While many festivals host arts, comedy, theatre and dance stages in their fields, there are plenty of dedicated festivals out their for arts and literature enthusiasts. We are a nation built on Shakespeare, Lord of the Rings and Brontë after all.
For all loves of books, film and more, then here are some of the best places to celebrate our cultural heritage this summer (and beyond).
Manchester Film Festival
Festival: Manchester Film Festival
Location: Manchester, UK
Dates: 19-29 March 2026
Known as Manchester’s biggest celebration of new and independent film, Manchester Film Festival hosts live screenings, Q&As and red carpet events through its ten day run in the city. Now in its 12th year, Manchester Film Festival is one of the best places in the UK to find film masterpieces from both major and indie filmmakers.
Norfolk & Norwich Festival
Festival: Norfolk & Norwich Festival
Location: Norfolk, UK
Dates: 8-24 May 2026
While there are many ‘long-running’ festivals, few can claim to be over 250 years old. But that’s what the Norfolk & Norwich Festival can claim to be. This city-wide festival held over 17 days delivers a region-wide programme of arts and culture for all ages.
Hay Festival
Festival: Hay Festival
Location: Hay-on-Wye, Wales
Dates: 21-31 May 2026
Known as one of the UK’s most popular festivals for art, literature, science, politics and much more, Hay Festival is a regular coming together of the best minds delivering fascinating talks, lectures and workshops for all ages.
Sheffield DocFest
Festival: Sheffield DocFest
Location: Sheffield, UK
Dates: 10-15 June 2026
Bringing together global documentaries across the city of Sheffield, Sheffield DocFest has cemented itself as one of the best festivals in the UK for cinema. Regularly featuring exclusive documentaries alongside talks and panel discussions, if you’re a lover of film then head to Sheffield this summer.
Ventnor Fringe Festival
Festival: Ventnor Fringe Festival
Location: Isle of Wight, UK
Dates: 17-26 July 2026
Held on the blissful Isle of Wight, Ventnor Fringe Festival is an award winning summer arts festival for comedy, theatre and music. All events take advantage of the many locations dotted across the town of Ventnor, hosting hundreds of performances across the beachs and bays of the island.
Moseley Folk & Arts Festival
Festival: Moseley Folk & Arts Festival
Location: Moseley, Birmingham, UK
Dates: 4-6 September 2026
Set in the vibrant community of south Birmingham, Moseley Folk & Arts Festival may be the perfect summertime closer. Its 2026 edition will host musical acts Kingfishr, Super Furry Animals and The Deadsouth alongside a programme of comedy, dance and more activities for all ages.
BFI London Film Festival
Festival: BFI London Film Festival
Location: London, UK
Dates: 7-18 October 2026
Screening some of the most innovative and groundbreaking cinema out there, the BFI London Film Festival is one of the most exciting festivals for film, series and immersive storytelling. Celebrating its 70th birthday in 2026, the festival showcases both Hollywood blockbusters and indie gems alike.
Cheltenham Literature Festival
Festival: Cheltenham Literature Festival
Location: Cheltenham, UK
Dates: 9-18 October 2026
Billed as the world’s longest running festival of written and spoken word, Cheltenham Literature Festival is simply a must for any and all book lovers out there. The festival features talks from some of the most popular authors out there alongside seminars, workshops and more across its nine-day event.
