Insider tip: study the programme beforehand, as the extensive list of workshops, performances, ceremonies and fascinating goings-on could make up an entirely separate festival Cúirt International Festival of Literature Apr 17-23: Authors and events bringing emerging and established names in contemporary literature to Galway for a week of innovative thinking and world-class writing. cuirt.ie Birr Festival of Music Apr 27-May 1: Classical music festival with concerts, workshops, street performances and pop-up events featuring singers and musicians of national and international acclaim. birrfestivalofmusic.com

NewcastleGateshead Winter Festival and New Year’s Eve Carnival, NewcastleGateshead, north-east England Tipperary Dance International Festival Oct 2-15: The 14th annual festival of cutting-edge national and international programme of live dance events across the county, indoor and outdoor performances, masterclasses, schools performances and roundtables. tipperarydance.com Scotland’s biggest multi-cultural festival lights up Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Park every summer in a kaleidoscope of colours, with music, dance, performance and tastes from around the globe. Dublin Theatre Festival Sep 28-Oct 15: Showcasing world-class Irish and European theatre, across the city’s theatre venues. dublintheatrefestival.ieEvery August, the Edinburgh International Festival presents three exhilarating weeks of the finest creators and performers from the worlds of the arts. Edinburgh's six major theatres and concert halls, a few smaller venues and often some unconventional ones too, come alive with the best music, theatre, opera and dance from around the globe.

Every summer the beautiful Fountain Court at Somerset House hosts London's most impressive open-air cinema: Film4 Summer Screen. The series features a range of films, all showing on a state-of-the-art screen with full surround sound.The world’s biggest Mountain Festival is a celebration of film, outdoor sports, literature, art and legends that hopes to inspire people to explore and enjoy mountains and the wilderness. The Mountain Film Competition is a main feature of the event, with entries competing to be the grand prize winner.

Insider tip: build in another few days either side of the festival to explore the island’s foodie charms Returning to London’s Hyde Park, Barclaycard presents British Summertime will once again see some of the world’s greatest bands and musicians take to the stage for a weekend of amazing performances. Wilderness has built up quite a loyal following over the years and it’s not hard to understand why once you’re in its sprawling, magical woodland playground, housed within the Cornbury Park estate. Big-name indie headliners rub shoulders with hip alternative acts, comedians, authors and more than a few great chefs, meaning that the food offering at Wilderness really is second to none – last year's chefs included Skye Gyngell, Adam Handling, Robin Gill and more. This boutique event has the feel of a close-knit party rather than a big festival, due to its intimate atmosphere and isolated setting in a wild forest on the beautiful Welsh island of Anglesey. Underground electronic grooves are what you’ll be dancing to all weekend, woven by a vast list of scene-leading DJs: Seth Troxler, Margaret Dygas, Andrew Weatherall and Josey Rebelle have all spun their magic over the years.Supporting this campaign will be our permanent #Jab4Tourism drive which is focused on our frontline tourism and hospitality staff to increase the province’s vaccination numbers and to save existing jobs in the sector.