Have you ever visited a city and spent a weekend at the most Googled venues without ever finding out where the locals were at? Well, here at Euro Hostel, we’ve done the research so you don’t have to. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best independent events that are happening around the UK. From foodie delights to boutique festivals, there’s a little something for everyone.
Scot Gin Fest – Edinburgh, 12th May
After selling out in incredible speed after launching in Glasgow, September 2017, Scot Gin Fest returns to a variety of Scottish venues. This craft gin festival combines masterclasses, gin tasting and a chance to pick up tips and facts from talks given by “gin experts” (erm, where do we sign up to become one of those guys?!).
Try some of the country's best gins like Eden Mill, Isle of Harris, Granite North and McLean's. There’ll be more than 20 Scottish gins for you to taste and take home within The Caves, one of Edinburgh’s most exciting haunts.
Yardworks Festival – Glasgow, 12th-13th May
For something a little different, Yardworks Festival is Scotland’s largest gathering of graffiti and street art. Taking place in Galvanizers Yard, artists “bring the concrete playground to life”, showcasing graffiti spectacles over 1,000 metres of wall space, along with breakdancing battles, a pop-up art store, workshops, large scale artworks and – of course – a selection of street food and craft beers. Over 80 incredible artists will be painting live and mini artists in the making can test their skills at the kids’ creative station. Headliners include Spanish-based artist duo Pichi & Avo and Glasgow-based spray-painter Rogue-one.
Hidden Door Festival – Edinburgh, 25th May-3rd June
Tipped as a “riot of noise and colour” by the Times, Hidden Door Festival is volunteer-run and funded through ticket sales, sponsorship and fundraising. From cinema to dance, music, spoken word, theatre and visual art, there’ll be a smorgasbord of cultural delicacies that’ll keep you well and truly entertained. Re-entering the real world may be a struggle, but it’ll have been worth it.
Foodies Festival – Edinburgh, 3rd-5th August
August bank holiday welcomes the return of the UK’s biggest food festival to Inverleith Park. Whether it’s the chefs, the cocktails or the music you’re interested in, we can pretty much guarantee you won’t be disappointed. On Saturday 4th August, The Hoosiers will headline the brand-new Musicians Against Homelessness stage, which will go on to greet Toploader on the 5th. Visitors can watch Michelin-starred chefs cooking live, meet the MasterChef Profesionals finalist and gather tips from the BBC’s Great British Menu contestants. If cream pie throwing, cheese stretching or chilli eating sound altogether too strenuous, take a seat in the Tequila Shack or Tikki Rum Bar and enjoy some refreshing cocktails to wash down treats from any of the 30+ street food stalls on offer.
For more inspiration on Edinburgh’s 2018 line-up of summer festivals, give this post a read.
Whatever quirky event takes your fancy this year, head to Euro Hostel for your cash-friendly, city-centre accommodation.