Here in the South East it is possible to rub shoulders with the cream of the music crop, see the skies light up overhead or even just marvel at marbles!
The region presents a diverse line up of events which are sure to inspire and impress in equal measures ; Music lovers will be delighted by OxJam in Brighton, a music festival running throughout October or can tap their feet to the rhythms of the ever-popular Isle of Wight Festival. There are literally hundreds of bonfire night celebrations; most famously the burning barrels of Lewes. Or there's the Burning of the Clocks in Brighton - a winter solstice celebration. For foodies, there's a mouthwatering selection of autumn events and should you prefer a quirkier offering then you can watch the annual marble match on Battle Abbey Green.
Find out more about these and other great events/festivals in the region...
January
Burns night - Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Aboard HMS Warrior 1860.
Celebrate a part of Scottish culture, and join us on this special evening to celebrate Scotland's most famous Bard. Enjoy a blend of Celtic entertainment throughout the evening.
Find out more about Burns Night
February
Rye Bay Scallop Festival - Hastings
Find out more about the Rye Bay Scallop Festival
March
Hastings Half Marathon - Hastings
The course circumnavigates the Ancient Town of Hastings, starting at the Seafront and following the route of William the Conqueror towards Battle, round the back of the Town and down to the Famous 'Old Town' and fishing Village of Hastings, then comes back along the three mile Seafront back to where you started.
Find out more about the Hastings Half Marathon
April
Isle of Wight International Jazz Festival - Isle of Wight
Find out more about the Isle of Wight International Jazz Festival
Annual Marble Match, Battle Abbey Green
Battle Abbey, Hastings
Find out more about the Annual Marble Match
May
Isle of Wight Walking Festival - Isle of Wight
Find out more about the Isle of Wight Walking Festival
Jack in the Green Festival of Morris Dancing
Hastings
May 1st has long been an important part of the annual Calendar. It is the start of summer in these latitudes and as such has always been a day for celebration. In Hastings there were at least two groups who paraded a Jack in the Green until about 1889.
Find out more about the Jack in the Green Festival of Morris Dancing
The Black Horse Music Festival, Telham, Nr Battle
Hastings
The program includes bands of Blues, Folk, Celtic, World music, Jazz, Soul and Rock artistes from around the World!
Find out more about the Black Horse Music Festival
Salisbury International Arts Festival - Salisbury
Find out more about the Salisbury International Arts Festival
June
Isle of Wight Festival - Isle of Wight
Find out more about the Isle of Wight Festival
Chichester Festivities - Chichester, West Sussex
Find out more abou the Chichester Festivities
July
Osborne House Wightlink Classical Fireworks Extravaganza - Isle of Wight
Find out more about the Osborne House Wightlink Classical Fireworks Extravaganza
Salisbury Show - Salisbury
Find out more about the Salisbury Show
August
Skandia Cowes Week - Isle of Wight
Find out more about Skandia Cowes Week
Hastings Old Town Festival Carnival Week
Hastings
The Hastings Old Town Carnival has been in existence since 1968. In those days Hastings and St Leonards had their own carnival which missed out the Old Town so old towners decided to have their own, better, carnival.
Find out more about Hastings Old Town Festival Carnival Week
Chilli Fiesta - West Dean Gardens, West Sussex
If you like it hot, then come into the garden! 250-plus chillies, 80-plus stallholders, fiery food tastings, Latin rhythms and dancing make this the UK's premier gathering for all aficionados of nature's napalm!
Find out more about the Chilli Fiesta
September
Bestival - Isle of Wight
Organised by Radio One DJ Rob Da Bank, this three-day boutique alternative music event in the leafy setting of Robin Hill Country Park is the best way to round off the summer festival season.
Find out more about Bestival
Folk & Blues Festival - Isle of Wight
Taking the Island back to its musical roots, the Isle of Wight Folk & Blues Festival is a relaxed, rambling weekend mix of two musical genres that travels the timeline of both, from roots to contemporary.
Find out more about the Isle of Wight Folk and Blues Festival
Hastings Seafood & Wine Festival - Hastings
Indulge in a mouthwatering weekend of delicious seafood and luscious local wines, in this spectacular celebration of Hastings' fishing heritage.
Find out more about the Hastings Seafood and Wine Festival
Salisbury Food and Drink Festival - Salisbury
Find out more about the Salisbury Food and Drink Festival
Totally Tomato Show - West Dean Gardens, West Sussex
Find out more about the Totally Tomato Show
October
Hastings Week, including: National Town Criers' Championship and Hastings Bonfire Celebrations
Hastings
There will be something for everyone and for all ages. Don't miss it! The 941st Anniversary of the Battle of Hastings.
Find out more about Hastings Week
Apple Affair - West Dean Gardens, West Sussex
Rosy apples, autumn colour and local cider make for a mellow day. Includes the annual opening of West Dean House.
Find out more about Apple Affair
November
Battle Bonfire Celebrations - Hastings
Find out more about Battle Bonfire Celebrations
Festival of Christmas - Portsmouth
With its snow-covered street, seasonal carols, Father Christmas, Christmas shopping and cast of Victorian characters, this hugely popular event is a delightful trip to Christmas past for all.
Find out more about the Festival of Christmas
December
Christmas Shopping throughout the 1066 towns - Hastings
Find out more about Christmas Shopping in 1066 Country and Hastings
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market and Ice Rink
Following the overwhelming success of Winchester's first outdoor Christmas ice rink and German-style market, both will be returning this year; the ice rink from 30 November 2007 to 6 January 2008 and the market from 30 November to 21 December. Find out more about the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market and Ice Rink
Marwell's Magical Christmas - Marwell Zoological Park, Winchester, Hampshire
Marwell will be celebrating Christmas for more than just one day this year... in fact it's more like 8 weeks! Starting December 1st Marwell Hall will be transformed into a magical and festive scene with traditional log fires and fabulously decorated Christmas trees. Make someone special a Christmas gift, or perhaps warm yourself up with a tasty mulled wine before stretching your legs on the ice rink. Find out more about Marwell's Magical Winter.