Events on in the West this bank holiday weekend

Our record-breaking hot summer may be drawing to a close but here are plenty of events to look forward to over the bank holiday weekend.

And with temperatures a bit more bearable, event organisers across the West of England will be hoping any forecast showers do not put people off attending some annual favourites.

From live music and family entertainment to cultural celebrations, here is a list of what is on over this three-day weekend.

• Bristol's Forwards Festival - 29 August to 30 August

The two-day music festival returns to Clifton Downs, combining major international acts with emerging artists and a programme of talks, debates and workshops.

This year's headline acts include Tems, Self Esteem, Wet Leg and Maribou State on Saturday, followed by Little Simz, Amyl and the Snyffers, and Dijon on Sunday.

Gates open at 14:00 BST on Friday and noon on Saturday and Sunday.

• Old City Sounds Festival - 29 August

Meanwhile in the city centre, 11 pubs and venues will be taking part in a free live music event, filling the streets with multiple different styles of music.

The grassroots music event incorporates the Old Duke Jazz Festival, which has been a fixture of the city's calendar for almost 60 years.

Music starts from 10:00 BST onwards, with some venues continuing the festivities until the early hours.

• Circus in the Park - 30 August

A day of acrobatic performances and workshops is on offer in Collet Park in Shepton Mallet,bringing professional circus performers into town for the afternoon.

Wookey Hole Circus will be leading demonstrations covering low wire, hula hoops, fun wheels and juggling, giving visitors the chance to have a go themselves.

The free event starts at 11:00 and lasts until 16:00 BST.

• Chill on the Hill - 30 August

For those looking for something a little more laidback, this relaxed outdoor family event is returning to Ham Hill Country Park with music, art workshops and a circus.

Entry is free with a suggested donation, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own picnic blankets or camping chairs to enjoy the countryside festivities.

Activities begin at 10:00 BST at the visitor centre, followed by a lively procession of music and performances from noon until 16:00 BST.

• Wells Moat Boat Race - 31 August

Teams take to the moat surrounding the Bishop's Palace in homemade rafts, competing in categories that include a daring rescue and obstacle courses.

The tradition dates back to 1963 but was revived in 2001 as an annual event, and also includes a prize for the best designed raft and best fancy-dressed crew.

The fun begins at 10:00 BST, with the race set to get under way around 12:30 BST.

• History Alive - 29-31 August

For the history enthusiasts, a standard admission fee buys you a ticket back in time at this medieval re-enactment festival inside the Bishop's Palace and Gardens in Wells.

Visitors can explore living history camps, watch battle re-re-enactments and meet costumed actors, featuring immersive demonstrations on archery and cooking.

Events will be taking place from 09:30 -17:30 BST.

• Football in the River - 31 August

This lively match sees Bourton Rovers players swap the football pitch for the River Windrush in an annual tradition that dates back more than a century.

The event remains a fundraiser for the club, with two local teams playing a short match in the shallow water as thousands of spectators cheer from the riverbanks.

The match typically kicks off at 14:00 BST and lasts about half an hour.

• Gloucester Goes Retro - 29 August

A staple of the city's vibrant festival calendar, this annual event is a celebration of vintage fashion, retro music, classic cars and live entertainment.

More than 500 classic vehicles will fill the historic Gate Streets and Gloucester Docks, ranging from the Edwardian era to nineties nostalgia.

The event runs from 10:00 until 16:00 BST and is free to enter.

• The Old Town Street Food Festival - 30 August

For a taste of something different, this open-air food market transforms the pedestrianised area of Wood Street in Swindon into a bustling community event.

Find a range of international street food vendors, alongside craft drinks, pop-up seating and live entertainment. Entry is free with a suggested donation of £2.

Running from 10:00 until 19:00 BST, there is plenty of time to fit in all three meals.

• Picnic in the Park - 30 August

Music lovers are invited to sit on the slopes of Redlynch Playing Fields and enjoy traditional brass band music performed by the award-winning Woodfalls Band.

The outdoor concert is family-friendly and free to attend. Visitors are encouraged to bring a packed picnic, a blanket and chairs.

The performance starts at 16:00 BST and is expected to last until the early evening.

• Hatch House Open Garden - 30 August

This weekend visitors can gain exclusive access to the impressive 17th-century walled Dutch garden near Tisbury, which offers picturesque views across the Vale of Wardour.

The charity event hosts a BBQ in the grounds alongside a raffle, cake stalls, and popular annual vintage fashion and furniture marquee.

The gardens will be free to explore from 11:00 until 16:30 BST. Admission costs between £2-5, and all proceeds go towards Salisbury Hospice.

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