A Calendar Full of Celebration

The English Midlands has a rich tradition of festivals, fairs, and community events that reflect its diverse culture, deep history, and strong civic pride. Whether you're a music fan, a foodie, a history enthusiast, or simply looking for a great weekend out, the Midlands calendar offers something for every month of the year.

Spring Events (March – May)

Stratford-upon-Avon Literary Festival

Held each spring in the birthplace of Shakespeare, the Stratford Literary Festival is one of England's most respected book festivals. It brings together authors, poets, and thinkers from across the world for readings, conversations, and workshops. The setting — in the heart of a market town intrinsically linked with English literature — gives the festival a unique atmosphere.

Birmingham St George's Day Celebrations

Birmingham embraces England's national day with considerable enthusiasm, with events across the city centre typically including live music, folk performances, and street markets. The Cathedral Quarter and Victoria Square areas are usually at the heart of the celebrations.

Summer Events (June – August)

Glastonwick Music Festival, Warwickshire

The Midlands has a strong tradition of smaller, community-focused music festivals. Numerous events across the region during summer — from large-scale productions to village fetes with local bands — provide a more intimate alternative to the major national festivals.

Nottingham's Summer Festivals

Nottingham hosts a busy summer events calendar centred on its vibrant city centre. The Nottingham Riverside Festival brings music, arts, and food to the waterfront, while the annual Nottingham Pride celebration is one of the largest LGBTQ+ events in the East Midlands.

Ludlow Food Festival, Shropshire

Though its main event falls in September, Ludlow also runs a spring food festival, confirming its reputation as the foodie capital of the Midlands. Producers from across the region bring their finest cheeses, meats, ales, and preserves to the shadow of Ludlow Castle.

Autumn Events (September – November)

Nottingham Goose Fair

One of Europe's oldest and largest travelling fairs, the Nottingham Goose Fair has been held every October for over 700 years. Originally a medieval livestock market, it is now a vast funfair taking over the Forest Recreation Ground with hundreds of rides and attractions. It remains a deeply embedded part of Nottingham's cultural identity.

Derby CAMRA Beer Festival

Derby has a passionate real ale culture, and the annual CAMRA beer festival typically held in autumn brings together hundreds of cask ales from across the country. Burton-upon-Trent's brewing heritage is well represented, and the event draws enthusiasts from across the region.

Winter Events (December – February)

Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market

The Frankfurt Christmas Market in Birmingham city centre is one of the largest German markets outside of Germany and Austria. Victoria Square and New Street fill with wooden stalls selling traditional German crafts, food, and glühwein each November and December. It is one of Birmingham's most popular annual events, drawing visitors from across the UK.

Nottingham Winter Wonderland

Nottingham's Old Market Square transforms each winter into an ice rink and festive market, making it one of the most picturesque seasonal events in the East Midlands.

Planning Your Visit Around Events

  • Book accommodation well in advance for major events like the Frankfurt Christmas Market — city centre hotels fill up quickly.
  • Check local council websites and regional tourism boards for the most up-to-date event listings.
  • Many events are free to attend — particularly outdoor markets, parades, and community celebrations.
  • Public transport is usually the best option for major city-centre events, as parking is limited.