Things to Do This Weekend: 7–9 August 2026

The second weekend of August brings traditional music to the Kent coast, countryside entertainment to Cambridgeshire and one of Britain’s best-loved family musicals to Norwich.

Brighton is stepping back into the Regency era, York is revisiting two very different chapters of history, and Malta is preparing for three evenings of local wine, food and music in Valletta.

Here is GlitterBeam’s guide to things to do this weekend, covering Friday 7, Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 August 2026.

Things to do in Kent this weekend

Broadstairs Folk Week begins on the Kent coast

Broadstairs Folk Week gets under way on Friday 7 August, beginning a packed programme of folk music, dancing, workshops and family entertainment across the seaside town.

Opening-day activities include a hula-hooping workshop at the Bandstand from 3pm to 4pm and live music from Kent-based guitar-and-fiddle duo BarnFire between 5pm and 6pm.

Saturday’s programme includes the Hobby Horse Club from 10.45am, heritage craft sessions at Bleak House, afternoon dance displays and the festival parade. The parade leaves Pierremont Avenue at 5.30pm, travels down the High Street and finishes with a seafront show.

A free family ceilidh with the Giddy Up Ceilidh Band follows at the Bandstand from 7pm.

Further family activities continue on Sunday, including belly dancing, traditional woodcraft, knitting, dancing and live music. Individual event tickets and festival passes are available, while several outdoor activities are free with donations welcomed.

• When: Friday 7 to Sunday 9 August 2026, continuing beyond the weekend
• Where: Venues across Broadstairs, Kent
• Price: A mixture of free, donation-based and ticketed events
• Information and booking: View the official Broadstairs Folk Week programme

Things to do in Cambridgeshire this weekend

Cambridge Country Show and We Love Dogs

The Cambridge Country Show returns to Stow Cum Quy Park on Saturday and Sunday, combining traditional country-show attractions with food, shopping, live entertainment and a dedicated dog show.

The programme includes falconry, motorbike and BMX stunt displays, cookery demonstrations, chainsaw carving, classic vehicles, live music, children’s entertainment and dog competitions. Dogs are welcome, and free parking is available.

The show runs from 10am until 5pm on both days.

• When: Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 August, 10am–5pm
• Where: Stow Cum Quy Park, Stow Road, Cambridge, CB25 9AJ
• Online price: Adults £13.95; concessions £12.95; children aged 5–15 £6.50; under-fives free
• Gate price: Adults £14.95; concessions £13.95; children £7.50; under-fives free
• Information and booking: Visit the official Cambridge Country Show website

Things to do in Norwich this weekend

Matilda the Musical at Norwich Theatre Royal

The Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Matilda the Musical has arrived at Norwich Theatre Royal for its summer run.

Inspired by Roald Dahl’s novel, the musical follows an exceptionally bright young girl who refuses to accept the unfair world created by the adults around her. The stage adaptation features music and lyrics by Tim Minchin.

Performances are scheduled throughout the weekend, although the Saturday matinee was showing limited availability when checked.

• Friday 7 August: 7.30pm
• Saturday 8 August: 2.30pm and 7.30pm
• Sunday 9 August: 2.30pm
• Where: Norwich Theatre Royal, Theatre Street, Norwich, NR2 1RL
• Price: Weekend tickets from £69.96
• Information and booking: Book through Norwich Theatre’s official Matilda page

Things to do in Brighton & Hove this weekend

Regency Picnic with Zack Pinsent

Brighton’s Royal Pavilion is providing a suitably extravagant setting for a Regency-themed summer picnic hosted by historical tailor Zack Pinsent.

Guests are invited to wear Regency, historical or vintage clothing and bring their own picnic, blankets and parasols to the King’s Lawn. Admission includes a welcome glass of English sparkling wine from Roebuck Estates.

The event will move into the Royal Pavilion’s Adelaide Suite if the weather turns.

• When: Saturday 8 August, 1pm–4pm
• Where: King’s Lawn, Royal Pavilion Garden, Brighton
• Price: £25 per person, including a welcome drink
• Dress code: Regency, historical or vintage clothing
• Information and booking: Visit the official Brighton & Hove Museums event page

Mystery at the Manor Family Weekend

Preston Manor is also hosting a family weekend combining games and activities with an element of mystery.

The event takes place across Saturday and Sunday at Preston Manor and Gardens. Families should consult the official listing for the latest admission arrangements and session details before travelling.

• When: Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 August
• Where: Preston Manor and Gardens, Preston Drove, Brighton
• Information: Check the official Brighton & Hove Museums listings

Things to do in York this weekend

Sounds of the Sixties at York Castle Museum

York Castle Museum’s recreated Sixties Street will come alive with music from the decade on Saturday.

Performances will take place throughout the day, covering folk favourites and familiar chart songs in the museum’s atmospheric period setting. The activity is suitable for all ages and included with ordinary museum admission.

• When: Saturday 8 August, performances throughout the day
• Where: York Castle Museum, Tower Street, York, YO1 9RY
• Price: Included with general admission
• Information: Read the official Visit York listing

York Georgian Masquerade Ball

For a more elaborate evening, York’s Georgian Masquerade Ball brings dining and historical dancing to the Grand Assembly Rooms.

The evening includes a three-course meal followed by instruction from a dance mistress and an opportunity to put the steps into practice. It is an adults-only event for guests aged 18 and over.

• When: Saturday 8 August, 7pm–11pm
• Where: Grand Assembly Rooms, Blake Street, York, YO1 8QG
• Age restriction: 18+
• Information and booking: Visit the official York Georgian Masquerade Ball listing

Things to do in Malta this weekend

Delicata Classic Wine Festival in Valletta

The Delicata Classic Wine Festival returns to Valletta’s Upper Barrakka Gardens for three summer evenings overlooking the Grand Harbour.

Now in its 23rd edition, the festival brings together Maltese wines, food and live music in one of the capital’s most recognisable outdoor locations.

The festival runs from 7pm until shortly before midnight on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Visitors should use the official page to confirm current admission and tasting arrangements.

• When: Friday 7 to Sunday 9 August, 7pm–11.55pm
• Where: Upper Barrakka Gardens, Triq Sant’Orsla, Valletta, Malta
• Information and booking: View the official VisitMalta event page

Make the most of the weekend

Broadstairs Folk Week offers the widest choice this weekend, with enough free and ticketed activity to fill an entire day on the Kent coast. The Cambridge Country Show is a strong family option, while Matilda the Musical provides Norwich’s major theatrical event.

For something more unusual, Brighton’s Regency Picnic and York’s Georgian Masquerade Ball both invite visitors to dress for a different era. Malta’s Delicata Classic Wine Festival, meanwhile, pairs local produce with one of Valletta’s finest views.

Please note: Event dates, times, venues, prices and availability were checked against official organiser, venue or destination sources on 5 August 2026. Events can be changed, postponed, cancelled or sold out at short notice, so readers should confirm the latest details with organisers before travelling.