Here are the top weekend activities for your city

IPSE’s (The Association of Independent Professionals and the Self Employed) statistics on the number of contractors and freelancers in the UK tells us that there are over 1.88 million of you all across the UK.

With the number growing across the country, we have put together a list of the best activities happening in a city near you. Whether it rains or shines this weekend, head to your nearest city to make the most of your summer.

• London

If the weather is sunny, you can enjoy the family friendly Fork to Fork Food Festival in Kensal Rise on Saturday 11^th June. The event will be serving a variety of cuisines from over 35 different stalls to be washed down with a drink from the bar, live music and plenty of activities for children.

If a food festival is not your thing, visit the Horse Guards Parade for the Queen’s annual birthday parade. The parade starts at 10AM and you should be able to watch the parade along the Mall or the edge of St James’ Park for free. Just be sure to beat the crowds.

If the forecast calls for rain, you could catch actor Ralph Fiennes in William Shakespeare’s ‘Richard III’ at the Almeida Theatre in Islington.

• Birmingham

If you want to celebrate the Queen’s birthday in Birmingham, visit The Lord Mayor’s Show at Cannon Hill on Sunday 12^th June. From 11AM to 5PM, you can enjoy activities such as Zumba, Tai Chi, badminton and touch rugby. The Armed Forces will also be present to help celebrate the Queen’s 90^th birthday at this free event.

If the sun is not on your side this weekend, stay indoors and do some shopping in the Bull Ring. Or if you are looking for a family activity, check out Jump Nation Trampoline Park in Walsall.

• Leeds

For some top entertainment in Leeds, you should visit the York Racecourse on Friday for Mid-Summer Race Day. York Racecourse is also hosting the MacMillan Charity Race Day on Saturday to raise money for those affected by cancer. Have a fun day at the races for a good cause. Take a look at the fixtures and prices here.

The Queen’s Birthday Celebrations at Ilkley Town Centre is another great option, which takes place on Saturday and Sunday. Join the town for celebrations including music on Saturday night and a lively street party on Sunday night.

If you are rained out, you could try a room escape game for a bit of fun, or do some shopping in the Victoria Quarter or at the several shopping centres throughout the city.

• Edinburgh

Whether you are a resident of Edinburgh or will be visiting for the weekend, be sure to take advantage of any good weather by paying a visit to Portobello Beach or enjoy the views of the city from Holyrood Park.

For a regal day out, you can celebrate the Queen’s birthday near the Royal Yacht Britannia. If your birthday falls during the Queen’s birthday weekend, you may board the Britannia free of charge. There will also be songs and marches on the Britannia’s quayside to enjoy.

If you prefer to stay out of the rain, why not attend the Edinburgh Juniper Festival – otherwise known as Scotland’s Best Gin Fest – happening from Friday to Sunday at Summerhall near the Royal Mile.

With the Queen’s birthday celebrations and more happening all over the UK, this weekend is set to be a lively one. Weather permitting, our helpful list will aid you to make the most of the weekend whatever you choose to do.

If you live in or around London, Birmingham, Leeds or Edinburgh, or if you will be visiting any of these cities this weekend, our list should provide some inspiration.

Churchill Knight & Associates Ltd is a firm of contractor accountants in London that has been providing accountancy services to contractors and freelancers in the UK since 1998. We specialise in helping contractors with their accounting, bookkeeping, payroll, and personal tax affairs.

If you have a friend or colleague who is a contractor or freelancer or is looking to become one, refer them on to us and you could receive a reward if they sign up to our contractor accountancy service. For more information, visit our website.

Click here to find out more about switching from permanent employment to contracting.