The weekend is imminent, but there’s still time to make plans. Here are five suggestions of what to do this weekend in and around the Cotswolds
Royal International Air Tattoo, RAF Fairford
July 11-13
The Air Tattoo returns this weekend with thrilling flying action and entertainment on the ground for all the family, held in support of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust. The Trust supports the wider RAF family and seeks to develop a spirit of air-mindedness in youngsters.
With upwards of 130,000 visitors and support from the Royal Air Force as well as some of the world’s leading aerospace companies, the Air Tattoo is acknowledged as not only the world’s largest military airshow but also one of the UK’s premier outdoor events.
During the 7.5 hour flying display, visitors will see fast jets, giant transporters, historic aircraft, and much more. There will be a chance to meet the crews, get close to the aircraft and enjoy first-class entertainment including the Techno Zone, an interactive showcase designed especially for youngsters, the Adrenalin Zone and the Vintage Village.
The first Air Tattoo was staged in 1971 at North Weald airfield in Essex with just over 100 aircraft taking part. From these small beginnings the show became the International Air Tattoo in 1976, and recognition of its status was granted by Her Majesty The Queen in 1996, when the current Royal International Air Tattoo title was adopted in 1996.
Entry is free for accompanied under-16s and there is free parking for ticket holders.
Tewkesbury Medieval Festival, Tewkesbury
July 12-13
Tewkesbury Medieval Festival has been a popular feature of Tewkesbury’s summer calender since 1984. It is now widely regarded as the largest free medieval gathering of its kind in Europe, and attracts re-enactors, traders and entertainers, and visitors from all over the world.
Its central attraction is a re-enactment of the Battle of Tewkesbury, on part of the site of the original 1471 battlefield. Many of the participants, including wives and children, live as a medieval army in authentic medieval encampments for the whole weekend.
The event features a wide range of period entertainment, including music, dance and drama as well as a collection of interesting characters from the past. These may include barber surgeons, preachers and even the odd dragon keeper! There is a children’s activity area, with period-based arts and craft sessions, and an exhibition tent with displays from organisations specialising in different aspects of history.
The busy and colourful medieval market will have everything from a suit of armour or gown to a pot of herbs or bag of sweets. Caterers supply traditional and contemporary food and drink, including ale specially brewed for the occasion.
Meanwhile, the town centre will feature associated events and the streets will be adorned with dozens of authentic medieval banners for the festival period.
Entry to Tewkesbury Medieval Festival is free. There is a small charge for parking.
For further information, visit: www.tewkesburymedievalfestival.org
Battle Proms 2014, Woodstock
July 12
This will be the 10th year that Blenheim Palace has hosted the Battle Proms Picnic Concert in its grand grounds which include 2100 acres of formal gardens and ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped parkland. Home to the 11th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough, Blenheim Palace is the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, a World Heritage Site.
The Battle Proms returns to the North Park this year for the choreographed Spitfire display. There will also be a special infantry display to celebrate The Road to Waterloo: the build up to the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo.
The Battle Proms team have been staging the unique picnic concert since 1997, bringing together music with choreographed aerial displays, thunderous cannon fire, cavalry displays and fireworks.
Visitors are welcome to bring their own food and picnic equipment.
For tickets and more information, visit: www.blenheimpalace.com
2000Trees Festival, Cheltenham
July 10-12
2000trees is a 5,000 capacity music festival set in the rolling Cotswold Hills, with a variety of musicians performing across the weekend and plenty of food and locally produced ciders, ales and lagers to keep festival goers going.
This year there will be over 80 new and underground acts from the worlds of rock and indie, plus some more established acts to close out the night.
Notable musicians in this year’s line-up include Band of Skulls, Blood Red Shoes, Dan le Sac vs Scroobious Pip, Public Service Broadcasting, The Blackout and many more.
For tickets and details, visit: www.twothousandtreesfestival.co.uk
Art Couture Painswick Festival, Painswick
July 13
In July each year, a festival takes place throughout the streets of Painswick, featuring stage shows where models display the astonishing creations, and a team of celebrity judges decides on the winners.
Art Couture Painswick (ACP) is an artistic venture that encourages creative people of all ages and from all walks of life to participate in making works of art using the body as a canvas for creativity.
ACP is a registered charity, and is run by a group of enthusiastic volunteers. It is generously supported by local businesses and individuals and generates a spirit of community in the area.
Despite having only been in existence for 4 years, the event now has a year-round programme of activities as well as a dispoke display space, the ACP Gallery, where the costume collection is exhibited on a rotating basis and workshops as well as other creative events are run.
The ACP Festival is set in the churchyard of Painswick, amongst its iconic 99 yew trees and ancient table-top graves. This year’s catwalk shows on the churchyard stage feature eccentric creations themed on ‘Reflections, Invasions, and Legends’ with creative headgear themed on ‘Elements’, and Body Art focusing on ‘Heroes and Heroines’.
There will be music, circus skills workshops, street entertainment, creative stalls and delicious offerings from local suppliers. The organisers have also arranged the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight to bring a flypast by a Dakota, used extensively 70 years ago in the D-Day landings.
For more information, visit: www.canvasforcreativity.com
