Spring is a time of reawakening and rebirth, and in the British Isles, this means getting out of doors, sometimes for the first time in months. Obviously we recommend a rousing round or two of golf, especially if you’re visiting Scotland, but there are some other fun activities to get you out and about in the Scottish countryside while the gorse is in full bloom.
Here are a few of our favorite Scottish festivals to go to in April.
Since 1986, this beer festival has brought the best breweries in the UK together under one roof in the Paisley Town Hall. Sponsored by the Renfrewshire branch of CAMRA (the Campaign for Real Ale), the event features over 250 beers of almost every type and style. There’s also a selection of wine and cider available for those who aren’t interested in beer, so everyone can find something they like. Festival goers get a commemorative glass to get you back into the festival on subsequent visits and to take home with you. Keep an eye out for some of our favorite breweries, including St. Andrews Brewing Company, Edinburgh Beer Factory, and Cairngorm Brewery.
If you’re interested in Celtic history or paganism, you’re no stranger to the springtime festival of Beltane. Traditionally held on May Day, or halfway between the spring equinox and the summer solstice, this festival celebrates the first signs of summer. The myth of Beltane centers around the May Queen transforming the Green Man from his wintry guise so they can rule together over the land through the warmer months. This modern version involves a procession around Calton Hill with immersive storytelling, including drumming and acrobatics, and plenty of fire displays, and it’s known for being pretty risque. According to the organizers, the performers are “enthusiastic” and often don’t wear much clothing, so children are allowed at the festival “under parental discretion”. The festival is celebrating its 30th year in 2018, so it’s a great time to see the spectacle.
This festival is a way to get to know Scottish heritage through folk arts. Promoted by TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland) with partners, co-curators and community groups, the event is billed as a seasonal feast of music, storytelling, dance, craft, film and folk drama. It’s held in conjunction with the start of the Beltane festival and May Day, and spreads in venues across the city and throughout the surrounding Scottish countryside, with events taking place both in and out of doors. In spite of its name, TradFest is a relatively new festival, and brings some cutting-edge ideas to its traditional roots.
At Worldwide Golf Adventures, we make sure to create itineraries that keep our clients on their toes. Contact us today for the golf and cultural trip of a lifetime.
