Have a Sizzling Summer …even if it is still raining

From the Olympics and Wimbledon to the World Worm Charming Championships (yes, really), make 2012 your best summer ever with our spectacular seasonal events guide

One of the finest operatic events of the year. Enjoy opera in and around the grounds of glorious Glyndebourne... just remember the strawberries and cream for your picnic.

Where Glyndebourne, Ringmer, Lewes, East Sussex: 01273-813813, www.glyndebourne.com/festival2012-brochure

When Until 26 August.

JUNE

WESTON-SUPER-MARE SAND SCULPTURE FESTIVAL

The largest sand sculpture festival in the UK, showcasing everything from ordinary sandcastles to some truly dazzling displays.

Where Weston-super-Mare, Somerset: 01934-417117, www.westonsandsculpture.co.uk

When Until 9 September.

SUD DE FRANCE FESTIVAL

Tastings, cooking demonstrations and special offers galore at this French Mediterranean festival, promoting the produce of Languedoc-Roussillon.

Where Various venues, London: www.festivalsuddefrance.com/London.1.0.html

When Until 29 June.

CHELTENHAM FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL

Food, wine, real ale and more from over 200 exhibitors, plus cookery demonstrations and live music. MasterChef winner Phil Vickery will be cooking.

Where Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham: www.gardenevents.com

When Until 17 June.

BROADSTAIRS DICKENS FESTIVAL

All the fun of a Victorian fair with exhibitions, parades and theatre productions. Held annually since 1937.

Where Various venues, Broadstairs, Kent: 01843-861827, www.broadstairsdickensfestival.co.uk

When 16 to 22 June.

CHESHIRE COUNTY SHOW

The largest county show in the North West, with livestock classes, dog shows, arts and crafts stalls and more.

Where County Showground, Tabley, Cheshire: 01565- 650200, www.cheshirecountyshow.org.uk

When 19 to 20 June.

LEIGH FOLK FESTIVAL

The UK's largest free folk music festival in the country, with over 500 performers.

Where Various venues, Leigh-on- Sea, Essex: 01702-715111, www.leighfolkfestival.com

When 21 to 24 June.

TASTE OF LONDON

Jamie Oliver headlines this festival of fi ne cuisine. There are cooking demos, beer masterclasses, food markets and BBQ Championships.

Where Regent's Park, London: 0871-230 7132, www.tastefestivals.com/london

When 21 to 24 June.

ROYAL ASCOT

A highlight of the racing and social calendars.

Where Ascot Racecourse, Ascot, Berkshire: 08707-227227, www.ascot.co.uk

When 19 to 23 June.

THE WIMBLEDON TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS

The most spectacular tennis competition on Earth.

Where All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, Church Road, Wimbledon: 020-8944 1066, www.wimbledon.com/

When 25 June to 8 July.

THE WORLD WORM CHARMING CHAMPIONSHIPS

Yes, really. This is the place to see worm charmers in action. Britain at its eccentric best.

Where Willaston Primary School, Nantwich, Cheshire: www.wormcharming.com

When 23 June.

LEGENDS AIRSHOW

For aviation enthusiasts, this is the event of the year.

Where Imperial War Museum, Duxford, Cambridgeshire: 01223-835000, www.iwm.org.uk, www.militaryairshows.co.uk 

When 30 June to 1 July.

PICNIC TIPS

• Chill drinks in the freezer the night before.
• Store your food in sandwich bags or tinfoil – plastic boxes are heavier.
• Take one Thermos with chilled water, and one with a hot drink.
• Paper plates and cups are lighter than hampers.
• Choose food wisely. Egg mayonnaise isn't ideal if it's a long drive on a hot day.

JULY

THE HENLEY FESTIVAL

Comedy and street theatre, as well as music performed on the river banks and fl oating stages. Artists include Sting, Lulu, Katherine Jenkins, Alfi e Boe, Tim Minchin, Olly Murs.

Where Stewards' Enclosure, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire: 01491-843400, www.henley-festival.co.uk

When 4 to 8 July.

DORSET SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

Demonstrations, competitions, book signings and a seafood village with over 100 stalls.

Where Weymouth Harbour, Dorset: 01305-785747, www.dorsetseafood.co.uk

When 7 to 8 July.

PONTEFRACT LIQUORICE FESTIVAL

The town's sweet celebration of its culture and long association with liquorice.

Where Pontefract, West Yorkshire: 0845-601 8353, www.experiencewakefield.co.uk  

When 8 July.

BBC PROMS

The world's largest music festival and a true highlight of summer. All of Beethoven's symphonies are to be played, culminating in the Ninth Symphony on the opening night of the Olympics. There will also be children's concerts.

Where Royal Albert Hall, London: 0845-401 5045, www.bbc.co.uk/proms www.royalalberthall.com

When 13 July to 8 September.

GLYNDE FOOD AND ENGLISH WINE FESTIVAL

One hundred English wines to sample at one of the country's biggest wine festivals.

Where Glynde Place, Lewes, East Sussex: 01273-858224, www.glyndefoodfestival.co.uk

When 14 to 15 July.

CHELTENHAM HORSE SHOW

A spectacular for horse lovers of all ages.

Where Cheltenham Racecourse, Gloucestershire: 01452- 616614, www.cheltenhamshow.co.uk

When 14 July.

SHAKESPEARE: STAGING THE WORLD EXHIBITION

Maps, prints and tapestries illustrating the role of London as a city and seen from the perspective of a Shakespeare play.

Where The British Museum, London: 020- 7323 8299, www.britishmuseum.org

When 19 July to 5 November.

SHEEPDOG CHAMPIONSHIPS

Start of the major sheepdog trials held in the UK and Ireland each year.

Where Montgomery, Powys:01234-352672, www.sheepdogchampionships.co.uk

CLA GAME FAIR: THE LADY'S DAY

Unmissable, this is the world's leading country sport event, with lots to try, taste, experience and buy. For the first time this year the most elegantly dressed ladies joining us on The Lady's Day are invited to a talk by our own Thomas Blaikie, receive complimentary day badges to the CLA Members' Enclosure, and the best-dressed winner receives tickets for the Venice Simplon- Orient-Express.

Where Belvoir Castle, Grantham, Leicestershire: 0845-612 2052, www.gamefair.co.uk

When CLA Game Fair: 20 to 22 July (The Lady's Day is on 21 July).

THREE CHOIRS FESTIVAL

The oldest and most established choral festival in the world.

Where Hereford Cathedral, Herefordshire: 0845-652 1823, www.3choirs.org

When 21 to 28 July.

ROYAL WELSH SHOW

One of the largest agricultural shows in the UK, featuring livestock exhibitions, sheepdog trials and lamb-shearing championships, new farming techniques and the latest machinery.

Where Royal Welsh Showground, Llanelwedd, Builth Wells: 01982-553683, www.rwas.co.uk

When 23 to 26 July.

SANDRINGHAM FLOWER SHOW

With craft marquee, entertainment arena, military band, show gardens and displays by leading horticulturists.

WHERE Sandringham Park,King's Lynn, Norfolk: 01485-545400, www.sandringhamflowershow.org.uk

When 25 July.

CAMBRIDGE FOLK FESTIVAL

With Joan Armatrading, Billy Bragg and The Proclaimers. One of the longest-running folk festivals in the world.

Where Cherry Hinton Hall, Cambridge: 01223-457555, www.cambridgefolkfestival.co.uk

When 26 to 29 July.

LONDON 2012 OLYMPICS

The last time the Olympic Games came to Britain was in 1948. Now they return to the capital in the Queen's Diamond Jubilee year.

Where Venues around London: 0845-267 2012, www.london2012.com

When 27 July to 12 August; Paralympics 29 August to 9 September.

GLORIOUS GOODWOOD

Major race meeting, social occasion and highlight of the summer season.

Where Goodwood, Chichester, West Sussex: 01243-755055, www.goodwood.co.uk

When 31 July to 4 August.

DRINKS TIPS

• Hopback Summer Lightning is a great warm weather beer – it's pale, lemony with a bitter bite (Asda, £1.72).
• Add a shot of gin per glass to your Pimm's. Top up with ginger beer instead of lemonade.

AUGUST

AYR FLOWER SHOW

The Chelsea Flower Show of Scotland, this is one of the largest tented shows in the country, as well as being Scotland's oldest gardening and outdoor living show.

Where Rozelle Estate, Ayr: 01292-618395, www.ayrflowershow.org

When 3 to 5 August.

BELLADRUM TARTAN HEART FESTIVAL

Annual music festival held in the Scottish Highlands features a great range of music from Celtic folk to pop and rock but also features theatre, cabaret, workshops, debates, children's entertainment and a mountain bike race called Sweaty Bella.

Where Belladrum Estate, Beauly, Inverness: 01463- 741366, www.tartanheartfestival.co.uk

When 3 to 4 August.

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL & FRINGE

Alongside the Fringe Festival, this is one of the foremost arts events in the world, with endless performances and parties lasting a month.

Where Various venues, Edinburgh; www.eif.co.uk, www.edfringe.com 

When International Festival 9 August to 2 September; Fringe 3 to 27 August.

THE ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO

One of Scotland's biggest outdoor events in which 1,000 performers take part in a military musical spectacular.

Where Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh: 0131-225 1188, www.edintattoo.co.uk

When 3 to 25 August.

BATTLE PROMS CONCERTS AT HIGHCLERE CASTLE

Enjoy a classical music picnic, with fireworks and live cannon fire, against a backdrop of the stately home that doubles as Downton Abbey.

Where Highclere Castle, Newbury, Berkshire: 01432- 355416, www.battleproms.com

When 4 August.

HEART OF THE GLENS FESTIVAL

One of Northern Ireland's most successful community festivals.

Where Various venues, Cushendall, Antrim: 028-2177 1378, www.glensfestival.com

When 4 to 12 August.

LEEDS FLOWER, VEGETABLE AND CRAFT SHOW

The largest show of its kind in the region, including craft stalls, demonstrations and much more.

Where The Grammar School, Leeds: www.leedshs.org.uk

When 4 to 5 August.

AIRBOURNE: EASTBOURNE INTERNATIONAL AIRSHOW

One of the largest seafront airshows in the world, featuring the Red Arrows.

Where Western Seafront, Eastbourne, East Sussex: 0871-663 0031, www.eastbourneairshow.com

When 9 to 12 August.

SHREWSBURY FLOWER SHOW

Recognised by Guinness World Records as the world's longestrunning horticultural exhibition, with lots more besides.

Where The Quarry Park, Shrewsbury, Shropshire: 01743-234050, www.shrewsburyflowershow.org.uk

When 10 to 11 August.

HENRI LLOYD FALMOUTH WEEK

One of the largest sailing regattas in the West Country.

Where Various venues, Falmouth, Cornwall: 01326-313553, www.falmouthweek.co.uk

When 11 to 19 August.

KETTLEWELL SCARECROW FESTIVAL

Visitors are encouraged to identify 100 life-size scarecrows on the Scarecrow Trail.

Where Kettlewell, North Yorkshire: 01756-761307, www.kettlewellscarecrowfestival.co.uk

When 11 to 19 August.

GARDEN OF REASON

It is very fashionable to pop some contemporary art into your historic property, and a model exhibition shows eight newly commissioned pieces at Ham House and Garden, curated by Tessa Fitzjohn. A wonderful piece by Ruth Proctor squeezes into the perfect porticoes of Ham's 16th-century façade. Made from balloons fi lled with helium and air, covered in monochrome geometrical patterns, the piece seems to cross weightlessly from the 1610s to the 2010s.

In the gardens, Simon Periton and Alan Kane's fculptures (sic) wittily evoke lost sculptures, which still appear in the Ham archives. Alexandra de Cunha brings his readymades to the lawn: in bright red, the ladders usually seen when boarding a flight, are anachronistic, while Tom Dale's Banquet Of Sound is clever and striking.

Where Ham House and Garden, Richmond upon Thames: 020-8940 1950, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hamhousegardenofreason

When Until 23 September Teresa Drace-Francis

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY SHOW

The largest agricultural event in Wales, featuring livestock, showjumping, scores of stalls, live entertainment and activities.

Where County Showground, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire: 01437764331, www.pembrokeshirecountyshow.co.uk

When 14 to 16 August.

BIRDFAIR 2012

World's largest bird fair and a must for twitchers.

Where Egleton Nature Reserve, Rutland Water, Oakham, Rutland: 01572771079, www.birdfair.org.uk

When 17 to 19 August.

WHITBY REGATTA & CARNIVAL

One of the oldest regattas in the UK. There will be rowing competitions, a funfair, fireworks and Royal Air Force and Navy displays.

Where Various venues, Whitby, North Yorkshire: www.whitbyregatta.co.uk

When 18 to 20 August.

INTERNATIONAL BEATLES WEEK FESTIVAL

A celebration on 1960s pop music – and The Beatles, of course. The festival will feature local and international bands performing tributes and an allday Beatles Convention.

Where The Cavern, Liverpool: 0151236 9091, www.beatlesfestival.co.uk

When 22 to 28 August.

BLAIR CASTLE HORSE TRIALS & COUNTRY FAIR

Olympic medallists and amateurs compete in Scotland's leading equestrian event.

Where Blair Castle Estate, Blair Atholl, Perthshire: 01796481543, www.blairhorsetrials.co.uk

When 23 to 26 August.

ALL ABOUT GARDENING

Major horticultural show for the area, featuring over 300 exhibitors, a food court and craft marquee.

Where Norfolk Showground, Norwich: 01702549623, www.aztecevents.co.uk

When 25 to 27 August.

TWINWOOD FESTIVAL

1940s and 1950s festival featuring music, dancing, classic cars, vintage clothing, makeup and hairdressing.

Where Twinwood Arena, Bedford, Bedfordshire: 01923282725, www.twinwoodevents.com

When 25 to 27 August.

ALL ABOUT DOGS

A must for Norfolk doglovers.

Where Royal Norfolk Showground, Norwich, Norfolk: 01702549623, www.allaboutdogsshow.co.uk

When 26 to 27 August.

CHELTENHAM CUP

Prestigious polo event.

Where Cirencester Park Polo Club, Cirencester, Gloucestershire: 01285653225, www.cirencesterpolo.co.uk

When 27 August to 9 September.

THE GREAT DORSET STEAM FAIR

The world's leading steam and vintage preservation fair.

Where Tarrant Hinton, Blandford Forum, Dorset: 01258860361, www.gdsf.co.uk

When 29 August to 2 September.

BLACKPOOL ILLUMINATIONS

The illuminations are turned on as summer comes to an end.

Where Blackpool Promenade, Blackpool: 01253478222, www.visitblackpool.com

When 31 August to 4 November.

TOP TIPPLES

• Liven up white wine with a blend of 2 parts white wine, 1 part Campari or Aperol and 1 part sparkling water. Add more Campari if you like it bitter.
• There's something about a Provencal rosé that hits the spot. Try Espirit de Buganay, Côtes de Provence 2011 (Waitrose, £9.29).