Save the date: Events and must-do trips in the UK and Europe in 2025

Working as a locum is a fantastic opportunity to guide your career in a direction that you want by choosing assignments based on your preferences. This type of working arrangement is not only great for your career and finances - it lets you enjoy a working holiday across the UK and even Europe if you’re interested. You can choose any destination to work, giving you the freedom to enjoy some of the best events and activities across a huge variety of countries. So, in this article, we’ll help you plan your working holiday by looking at the best events and must-do trips in the UK and Europe in 2025.

Top Events in the UK in 2025

The UK is a fantastic place to live and locum, offering you lots of excellent assignment opportunities and a chance to enjoy your time off in a way that suits you. The benefits of working as a locum include choosing where you work in the UK. Whether you’re looking to soak up the unique cultural events in Scotland and England or fancy exploring the wilds of Wales or Northern Ireland, the UK has it all. So, let’s see what must-visit events are on the calendar for 2025:

Scotland: Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Scheduled every August, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is one of the greatest celebrations of arts and culture on the planet. With thousands of performers flooding Edinburgh’s streets during the Fringe for a 25-day extravaganza, it is the world’s largest arts festival. In 2025, the festival promises to be more vibrant than ever. The Fringe is an amazing chance to attend theatrical performances, comedy shows, and live music events. The city is bustling with activities that can enrich your off-duty days with unforgettable cultural experiences.

Photo credit: @edfringe - Instagram

Wales: Brecon Jazz Festival

If you find yourself in Wales around August, the Brecon Jazz Festival is a must. Covering six full days of live musical performances, this festival is a glorious celebration of this defining musical genre. This event attracts musicians and jazz lovers from around the world to the scenic town of Brecon. Enjoy world-class performances nestled in the heart of the Welsh countryside, providing a relaxing retreat from the busy healthcare environment.

England: The Grand National

One of the most celebrated horse racing events in the world, The Grand National is the top draw in the UK horse racing calendar, held each spring. It’s a spectacle to behold even if you aren’t a huge horse racing fan, bringing together people from all walks of life to enjoy an event that dates back to the 1800s. Held at the Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool, this prestigious event draws massive crowds both locally and internationally. It’s a great excuse to wear your best outfits and enjoy a few drinks in a truly unique environment.

Northern Ireland: Belfast International Arts Festival

If you’re a fan of the arts, then the Belfast International Arts Festival is one to jot down in your calendar. With installations dotted around the city in more than 30 venues, this festival is the perfect way to explore this beautiful Northern Irish city and bask in the latest creations from world-renowned and local artists alike. This festival is Northern Ireland's largest and most inclusive cultural event and is perfect for any locum looking for an immersive artistic and cultural experience during their time off.

Photo credit: Belfast International Arts Festival

Amazing Experiences in Europe for 2025

Mainland Europe is just a stone’s throw away from the UK, which means that there are plenty of activities that you can enjoy on the continent with a little bit of travel. One of the best ways to handle stress as a locum is to strike a good work/life balance, so spending some time in Europe as a locum is a great plan. There are endless activities, events and experiences for you to consider across top destinations like France, Germany and Spain, but a few of the highlights for 2025 include:

France: Cannes Film Festival

France is a beautiful country in its own right with plenty of things to do, but if you’re a film buff then the Cannes Film Festival is a must. Although getting tickets might be a challenge, the city itself is alive with events and you can soak up the atmosphere, enjoy side screenings, and possibly spot celebrities. As the world’s most renowned film festival, Cannes attracts celebrities from across the globe - making it a unique opportunity to brush shoulders with well-known actors and other celebs.

Spain: La Tomatina

For something a little different, Spain offers a truly unique festival that’s all about having fun. In the town of Buñol, the last Wednesday of August is reserved for La Tomatina, a festival where thousands gather to participate in a massive tomato fight. It’s a fun and exhilarating way to spend a day, and parties and celebrations throughout the town follow it.

Germany: Oktoberfest

Munich’s Oktoberfest is a key highlight in September and October. As the world’s largest Volksfest, it combines a massive beer festival with a travelling funfair. The festive atmosphere, traditional music, and hearty food offer a delightful escape from the routine of day-to-day life as a locum. So, if you’re fond of a beer or some Bavarian hijinks, this is a fantastic event for you to go to.

Experience the Best Events in 2025 on Your Terms by Working as a Locum

Working as a locum gives you the power to enjoy a working holiday and enjoy some of the best events and activities across the UK and Europe on your terms. By working with a reputable agency such as Globe Locums, you can choose assignments in a way that suits your career development while also striking the perfect work/life balance. So, if you fancy a working holiday in Scotland, England or even parts of Europe, working as a locum with Globe Locums is the best way to do it. To find out more, please take a look at our latest vacancies or get in touch with the team at Globe Locums for more information.