Four fun festivals and events happening around Yorkshire this June and July

Here at PenLife, we love the summertime – longer days and beautiful weather make us very happy!

We’ve been catching up with our colleagues and clients about the plans they have for the summer, and have realised that although an abroad holiday is a lot of fun, there’s so much to do on our doorstep.

If you’re looking for some summery inspiration as we head into the warm months, keep reading to find out four festivals and events happening around Yorkshire in June and July.

1. Whitby Soul Weekender

Held between 5th and 7th July, Whitby Soul Weekender is a music festival that celebrates Northern Soul, Modern Soul, and Motown music. 2024 is the festival’s 22nd year running – it’s become a staple of the music scene in our region.

This exciting weekend for music lovers is hosted at the Whitby Pavilion over two evenings. Dance with a view over the picturesque Whitby cliffs with world-renowned DJs spinning the decks until 1 am each night.

Plus, there’ll be records and merchandise for sale so you can take home a piece of Whitby Soul memorabilia.

There’s plenty to do during the day too – venture into the town for a hearty plate of fish and chips, walk on the beach, and even go searching for an ammonite that could be up to 100 million years old.

All in all, the Whitby Soul Weekender could be just what you need for a fun summer weekend away. You can find ticket information for Whitby Soul Weekender, plus this year’s lineup, on the Gold Soul website.

2. Bradford Literature Festival

Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, Bradford Literature Festival is being held between 28th June and 7th July.

For book lovers and keen writers, the Bradford Literature Festival acts as the perfect respite from day-to-day life, sure to enrich your mind and inspire your creativity.

With lectures on English literature, poetry performances, political talks, interactive workshops, and book signings all happening across the week, there’s plenty to do and explore. Previous writers in attendance include Sebastian Faulks, Val McDermid, and Alastair Campbell.

This year, the festival is being held across 30 venues around Bradford. With tickets being sold for individual events, starting at just £7, you can design your own festival programme tailored to your individual interests and availability.

Make sure to keep an eye on the Bradford Literature Festival website for more information.

3. Harrogate Food and Drink Festival

The Harrogate Food and Drink Festival is a local hit, with visitors coming from all over the country to enjoy the festivities.

There are two weekends to this festival, one happening in June and the other in August.

Hosted at The Stray, Harrogate between 29th and 30th June this year, followed by another weekend at Ripley Castle between 24th and 26th August, the festival will comprise:

• Live tribute bands, including The Killers and Robbie Williams
• Street food and artisan markets
• Standup comedy
• Children’s activities and entertainment
• Independent bars serving local beers, ales, and spirits
• Live cookery demonstrations.

Many of these events are free to attend once at the festival, making this a cost-effective weekend away for all the family.

This is not a camping-friendly festival, but there are plenty of beautiful hotels and Airbnb options around Harrogate that may suit you. Or, if you live close to either venue, there is parking close to both locations that could be more convenient for you and your family.

Tickets are on sale now for both weekends – and a portion of the proceeds is donated to mental health charities too. You can find more information on the official festival site.

4. Tramlines Festival, Sheffield

Tramlines is one of the UK’s most popular music festivals with lineups of chart-topping musicians every single year – and 2024 is no different.

Hosted in Sheffield’s Hillsborough Park between 26th and 28th July, this year’s lineup includes:

• Paolo Nutini
• Jamie T
• Snow Patrol
• The Human League
• Sophie Ellis-Bextor
• Bombay Bicycle Club.

In addition, there’s a comedy stage featuring popular comedians like Jon Richardson and Lucy Beaumont.

The festival’s club nights include an ABBA night and 2014 “bangers” to get the party started.

With accessibility for those of all ages and requirements, Tramlines could be the perfect weekend of music and comedy spent with friends. This could also be the ideal time to introduce your young adult children to the world of music festivals (anyone under 16 should be accompanied by an adult).

You can book tickets on the Tramlines website – and be quick, as the festival is extremely popular!