What's On
This is a list of some of the upcoming events that may be of interest to our members and to other photographers visiting this site. These events are not organised by Thornbury Camera Club. For events organised by the club visit the club programme.
If members hear of interesting events not listed here they can post details in the club forum's That Looks Interesting category and if appropriate they will be copied here in due course.
November 2024
1st-30th - RWA 171st Annual Open Exhibition - Royal West of England Academy, Clifton, BS8 1PX Every year The Royal West of England Academy holds an Annual Open Exhibition, which is now in its 171st year. We welcome all kinds of artwork and expect to include painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, film, sculpture and architecture by artists ranging from leading professionals to emerging talent, from across the UK and beyond. A selection panel assesses every entry and last year 665 works by 455 artists made it into the final exhibition. The RWA Annual Open is the largest open in the South West. All work is for sale and the exhibition attracts art-lovers and art-buyers from far and wide
1st-30th - Wildlife Photographer of the Year 60 - Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Bristol BS8 1RL Returning to Bristol Museum & Art Gallery! 100 stunning photographs showcasing Earth’s extraordinary diversity and highlighting the fragility of wildlife on our planet. The world-renowned exhibition, now in its sixtieth year and on loan from the Natural History Museum in London, will open at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery on Saturday 26 October, featuring exceptional images that capture fascinating animal behaviour, spectacular species and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world. Using photography’s unique emotive power to engage and inspire audiences, the images shine a light on stories and species around the world and encourage a future of advocating for the planet.
26th-30th - 2024 Bird Photographer of the Year - Nature in Art, Twigworth, GL2 9PA One of the first showings of the winning and commended images from the very latest awards. Spectacular images from across the globe.
December 2024
1st-31st - RWA 171st Annual Open Exhibition - Royal West of England Academy, Clifton, BS8 1PX Every year The Royal West of England Academy holds an Annual Open Exhibition, which is now in its 171st year. We welcome all kinds of artwork and expect to include painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, film, sculpture and architecture by artists ranging from leading professionals to emerging talent, from across the UK and beyond. A selection panel assesses every entry and last year 665 works by 455 artists made it into the final exhibition. The RWA Annual Open is the largest open in the South West. All work is for sale and the exhibition attracts art-lovers and art-buyers from far and wide
1st-31st - Wildlife Photographer of the Year 60 - Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Bristol BS8 1RL Returning to Bristol Museum & Art Gallery! 100 stunning photographs showcasing Earth’s extraordinary diversity and highlighting the fragility of wildlife on our planet. The world-renowned exhibition, now in its sixtieth year and on loan from the Natural History Museum in London, will open at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery on Saturday 26 October, featuring exceptional images that capture fascinating animal behaviour, spectacular species and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world. Using photography’s unique emotive power to engage and inspire audiences, the images shine a light on stories and species around the world and encourage a future of advocating for the planet.
1st-22nd - 2024 Bird Photographer of the Year - Nature in Art, Twigworth, GL2 9PA One of the first showings of the winning and commended images from the very latest awards. Spectacular images from across the globe.
January 2025
1st-5th - RWA 171st Annual Open Exhibition - Royal West of England Academy, Clifton, BS8 1PX Every year The Royal West of England Academy holds an Annual Open Exhibition, which is now in its 171st year. We welcome all kinds of artwork and expect to include painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, film, sculpture and architecture by artists ranging from leading professionals to emerging talent, from across the UK and beyond. A selection panel assesses every entry and last year 665 works by 455 artists made it into the final exhibition. The RWA Annual Open is the largest open in the South West. All work is for sale and the exhibition attracts art-lovers and art-buyers from far and wide
1st-31st - Wildlife Photographer of the Year 60 - Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Bristol BS8 1RL Returning to Bristol Museum & Art Gallery! 100 stunning photographs showcasing Earth’s extraordinary diversity and highlighting the fragility of wildlife on our planet. The world-renowned exhibition, now in its sixtieth year and on loan from the Natural History Museum in London, will open at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery on Saturday 26 October, featuring exceptional images that capture fascinating animal behaviour, spectacular species and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world. Using photography’s unique emotive power to engage and inspire audiences, the images shine a light on stories and species around the world and encourage a future of advocating for the planet.
31st - Bristol Light Festival 2025 - Bristol Bristol Light Festival is set to return to Bristol for 10 days of dazzling light-based artworks
February 2025
1st-9th - Bristol Light Festival 2025 - Bristol Bristol Light Festival is set to return to Bristol for 10 days of dazzling light-based artworks
22nd-23rd - The Tractor World Show - Three Counties Showground, Malvern, WR13 6NW The show includes veteran, vintage and classic tractors, classic commercials, lorries and trucks, Land Rovers, miniature steam engines, stationary engines and model displays. There’s also a wide range of horticultural and gardening equipment, including classic and modern ride-on mowers.
1st-28th - Wildlife Photographer of the Year 60 - Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Bristol BS8 1RL Returning to Bristol Museum & Art Gallery! 100 stunning photographs showcasing Earth’s extraordinary diversity and highlighting the fragility of wildlife on our planet. The world-renowned exhibition, now in its sixtieth year and on loan from the Natural History Museum in London, will open at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery on Saturday 26 October, featuring exceptional images that capture fascinating animal behaviour, spectacular species and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world. Using photography’s unique emotive power to engage and inspire audiences, the images shine a light on stories and species around the world and encourage a future of advocating for the planet.
March 2025
1st-31st - Wildlife Photographer of the Year 60 - Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Bristol BS8 1RL Returning to Bristol Museum & Art Gallery! 100 stunning photographs showcasing Earth’s extraordinary diversity and highlighting the fragility of wildlife on our planet. The world-renowned exhibition, now in its sixtieth year and on loan from the Natural History Museum in London, will open at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery on Saturday 26 October, featuring exceptional images that capture fascinating animal behaviour, spectacular species and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world. Using photography’s unique emotive power to engage and inspire audiences, the images shine a light on stories and species around the world and encourage a future of advocating for the planet.
2nd - Tortworth Lake open day - Tortworth Lake, Tortworth, Wotton under Edge, GL12 8HF Tortworth Lake is private with no rights of access. The estate however welcomes the public to enjoy this special place on the first Sunday of each month from March to October only. Opening times are: March, September & October: 10:00am - 5:00pm; April, May, June, July & August: 10:00am - 6:00pm
8th-9th - Bristol Anime & Gaming Con - Mercure Grand Hotel, Bristol, BS1 2EL See attendees arriving in costume or buy your own entrance and go inside.
8th-11th - The Photography and Video Show - Excel, London The Photography & Video Show is the destination for anyone passionate about photography, video or content creation, bringing thousands of creatives together to try and buy the latest camera kit and accessories, get tips and inspiration from big names, connect with each other - and enjoy a great day out!
April 2025
1st-27th - Wildlife Photographer of the Year 60 - Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Bristol BS8 1RL Returning to Bristol Museum & Art Gallery! 100 stunning photographs showcasing Earth’s extraordinary diversity and highlighting the fragility of wildlife on our planet. The world-renowned exhibition, now in its sixtieth year and on loan from the Natural History Museum in London, will open at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery on Saturday 26 October, featuring exceptional images that capture fascinating animal behaviour, spectacular species and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world. Using photography’s unique emotive power to engage and inspire audiences, the images shine a light on stories and species around the world and encourage a future of advocating for the planet.
4th - Tortworth Lake open day - Tortworth Lake, Tortworth, Wotton under Edge, GL12 8HF Tortworth Lake is private with no rights of access. The estate however welcomes the public to enjoy this special place on the first Sunday of each month from March to October only. Opening times are: March, September & October: 10:00am - 5:00pm; April, May, June, July & August: 10:00am - 6:00pm
5th-27th - Photo | Frome Festival (provisional) - Frome, Somerset Photo | Frome again brings an inclusive and thought-provoking perspective on photography to Frome & the Southwest. The festival approaches contemporary documentary with a broad lens, and the artist line-up will reflect that vision, featuring world-class national and international names, photography to explore the history of the Southwest region, and showcasing the talents of local and student photographers. As an ‘indie’ festival, our concept is inspired by the long-standing Les Rencontres d’Arles, aiming to fill the Frome community with curated photography and events.
29th - Hungerford Hocktide - Town Hall, Hungerford, RG17 0NF The tradition of Hocktide or Tutti Day. The Tutti Men carry Tutti Poles: wooden staffs topped with bunches of flowers and a cloved orange. The Tutti Men are accompanied by the Orange Man (or Orange Scrambler) - who wears a hat decorated with feathers and carries a white sack filled with oranges - and Tutti Wenches who give out oranges and sweets to the crowds in return for pennies or kisses. The proceedings start at 8 am with the sounding of the horn from the Town Hall steps. This summons all the commoners to the attend the Court at 9 am, after which the Tutti Men visit each of the 102 houses in turn. They no longer collect rents, but demand a penny or a kiss from the lady of the house when they visit. In return the Orange Man gives the owner an orange. After the parade of the Tutti Men through the streets the Hocktide Lunch takes place for the Hocktide Council, commoners and guests, at which the traditional "Plantagenet Punch" is served. After the meal, an initiation ceremony, known as Shoeing the Colts is held, in which all first-time attendees are shod by the blacksmith. Their legs are held and a nail is driven into their shoe. They are not released until they shout "Punch". Oranges and heated coins are then thrown from the Town Hall steps to the children gathered outside.
Also look out for (provisionally):
May 2025
1st-3rd - Minehead Hobby Horse - Minehead TA24 The custom takes place during the evenings of the first three days of May, and involves the hobby horse perambulating the port of Minehead. The hobby horse measures eight feet in length and three feet in breadth, and consists of a frame covered in a cloth that has been painted with brightly coloured roundels and decorated with ribbons affixed along the top. The wording "Sailors Horse" is written in large capital letters across the side of the cloth. The head of the man carrying the horse protrudes from the middle of the frame; he wears a painted mask with a crested conical hood affixed with coloured ribbons. A tail made from rope is also affixed to the horse.
4th - Tortworth Lake open day - Tortworth Lake, Tortworth, Wotton under Edge, GL12 8HF Tortworth Lake is private with no rights of access. The estate however welcomes the public to enjoy this special place on the first Sunday of each month from March to October only. Opening times are: March, September & October: 10:00am - 5:00pm; April, May, June, July & August: 10:00am - 6:00pm
4th - Randwick Cheese Rolling - St John The Baptist Randwick, GL6 6JQ Ceremonial Cheese-rolling 11.00am
10th - Randwick Wap - The Green, Randwick, GL11 5SN Traditional costumed procession meet at War Memorial 12:30pm; Fayre on the Green from 1pm
10th - Bradford on Avon Green Man Festival - Bradford-on-Avon BA15 1DE A vibrant, family-friendly community gathering featuring traditional dance, music, song, and folklore from 9.30am to 5.30pm. And the best part is, it’s free! 9.30am Waking Jack & Jill at the Tithe Barn. 5pm Closing parade in Riverside Park and Tithe Barn. followed by Stripping Jack.
23rd-26th - 2025 Chippenham Folk Festival - Chippenham, Wiltshire As well as the ticketed events there are traditionally things going on around the town such as dance displays. Check the website near the time for details.
26th - Gloucestershire Cheese Rolling - Coopers Hill, Little Shurdington GL3 4SB 12:00pm - 4:00pm. Thousands of spectators and brave competitors will descend on Cooper's Hill when Gloucestershire's wonderfully wacky Cheese Rolling event takes place. Access is difficult and will require a long walk.
29th - Bisley Well Dressing - Bisley, GL6 7AF The tradition was started in the village in 1863 by Rev Thomas Keble, Bisley’s vicar for almost 50 years, to give thanks for the village’s clean water.
30th - Cotswold Olimpick Games 2024 - Dover’s Hill, Weston Subedge, Chipping Campden GL55 6UW These historic games were first held more than twelve centuries after the last ancient Greek Olympics and almost three centuries before the modern Olympic Games, which began in 1896.
Also look out for (provisionally):
June 2025
1st - Tortworth Lake open day - Tortworth Lake, Tortworth, Wotton under Edge, GL12 8HF Tortworth Lake is private with no rights of access. The estate however welcomes the public to enjoy this special place on the first Sunday of each month from March to October only. Opening times are: March, September & October: 10:00am - 5:00pm; April, May, June, July & August: 10:00am - 6:00pm
8th - Rush Sunday procession and service - St Mary Redcliffe, Bristol, BS1 6RA It's the most colourful Bristol procession with the City Swordbearer carrying the Pearl Sword wearing his Elizabethan Cap of Maintenance. The Lord Mayor, Lady Mayoress, and City Councillors wear their scarlet robes and carry posies of spring flowers, which originally were nosegays of herbs for protection against infection. The eight City Maces are carried by an escort of Police Macebearers under command of a Sergeant at Mace. Held at 11am on Whitsunday, the procession can be viewed in the area of the church entrance from Redcliffe Way.
8th - Bread and Cheese Throwing - St Briavels, GL15 6RG The church service and giving of the Whittington purse is at 6 30 with the throwing at 7 30 pm
14th - Scuttlebrook Wake - The Square, Chipping Campden, GL55 6AL There is a procession of the Scuttlebrook May Queen from Littleworth to the square, pulled on her cart by the Campden Morris Dancers, accompanied by her four attendants and a page boy. She is followed by decorated floats and a fancy dress parade and all shops and houses along the route are encouraged to enter a window competition. The Queen is crowned in the square and then she presents prizes to the followers with the best fancy dress. After this the square is filled with entertainment from Maypole Dancing, Country Dancing and Morris Dancing. For the rest of the day it is the fun of the fair with Leysbourne full of traditional fair rides and stalls.
Also look out for (provisionally):
July 2025
6th - Tortworth Lake open day - Tortworth Lake, Tortworth, Wotton under Edge, GL12 8HF Tortworth Lake is private with no rights of access. The estate however welcomes the public to enjoy this special place on the first Sunday of each month from March to October only. Opening times are: March, September & October: 10:00am - 5:00pm; April, May, June, July & August: 10:00am - 6:00pm
Also look out for (provisionally):
August 2025
3rd - Tortworth Lake open day - Tortworth Lake, Tortworth, Wotton under Edge, GL12 8HF Tortworth Lake is private with no rights of access. The estate however welcomes the public to enjoy this special place on the first Sunday of each month from March to October only. Opening times are: March, September & October: 10:00am - 5:00pm; April, May, June, July & August: 10:00am - 6:00pm
23rd-24th - Bristol Anime & Gaming Con - Mercure Grand Hotel, Bristol, BS1 2EL See attendees arriving in costume or buy your own entrance and go inside.
Also look out for (provisionally):
September 2025
7th - Tortworth Lake open day - Tortworth Lake, Tortworth, Wotton under Edge, GL12 8HF Tortworth Lake is private with no rights of access. The estate however welcomes the public to enjoy this special place on the first Sunday of each month from March to October only. Opening times are: March, September & October: 10:00am - 5:00pm; April, May, June, July & August: 10:00am - 6:00pm
21st - The Clypping - St Mary's Church, Painswick, GL6 6XH Clypping is an old English word which means embracing and during the special service, everyone is encouraged to form a circle round the Church, hold hands and so clyppe or embrace the Church by dancing in time to and while singing the clypping hymn.
Also look out for (provisionally):
October 2025
Also look out for (provisionally):
November 2025
Also look out for (provisionally):
If members hear of interesting events not listed here they can post details in the club forum's That Looks Interesting category and if appropriate they will be copied here in due course.
November 2024
1st-30th - RWA 171st Annual Open Exhibition - Royal West of England Academy, Clifton, BS8 1PX Every year The Royal West of England Academy holds an Annual Open Exhibition, which is now in its 171st year. We welcome all kinds of artwork and expect to include painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, film, sculpture and architecture by artists ranging from leading professionals to emerging talent, from across the UK and beyond. A selection panel assesses every entry and last year 665 works by 455 artists made it into the final exhibition. The RWA Annual Open is the largest open in the South West. All work is for sale and the exhibition attracts art-lovers and art-buyers from far and wide
1st-30th - Wildlife Photographer of the Year 60 - Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Bristol BS8 1RL Returning to Bristol Museum & Art Gallery! 100 stunning photographs showcasing Earth’s extraordinary diversity and highlighting the fragility of wildlife on our planet. The world-renowned exhibition, now in its sixtieth year and on loan from the Natural History Museum in London, will open at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery on Saturday 26 October, featuring exceptional images that capture fascinating animal behaviour, spectacular species and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world. Using photography’s unique emotive power to engage and inspire audiences, the images shine a light on stories and species around the world and encourage a future of advocating for the planet.
26th-30th - 2024 Bird Photographer of the Year - Nature in Art, Twigworth, GL2 9PA One of the first showings of the winning and commended images from the very latest awards. Spectacular images from across the globe.
December 2024
1st-31st - RWA 171st Annual Open Exhibition - Royal West of England Academy, Clifton, BS8 1PX Every year The Royal West of England Academy holds an Annual Open Exhibition, which is now in its 171st year. We welcome all kinds of artwork and expect to include painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, film, sculpture and architecture by artists ranging from leading professionals to emerging talent, from across the UK and beyond. A selection panel assesses every entry and last year 665 works by 455 artists made it into the final exhibition. The RWA Annual Open is the largest open in the South West. All work is for sale and the exhibition attracts art-lovers and art-buyers from far and wide
1st-31st - Wildlife Photographer of the Year 60 - Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Bristol BS8 1RL Returning to Bristol Museum & Art Gallery! 100 stunning photographs showcasing Earth’s extraordinary diversity and highlighting the fragility of wildlife on our planet. The world-renowned exhibition, now in its sixtieth year and on loan from the Natural History Museum in London, will open at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery on Saturday 26 October, featuring exceptional images that capture fascinating animal behaviour, spectacular species and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world. Using photography’s unique emotive power to engage and inspire audiences, the images shine a light on stories and species around the world and encourage a future of advocating for the planet.
1st-22nd - 2024 Bird Photographer of the Year - Nature in Art, Twigworth, GL2 9PA One of the first showings of the winning and commended images from the very latest awards. Spectacular images from across the globe.
January 2025
1st-5th - RWA 171st Annual Open Exhibition - Royal West of England Academy, Clifton, BS8 1PX Every year The Royal West of England Academy holds an Annual Open Exhibition, which is now in its 171st year. We welcome all kinds of artwork and expect to include painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, film, sculpture and architecture by artists ranging from leading professionals to emerging talent, from across the UK and beyond. A selection panel assesses every entry and last year 665 works by 455 artists made it into the final exhibition. The RWA Annual Open is the largest open in the South West. All work is for sale and the exhibition attracts art-lovers and art-buyers from far and wide
1st-31st - Wildlife Photographer of the Year 60 - Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Bristol BS8 1RL Returning to Bristol Museum & Art Gallery! 100 stunning photographs showcasing Earth’s extraordinary diversity and highlighting the fragility of wildlife on our planet. The world-renowned exhibition, now in its sixtieth year and on loan from the Natural History Museum in London, will open at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery on Saturday 26 October, featuring exceptional images that capture fascinating animal behaviour, spectacular species and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world. Using photography’s unique emotive power to engage and inspire audiences, the images shine a light on stories and species around the world and encourage a future of advocating for the planet.
31st - Bristol Light Festival 2025 - Bristol Bristol Light Festival is set to return to Bristol for 10 days of dazzling light-based artworks
February 2025
1st-9th - Bristol Light Festival 2025 - Bristol Bristol Light Festival is set to return to Bristol for 10 days of dazzling light-based artworks
22nd-23rd - The Tractor World Show - Three Counties Showground, Malvern, WR13 6NW The show includes veteran, vintage and classic tractors, classic commercials, lorries and trucks, Land Rovers, miniature steam engines, stationary engines and model displays. There’s also a wide range of horticultural and gardening equipment, including classic and modern ride-on mowers.
1st-28th - Wildlife Photographer of the Year 60 - Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Bristol BS8 1RL Returning to Bristol Museum & Art Gallery! 100 stunning photographs showcasing Earth’s extraordinary diversity and highlighting the fragility of wildlife on our planet. The world-renowned exhibition, now in its sixtieth year and on loan from the Natural History Museum in London, will open at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery on Saturday 26 October, featuring exceptional images that capture fascinating animal behaviour, spectacular species and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world. Using photography’s unique emotive power to engage and inspire audiences, the images shine a light on stories and species around the world and encourage a future of advocating for the planet.
March 2025
1st-31st - Wildlife Photographer of the Year 60 - Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Bristol BS8 1RL Returning to Bristol Museum & Art Gallery! 100 stunning photographs showcasing Earth’s extraordinary diversity and highlighting the fragility of wildlife on our planet. The world-renowned exhibition, now in its sixtieth year and on loan from the Natural History Museum in London, will open at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery on Saturday 26 October, featuring exceptional images that capture fascinating animal behaviour, spectacular species and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world. Using photography’s unique emotive power to engage and inspire audiences, the images shine a light on stories and species around the world and encourage a future of advocating for the planet.
2nd - Tortworth Lake open day - Tortworth Lake, Tortworth, Wotton under Edge, GL12 8HF Tortworth Lake is private with no rights of access. The estate however welcomes the public to enjoy this special place on the first Sunday of each month from March to October only. Opening times are: March, September & October: 10:00am - 5:00pm; April, May, June, July & August: 10:00am - 6:00pm
8th-9th - Bristol Anime & Gaming Con - Mercure Grand Hotel, Bristol, BS1 2EL See attendees arriving in costume or buy your own entrance and go inside.
8th-11th - The Photography and Video Show - Excel, London The Photography & Video Show is the destination for anyone passionate about photography, video or content creation, bringing thousands of creatives together to try and buy the latest camera kit and accessories, get tips and inspiration from big names, connect with each other - and enjoy a great day out!
April 2025
1st-27th - Wildlife Photographer of the Year 60 - Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Bristol BS8 1RL Returning to Bristol Museum & Art Gallery! 100 stunning photographs showcasing Earth’s extraordinary diversity and highlighting the fragility of wildlife on our planet. The world-renowned exhibition, now in its sixtieth year and on loan from the Natural History Museum in London, will open at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery on Saturday 26 October, featuring exceptional images that capture fascinating animal behaviour, spectacular species and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world. Using photography’s unique emotive power to engage and inspire audiences, the images shine a light on stories and species around the world and encourage a future of advocating for the planet.
4th - Tortworth Lake open day - Tortworth Lake, Tortworth, Wotton under Edge, GL12 8HF Tortworth Lake is private with no rights of access. The estate however welcomes the public to enjoy this special place on the first Sunday of each month from March to October only. Opening times are: March, September & October: 10:00am - 5:00pm; April, May, June, July & August: 10:00am - 6:00pm
5th-27th - Photo | Frome Festival (provisional) - Frome, Somerset Photo | Frome again brings an inclusive and thought-provoking perspective on photography to Frome & the Southwest. The festival approaches contemporary documentary with a broad lens, and the artist line-up will reflect that vision, featuring world-class national and international names, photography to explore the history of the Southwest region, and showcasing the talents of local and student photographers. As an ‘indie’ festival, our concept is inspired by the long-standing Les Rencontres d’Arles, aiming to fill the Frome community with curated photography and events.
29th - Hungerford Hocktide - Town Hall, Hungerford, RG17 0NF The tradition of Hocktide or Tutti Day. The Tutti Men carry Tutti Poles: wooden staffs topped with bunches of flowers and a cloved orange. The Tutti Men are accompanied by the Orange Man (or Orange Scrambler) - who wears a hat decorated with feathers and carries a white sack filled with oranges - and Tutti Wenches who give out oranges and sweets to the crowds in return for pennies or kisses. The proceedings start at 8 am with the sounding of the horn from the Town Hall steps. This summons all the commoners to the attend the Court at 9 am, after which the Tutti Men visit each of the 102 houses in turn. They no longer collect rents, but demand a penny or a kiss from the lady of the house when they visit. In return the Orange Man gives the owner an orange. After the parade of the Tutti Men through the streets the Hocktide Lunch takes place for the Hocktide Council, commoners and guests, at which the traditional "Plantagenet Punch" is served. After the meal, an initiation ceremony, known as Shoeing the Colts is held, in which all first-time attendees are shod by the blacksmith. Their legs are held and a nail is driven into their shoe. They are not released until they shout "Punch". Oranges and heated coins are then thrown from the Town Hall steps to the children gathered outside.
Also look out for (provisionally):
- Bath Photographic Society Annual Exhibition
- 114th Annual Paintings Exhibition and Annual Photographic Exhibition - Bristol 1904 Arts (starts last week of April)
May 2025
1st-3rd - Minehead Hobby Horse - Minehead TA24 The custom takes place during the evenings of the first three days of May, and involves the hobby horse perambulating the port of Minehead. The hobby horse measures eight feet in length and three feet in breadth, and consists of a frame covered in a cloth that has been painted with brightly coloured roundels and decorated with ribbons affixed along the top. The wording "Sailors Horse" is written in large capital letters across the side of the cloth. The head of the man carrying the horse protrudes from the middle of the frame; he wears a painted mask with a crested conical hood affixed with coloured ribbons. A tail made from rope is also affixed to the horse.
4th - Tortworth Lake open day - Tortworth Lake, Tortworth, Wotton under Edge, GL12 8HF Tortworth Lake is private with no rights of access. The estate however welcomes the public to enjoy this special place on the first Sunday of each month from March to October only. Opening times are: March, September & October: 10:00am - 5:00pm; April, May, June, July & August: 10:00am - 6:00pm
4th - Randwick Cheese Rolling - St John The Baptist Randwick, GL6 6JQ Ceremonial Cheese-rolling 11.00am
10th - Randwick Wap - The Green, Randwick, GL11 5SN Traditional costumed procession meet at War Memorial 12:30pm; Fayre on the Green from 1pm
10th - Bradford on Avon Green Man Festival - Bradford-on-Avon BA15 1DE A vibrant, family-friendly community gathering featuring traditional dance, music, song, and folklore from 9.30am to 5.30pm. And the best part is, it’s free! 9.30am Waking Jack & Jill at the Tithe Barn. 5pm Closing parade in Riverside Park and Tithe Barn. followed by Stripping Jack.
23rd-26th - 2025 Chippenham Folk Festival - Chippenham, Wiltshire As well as the ticketed events there are traditionally things going on around the town such as dance displays. Check the website near the time for details.
26th - Gloucestershire Cheese Rolling - Coopers Hill, Little Shurdington GL3 4SB 12:00pm - 4:00pm. Thousands of spectators and brave competitors will descend on Cooper's Hill when Gloucestershire's wonderfully wacky Cheese Rolling event takes place. Access is difficult and will require a long walk.
29th - Bisley Well Dressing - Bisley, GL6 7AF The tradition was started in the village in 1863 by Rev Thomas Keble, Bisley’s vicar for almost 50 years, to give thanks for the village’s clean water.
30th - Cotswold Olimpick Games 2024 - Dover’s Hill, Weston Subedge, Chipping Campden GL55 6UW These historic games were first held more than twelve centuries after the last ancient Greek Olympics and almost three centuries before the modern Olympic Games, which began in 1896.
Also look out for (provisionally):
- 114th Annual Paintings Exhibition and 3rd Annual Photographic Exhibition - Bristol 1904 Arts (starts last week of April)
- Severn Vale Art Trail
- Abbey Hill Steam Rally
- North Somerset Show
- Bisley Well Dressing
- Steam on the Levels - Westonzoyland Pumping Station
- Gloucester Tall Ships Festival
June 2025
1st - Tortworth Lake open day - Tortworth Lake, Tortworth, Wotton under Edge, GL12 8HF Tortworth Lake is private with no rights of access. The estate however welcomes the public to enjoy this special place on the first Sunday of each month from March to October only. Opening times are: March, September & October: 10:00am - 5:00pm; April, May, June, July & August: 10:00am - 6:00pm
8th - Rush Sunday procession and service - St Mary Redcliffe, Bristol, BS1 6RA It's the most colourful Bristol procession with the City Swordbearer carrying the Pearl Sword wearing his Elizabethan Cap of Maintenance. The Lord Mayor, Lady Mayoress, and City Councillors wear their scarlet robes and carry posies of spring flowers, which originally were nosegays of herbs for protection against infection. The eight City Maces are carried by an escort of Police Macebearers under command of a Sergeant at Mace. Held at 11am on Whitsunday, the procession can be viewed in the area of the church entrance from Redcliffe Way.
8th - Bread and Cheese Throwing - St Briavels, GL15 6RG The church service and giving of the Whittington purse is at 6 30 with the throwing at 7 30 pm
14th - Scuttlebrook Wake - The Square, Chipping Campden, GL55 6AL There is a procession of the Scuttlebrook May Queen from Littleworth to the square, pulled on her cart by the Campden Morris Dancers, accompanied by her four attendants and a page boy. She is followed by decorated floats and a fancy dress parade and all shops and houses along the route are encouraged to enter a window competition. The Queen is crowned in the square and then she presents prizes to the followers with the best fancy dress. After this the square is filled with entertainment from Maypole Dancing, Country Dancing and Morris Dancing. For the rest of the day it is the fun of the fair with Leysbourne full of traditional fair rides and stalls.
Also look out for (provisionally):
- Upfest
- Appleby Horse Fair
- Wessex Midsummer Vintage Show
- Wales & West Photography Show
- Rotary Classic Vehicle Run at Chipping Sodbury
July 2025
6th - Tortworth Lake open day - Tortworth Lake, Tortworth, Wotton under Edge, GL12 8HF Tortworth Lake is private with no rights of access. The estate however welcomes the public to enjoy this special place on the first Sunday of each month from March to October only. Opening times are: March, September & October: 10:00am - 5:00pm; April, May, June, July & August: 10:00am - 6:00pm
Also look out for (provisionally):
- Thornbury Carnival
- Goodwood Festival of Speed
- Royal Welsh Show
- Welland Steam & Country Rally
- British Wildlife Photography Awards 2025 at Nature in Art
- International Garden Photographer of the Year 18
August 2025
3rd - Tortworth Lake open day - Tortworth Lake, Tortworth, Wotton under Edge, GL12 8HF Tortworth Lake is private with no rights of access. The estate however welcomes the public to enjoy this special place on the first Sunday of each month from March to October only. Opening times are: March, September & October: 10:00am - 5:00pm; April, May, June, July & August: 10:00am - 6:00pm
23rd-24th - Bristol Anime & Gaming Con - Mercure Grand Hotel, Bristol, BS1 2EL See attendees arriving in costume or buy your own entrance and go inside.
Also look out for (provisionally):
- International Garden Photographer of the Year 18
- British Wildlife Photography Awards 2025 at Nature in Art
- Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
- Thornbury and District Produce and Craft Summer Show 2025
- Football in the river at Bourton-on-the-Water
September 2025
7th - Tortworth Lake open day - Tortworth Lake, Tortworth, Wotton under Edge, GL12 8HF Tortworth Lake is private with no rights of access. The estate however welcomes the public to enjoy this special place on the first Sunday of each month from March to October only. Opening times are: March, September & October: 10:00am - 5:00pm; April, May, June, July & August: 10:00am - 6:00pm
21st - The Clypping - St Mary's Church, Painswick, GL6 6XH Clypping is an old English word which means embracing and during the special service, everyone is encouraged to form a circle round the Church, hold hands and so clyppe or embrace the Church by dancing in time to and while singing the clypping hymn.
Also look out for (provisionally):
- British Wildlife Photography Awards 2025 at Nature in Art
- Goodwood Revival at Goodwood House
- Heritage Open Days
- Frampton Country Fair, Frampton-on-Severn
- Widecombe Fair, Widecombe in the Moor
- RWA 172nd Annual Open Exhibition
October 2025
Also look out for (provisionally):
- RWA 172nd Annual Open Exhibition
- Wildlife Photographer of the Year 61
November 2025
Also look out for (provisionally):
- RWA 172nd Annual Open Exhibition
- Wildlife Photographer of the Year 61
- 2025 Bird Photographer of the Year