The Best Events, Activities and Festivals in North England for 2024

The North of England is distinct from its southern counterpart in many different areas. It’s culturally different, enjoys a more rugged landscape and has a reputation for being friendlier and more welcoming than you’d find in southern England. There are plenty of reasons to choose to live in the north of England - from a cheaper cost of living to more green space - but there are also plenty of unique and exciting things going on here, too. So, if you’re thinking of becoming a locum in the north (or are planning on visiting), this article looks at some of the best events, activities and festivals in the north of England for 2024 to help you make the most of your time here.

Immerse yourself in DocFest in Sheffield this June

If you’re more interested in documentaries than films, then Sheffield is the place to be in June as it’s hosting DocFest! This is the UK’s biggest documentary festival, featuring some of the most captivating and intriguing documentaries of the year. 

DocFest is a fantastic experience if you’re a fan of docs, so be sure to check out some of the smaller and more interesting presentations there, too. There are also loads of presentations, talks and other exciting events to attend during your time here, so it’s well worth the visit.

Smell the roses at the RHS Flower Show in July

For all the green thumbs out there, the RHS Flower Show is a must-see event. So if you’re in or around Cheshire in July, be sure to check out the horticultural magic on display at the RHS Flower Show in Tatton Park. As well as seeing some of the best and boldest garden displays the UK has to offer, the RHS Flower Show puts on quite the event. There will be live music, dancing, top-notch food and other entertainment to keep you enthralled.

The RHS Flower Show is held in Tatton Park, which is worth a visit in its own right. It’s one of the UK’s best-preserved historic estates, offering a glimpse into its glorious past. There’s plenty to explore here, from a beautiful Tudor Hall to sprawling Victorian gardens.

RHS/Tim Sandall

Celebrate The Beatles in their hometown this August

Liverpool has a bit of a reputation for birthing some of music’s greats, but The Beatles are undeniably their biggest musical export. So if you’re in Liverpool during August, make sure that you celebrate these musical giants in their hometown during the Beatles Festival. International Beatles Week is the perfect celebration of this pop sensation, which kicks off in the famous Cavern Club where the quartet once played.

The week-long event brings together an assortment of tribute acts and other musicians, so it’s a fantastic experience even if The Beatles aren’t your favourite band. Many of the clubs, pubs and bars around Liverpool will also be paying homage to the biggest band in the world, so make sure you soak up your time here and embrace the place that gave us The Beatles!

Image: James Maloney, the Liverpool Echo

Be awed by the World Fireworks Championships in September

Blackpool is once again hosting the World Fireworks Championships during September, which neatly coincides with the famous Blackpool Illuminations starting. This fantastic contest will see some of the world’s greatest fireworks displays light up the Blackpool sky, so be prepared for some stunning pyrotechnics.

Once the fireworks die down, you’ll also get a chance to enjoy the striking Blackpool Illuminations, which run up and down the coast. So if you’ve never experienced it before, it’s the perfect opportunity to grab a bag of chips and walk the promenades and piers of Blackpool.

Visit England's largest travelling fair in Hull in October

Experience the excitement of England’s largest traveling fair, featuring over 250 rides and attractions every October.

Get ready to soar on some of Europe's tallest rides (not suitable for the timid), indulge in the renowned Bob Carver fish and chips, brandy snaps, and candy floss, and test your skills at the various games and booths throughout the fair. Permanently located on Walton Street, the fair offers endless entertainment for the whole family and dazzles with an impressive light display at night.

Go on an adventure at the Leeds International Film Festival in November

The Leeds International Film Festival is the biggest film festival in the UK outside of London, so if you’re a fan of movies then this is an excellent event to attend. You’ll be able to soak up feature films and short films from all over the world, as well as films that focus on Leeds and its unique cultural issues. This festival has had some real success over the years, so it’s a guaranteed great time if you’re into films.

Feel festive at the Newcastle Christmas Market in December

Plenty of cities have their own Christmas markets, but Newcastle’s is one of the best. You’ll be able to enjoy all of the usual trappings of a Christmas market, such as mulled wine and delicious food, but Newcastle makes sure to add its own unique twist. Many of the stalls and vendors are local to the area, which gives this market a distinctly Newcastle vibe. It’s a great place to pick up a few gifts for loved ones while also embracing the city, so take your time to explore the various stalls and attractions throughout Old Eldon Square and Grainger Market.

Find locum opportunities in the North today

The best thing about locuming in the north is that many of these towns and cities are well-connected with excellent rail links, so wherever you’re based, you’re never far away from the action. If you want to find the best locuming opportunities in the north, our team at Globe Locums can help. Check out our latest locum vacancies to search for your perfect locum job in the north of England.