120. Summer Festivals - with Jo Bausor, Otto English and Harry Hoblyn

Break Out Culture With Ed Vaizey by Country and Town House

We pick out the best of the summer’s festivals, including Byline Festival, Charleston’s Festival of the Garden, Cheltenham Music Festival, Henley Festival and The Idler Festival.

Jo Bausor, who’s been at the helm of Henley Festival for over a decade, tells us about the impressive line-up at Britain’s only boutique black tie festival. Acts performing include Boney M, Nile Rodgers & Chic, Rag n’Bone Man and Westlife. There’s a fabulous line-up of comedians too, like Jo Brand, Marcus Brigstocke, Jack Dee and Adam Kay. Expect floating stages, fine riverside dining and fireworks and much more besides.

Political journalist, Otto English, tells us about the Byline Festival in collaboration with Dartington Trust. Taking place at Dartington Hall in Devon, the festival aims to change the world with its big, challenging ideas and is guaranteed to spark controversy and robust debate. Speakers include Lord Victor Adebowale, Dawn Butler MP, Bonnie Greer, Rosie Holt, George Monbiot and Peter Oborne.

Finally, Harry Hoblyn, head gardener gives us the lowdown on the Festival of the Garden at Charleston, rural retreat of the Bloomsbury set and famously home to Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell. Celebrating communities who care about plants and the land, the festival will include butterfly walks and garden tours. Speakers include Isabel Bannerman, Edmund de Waal, Jake Fiennes and the Antiguan-American novelist, Jamaica Kincaid.

Byline Festival, 14th to 16th July, Dartington Hall, Totnes, Devon

Charleston Festival of the Garden, 13th to 16th July, Charleston, East Sussex

Cheltenham Music Festival: 8th to 15th July, around Cheltenham

Henley Festival: 5th to 9th July, around Henley

The Idler Festival : 7th to 9th July, Fenton House, Hampstead, London