconry Displays http://www.mid-fest.co.uk/
5: Chester Races Family Funday Tel: 01244 304615 http://www.chester-races.com/
6: The Ediburgh Woolen Mill Ultimate Ladies Night. Carlise Racecourse http://www.discovercarlisle.co.uk/
tba: Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre, Chester http://www.chesterperforms.com/
10 - 12: Bath Folk Festival, a festival providing concerts, education and opportunities to play folk music throughout Bath. Various venues. Tel: 01225 463362
10 - 18: A Midsummer Night's Dream (As You Like It) Playing as part of the World Shakespeare Festival. Shakespeare’s magical, shape-shifting play. From Russia comes the world premiere of Dmitry Krymov’s interpretation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. In Russian with English subtitles. http://www.rsc.org.uk/
tba: Castle Howard Proms Spectacular, Tel: 01653 648623 http://www.castlehoward.co.uk/
13: Great Border Castle Tours, Carlise Castle http://greatguidedtours.co.uk/
18: Chester Races Summer Festival Tel: 01244 304615 http://www.chester-races.com/
22 – 25: York Races – Yorkshire Ebor Festival, Tel: 01904 620911, http://www.yorkracecourse.co.uk/
24 - 26: Creamfields, Daresbury, Warrington www.creamfields.com
Yorkshire Wings & Wheels Show (exact date to be confirmed) Yorkshire Air Museum, Tel: 01904 608595 http://www.yorkshireairmuseum.co.uk/
25 - 31: Bonnie Prince Charlie Tours, Carlisle Castle http://greatguidedtours.co.uk/
27 & 31: Bangor on Dee Races www.bangorondeeraces.co.uk
31 - 2: The National Gardening Show, provides spectacular garden displays, a feast of flowers, fruit and vegetables, TV celebrities and top gardening experts. Royal Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet. Tel: 01749 822200
1: Chester Races LadiesDay Tel: 01244 304615 http://www.chester-races.com/
1: Ladies Day, Bath Racecourse.Tel: 01225 424609 http://www.bath-racecourse.co.uk/
6 - 9: Heritage Open Days, Celebrates England’s fantastic architecture and culture by providing access to properties not normally open to the public. Tel: 01225 477757
9: York Races, Tel: 01904 620911, http://www.yorkracecourse.co.uk/
14-15: Chester Races Autumn Festival Tel: 01244 304615 http://www.chester-races.com/
14 – 16: Gatcombe International Eventing, Bath, tel: 01423 339423
tba: Chester Fashion Festival, http://www.shopchester.net/
tba: Jane Austen Festival, a varied selection of events to celebrate the life and work of Jane Austen. The Jane Austen Centre. Tel: 01225 443000
14 – 16: Heritage Diesel Gala North Yorkshire Moors Railway Tel: 01751 472508 http://www.nymr.co.uk/
15 - 16: Kite Festival , Chester Race Course, Chester's annual Kite Festival, huge professional and family flying areas. 10am - 4pm. Tel: 01244 976741 21 - 30: York Festival of Food and Drink, Tel: 01904 466687 http://www.yorkfoodfestival.com/
21-23: Nantwich Food & Drink Festival www.nantwichfoodfestival.co.uk
28 Sept - 7 Oct: Bath Festival of Children’s Literature, gives you the chance to join some of the biggest names in children's books for 10 days of festival fun with authors, illustrators, storytellers and poets. Various venues. Tel: 01225 463362 www.bathkidslitfest.org.uk
29: Chester Races Chester Finale Tel: 01244 304615 http://www.chester-races.com/
30 September – 2 October: Autumn Steam Gala North Yorkshire Moors Railway Tel: 01751 472508 http://www.nymr.co.uk/
tba: Great Cumbrian Run. The route makes its way through the City Centre and passes through the picturesque villages of Cumwhinton, Wetheral and Scotby before heading back towards Carlisle and the Sheepmount stadium for a grand finish! The title sponsor for this year's 13.1 mile event is the Cumberland Building Society. http://www.carlisleleisure.com/
tba: Cooler Jazz and Blues Festival, This 10 day festival will finish with an all day music spectacular at Green Park Station. Green Park Station. Tel: 01225 463362
12 – 13: York Races, Tel: 01904 620911 http://www.yorkracecourse.co.uk/
Chester Halloween Ghost Tours Extravaganza, T: 0845 647 7868 http://www.ghostcity.co.uk/
tba: Thunder Day Yorkshire Air Museum, Tel: 01904 608595, http://www.yorkshireairmuseum.co.uk/
15 - 28: Chester Literature Festival http://www.chesterfestivals.co.uk/site/literature-festival
tba: Heritage Open Week, a series of free events and activities for children and local residents. Heritage sites across Bath and North East Somerset. Tel: 01225 477757
29 Oct - 2 Nov: Ghost and Ghastly Tours, Carlisle Castle http://greatguidedtours.co.uk/
31 Oct – 5 Nov: Halloween & Guy Fawkes Events www.visityork.org/seeanddo/whats-on
Late Oct – Early Nov: Illuminating York, Tel: 01904 554550 http://www.illuminatingyork.org.uk/
3: Carlisle Fireshow. The Carlisle Fireshow is in the top ten bonfire and firework displays in the country and attracts around 35,000 people. The bonfire is themed and built to a specific construction which has a pyrotechnic and firework display set onto moving parts. The firework display which follows is spectacular and the whole show is set to music. A fairground and catering units are also on site and add to the atmosphere. Admission is free although donations are collected for local charities. http://www.discovercarlisle.co.uk/ 4: Countryside Family Day. Carlisle Racecourse. http://www.discovercarlisle.co.uk/
8: Chester Christmas Light Switch On – 5.30pm – Chester’s Cross
tba: Bath Mozart Festival, nine days of concerts in some of the city's most historic and atmospheric buildings. Various venues. Tel: 01225 463362
9-11: Carlisle Blues Festival. Friday Evening from 7pm to 12 midnight. Saturday 12noon until 12 midnight and Sunday 12 noon until 6pm. http://www.carlislebluesfestival.com/
15: Chester’s Bright Night from 5pm Chester City Centre and Chester Cathedral Join us for an evening full of illumination and wonder where the annual lantern parade introduces Chester’s Bright Night to the streets and the Cathedral green. tba: York National Centre for Early Music Jazz Weekend Tel: 01904 658338 http://www.ncem.co.uk/
18: The Carlisle Christmas Lights Switch On. Come join a full programme of family entertainment as Carlisle's stunning Christmas lights are switched on for another year! http://www.discovercarlisle.co.uk/
22: Carlisle Santa Parade. Following a fun-packed family event Father Christmas will be led on his sleigh, pulled by reindeer, in a parade through the city streets towards the city centre. http://www.discovercarlisle.co.uk/
22: Chester Winter Watch Parades http://www.midsummerwatch.co.uk/
tba: Bath Christmas Market, a unique festive gift market, not to be missed, with over 120 stalls in stunning surroundings.Next to Bath Abbey. Tel: 0906 711 2000 (50p/min)
tba: York St Nicholas Fayre Tel: 01904 550099 http://www.visityork.org/
22-25: Carlisle Traditional Christmas Market. Carlisle City Centre. http://www.discovercarlisle.co.uk/
26: Roger Albert Clark Rally, Carlisle. Inspired by the RAC Rallies of old and from its first running in 2004 is now well established in the historic rallying calendar. If you want to see classic rally cars in their natural habitat then this is the event for you! No four-wheel drive, no turbos, just good 'old-fashioned' power sliding! http://www.rogeralbertclarkrally.org/
28 Nov - 19 Dec: The Carlisle Ghost Tour and Cumberland supper. Carlisle Castle http://greatguidedtours.co.uk/
tba: Christmas opening at Castle Howard, York Tel: 01653 648333 http://www.castlehoward.co.uk/
5-9: Carlisle Christmas Continental Market. The return of this popular market with its gifts, flavours and aromas from all over Continental Europe and beyond. You will be spoilt for choice with such a wide collection of stalls and products from Thailand, India, South Africa, France, Germany, Spain and so many more! http://www.discovercarlisle.co.uk/
12-31: Aladdin, at the Sands Centre, Carlisle http://www.discovercarlisle.co.uk/
16: Family Day with Christmas theme, Carlisle Racecourse. http://www.discovercarlisle.co.uk/
26: The Secret City on Boxing Day, Carlisle city centre http://greatguidedtours.co.uk/