Festival fever

You won't have to pay a penny to see some of this summer's hottest musical action. Whether you're an opera connoisseur, a blues soulman or a pop princess, there's plenty to keep you entertained at the country's top free music festivals

LATIN
Carnival de Cuba
What? From cocktails to carnival face painting.
When? June 28-29
Where? Southwark Park, London.
Highlights? Female hip-hop star Telmary Diaz and La Charanga Habanera, one of Cuba's greatest salsa bands.
www.carnival-de-cuba.com

JAZZ
Manchester Jazz Festival
What? Now in its 13th year, with a mix of paid-for and free concerts throughout the city.
When? July 18-26
Where? For the free gigs, head to the stage in St Ann's Square at lunch time and tea time each day of the festival.
Highlights? Look out for a special late-night gospel jazz vespers concert on July 25 in St Ann's Church, led by pianist and composer Alex Douglas.
www.manchesterjazz.com

BLUES
Dundee Blues Bonanza
What? Acts from around the world play to crowds of enthusiastic fans.
When? June 27-29
When? In 30 venues around the city centre.
Highlights? Blues workhops for kids at the Riptide Studios.
www.dundeebluesbonanza.co.uk

POP
Admiral Cardiff Big Weekend
What? Britain's biggest free outdoor music event.
When? August 1-3
Where? Civic Centre
Highlights? Previous years have involved Jimmy Cliff and the Magic Numbers.
www.cardifffestival.com

CLASSICAL
City of London Festival
What? It's the Square Mile's summer-long annual contribution to the arts world.
When? June 20-August 24
Where? Throughout the City.
Highlights? On June 26, head to Paternoster Square to catch the Dové Ensemble—part of the BBC Symphony Orchestra.
www.colf.org

NEW MUSIC
Middlesbrough Music Live
What? An entirely free music festival, with a reputation for showcasing great new acts.
When? June 1
Where? Middlesbrough town centre. Entrance, Albert Road.
Highlights? Ash, Infadels and Future of the Left. www.middlesbroughmusiclive.co.uk

FOLK
Strawberry Fair
What? Cambridge's answer to Glastonbury.
When? June 7
Where? Midsummer Common, Cambridge.
Highlights? The usual congregation of stilt-walkers, lute players and guitarists.
www.strawberry-fair.org.uk

OPERA
Opera in the Park
What? Funded by Leeds city council. More than 40,000 opera enthusiasts turn out.
When? July 26
Where? Temple Newsam, a country house just outside Leeds.
Highlights? This year's programme is yet to be released, but in the past there have been performances from Katherine Jenkins, Opera North, the Leeds Philharmonic Chorus and the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra.
www.leeds.gov.uk

Claire Coleman