Bangkok--15 Jun--TQPR
More than 150 hot-air balloons of all shapes and sizes will fly over Bristol on 12—15 August. The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, first held in 1978, is recognised as one of the UK’s top five outdoor events.
Balloons take to the sky in mass ascents every morning and evening of the festival. During the Nightglows at 9.30 on Thursday and Saturday evenings the balloons are tethered in the main arena and light up in sequence to music. The Nightglow events are followed by fireworks.
The RAF’s Red Arrows aerobatic team will perform at 4.30pm on 15 August before the Fiesta’s finale of a mass balloon ascent at 6pm, weather permitting. More than 250 trade stands, local and international food stalls, a funfair and other entertainment complete the festival. It is a free event and attracts around half a million people to the hills of the Ashton Court estate on the edge of Bristol, in the west of England. Website: www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk
Robin Hood- the Movie comes to life this year in Nottingham’s annual Robin Hood Festival. Taking place on 2-8 August at the Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve & Visitor Centre, visitors will get a chance to see an official Robin Hood — The Movie exhibition designed by Universal Pictures with costumes and props from the new Ridley Scott film Robin Hood starring Russell Crowe.
Entry to the Robin Hood Festival is free, although there is a small charge for some events such as open air theatre performances and have-a-go archery. The annual event is one of the Midland’s biggest free festivals. Websites: www.robinhood.org.uk/rhf.htm; www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk
Royal harpists Catrin Finch and Claire Jones will serenade visitors of The National Botanic Garden of Wales at its first Summer Harp Festival on 29—30 August. Aside from performing in concert, Catrin will also hold a masterclass at the Garden. A harp orchestra will take part in the festival and there will be recitals, talks, tours and hands-on opportunities for harpists of all ages and abilities.
Website: www.gardenofwales.org.uk
New summer festival combines music, fashion, art, and design in a celebration of British cool from the 1940s, ’50s, ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. ‘Vintage at Goodwood’ will feature bands, DJs, collectors, vintage clothing from each decade, as well as contemporary bands and brands inspired by Britain’s rich creative heritage.
Goodwood Estate is in the South Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Admission charges to Vintage at Goodwood are ?55 a day, ?135 for the weekend and ?150 for weekend camping and general admission. Website: www.vintageatgoodwood.com
Cambridge University opens its doors to visitors for bed and breakfast accommodation during the school holidays.
Visitors can choose from a range of room styles. Visitors can book online for rooms in 19 colleges, some of them dating from the 15th century or earlier. Thousands of visitors come to Cambridge each year, attracted by the historical architecture and unique atmosphere of the colleges. Now everyone can experience it first-hand.
A total of 550 function rooms and 6,500 bedrooms are available.
Cambridge, 80km (50 miles) north of London, has been a seat of learning for over 700 years. The oldest college, Peterhouse, was founded in 1284. Website: www.stayinacambridgecollege.com