Tourism Breaking News
As GCC travellers get ready for their post Ramadan and summer travel, Great Britain is among the strongest outbound holiday destinations year-after-year. With a 365-day calendar of global festivals and events, 2023 is set for another GREAT year of celebrations. From the coronation of King Charles III, to Liverpool hosting the Eurovision Song Contest, here is VisitBritain’s Top 10 events not to be missed.
The Coronation of King Charles III, London – 6 & 8 May 2023
The coronation of Charles III is an extraordinary event that will be steeped in tradition and historical significance. The grandeur of Westminster Abbey will provide the perfect backdrop for this momentous occasion, as the Archbishop of Canterbury leads a service that represents the diversity of the United Kingdom’s faiths and communities. This shorter and more inclusive coronation will be a true reflection of the nation’s current economic circumstances and the King’s wishes. Witnessing the crowning of Camilla as Queen Consort will be a unique and unforgettable experience. Come to London and be a part of history in the making, as the city comes alive to celebrate this momentous event with a bank holiday on Monday 8 May.
Eurovision Song Contest 2023, Liverpool – 13 May 2023
Liverpool will host the 2023 Eurovision Song Content on behalf of 2022’s winners, Ukraine. The international talent show brings together the best, quirkiest and most colourful acts from around Europe and further afield. And while the Grand Finale is on Saturday 13 May, there are actually nine shows taking place in front of a live audience, meaning more opportunities to slip on your dancing shoes and eyeball the action.
RHS Chelsea Flower Show, London – 23 – 27 May 2023
RHS Chelsea Flower Show is known as the world’s greatest flower show, full of cutting-edge garden designs, seasonal floral displays and endless shopping. In 2023, it’s all about how gardens and gardening can help boost our health and wellbeing, with a focus on how they have a restorative effect on us and the environment.
Taste of London, London – June 2023
Discover a tantalising selection of London’s top restaurants at the Taste of London festival in Regent’s Park. Taste rounds up the hottest London restaurants, hunts down the future food heroes, and brings together chefs who are about to launch their next big thing.
Royal Ascot, Berkshire – 20 – 24 June
Royal Ascot has established itself as a national institution and a major focus of the British social calendar, as well as being the ultimate stage for the best racehorses in the world. Tradition, pageantry, fashion and style all mix together, as well as around 30 races over five days.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Scotland – 4 – 28 August 2023
Don’t let the name mislead you. There’s nothing peripheral about this festival. Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the world’s largest arts and media festival. The emphasis is on comedy and theatre, with thousands of shows from street performers, artists, comedians, dancers, poets, musicians and more. Unexpected, challenging and a lot of fun, there’s nothing else like it in the world.
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, Bristol – 10 – 13 August 2023
Bristol’s largest free fiesta takes to the skies over the beautiful Ashton Court Estate. Over 100 hot-air balloons gather for mass ascents, tethered displays and the highly anticipated Night Glow spectacles at the largest event of its kind in Europe. Held over four days, the market stalls, live music, fairground rides and street food also help attract over half a million people to the fiesta each year.
Premier League, Nationwide – August 2023 – May 2024
Experience the adrenaline rush of the English Premier League in person and witness some of the world’s top football teams and players battle it out on the field. Imagine the roar of the crowd, the intense energy in the stadium, and the excitement of being a part of one of the biggest sporting events in the world. It’s not just about the matches, though – traveling to Britain during the football season allows you to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and history of the cities that host Premier League clubs. Don’t just watch the game, live it!
Christmas Markets, Nationwide – November – December 2023
As Christmas approaches, towns and cities across the UK fill with Christmas markets and Christmas cheer. Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market is the largest authentic Christmas market outside Germany and Austria. Bath’s cobbled streets and ancient abbey are an especially magical spot for a Christmas market, and the 150-strong stalls sell a great selection of gifts. London celebrates a cornucopia of festive markets, from Southbank Centre’s enchanting Winter Market to Borough Market’s festive foodie heaven. Christmas at Blenheim Palace whisks marketgoers away from the hustle and bustle of the high street to the tranquil grounds of a country estate; the illuminated trail is the frosted cherry on top. Other Christmas markets worth visiting around England include York, Nottingham, Stratford-upon-Avon, Winchester Cathedral, Exeter Cathedral and Manchester – to name just a few.
New Year’s Eve, London – 31 December 2023
New Year’s Eve in London is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that captures the essence of the city’s dynamic culture and rich history. The iconic fireworks display over the River Thames, centered around the London Eye, is a sight that cannot be missed. The buzzing energy of the city, as people from all walks of life come together to celebrate, is contagious. With plenty of pubs, clubs, and restaurants hosting special events throughout the city, you’ll find no shortage of ways to ring in the New Year in style. Come to London for a New Year’s celebration you’ll never forget.
