British Summertime means longer days, so spend them somewhere spectacular

Image: Scarborough Open Air Theatre

It’s that wonderful time of year again, greeted as ever by incredulity, joy and stress in equal measure. On March 31st at 1:00am, clocks across the UK will move forwards an hour, in a move seemingly designed to confuse drunkards the nation over. 

Fortunately, the aptly named British Summertime means that sunnier days are on the horizon (ignoring that weird February heatwave). That means afternoons after work spent in beer gardens, Sundays lounging in the park, and a whole host of open air events to look forward to.

Picking only the crème de la crème, here at Skiddle we’ve curated a list of the six best one-day outdoor events across the country this summer. Expect symphonic renditions of ‘80s club classics, woodland nymphs in the heart of Scotland, and, of course, Noel Gallagher. Swap out your jeans for shorts, stick on the sunglasses and whip out the suncream.

Open Air Club at Motion, Bristol - Saturday 4th May

Motion has made a name for itself as a club split between worlds, delivering the kind of curation you’d expect from a small venue over a web of warehouse spaces. It’s no surprise that Motion was once a skatepark, its ever-shifting composition resulting in one of the most consistently interesting club complexes in Britain. 

Primarily utilising its outdoor areas, Yard are running headfirst into their third annual Open Air Club with a day party that runs from 1pm through till 10pm. With top billers like Italian techno legend Joseph Capriati, Bristol-native bass lover Eats Everything, and the inestimable selector Heidi, this is set to be a sun-blissed knees up you can’t miss. 

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Woodland Dance Project at Vogrie Country Park, Gorebridge - Saturday 11th May

Going from inner city ramp parks to woodland wonderlands, the Woodland Dance Project promises a spiritual way to make the most of the longer days. Spread over three stages in Vogrie Country Park (just 25 minutes outside of Edinburgh), expect a range of genres including reggae, roots, dub, jungle, house and techno with names confirmed for 2019 including Skepsis, Benny L, Shosh and more. 

Evoking the DIY spirit of free parties, the Woodland Dance Project makes use of several bespoke sound systems. It’s not just about the music though — past events have featured a range of evocative light installations, craft workshops and plenty of hula hoopers. Evoke your inner forest dweller and indulge in a day of humanist revelry.

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Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds at Heaton Park, Manchester Friday 7th June

If you like your outdoor music events with a few less cheek wobbling kick drums and a little more guitar, then Noel Gallagher’s triumphant return to Heaton Park is a safe bet in June. Having not played Heaton since the split of Oasis, this is an open air event and homecoming all wrapped in one.

Both Gallagher brothers released acclaimed albums in 2017, but it was Noel’s Who Built the Moon? that showed the most evolution, a lovingly rendered homage to his ‘60s influences. What better way to coast through sunset on a Friday afternoon than with the psychedelic tones of Noel and his High Flying Birds? Support comes from Doves and White Denim.

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Hacienda Classical at Scarborough Open Air Theatre - Saturday 8th June 2019

Acting as a perfect mix of our first two open air events, Hacienda Classical blends the tangible with the electronic, as a live 70-piece orchestra recreate ‘Madchester’ classics. Renowned as a cornerstone for both the growth of acid house and Manchester’s guitar scene, few clubs command a reputation quite as large as Hacienda.

Alongside Manchester Camerata Orchestra, support will be provided by the legendary Peter Hook, and acid pioneers 808 State. As a time of free love and musical experimentation, the Hacienda era is prime for nostalgia, particularly as the sun begins to shine. If you’re old enough reminisce, and if you’re too young fantasise about the legendary Second Summer of Love. 

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Castle Howard Proms at Castle Howard York, York Saturday 3rd August

If orchestral renditions of New Order and The Happy Mondays doesn’t tickle your fancy, then perhaps some more traditional classical music will. Set in the gardens of Castle Howard, this is a throwback to British regality, with the sun setting over a beautiful estate as the London Gala Orchestra roll out the classics, alongside support from guest soloists.  

If that sounds a little dry for your modern quickfire tastes, then rest assured there’s plenty else on the agenda, with a scheduled Spitfire flyover, an array of lasers, and an eye-popping fireworks finale. Rest back in your seats, sip on a glass of fine summer wine, and truly relish the best of Britain.  

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Skeleton Coast with Miles Kane at Leasowe Castle Hotel, Wirral - Saturday 31st August

The self-proclaimed ‘Wirral Riddler’, Miles Kane, is returning to his home burrough for a daytime extravaganza in the scenic surroundings of Leasowe Castle. Previous Skeleton Coast all dayers have brought in acts like The Coral, Cabbage and Tim Burgess to great acclaim — don’t go missing another. 

Since his work alongside the Arctic Monkey’s Alex Turner in The Last Shadow Puppets, Kane has moved from strength-to-strength as a performer, rightfully earning his place as a headline act in his own right. Kane has also helped curate the rest of the day’s line-up including Dream Wife, The Mysterines, The Snuts, The Fernweh and Peach Fuzz, ensuring you’ll really utilise that extra hour of sunlight.

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