May events
8 unmissable events in May
Featured
Make the most of the bank holidays with these exciting things to do in May.
May events: Shake your tail feather at Hebden Bridge Burlesque Festival
See some of the best performers from the world of burlesque and alternative cabaret at this event in May.
Location: Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire
May events: Tuck into a three day food festival in Exeter
Celebrate the best food and drink from the South West at this event in May.
Location: Exeter, Devon
May events: Cheer on the cyclists at Lincoln Grand Prix
Take to the streets of Lincoln’s Cathedral Quarter to show your support for some of England’s top cyclists during a two-day festival of cycling.
Location: Lincoln, Lincolnshire
May events: Put your best foot forward at WalkFest
Put a spring in your step over the spring bank holiday weekend at the North York Moors National Park’s annual walking festival.
Location: North York Moors, North Yorkshire
May events: Push boundaries at the London Burlesque Festival
Witness the world’s most diverse artists and performers from the risqué world of Burlesque.
Location: London, Greater London
May events: Step back in time at East Lancashire Railway
Join the East Lancashire Railway to party like its 1949 in Rawtenstall, Lancashire where the blitz spirit is still going strong.
Location: Rawtenstall, Lancashire
Connect with Dot to Dot Festival
This festival of indie, pop, electronic and alternative music is a travelling show, moving between three cities over three consecutive days.
Location: Manchester, Bristol and Nottingham
Join the crowds at All Points East
Huge headliners meet exciting new artists in London’s Victoria Park this summer as part of All Points East.
Location: Victoria Park, London
May events: Feel inspired at The Bath Festival
Enjoy music and literature from around the world with an incredible programme of arts and events.
Location: Bath, Somerset
May events: Learn from food experts at Salcombe Crab Festival
Love seafood? Salcombe’s delicious crab celebration should be right at the top of your things to do in Devon list.
Location: Salcombe, Devon
May events: Visit the 1940s in West Yorkshire
Head to Haworth in West Yorkshire and get a glimpse into life in the 1940s.
Location: Haworth, West Yorkshire
May events: Get outside with Bristol Walk Fest
Discover Bristol on foot with the UK's largest urban walking festival, featuring themed walks and special events.
Location: Bristol
May events: Open your mind at the International Festival of Psychedelia
Soak in a dynamic display of visual and auditory treats at this critically-acclaimed festival in Liverpool’s creative district.
Location: Liverpool, Merseyside
June events: Celebrate nature at Keswick Mountain Festival
Enjoy outdoor activities, world class speakers, sporting events, camping, and live music at this unique festival in the heart of the Lake District.
Location: Keswick, Cumbria
May events: Don your tweeds for the Nottinghamshire County Show
May is usually your first chance to enjoy the spring sunshine, so spend it wisely with an action-packed day at the Nottinghamshire County Show.
Location: Newark, Nottinghamshire
Go to Liverpool Sound City, an innovative music, film and art festival
Get a ticket for one of the UK’s largest international music, digital and film festivals.
Location: Liverpool, Merseyside
May events: Watch the Tetbury Woolsack Race
This is undoubtedly one of England's strangest things to do in May, but this unique race dates back to the 17th-century.
Location: Tetbury, Gloucestershire
May events: See musical legends at Cheltenham Jazz Festival
Swing into springtime in style at Cheltenham Jazz Festival, one of the leading Jazz events in England.
Location: Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
May events: See Salisbury's amazing Art Festival
Take part in the Salisbury International Arts Festival, and immerse yourself in music, art, dance, and theatre of the highest caliber.
Location: Salisbury, Wiltshire
May events: The Norfolk & Norwich Festival
Norwich becomes a hotbed of international art and performance every May.
Location: Norwich, Norfolk
Be the first to hear about our offers and competitions.
The latest travel news, events and ideas for holidays and breaks in England
VisitEngland would like to invite you to take part in a short survey about our website, it should take no more than a couple of minutes.