Summer is the perfect time to get out and about and with Glasto taking a break this year (for the good of the fields), it’s left a hole in our calendar, forcing us to re-think and find alternative ways to fill the post-solstice weekend and beyond. Here are a few of the things on our radar:

250th Summer Exhibition, Royal Academy of Arts – now until 19th August

Grayson Perry RA coordinates the biggest, brightest and most colourful Summer Exhibition yet, in the 250th annual celebration of “art made now”.

There’s a monumental sculpture by Anish Kapoor RA in the courtyard, and within the galleries you’ll find vast new works by David Hockney RA and Joana Vasconcelos. Artists Mona Hatoum and Tal R are shown alongside Royal Academicians including Wolfgang Tillmans, Mike Nelson, Tracey Emin and Rose Wylie, and Honorary Academicians Bruce Nauman and Ed Ruscha.

Mayfair Art Weekend, 40 galleries in and around Mayfair and St James’s – 29 June – 1 July 

The fifth edition of Mayfair Art Weekend celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Mayfair and St. James’s as one of the world’s most historic and thriving art quarters. The 2018 programme includes a series of free talks, tours, exhibitions and pop-up installations taking place throughout the weekend.

The Big Feastival, Alex James’ Farm near Kingham – 24th – 26th August

A local gem! The Big Feastival is a cracking three-day bank holiday knees-up bursting with fabulous food, live music and family entertainment. We’re particularly excited about the Cheese Hub, the huge range of chefs demonstrating (from DJ BBQ to Raymond Blanc!) and the amazing range of artists including Craig David, Melanie C, Clean Bandit and Tom Odell.

BBC Countryfile Live, Blenheim Palace – 2nd – 5th August

“We like to think it’s the best country fair in the world” says John Craven and we couldn’t agree more. Here at mark-making* we are big fans of this country fair, where you can get up close with the stars of the programme and you get to experience a real taste of countryside life.

Film4 Summer Screen at Somerset House – 09 – 22 Aug 

Film4 Summer Screen at Somerset House brings you a film lover’s dream season. Shown on London’s largest outdoor screen, presented in full surround sound and accompanied by DJ sets, exclusive onstage introductions from directors, cast and surprise special guests.

For UK-wide locations, check out www.thelunacinema.com

ABBA: Super Troupers, Southbank Centre – 29 Jul 

Mama Mia! Here we go again, is set to be one of the biggest films of the summer and this exhibition at the Southbank Centre will take you on a ABBA-tastic musical journey through nine immersive rooms that explore the music, lyrics and lives of one of the world’s most unforgettable bands.

Wilderness Festival, Cornbury Park – 2nd – 5th August 

Wilderness brings its diverse, colourful and easy-going party to the lush woodland of Cornbury Park, part of Oxfordshire’s beautiful nature reserves. All about escapism and creative freedom and held in a secluded and natural setting, Wilderness is the perfect weekend to escape the daily grind and immerse yourself in a world flourishing with creativity.