Cool Britannia
Experience The Best Of British This Summer…
For years, overseas tourists have flocked to Great Britain to experience the rich tapestry of history and culture that makes the country so enigmatic. Kings, Queens, Castles and a thriving arts and music scene makes the UK a great place to visit but no more so than the summer months when towns and cities burst into life and sometimes there’s even some great weather!
Britain’s major cities are renowned the world over for their ample cultural events all year round but in the summer Edinburgh,Glasgow and London really come alive with an endless list of things to see and do. Take in some fine British entertainment this summer as a season of fine music and drama arrives.
Culture vultures from all over the world descend upon the city of Edinburgh during August as the annual Edinburgh Festival takes over the Capital. A trip to Auld Reekie is an exciting experience when this kaleidoscope of festivals rolls into town.
Edinburgh is ablaze with colour every August as it welcomes the Festival Fringe, the world’s biggest celebration of the arts. Comedy, drama, dance, puppetry, music, there’s something for everyone as Scotland’s Capital is transformed, for one month only, into 24-hour-a-day wonderland of entertainment.
No visit to Edinburgh during the Festival would be complete without witnessing the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. The world famous military spectacular presents a host of international performers, set against the incredible backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
Heading west to the second city of the Empire, Mother Glasgow has a host of vibrant events this summer. One of our favourites is the Merchant City Festival. Glasgow’s multi-arts festival brings to the Merchant City lots of great events that make for fun packed days with music, theatre, comedy, film, food and exhibitions, all celebrating the cultural richness of Glasgow’s old commercial quarter. Join in the lively atmosphere and cool city vibe from 25 July until 2 August.
Another fascinating trip through Britain’s heritage wouldn’t be complete without exploring our Royal palaces. Overseas tourists’ love affair with the British Monarchy has grown stronger with the popularity of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge who recently welcomed to their family a sister for Prince George. Princess Charlotte arrived in May, heralding a bright new future for the Royal Family.
A great alternative to the obvious choice of Buckingham Palace is Windsor Castle. The Queen’s weekend residence is the oldest, occupied castle in the world. The castle covers an area of about 13 acres and is home to magnificent state apartments furnished with treasures from The Royal Collection and St George’s Chapel. The chapel is one of the most beautiful ecclesiastical buildings in England and burial place of 10 monarchs. Weather permitting you may be lucky enough to witness the changing of the guard. So far, so high brow but don’t worry, there’s plenty more to keep you (and the kids) entertained. If you’re all heritage and cultured out then Legoland is just down the road.
Another highlight of the great British summer is the musical extravaganza that is BBC Proms Season. The Proms, more formally known as The BBC Proms, or The Henry Wood Promenade Concerts presented by the BBC, is an eight-week summer season of daily orchestral classical music concerts and other events held annually, predominantly in the Royal Albert Hall, London. Founded in 1895, each season currently consists of more than 70 concerts in the Albert Hall, a series of chamber concerts at Cadogan Hall, additional Proms in the Park events across the United Kingdom on the last night, and associated educational and children’s events. Proms Season runs from 17 July until the famous Last Night, which will take place at The Royal Albert Hall on Saturday 12 September. You could be joining the flag waving ‘Promenaders’ as they bounce along to Rule Britannia! and Elgar’s glorious Pomp and Circumstance March.
Visit the BBC proms website for the full calendar of events and ticket details.
So if you’re looking for a great British summer experience, you won’t find yourself wanting for somewhere to go, something to do or for an injection of culture. You can be sure of a warm welcome!