May events & activities 2019
Padstow May Day, Cornwall: 1 May
No one celebrates the arrival of May like Cornwall’s Padstownians. ‘Obby Oss’ day sees local decorate the town with flags and flowers before two ‘osses’ are led from their stables and paraded through town with music, singing and dancing.
This event attracts thousands of visitors to the small town, so getting there early is advised. You can catch the ferry from Rock, and there’s plenty to do in the surrounding area on a short break – including some of the most beautiful coastal scenery.
Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival: 24 May- 2 June
Now in its 40th year, this wonderfully varied arts event promises a number of unique performances in and amongst a variety of lovely locations in Dumfries and Galloway. Enjoy music – including classical, jazz and folk – dance, theatre, literature, children’s events, plus visual arts and films.
If that weren’t enough there’s loads of stunning scenery to admire. Scotland’s largest rural performing arts festival is not to be missed!
Bath Festival: 17-26 May
Bath has a fantastic cultural heritage with musical celebrations taking place in the city since the 19th century and the first annual festival starting in 1948.
The 2019 musical and literary line-up is great, with Darcey Bussell, Jo Brand, Sir Michael Parkinson and many more cultural movers and shakers, talking, reading and performing amongst Bath’s beautiful architecture.
Events at the Eden Project, Cornwall: 18 May onward
The Eden Project is all about ‘edutaining’, and there are no better subjects than May’s Costa Rica Festival. Taking place between the 18th and 19th, visitors can admire beautiful orchids, follow a treasure trail and enjoy music, dance and live performances.
From 25th May until June your teachers will be Dick and Dom. The pair will be taking up residence for fun, shenanigans and activities all around Eden.
Haworth 1940s Weekend: 18-19 May
Party like it’s 1945 at the wonderful Haworth ‘40s weekend. Live music, evening dances, stalls, parades and WW2 machinery will all help you travel back in time amongst the cobbled streets and quaint shops.
With the Brontë Parsonage Museum and the surrounding beauty of the Yorkshire Dales, you won’t be short of things to do on an amazing weekend.
Liverpool Sound City: 3-5 May
2019’s festival season kicks off in early May with Sound City returning to Liverpool’s historic Baltic Triangle in the city centre.
The best upcoming and underground acts from around the world will be performing in venues around the city. With previous years featuring Florence and the Machine, The xx, Ed Sheeran, Calvin Harris and Paloma Faith, who knows which of tomorrow’s megastars will you might see in the cosy city surrounds?
Hay Festival: 23 May-2 June
Bringing readers and writers together in the beautiful Brecon Beacons National Park, the Hay Festival is a highlight of the literary calendar.
2019’s event offers music, talks and workshops galore against the beautiful backdrop of Hay-on-Wye.
Tour De Yorkshire: 2-5 May
It may have started to commemorate the Tour De France’s visit in 2013, but ‘Le Tour’ grows from strength to strength, with some of the most stunning scenery testing some of cycling’s greatest competitors.
The women’s race is now two days while the men’s race covers all four days, visiting the seaside of Scarborough before ending in Leeds and visiting plenty of lovely locations in-between.
Brighton Festival: 4-26 May
Celebrating music, film, books, dance, art and much more, the Brighton Festival is England’s largest multi-arts festival and a highlight of the cultural calendar. Brighton’s cultural atmosphere has helped the festival thrive, and its scenic setting on the UK’s south coast certainly helps.
With an amazingly varied programme compiled by each year’s Guest Director, there really is something for everyone.
