Best fest
Edinburgh in August feels like the centre of the universe, as its first International Festival of the millennium gets underway. From the NYC Ballet and London Symphony Orchestra to Fringe revues and cabaret, the menu is mind-boggling.
• August 13-Sept 2. Box office: 0131-473 2000; Fringe: 0131-226 5138.
Upwardly mobile
The International Balloon Fiesta will see150 hot-air balloons fill the skies above Bristol early morning and evening, with fairground rides filling the hours between.
• August 12 and 13, 6am and 6pm. Details 09068 252262.
Battle it out
Norman and Saxon warriors square up to each other at Battle Abbey in preparation for the biggest-ever re-enactment of the Battle of Hastings.
• August 12, 13, 27, 28, 9.30am-5.30pm. Battle High Street, Battle, East Sussex. Admission £4, children £2. Details 01424 773792.
Come dancing
The enormous Ballroom at Buckingham Palace is now open to the public.
• Daily until October 1, 1.30pm-4.30pm. Admission £5, family £25.50. Buckingham Palace Rd, London SW1 (020-7839 1377).
Action replay
History In Action 2000 is the world's largest re-enactment festival, with 3,000 performers and over 100 displays a day - dozens of mock battles, a Spitfire fly-past, fashion shows, dances, cookery and a historical market.
• August 12-13, 9.30am-6pm. £12, £7, family £30. Kirby Hall, Corby, Northamptonshire (01793 414 910).
Whitby to do
Is Granny glamorous? Take her to Whitby Regatta and find out. Face painting, bouncy castles, steel bands and helicopter rides, too.
• August 12-14. Westcliff, Whitby, Yorkshire (01947 602674).
Ross 'n' roll
With both Van Morrison and Ken Dodd on the programme, the Ross-on-Wye Festival of Music, Drama, Dance and Comedy is an eclectic mix.
• August 17-28. Details 01989 563330
Lancashire hot spot
Look out for the ghost of actress Sarah Siddons on a walking tour of the Grand Theatre, Lancaster. One of the country's oldest working stages, its boards have been trodden for over 200 years.
• Saturdays throughout August, 11am and 2pm. Admission £1-£2 . Grand Theatre, St Leonardgate,Lancaster, (01524 64695).
Four-fendered friend
Win a ride in the original Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car at Plymouth Street fair.
• Fair daily until August 26; car displayed until August 15. 9am-6pm, Sundays 10.30am-4.30pm (01803 327822).
