The economic outlook for the year might be challenging but there are still plenty of reasons to be cheerful.
The UK has some amazing events taking place over the next 12 months, from music and sport to the coronation of King Charles III.
Here’s a look at some standouts from the 2023 calendar.
1. C2C Country to Country (10 to 12 March)
Country to Country is Europe’s biggest country music festival. Held at London O2, the festival is back for its ninth year in 2023.
Over three days, tens of thousands of UK country fans will descend on the capital for performances from the likes of Lady A (‘Need you now’) and Thomas Rhett (arguably best known for the Katy Perry collaboration ‘Where we started’).
Tickets sell out fast so you’ll need to get a move on if you’re to secure your seat.
2. King Charles’ coronation (6 May)
The news of the Queen’s passing last year brought the country to a halt. It also saw millions line London’s streets for a glimpse of our longest-reigning monarch lying in state. In May, the coronation of King Charles will take place at Westminster Abbey in London.
The historic event will include a procession through London or you can ensure you have the best seat in the house by gathering with friends and family to watch the ceremony live on television.
3. Eurovision final (13 May)
Following the extraordinary performances in 2022, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has meant that the 67th Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Liverpool in 2023.
The UK’s Sam Ryder finished second last year and the contest is sure to reflect both UK and Ukraine’s culture and music, in a show of solidarity with Ukraine and its people.
The city will come alive during the contest with a EuroClub party venue open from 5 May and tickets on sale soon. There will also be a free-to-enter Eurovision Village and plenty of other reasons to visit the city in May 2023.
4. Glastonbury Festival (21 to 25 June)
Glastonbury is a staple of the summer festival circuit that sees around 200,000 people descend on the Eavis’s Worthy Farm.
The only headliner confirmed so far is the pop icon, Elton John, allegedly playing his last ever live show. Other acts expected to be in attendance include Arctic Monkeys, Guns N’ Roses, Lewis Capaldi and Lizzo.
Aside from the main stages, you’ll find music in every corner of the extensive site alongside circus tents, theatre, dance, comedy and much more.
And if you won’t be there as a punter this year, tune in for the BBC’s coverage of all the main events plus a glimpse behind the veil as the team seek out the unexpected gems among Glastonbury’s many treasures.
5. The Ashes 2023 (16 June to 31 July)
One of the oldest sporting competitions in the world – first contested in 1882 – the Ashes will be played on English soil in 2023.
Five tests will take place between:
- Friday 16 June and Tuesday 20 June at Edgbaston
- Wednesday 28 June and Sunday 2 July at Lord’s
- Thursday 6 July 6 and Monday 10 July at Headingley
- Wednesday 19 July and Sunday 23 July at Emirates Old Trafford
- Thursday 27 July and Monday 31 July at the Kia Oval.
The men’s side will be looking to redress the Ashes and regain the urn after the humiliation of a 4-0 defeat in Australia in 2021/22.
The women will also be in action against the Australians this summer. Contested over various formats, the women’s series will feature:
- A one-off test match, Thursday 22 June to Monday 26 June at Trent Bridge
- 1st T20I, Saturday 1 July at Edgbaston
- 2nd T20I, Wednesday 5 July at the Kia Oval
- 3rd T20I, Saturday 8 July at Lord’s
- 1st ODI, Wednesday 12 July at Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol
- 2nd ODI, Sunday 16 July at the Ageas Bowl
- 3rd ODI, Tuesday 18 July at Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton.
Last contested in 2019, a drawn test was followed by a 3-0 ODI win for Australia and a 1-0 win in the only T20 played.
6. BBC Proms (14 July to 9 September)
The BBC Proms returned to a full schedule, performed in front of a packed audience last year, following Covid restrictions in 2020 and 2021.
With eight weeks of live performances to choose from, you’ll be sure to find something for you in the BBC Proms’ packed line-up.
Once you’ve enjoyed a night at the Royal Albert Hall, there’ll be plenty else to see and do in and around the capital.
7. Edinburgh Fringe Festival (4 to 28 August)
Edinburgh’s Fringe Festival is one of the largest arts festivals in the world and is globally renowned for its mixture of comedy, music, theatre, and contemporary arts.
The Fringe has kickstarted the careers of many of the most beloved comedians and the whole city comes alive to celebrate the event.
