Lichfield is fast becoming known as Staffordshire's Festival City

No matter what time of year you visit, there's something to suit all tastes. If you see anything you particularly fancy, we recommend booking in advance. Either call the venue direct, or our Tourist Information Team. Here's a quick run-down of the main festivals and events, or why not view our full events listings?

Lichfield Festival (3 - 13 July) 

The world renowned Lichfield Festival brings together some of the best music, cinema, art, comedy and more over ten days. 2007's Lichfield Festival played host to over 75 events and attracted more than 50,000 guests. Together with the popular Medieval Market and ‘Fuse - The Event in a Tent' a free community arts festival, the festivities are brought to a close with a spectacular fireworks display. For full listings visit www.lichfieldfestival.org

Lichfield Literature Weekend (26 - 28 September) 

From Cromwell to Conan Doyle, biographers to blasphemers, great romantic poets to contemporary performance poetry, come and immerse yourself in the written and spoken word, and hear about the inspirations behind some of England's foremost writers and thinkers at events across the city. www.lichfieldfestival.org

On Your Doorstep - Lichfield Heritage Weekend (19 - 21 September)

Take your pick from lots of fascinating tours and events taking place in Lichfield District - from tours of Samuel Johnson's Birthplace, to a tour of the treasures of St Chad. Our heritage weekend takes place every year in September when heritage venues across the district open their doors for FREE.

Proms In The Park (6 September)

A fantastic outdoor concert to end the summer in style. As we head into autumn, dig out your Union flags for the excellent and FREE Proms in the Park which attracts over 10,000 guests each year. From the pomp and ceremony of the favourite Land of Hope and Glory, to a fantastic fireworks display, Proms in the Park is an event to remember!  www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/proms

 

Shakespeare in the Park (18 - 21 June)

Grab your picnic and blankets and come and enjoy Shakespeare in the Park whilst sat on straw bales. From a Midsummer Nights Dream and Othello to Hamlet, relive the wonder of Shakespeare in the beautiful and enchanting setting of Maple Hayes Hall grounds. www.sitp.org.uk

Lichfield Folk Festival (20 - 22 June)

A weekend of dance and music. From Elizabethan Dance, to music workshops, to singarounds, this festival is a must for music lovers. Artists booked to date for 2008 include Scott Higgs (USA), Hilary Herbert, Gary Roodman (USA), The Bristol Players, Skylark, Focus Pocus, John Meechan, David & Kathryn Wright, Kevin Downham, Roy Garrington, Dave & Caroline, and many more. Visit the Folk Festival website (external link).

Lichfield Bower (26 May)

For more than eight centuries the Greenhill Bower has been part of life in Lichfield. Until the mid 19th century the procession included musketeers and morris dancers who would stop off at key city buildings to fire shots in the air and dance. Today the Bower is a carnival affair for all the family, with fantastic floats, fairground rides, stalls, a Bower Queen and more! www.greenmanmorris.org

Burntwood Wakes (8, 9 & 10 August)

A fantastic three day summer extravaganza, featuring a fairground, family fun, picnics, brass bands, top musical acts and topped off with a proms, fly by and fireworks display. Details of the 2008 have just been announced. Saturday's events will feature proms performances from the Amadeus Orchestra, and the Sunday concert will give you the chance to don your 60's gear and swing on down to the sounds of The Animals, the Searchers, the Tremeloes and more! www.burntwoodwakes.co.uk

Real Ale Jazz and Blues Festival (26 - 29 June)

Grab your tent, caravan or teepee and head down for this fantastic four day long festival featuring great jazz acts from as far afield as America and Spain. Or just dip in for your favourite acts. And, with over 30 traditional beers, ciders and foreign beers, this is an event to remember. www.lichfieldarts.org.uk

Coming soon ...

Lichfield 2009

2009 is set to be the year of years in Lichfield! 2009 sees the 300th anniversary of Samuel Johnson's birth, widely known as the father of the dictionary. 2009 also sees the bicentenary of Darwin's birth and the 150th anniversary of the publication of his seminal work ‘On the origin of Species'. To celebrate this Lichfield will be alive with events, festivals, concerts, star-studded shows, walks, talks and art. More information will be confirmed at a later date....

Lichfield Mysteries 2009

If you visit in May 2009, make sure you don't miss out on the Lichfield Mysteries. One of Europe's largest community arts events involving over 1000 local people in 26 medieval plays, performed in public spaces across the city. The Lichfield Mysteries is a breath-taking experience. www.lichfieldmysteries.co.uk