Summer Events - Jazz, Boats, Pipes and Drums

If you're struggling for diversions this summer, might we recommend the following? Firmly established, they're the kind of civilised events that help make the season.

Edinburgh Military Tattoo

The Edinburgh Military Tattoo dates from 1950. Who knows what might happen to this event, and the Royal regiments that take part, should Scotland decide to walk away from the union? Get in quick.

Cowes Week

Straight after Glorious Goodwood - which you should also attend — Cowes Week on the Isle of Wight is great fun whatever the weather. This event started in 1826, mainly because George IV liked messing about in boats.

Newport Jazz Festival

An American one. Newport Jazz Festival is 60 this year. If you can't attend the event in Newport, Rhode Island, content yourself by watching a film of the 1958 event — the wonderful Jazz on a Summer's Day [Amazon].

If you watch the film, do look out for the shaven-headed preppy prototypes in the audience and the timelessness of their appearance.