Top 5 UK Summer Events

WOMAD - Reading, Berkshire
Date: 25-27 July

WOMAD (World of Music, Arts and Dance) is an international experience that incorporates musical performances from around the globe, workshops on a range of interesting subjects and 'Taste the World' sessions where you can sample delicious food cooked by the festival artists.

A weekend ticket costs £92 but with so many things on offer it'll be money well spent.

Edinburgh Fringe - Edinburgh, Scotland
Date: 3-25 August

It's the largest arts festival in the world (nearly a million tickets were sold last year!)

There's always loads going on so you're guaranteed to find something amazing.

I managed to catch a fantastic African gospel choir and German break-dancing production of Romeo and Juliet!

There's also an arts and crafts fair which is great fun to pick up some souvenirs or a beautiful painting.

Check the daily Fringe sheets to see what's on and pick up The Scotsman for recommendations.

Get arty at Tate Modern & The Baltic - London / Newcastle
Date: All Summer

Tate Modern is currently showing an urban, atmospheric collection by six artists using prestigious London architecture.

Don't let the hype put you off. Just keep your wits about you and have a great time!

Rebecca Gould

Up north, The Baltic in Newcastle has an iconic exhibition from the acclaimed Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara featuring a whole community brought to life through Nara's art.

Both venues are also free, although you will have to pay to access some areas in the Tate so decide what you really want to see first.

Notting Hill Carnival - Notting Hill, London

Date: 24-25 August

Colour, costumes and sound fill the streets of Notting Hill for a weekend.

Thousands of people flock to Europe's biggest street party and come face to face with outlandish costumes, floats and dancing.

There has been some fuss about safety but like any major event it's patrolled well by police, and the number of incidents has decreased over the last couple of years.

So don't let the hype put you off. Just keep your wits about you and have a great time!

Glade Festival - Somewhere in Berkshire
Date: 17-21 July

At Glade Festival, it's back to the early 90s, as organisers only announce the exact venue for this electronic dance music festival at the last minute.

The DJ line-up has been announced and Pendulum, Utah Saints and Meat Katie are just some of the amazing acts you'll get for £125.

It's something a bit different, and you're guaranteed to be surrounded by like-minded people looking to have a great weekend.