Have you ever been wanting to have an all-day fun packed with a learning experience? Or would you like to encounter an exciting community vibe?
Shake off any unwritten rules, pack your stuff and plan a trip to Kingston upon Thames this summer. We have rounded up the famous Kingston festivals with the best entertainment so that you can always have great fun this festival season.
Here is our pick from Kingston upon Thames for 2020.
1. INTERNATIONAL YOUTH ARTS FESTIVAL KINGSTON
3rd of July to 12th July 2020
This year, 2020, will be the 12th festival.
The International Youth Arts Festival is one of the biggest multi-arts festival in the UK for individuals under 27, showcasing some of the young emerging talent’s most exciting new projects.
About 200 events will be taking place on the 10-day festival in seven different venues, including the Kingston’s iconic Rose Theatre,the Arthur Cotterell Theatre and more. IYAF is produced by Creative Youth, a charity based in Kingston.
This 2020’s activity line up is composed of imaginative, enjoyable and spectacular shows that tell old stories, discuss wonderful subjects and introduce the participants to different worlds.
Rose Theatre Kingston sells tickets for all activities.
2. Kingston Regatta
11 to 12 July 2020
All are welcome to experience the thrill of boating challenge on the Riverside Walk. Kingston Regatta is one of the biggest and the oldest sports events in the Royal Borough of Kingston.
There will be two days of friendly, intense rivalry between rowing clubs of Cambridge and Oxford Universities and other participating schools around London and the South-East.
The regatta draws more than 2200 competitors and 720 crews who will participate in more than 320 events.
Access to the public area of the Regatta is £ 2 per person.
3. Kingston Rotary Dragon Boat Challenge
19 July 2020
When you want a fantastic day out along the water, don’t skip the annual Rotary Dragon Boat Challenge at Canbury Park Gardens.
Dragon Boat race is an exciting and fun experience that provides a great team-building for businesses, clubs, and societies in raising a significant amount of money for charity. No prior experience is required; all training will be provided. Teams of mixed capacity, disability, age and gender are welcome!
All clubs are required to raise funds for charity.
Registration fees are £ 450 per team and sponsorship fees are at least £ 1,000 per team.
4. Kingston Carnival
1st September
Kingston town centre will be lined with sounds and colours from around the world as we welcome the borough’s greatest festival for cultural diversity.
The parade will line up magnificent costumes and stunning performers, music, various cuisines, participated by the local communities. The lively procession begins in Guildhall, which takes place from 12 to 1 PM.
To everyone who wants to join and experience the fun, there’ll be stalls and performances throughout the day at the Market Place, on Kingston High Street, All Saints Church and at Rose Theater.
5. Kingston Heritage Festival
11 to 20 September 2020
Kingston upon Thames is the location for a two-week mobile cinema, guided walking tours and heritage festivities celebrating the town’s lifeblood.
Visit Kingston Museum and Kingston History Centre for information on the borough’s history. Bring pictures and stories of your childhood to the Kingston History Centre’s Youth Club Archive Scanning Centre to get a glimpse of how it’s like to grow up in Kingston over the years.
You can join in all activities for free but you may have to book beforehand.