From music to fashion, yachts to seafood, there are loads of festivals happening all across Europe. Here are some of the top ones to watch out for.

Edinburgh International Festival, Scotland
8^th – 31^st August

Concerts, opera, theatre, ballet, dance, orchestra – the world-renown Edinburgh Festival has it all. Performances take place in six major concert halls and theatres and a number of smaller venues as well. The best occasion to savour the classics.
http://www.eif.co.uk/

Burgundy Wine Press Festival, Chenove, France
Whole of September

This is one for wine lovers. Chenove is a must see on any wine tour and is home to the Dukes of Burgundy presses built in 1238. During the month of September, some of these presses are started up so visitors can see how wine was made in the old days. Other treats include traditional art and craft demonstrations, jazz performances, traditional music and dances and gastronomic delights like smoked sausages and Burgundy snails.

Iznajar Fair (La Feria Grande), Iznajar, Spain
7^th – 11^th September

This fair shows that you can be religious and still have fun. Featuring all night parties and beautiful processions led by musicians singing choruses, part of the festival pays tribute to the patron Saint of Le Virgin de la Piedad. http://www.ixeo.com/Events/Spain_Izn%C3%A1jarFairLaFeriaReal_Izn%C3%A1jar/LG-EN/Content.aspx

London Fashion Week, London, England
24^th-28^th September

This is for the fashion aficionados. UK’s ultimate fashion event, it features over 150 top designers showcasing their collection. It’s your chance to grab the latest in fashion at fantastic discounts. Make sure you book tickets well in advance. For more details, log onto http://www.londonfashionweekend.co.uk/

Monaco Yacht Show, Monte Carlo, Monaco
24^th- 27^th September

Love yachts? This is the place to be. Rub shoulders with the rich and famous and feast your eyes on some of the most luxurious yachts ever. This is the only show dedicated to Superyachts of 25 metres and longer. For more details, log onto http://www.monacoyachtshow.com/index.shtml

Thames Festival, London, England
13^th and 14^th September

Here’s a fantastic way to enjoy free entertainment in the heart of London. Celebrations take place between the Westminister Bridge and the Tower Bridge and Londoners come together to dance, listen to music, watch movies, drink, eat, play and sail. There are also loads of fireworks, parades and torchlit processions. Find out more at http://www.thamesfestival.org/

Braemar Highland Games, Scotland
6^th September

This is often known as the most famous and best Highland Games. The event comes complete with Scottish Pipe Bands, pipers, dancers, international athletes – all in a beautiful setting surrounded by hills. Given its huge popularity, it’s good to book your tickets in advance. Find out more on http://www.braemargathering.org/

Galway Oyster Fest, Galway, Ireland
25^th- 28^th September

Here’s a festival that celebrates the start of the oyster season. As the name itself suggests, this is for the seafood lovers. Head here for four days of gourmet seafood, live music and the best Guinness. http://www.galwayoysterfest.com/

Oktoberfest, Munich, Germany
20^th September – 5^th October

This is the ultimate homage to beer. When one thinks of Oktoberfest, images of crowded beer tents, huge beer mugs handled by big bosomed women in drendils and men in lederhozen come to mind. All of which is true. But no words can truly describe the experience of thousands of people crammed in a huge carnival atmosphere enjoying the lively Bavarian music and its equally popular brew. Each year over six million visitors throng to the Oktoberfest to be part of this heady experience. Be part of the 175^th year celebrations this year. http://www.oktoberfest.de/en/

See also our previous article on the beer festivals in Germany.

Please note that there may be changes to the dates, events and line-ups at the festivals. For detailed information, check the official websites.

Sidd Lobo
Freelance writer based out of Munich

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