With COVID restrictions still in place, the big festivals may have had to reschedule – but the smaller, more independent ones are (as of writing) still set to go ahead. Why not check out one of these smaller outdoor events and try something new and a bit different this summer? Here’s a list of the best offbeat outdoor festivals due to take place in the North West over the coming weeks.

Physical Fest | Various venues across Liverpool | Fri 25 Jun - Fri 2 Jul | From £25

After an incredibly difficult year for the arts, Physical Fest is proud to celebrate a new lease of life for contemporary physical theatre whilst supporting both emerging and female artists. With a huge selection of workshops and masterclasses due to take place across various Liverpool-based venues – alongside a handful of online events – Physical Fest is bound to spark some creativity within you.

Covering comedy, filmmaking, mime, dance, manifestation, and even the art of clowning – this immersive and playful approach to physical theatre aims to educate and entertain. Join the visual journey of the event, enjoy the blurring of circus with theatre and embark on a totally new experience as you support the local art scene and the artists that have stayed remarkably resilient within it.

Velio Festival | Cholmondeley Castle, Cheshire | Fri 17 Sep - Mon 20 Sep | From £159

Get ready for three whole days of cycling, music, comedy, feasting and wellness. Whether you’re a pro cyclist or just a beginner, Velio Fest features five great cycle routes for a range of levels and ages, including the ‘Velutopia’ trail – dubbed “the world’s most immersive cycling experience.”

With a huge festival programme including performances by Sister Sledge, dog therapy sessions, boozy brunches and an ‘everybody loves Lizzo’ party to name just a few – why not take the time to celebrate life on two wheels and the community that upholds it? With great cycle routes, a huge music and comedy line-up, a jam-packed wellness programme and banquets and feasts throughout, off the saddle, – it’s a win, win win!

Indian Summers Festival | Arley Hall | Sat 3 Jul - Sun 4 Jul | £10

The family-friendly Indian Summers food and drink festival has announced its new 2021 date in the perfectly-suited Arley Hall, allowing visitors to enjoy some great eats while soaking up the sunshine. With the all-new introduction of ‘Khanawala Street’ – a food extravaganza with seven unique stalls selling Indian street food – get ready to be transported from the picturesque gardens of Arley Hall to the tastes and aromatic fragrances of Deli and Mumbai.

From yoga classes, crystal healing and Bollywood dancing, to live Indian drummer bands and a dedicated ‘Kidchella’ play corner for the little ones – there is definitely something for everyone at this colourful festival. On top of it all, the festival boasts its very own cocktail van, gin bar and Cobra beer stand so you can wash back that amazing food as you recline while the sun sets.

Tue 29 Jun
Words:
Rhiannon Ingle
Published on:
Tue 29 Jun 2021