Things to do in Salisbury this July
July is upon us, and as we enjoy the long summer days Salisbury has events that will keep all ages entertained.
With famous artists, crazy croquet, live music and even Alice in Wonderland, Salisbury is a city that has something for everyone.
Here is our guide to the not to be missed events in Salisbury this July:
Theatre
If you’re looking for an entertaining evening that will bring a smile to your face, you’ll find it at Salisbury Playhouse this month. The hit 1997 movie, The Full Monty, is being brought to the stage by Musical Theatre Salisbury from 5th to 9th July. If you loved the film, you’ll love this adaptation. Want to know more? We’ve been talking to one of the cast members, which you can read all about here.
Sticking with theatre, and on 26th July, Immersion Theatre invites you to enjoy an afternoon of open-air decadence and hilarity as they proudly present Oscar Wilde’s wittiest comedy, The Importance of Being Earnest. See it in the beautiful setting of Arundells garden in the Cathedral Close.
The Importance of being Earnest is to return to Arundells in Salisbury
Salisbury Cathedral
There’s a lot happening at Salisbury Cathedral this July.
The new exhibition from the celebrated contemporary artist, Grayson Perry, can now be seen hanging in the nave. The Vanity of Small Differences showcases six huge tapestries that all explore class. Although the pieces have toured before, this is the first time they'll be seen in an ecclesiastical setting. You do not need to book for this. The exhibition is included in standard cathedral entry.
The Grayson Perry exhibition at Salisbury Cathedral
The Southern Cathedrals Festival brings together the renowned choirs of Chichester, Salisbury and Winchester Cathedrals, to offer sacred choral and organ music. This year it is being held at Salisbury Cathedral from 15th to 16th July 2022. There will be choral services, concerts large and small featuring choirs as well as exciting visiting performers! See the full line-up here.
Later in the month, the Cathedral’s Organ Festival continues. Anna Lapwood, the organist, conductor and broadcaster will perform a special concert on 23rd July.
It’s not just inside the cathedral where you’ll hear great music this July, the popular Swing Unlimited band will be back to entertain crowds in the Cathedral Close on 31st July. If the weather is wet, the event will be held in the Cathedral Cloisters. Picnics are welcome. Just remember your dancing shoes!
Swing Unlimited in Salisbury Cathedral Close
Salisbury Street Sellers
This is one we can’t wait for! Salisbury Street Sellers returns to the Market Place on Sunday 10th July and this month it has an Alice in Wonderland theme! Alice will be there, along with the Mad Hatter. You can meet them both, take part in tea parties, get involved in workshops and have fun all for free! There will also be a large range of local artisan stalls, live music and street food.
Alice and the Mad Hatter are coming to Salisbury!
Live music
Enjoy a relaxed summer day filled with live music in Salisbury.
Joyfest is a music festival at Salisbury Rugby Club that will raise money for Salisbury Hospice. Taking place on 9th July, there will be lots of family fun with 10 music acts, food, drink, bouncy castle and face painting just some of what you’ll be able to enjoy! Tickets are £10 and under 12's go free.
Then, on 22nd and 23rd July, Salisbury Live presents, Out & About - a weekend packed with free live music across eight venues. Find all the details here.
Fayre on the Square
Salisbury City Council is bringing back summer fun, with the return of Fayre on the Square! From 23rd July, Salisbury’s Guildhall Square will host a nine-hole crazy croquet course, table tennis and a city garden bar. You will also be able to grab some delicious street food, fish and chips, traditional strawberries and cream or an ice cream!
Salisbury's Fayre on the Square 2021
Salisbury Racecourse
It’s a busy month at Salisbury Racecourse. The race fixtures continue throughout July with the popular Ladies Evening on the 9th, with entertainment from Mania, the ABBA tribute. On 23rd July there’s another evening session, this time with music from Radio One DJ and I’m A Celebrity star, Jordan North. You can find the full fixture list on the Salisbury Racecourse website.
Fun in the Sun
If you’re looking for ways to keep young children occupied, make sure to head to Fun in the Sun this July. There will be craft play, music and games for primary school aged children. There are two Fun in the Sun events – the first is on 30th July at Salisbury Methodist Church with a later one at Salisbury United Reformed Church in August.
Festivals
After a two-year hiatus, Salisbury’s beer festival, BEEREX is back for its 40th event. CAMRA, Salisbury Rotary COGS and Wiltshire Creative have got together to organise the event at Salisbury Arts Centre on 8th and 9th July. As well as being able to try a range of different beers, there will also be food available and live music.
The Gin To My Tonic Festival also makes a return to Salisbury this July as part of a nationwide tour. Over 120+ different craft gins and spirits from across the UK and beyond will be found at Salisbury Art Centre on 16th July. Tickets are still available.
Senior Games
On your marks, get set, go! Get ready for the return of the Senior Games later this month. This is the second edition of the event, with the first running in 2019. Participants aged 60 plus can take part in various sports and activities including croquet, golf, boccia, discus, shotput, football and basketball. The Senior Games 2022 takes place on Sunday 17th July, find out how to get involved here.
With all this and more, there is plenty to keep all ages entertained this July in Salisbury.
Head to the Experience Salisbury What’s On pages for a full rundown of events for today, tomorrow or next month!