Directory of Free Stuff
Carnivals and Some of the free entry places in the UK and Northern Ireland
that you can visit without paying for a ticket – all you need is the
knowledge
Carnivals and Free Entry - Attractions, Heritage Sites, Events,
Museums, Galleries. Listed by county.
CARNIVAL and Free Outdoor Events LIST
UK Carnivals and Free Outdoor Events
To get your UK
Carnival listed
JANUARY - UK Carnivals and Free Outdoor Events
FEBRUARY - UK Carnivals and Free Outdoor Events
February - Chinese New Year in London's Chinatown - One of the biggest festivals
of the year for the Chinese communities usually begins with a parade starting
in the Strand at 11.00. Traditional Chinese performing artists will be in Trafalgar
Square and cultural decorations, stalls and food booths can be found in Chinatown.
A Chinese fireworks display rounds off the day in Leicester Square. The event
is free and all are welcome!
MARCH - UK Carnivals and Free Outdoor Events
Sunday March 29th 2009, from 10.00 to 17.00
Come and celebrate the start of British Summertime at the BROGDALE MARKETPLACE
SPRING FAYRE !!! Entrance free - individual charges apply for walks, railway
rides & some activities
BROGDALE MARKETPLACE,
Brogdale Farm,
Brogdale Road,
Faversham,
Kent
ME13 8XZ
The home of the National Fruit Collections. www.brogdalecollections.co.uk
For any enquiries
Tel: 01795 536250
SEE FLYER DETAILS
12th to 13th of March 2011 The Aquasense Event, Westpoint
Arena, Exeter - Free admission and free car parking for over 2000 vehicles. Not
for profit and open to the public and trade Aquasense is not just another  trade
show. The event will be providing a rare platform for those in the commercial
aquaculture and fish industry to take a serious look at their current situation
along with displaying their products. Honest views are to be expressed, debates
expected and thoughts towards the future developed. There will be seminars taking
place throughout the event, which anyone can book to apply to host. Covering
a wide range of subjects both the public and trade will be further enlightened
on matters of the industry. Controversy is to be expected.
To the public it offers the chance to see how this industry
spreads far further than providing cod to their local chippy and will educate
on not only the variety of environmental issues and businesses affected by the
industry but also the technology out there to help go about preserving what we
have so future generations stand a chance of enjoying it.
For traders, if you truly believe in your product and the issues
affecting it the event offers the chance to justify your position in the industry,
update your knowledge on the latest technologies and meet not only your competitors
but also the general public.
APRIL - UK Carnivals and Free Outdoor Events
April - Basingstoke & District model engineering society are holding their second Miniature Steam Rally and Exhibition, located at Viables craft centre, Harrow Way, Basingstoke, RG224BJ, on the 14th & 15th April 2012. On show will be a large number of model traction engines in steam, two halls with displays of all types of models, along with traders supplying all your model making needs. Train rides, garden railway layout, giant raffle, licensed bar and catering available, also not forgetting the craft units.
Entry is free to the show, train rides £1.50. Open from 10.00am till 4.30pm both days.
For more details see website www.basingstoke-dmes.co.uk
April - London Marathon - London Marathon spectators are a crowd
on the move! Most people like to try and see runners at more than one location
on the route. It’s great to soak up the atmosphere, take in some of the
landmarks, and perhaps pick up some refreshments on the way too. - With all roads
closed, the only way to get around is by public transport. Both London Underground
and the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) lay on extra services on Marathon Day,
and this is by far the best way to get around.
Easter
Saturday 09:00
- 18:00 – Children’s Entertainment - Touchwood Shopping
Centre, Solihull, West Midlands B91 3GJ - Easter
weekend will see magical fairytales and carnival stories come to life through
Touchwood’s exciting story-telling sessions and mask masking workshops
for children. All local children are invited to come along and take part in these
fun and interactive workshops free of charge. Touchwood
is located in the heart of Solihull and is easily reached by car. Other
Events - MAP
Sunday 22nd April 2012 -
Essex St Georges Family Festival
A fun packed day of fun family entertainment to celebrate everything that is wonderful about our English Country!
Real Ale and Cider Festival - Figures from Historic England - 1970's Classic Cars - Food, Drinks and Crafts - Entertainment - Hog Roast, Butchers BBQ - Classic fairground rides!
560 FREE parking spaces or park and ride from C2C Station at Pitsea!
Time: 10am to 4pm
Admission: FREE!
Venue: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea Hall Lane, Basildon, Essex
Email: stgeorgesdayessex@hotmail.co.uk
SPRING PARADE
Spalding Flower Parade, Spalding, Lincolnshire
A spectacular procession of tulip-decorated floats making their way along a 3mile route from Springfields Event Centre, through the town and ending up in the FREE to enter Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field.
See the Flower Queen and her attendants, colourful marching bands, street entertainers and local community entries.
Spring Bank Holiday Saturday - between 14.00 and 16.00
Web: www.Spalding-Flower-Parade.org.uk
MAY - UK Carnivals and Free Outdoor Events
Spring Bank Holiday Saturday - Loughborough Canal and Boat Festival
SAT and SUN 10.30 - 17.00 both days FREE ADMISSION!!
Loughborough Wharf, Canal Bank and Schwabisch Hall Way.
Entrances at Bridge St, Meadow Lane and Belton Rd Close to Loughborough town
centre.
A weekend of family fun with music, boat trips, food from around the world, vintage
vehicles, exhibitions, stalls, children's entertainment and lots and lots of
boats. 3 pubs on site!! A free entry event, now in it's thirteenth year on an
extensive and wheelchair friendly site close to the town centre.
Details: Jo Swift on 01509 635827 or see website at www.loughboroughfestival.co.uk
 May Bank Holiday - Canalway
Cavalcade, sponsored by The Inland
Waterways Association - Little Venice, London W2. An annual event which has taken
place since 1983 - Fun for all the family - Boater's gathering - Trade Shows
- Musicians - Kid's Activities - Boat Trips Opening Times - Saturday 10.00 to
18.00 - Sunday 10.00 to 18.00 and 20.30 to 22.30 - Monday 10.00 to 17.00 Admission
Free
JUNE - UK Carnivals and Free Outdoor Events
June - Trooping
the Colour - The Queen’s Birthday Parade at 10.30
on Horse Guards Parade, London.
 June
- The
Coventry Mysteries -
A return to the City's medieval traditions of Mystery Plays but in a 21st century
context. This will
an annual festival event in the West Midlands though with a different theme
each year. A week long FREE festival of music, dance, theatre, film, comedy and
inspirational lectures, all taking a different theme each year. At venues throughout
Coventry, please check website for dates, full times and
details. The Coventry Mysteries Company has been established by Coventry City
Council, The University of Warwick, Coventry University and the Alan Edward Higgs
Charity. The Board is there to provide strategic guidance, long term support
and to ensure the quality and success of the Coventry Mysteries.
Second Saturday in June - Halls Green Jewellery Charity Event and Family Fun Day, North Barn, Fairclough Hall Farm, Halls Green, Weston, Hertfordshire, SG4 7DP -
FREE Family day out on Second Saturday in June 09.45 - 17.00.
The goldsmiths will be doing the amazing demonstrations -
There's a charity raffle in aid of the NSPCC and you can win jewellery and gift vouchers.
The ever-popular Children's Jewellery Making workshops will be help upstairs. 2011
The Letchworth Classic and Vintage Car Club will be holding their event on the farm between 12.00 and 17.00 and visitors to the studio are of course welcome so why not bring a picnic and join the fun there as well - they'll be loads of cars to look at, a jazz band, children's activities and a bar.
It promises to be a great day out for the kids and entry to it all is free of charge so do pop along for as little or as much as you fancy. Tel: +44 (0)1462 790565 - E-mail: enquiries@hkjewellery.co.uk
June - Northampton carnival
June - Chester
Midsummer Watch Parade - Chester's main community parade of the year when
the famous Chester Giant Family walk with elephants, devils, unicorns, dragons
and many more. FREE
 June
- Chester
Dragons Boat Race - Spectators Free - Words can't describe how much fun the
Chester Dragon Boating day is! Paddles splashing, drums beating and crowds cheering
and screaming from the banks of the River Dee as the dragon boats race to the
line ...
June - Town
Criers British Championships - Blakemere Craft Centre, Sandiway, Northwich,
Cheshire - Free Parking and Entry.
 Riverside
Fun - On and Off the Water! - Leicester Riverside Festival - Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th June - Bede Park, Mile Straight & Western
Boulevard
Family fun on and off the water is promised as the popular Riverside Festival
returns to Bede Park.
contact -
T: 0116 238 5082
E: festivals@leicester.gov.uk
W: www.leicester.gov.uk/festivals
JULY - UK Carnivals and Free Outdoor Events
 July
- On SUNDAY AFTERNOON
5th JULY 2009 there is a CHILDREN'S FOLK DANCE AFTERNOON
at SUDBURY
HALL the NT property in Derbyshire. This is a free afternoon for all
the family. Starting at 13.00 in the Courtyard of the Hall there will be displays
of country dancing by teams of children from Staffordshire schools and then dancing
for everyone. There will be opportunities to try maypole dancing and to join
in with some folk songs. This is the place to come to enjoy English traditions
against the background of a lovely stately home and it is all free! - Sudbury
Hall and the National Trust Museum of Childhood,
Sudbury, Ashbourne, Derbyshire DE6 5HT
For further information contact 01785 661076
Eastbourne Extreme is one of the biggest FREE extreme sports festivals in the UK
July - Peterborough Central Park Weekend (part of the Peterborough Festival which has chargeable elements) - FREE No Booking Required! A magical mix of entertainment which will appeal to all ages and tastes! Opens with the LORD MAYOR'S PARADE
 July - Overground Live Arts Jam Peterborough - An annual FREE ENTRY live art event with a wide variety of new work by talented local and national artists, showing off to an adoring public. With graffiti and street art being a staple of this event, you can also dine on tasty morsels of performance art, illustration, poetry, craft like you've never seen it before, sculpture and a whole load more.
 July - Staffordshire - Stone
Music Festival
One of the few free musical festivals in the West Midlands, although a small
admission charge is made for indoor events, all concerts on the public stages
are free. Map
 July
-Leicester Belgrave Mela - Festival of South Asian Arts & Culture -
July - This festival of south Asian arts and culture includes a live entertainment
stage, celebrity guests, community performances and a music and dance programme.
The event also boasts the Mela Bazaar. Featuring mouth-watering Indian food,
clothing, jewellery and Asian arts stands, plus much much more! www.leicester.gov.uk/festivals
Southampton Mela Festival - Saturday 16 July 2011 - 12.00 - 21.00 in Hoglands Park, Southampton (opposite Debenhams) SO14 1NH
Free Family Fun For Everyone - One of Southampton’s biggest free events is back. The Southampton Mela returns of its 9th year of festival fun at Hoglands Park, Southampton. New this year is the Art Asia Stage Bus show –casing the best of traditional Indian music and dance. As well as the new there are all the popular favourites of taster workshops for children and adults. Stalls selling a range of goodies, two other stages show-casing local talent and the food court selling tasty food from around the world.
 Free Car Parking and Free Entry SUSSEX - On Saturday July 16th 2011 from 10.00– 16.30, Wivelsfield Village Day
on the recreation ground at Eastern Road, Wivelsfield Green, E Sussex, RH17 7QG. MAP -
Run on a voluntary basis, the Village Day hopes to raise funds for local clubs,
community groups and some local charities. Almost 30 local clubs will be participating
on the day. There will be lots of events for children and families: Harris’ traditional funfair, a climbing wall, bouncy castles and slide, a miniature steam railway, & face painting. In the main arena there will be some displays by clubs & organisations such as a junior football match by Mid-Sussex Blues; dancing by Wivelsfield Primary School, a tug-of-war competition; lots of fun children’s races for all ages; and a pantomime & space-hopper donkey derby races.New this year will be a go-karting circuit. For the adults there will be a beer & Pimms tent, space-hopper racing and a rich variety of trade stands including stalls from many local food producers. After lunch a companion dog show will run with fun classes for all and prizes for everyone.
For more information go to www.wivelsfieldvillageday.org.uk or phone Barbara Harty 01444 470024.
 July - London Parks Free Festival Weekends - Cultural Co-operation
presents Music Village; Europe’s longest running
festival of world cultures.The 23 Music Villages since 1983 have provided a public
platform to over 3,000 world class artists from 80 countries, and a safe, yet
fertile, ‘contact zone’ in which audiences of all races and faiths
can learn about and openly celebrate each other’s cherished artistic traditions.
Its abiding principle of free admission to all its events has enabled over 2
million people to attend.
Ideal for a lazy all day picnic with family and friends.
Victoria Park - East London’s ‘people’s
park’ hosts the Music Village
Hyde Park - The event returns to
Hyde Park, the capital’s most popular green space, for the festival’s
finale.
 July
- London
City Airport Fun Day -
London City Airport, Royal Docks, E16 2PB -
Free Entry
The annual London City Airport Fun Day with
a host of activities and entertainment for visitors, Fun Day promises to
be more exciting than ever before with major attractions including Zippo's Circus
and live stage performances throughout the afternoon. East Enders fans will also
have the opportunity to meet Shane Ritchie who will be joining the festivities
throughout the afternoon. Britain’s cheerleading
champions, the Ascension Eagles, will be the stars of the show with a thrilling
performance in front of an expected 20,000 visitors. With a tethered hot air
balloon, flight simulator and a jaw-dropping air show, Fun Day is guaranteed
to be the best ever.
Thanks to the generosity of our many sponsors and with so many fun-filled activities
on offer, Fun Day will even stay open an hour later than previous years in order
to pack in all the fun. As always, complimentary buses will be made available
and further details will made available on this site soon.
More information on their website: 2011
July - Godiva Festival -
Memorial Park, Coventry. The UK’s biggest and best FREE and TICKETLESS
family festival. With
an array of rock, pop, hip hop and acoustic artists, orchestras, comedy acts,
a human circus and sublime entertainment, it is not hard to see why the Godiva
Festival attracts more that 70,000 visitors each year. With artists as established
as The Human League, The Enemy, Leo Sayer, The Fratellis and Kasabian the festival
continues to be one of the highlights of the Coventry calendar.
July - Coventry
Caribbean Festival 2011 - Saturday 30th July 2011
- War Memorial Park, Kenilworth Road, Coventry, CV3 6PT from 12 noon to 21.00.
The Coventry Caribbean Festival is in its 21st Year, it is the oldest, biggest and brightest stage event in Coventry. This festival celebrates the local Caribbean communities’ diversity, identity and culture. The Festival has a variety of stalls such as food, arts and craft, toys, information, promotional, charity stalls and also boasts an impressive children’s activities marquee.
The event will provide the wonderful taste of Caribbean food, such as rice and peas, curry goat and a fresh selection of fruits will be available for all to savour. It is hoped that a well renowned Celebrity Chef will be providing interactive cookery sessions on the day. Tommy Wilson’s fairground will entertain all and the West Indian Community Centre will be providing a Beer Tent.
This event has been organised since 1990 by a group of directors on a voluntary basis with support from volunteers across the West Midlands. The current Directors are Clyde McIntosh, Charles Kelly and Sonia Tennant. Clyde (one of the founding members of the group) remains as Director after 21 years.
This is still the only event in Coventry for your annual hit of jerk chicken, reggae music and sunshine with friends. See you there!
We have received support from NP Aerospace, Godiva Wines (Radford) and Coventry City Council.
AUGUST - UK Carnivals and Free Outdoor Events
 August
- Leicester
Caribbean Carnival - Victoria Park, Leicester - August - Enjoy one of
the biggest street carnivals and celebrations outside London. contact 0116 221
1785
August - The
Whitby Regatta - Whitby, North Yorkshire - probably the oldest
sea Regatta in England and has drawn large crowds into Whitby over
the years. Three full days of entertainment, embracing yacht racing,
rowing races and various forms of free entertainment as published in the
official programme.
August - Notting
Hill Carnival - Notting Hill, London - FREE - will be held
held during the Bank Holiday weekend on Sunday and Monday
in August.
August - Skegness
Carnival - Skegness, Lincolnshire - FREE - A great day out
at the seaside.
August - Kendal MintFest -
After its phenomenal success in 2007, Mintfest returns bringing the very best
in outdoor performance from across the world to Kendal for 3 days in August. More
than 200 performers from across the world in shows you will never have seen before
and may never see again. Mintfest makes the most of a unique location, bringing
the parks and streets of Kendal alive with performances in six outdoor venues
spread across the town.
SEPTEMBER - UK Carnivals and Free Outdoor Events
 September
- The Great British Duck Race - September 'Adopt a duck for Action!' - The Great
British Duck Race takes place in September on the Thames near Hampton
Court and is free to attend. Enter a duck in the Great British Duck Race and
you could win £10,000 - or one of 30 other great prizes on offer. It costs
just £2
to enter a duck, and you can choose to add a £3 donation to Action for
Blind People. To find out more, please click the link: www.thegreatbritishduckrace.co.uk
September - The Boomerang Pet Personality Awards at London's Regent's Park,
The free public event will see Boomerang characters
including Scooby Doo, Garfield, Tweety Pie and The Pink Panther honour kids and
their pets in ten categories including awards for the Bravest, Cutest, Most Unusual,
Favourite Celebrity Pet, amongst others.
www.boomerangtv.co.uk Bringing
a slice of quirky British countryside to the heart of London, the Boomerang Pet
Personality Awards will centre around a ‘village green’ featuring
a dog agility show from Britain’s Got Talent duo Kate & Gin, duck herding,
ferret racing and a not-to-be-missed ‘sheeplechase’. Also present
will be vintage fairground rides and a designated family picnic area.
September - Canal
Festival - Dudley Canal Trust, The Pump House, Blowers Green, Pear Tree Lane,
Dudley. Map
September - Kendal
Torchlight Carnival -
Free to watch and enjoy!
18.45
A number of Kendal Town Centre roads will close to traffic but open to, and welcome,
people. Roads will not re-open until after the full procession has returned.
All Evening -
Gooseholme Fairground on the banks of the River Kent. 19.00 -
Street Art Performers around the town. 19.45 -
Start of the Annual Kendal Torchlight Carnival.
 September
or October - BUPA
Great North Run - 13.1 miles - Newcastle on a Sunday.
OCTOBER - UK Carnivals and Free Outdoor Events
October
or September - BUPA
Great North Run - 13.1 miles - Newcastle on a Sunday.
NOVEMBER - UK Carnivals and Free Outdoor Events
November - Lord Mayor’s Show. Procession through the City of London.
November - Bridgwater
(Guy Fawkes) Carnival - Bridgwater, Somerset - A spectacular illuminated
winter carnival. The world's largest illuminated winter carnival.
November - North
Petherton (Guy Fawkes) Carnival - North Petherton, Somerset - A spectacular
illuminated winter carnival.
November - Highbridge
and Burnham-on-sea (Guy Fawkes) Carnival - Highbridge and Burnham-on-sea,
Somerset - A spectacular illuminated winter carnival.
November - Shepton Mallet (Guy Fawkes) Carnival (No web link
yet) - Somerset - A spectacular illuminated winter carnival.
November - Weston-super-Mare (Guy Fawkes) Carnival (No
web link yet)- Somerset - A spectacular illuminated winter carnival.
November - Wells
(Guy Fawkes) Carnival - Wells, Somerset - A spectacular illuminated
winter carnival.
November - Glastonbury
(Guy Fawkes) Carnival - Glastonbury, Somerset - A spectacular illuminated
winter carnival.
 November - Last Sunday in November - The Co-operative Society announces a
huge fun-filled festive fundraising effort for it's 2009 Charity of the Year,
RNID (The Royal National Institute for Deaf People). The
5km Santa Dash, taking
place at Sportcity, Manchester on the last Sunday in November, bringing together
hundreds of people from The Co-operative staff, their families and friends plus
members of the public in the traditional red-and-white of Father Christmas.
December - UK Carnivals and Free Outdoor Events
December - Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, Trafalgar Square, London - Every
year since 1947, as a token of gratitude for Britain's support of Norway during
the Second World War. The city of Oslo has donated a large spruce tree to the
people of Britain in London. The tree is always prominently displayed in Trafalgar
Square. MAP
December - Chalice Well Gardens, Chilkwell Street, Glastonbury, Somerset
BA6 8DD -
Wheel of the Year – Winter Solstice 21st December, FREE entry between
10-12 noon -
The space between the ending and the beginning, the still point, where life considers
the regeneration and conception of itself. 12pm Meditation at the Well head followed
by Conversation Café round the fire. 2 – 4pm Ceremony, song and
live music with Silver Twiglets. Refreshments on sale. Companions FREE, Normal
entrance £3.50/£1.70, For further info. Tel: 01458 831154, Email:
info@chalicewell.org.uk, Web:
www.chalicewell.org.uk.
December - 21st -22nd December - Winter Solstice ~ The longest night or shortest
day of the year. The pagan celebration marking the day (also known as Yule) is
the world's oldest winter fest.
December - End of December - Festival of Winter Walks - Walks led by experienced
members of the Ramblers Association - See www.Ramblers.org.uk -
Join us on a winter walk between Boxing Day and 3 Jan. Walks include:
• Walks in every nook and cranny of England, Scotland and Wales
• At least 300 walks under 5 miles
• Themed ‘cake walks’, tipsy toddles, and fancy dress strolls
• 100+ walks for people in their 20s and 30s
• Delicious FREE Nature Valley snack bars at many walks
This light-hearted event is open to everyone who wants some festive fun whilst
donning a Father Christmas outfit to run, jog or walk the 5K route. The Co-operative
5K Santa Dash aims to bring some early Christmas cheer to the streets of Manchester.
December - 31st December - Hogmanay in Edinburgh ~ The celebrations include
the famous torchlight procession plus a host of street events including music
and dance.
Below this line, in the grey area, we are adding alternative days out to
the free listings that DoFreeStuff is renowned for. This is to help you plan
your family days out. The events listed below make a charge for admission!
Map of the counties of England CLICK HERE
Map of the Regions of Scotland CLICK HERE
Map of the Regions of Wales CLICK HERE
Map of the counties of N Ireland CLICK HERE
Every effort has been made to make sure that the information contained in this Directory is accurate. Do be aware, however, that conditions of entry etc. can change at short notice and that telephone numbers and personalities may change also. We are very grateful to all who have contributed listings, who have provided details and additional images for use on www.DoFreeStuff.com. No responsibility can be accepted for errors. Please advise us of any corrections to be incorporated in the next update.
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