Discover great days out around our coastline this month with our guide to some of the best events, festivals and activities by the sea. Words Francesca Donovan
Honour the final days of summer this September and head to the seashore for one of these unforgettable coastal events. From food and drink to adrenaline-fuelled swims, there’s no excuse not to catch those last few summer rays.
1. NAIRN BOOK & ARTS FESTIVAL, NAIRNSHIRE
27 August – 4 September
The Scottish Highlands welcomes you to a celebration of literature, art, music, drama and film in this story-lover’s paradise, an ancient fishing port and market town just east of Inverness.
(nairnfestival.co.uk)
2. LINDISFARNE MUSIC FESTIVAL, BERWICK-UPON-TWEED, NORTHUMBERLAND
1 – 4 September
Less than an hour from Edinburgh and Newcastle, but a world away from reality overlooking Holy Island, this festival boasts hundreds of artists, including Madness and Rudimental, across eight stages.
(lindisfarnefestival.com)
3. NORTH NORFOLK FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL, HOLKHAM, NORFOLK
3 – 4 September
Join local chefs and drinks connoisseurs in a sublime setting to sample fresh meat and game, sweet treats, artisan beer and bread, as well on-site entertainment at Holkham Hall’s cooking theatre.
(northnorfolkfoodfestival.co.uk)
North Norfolk Food and Drink Festival
4. GOWER WALKING FESTIVAL, THE GOWER PENINSULA, GLAMORGAN
3 – 11 September
This year, Gower Walking Festival celebrates 10 years of the Wales Coast Path. Come along for a variety of inspiring and informative rambles in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
(gowerwalkingfestival.uk)
GOWER WALKING FESTIVAL, Mewslade Walk
5. LOVE SWIMRUN HOLY ISLAND, ANGLESEY, NORTH WALES
Saturday 10th September
Starting near South Stack lighthouse, this adrenaline-fuelled coastal race invites you to swim sandy bays, hop along rocky channels and run along high cliff edges with spectacular views of Snowdonia.
(loveswimrun.co.uk)
6. GLOW RISE FIERCE REREAT, CARDIGAN, PEMBROKESHIRE
15 – 18 September
This residential retreat run by cold water swimmer, yoga teacher and women’s empowerment activist, Sophie Hellyer, promotes active relaxation in the beautiful surroundings of Fforest Farm by the West Wales coast.
(risefierce.com)
GLOW RISE FIERCE REREAT, CARDIGAN, PEMBROKESHIRE. Photo credit Heather Birnie
7. MORECAMBE POETRY FESTIVAL, MORECAMBE, LANCASHIRE
16 – 18 September
Be inspired by the likes of Dr. John Cooper Clarke and Lemn Sissay at this self-titled poetry marathon with a free publishers’ fayre, afternoon workshops and grassroots poetry slots.
(facebook.com/Morecambe-Poetry-Festival)
8. OUT THERE FESTIVAL, GREAT YARMOUTH, NORFOLK
16 – 18 September
Sign up for some seaside silliness and embrace the sublime at this international festival of the arts, and watch as creative talents from around the world celebrate in the streets.
(outtherearts.org.uk)
9. PROMS AT THE MINACK, PORTHCURNO, CORNWALL
17 – 18 September
Bring your flags and horns to celebrate the end of summer with the Mount Charles Band. They are to perform a selection of music plus the Last Night of the Proms favourites.
(minack.com)
PROMS AT THE MINACK, PORTHCURNO, CORNWALL. Photo credit Lynn Batten
10. DREAMLAND SUMMER SOCIAL, MARGATE, KENT
Closes end of September
It’s your last chance to take in the sensory extravaganza that is the Dreamland Summer Social schedule of events. From rides to art installations, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
(dreamland.akaagencies.com)
Please check organisation’s websites for booking information. For more things to do on the coast, head to our Things To Do section, or pick up a copy of the magazine.
