Outdoor events to look forward to this summer in Salisbury
With summer just around the corner, outdoor events are the hot ticket of the season.
From family-friendly theatre to swinging live music and even dinosaur drama in the Cathedral Close, Salisbury has something for everyone.
Not So Horrible Histories
The country’s largest history festival will return to Broad Chalke from June 23rd to 27th.
Families and history enthusiasts are being welcomed back to Chalke Valley History Festival, with events this year spread across two big marquees, with socially-distanced seating, and two brand new amphitheatre-style outdoor stages.
The list of personalities taking part is as impressive as ever, with playwright Tom Stoppard, award-winning historian Antonia Fraser, international bestselling author Kate Mosse and TV presenter, Dan Snow all lined-up to attend.
Salisbury’s Summer Celebration
Salisbury City Council’s 'Fayre on the Square' is to take place in the Guildhall Square from the 24th July to 31st August.
Plans for the summer celebration include a chargeable pop up 9-hole mini golf course along with other activities like chess and table tennis. They'll be two food vendors, ice-cream and a bar area.
Back A Winner
As with all live sport, Salisbury Racecourse was forced to close to spectators for most of the Covid-19 pandemic with races only being held ‘behind closed doors’. Now, they are able to welcome guests back for a full fixture list from May through to the end of September.
There are some new rules though because of coronavirus. All tickets must be purchased online in advance for racedays with NO tickets being sold on the gate. This is due to ‘Track and Trace’ requirements.
Music in the Park
Sit back, relax and enjoy live music from local performers in the beautiful setting of two Salisbury parks.
Music in the Park will take place in Queen Elizabeth Gardens on July 4th and Victoria Park on 18th July 2021.
They are both free events organised by Salisbury City Council, just don't forget your picnic, blankets and folding chairs!
Get Swinging
On July 4th, as well as Music in the Park, there will be more free live music in the Cathedral Close.
Swing Unlimited Big Band are back by popular demand and will be returning to entertain crowds for two afternoons of live music.
There will be an onsite BBQ and ice creams. It is free but there is a suggested donation of £2 per adult.
Swing Unlimited will also be at the Cathedral Close again on August 1st.
Many Markets
Salisbury Market Place is going to be busy this summer.
The popular Salisbury Street Sellers is to return every 2nd Sunday from June 13th until September 12th. Here you’ll be able to experience Salisbury's fantastic range of vintage, artisan, arts and crafts and other handmade products - ALL from local traders.
The traditional car boot sales are back as well. They take place every 3rd Sunday of the month (except October) from April until November. If you want to sell rather than buy, there’s no need to book just turn up on the day to be allocated the space to put your car on the Market Place.
And, as usual, the bi-weekly Charter Market will take up residence in the Market Place each Tuesday and Saturday throughout the summer. Whether it’s flowers, fish, bread or fresh fruit and veg, the market has it all in one place.
For The LOLs
Salisbury becomes a comedy capital in its first ever Comedy Festival on Saturday 7th August on Hudson’s Field.
There is an amazing line-up of comedians performing throughout the afternoon and evening, and best still, we're doing this to raise much needed funds for Salisbury Hospital Stars Appeal.
Those on the line-up include Dara Ó Briain, Frankie Boyle and Ninia Benjamin. There’s also a funfair and inflatable assault courses to keep everyone entertained through the day.
Take the Drama Outside
If you are looking for live theatre, the Cathedral Close is the place to head this summer.
In the gardens of Arundell’s you will find classic tales alongside a stinky story!
On June 24th, see the drama unfold in Shakespeare’s The Tempest. Classical language combines with live music and choral sea shanties to bring what is thought to be the bard’s final play to life. A tale of revenge, love and forgiveness, this is sure to delight audiences of all ages.
Then, on July 22nd, it’s one for the children, as David Walliams’ book Mr Stink comes alive on stage. Packed with fun, humour and a heart-warming message, this touching tale provides the perfect family entertainment.
The Rifles Museum is also opening up their beautiful walled garden for a night of Shakespearian magic and mayhem with a re-telling of the classic A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Be bewitched there on July 16th.
The Sound Of LIVE Music
Music will fill Salisbury Market Place on Friday July 9th as Salisbury LIVE in the Square returns
The Deloreons will headline a five act line-up of local performers.
Also featured are reggae stalwarts, HP and the Reggae Source, classic disco/dance covers band, The Stingrays, solo singer/songwriter, Jack Card and folk duo, Ribble.
Entry is free.
Open Air Cinemas
If you are a film fan, we think you’ll love these cinema nights under the stars.
On August 14th and 15th Salisbury Racecourse hosts Adventure Cinema. On a large outdoor screen audiences will be able watch (and sing along to) the hit ABBA musical, Mamma Mia! on one night and Disney’s live action remake of The Lion King on the next.
If you would prefer a picnic and movie in the historic setting of the Cathedral Close then three films – Bridesmaids, Moulin Rouge and Jurassic Park - will be shown on the Salisbury Cathedral lawn over three consecutive nights from August 27th.
They are always a popular night out so make sure to book early.
Nostalgic Noughties
The first Origin Festival is taking place on Hudson’s Field on August 6th.
Reminisce over music from the 00’s and 90’s with favourites including Simon Webbe, Tinchy Stryder, S Club, The Honeyz.
Not only will ticket holders enjoy a top line-up, there will also be a range of food and drinks to keep the energy levels high across the afternoon and evening.
A Tasty Treat
On September 5th the Market Place and Guildhall Square will overflow with delicious offerings as Salisbury Food and Drink Festival takes place.
The event will showcase a range of street food vendors, a speciality food market, tastings, beer tent and food demos.
There are also plenty of other events taking place over the summer in Salisbury, enough to keep everyone happy. Find them all on our what’s on page.