Alternative festivals

August may already be here, but there is still time left to book tickets and attend some of the most exciting events of the summer.

With many of the big festivals sold out long before the end of university, up and coming (and often cheaper) alternative festivals are starting to win over students.

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival may be the world's largest arts festival, but there are still hundreds of tickets left to see a great assortment of shows - from stand-up comedy (including Omid Djalili and Joan Rivers) to Alex James's babblings via the state ballet of Georgia.

What makes this festival even better is its ability to entertain for next to nothing.

For the best offers get your timing right, as two-for-one offers are available for most shows during the opening weekend (August 3rd-4th) and all tickets sold on the last day (August 25th) are reduced to half price.

Although accommodation can be pricey, travel needn't be as National Express has return tickets to London available from just £15, that is if you have the endurance for a nine hour coach journey.

If you would rather stay closer to home then London is certainly able to cater for all tastes.

Film4 are once again showing films in Somerset House's beautiful courtyard, screening a mixture of old classics and new releases.

With many of the big festivals sold out long before the end of university, up and coming alternative festivals are starting to win over students

Janine Rasiah

With DJs before the film and food and drink to hand, you really can't go wrong, and it is a particularly good pick on a Friday night as two films are shown back to back.

The delightfully twee Innocent Village Fete (2nd-3rd August) in Regent's Park is definitely another event to look out for.

Adult tickets are just £7.50 and there is a lot to do including visiting the literary tent, eating homemade cake, participating in the duck herding and watching ferrets race. There is even a knitting tent!

There are also many musical acts signed up to play, such as The Boy Least Likely To.

Last, but by no means least, The National Theatre is home to over 200 free events, hosted up to and including September 28th.

There are ballroom classes to get involved in, as well as a circus for the less energetic.

Going to an alternative festival is often much more varied than going to one than is more tried and tested, so it pays dividends to stay off the metaphorical beaten track this summer.