Here’s our pick of the best events coming in May across the destinations and attractions we work with. Most events require booking in advance. As ever, please check individual websites for the latest updates.
HULL
Hull Rum School – Distil your own Rum
Hotham’s Gin School
15 May 2022
Tickets: £125, must be pre booked
www.hothams.co.uk
Rum lovers – you don’t want to miss this! Greeted with a Hotham’s Spiced Rum cocktail, you’ll join a group of other rum lover, in the purpose-built Distilling Room for a chance to smell and taste amazing spices before choosing the ones you like best for your own spiced rum. You’ll learn about the distillation process and get to choose if you would like a white or dark rum. Finally, you’ll bottle, name and label your unique spiced rum before wax dipping the stopper to seal the bottle, and stamping it with the Hotham’s seal of approval.
Unboxed
Hull city centre
Until 6 May 2022
Free entry
www.visithull.org/whatson/unboxed/
Hull will host the first event of UNBOXED: Creativity in the UK, the UK’s “most ambitious celebration of creativity to date”. About Us is a spectacular, never before seen, free open-air event that features live performances and multimedia installations to celebrate the entire history of the universe from Big Bang to the present day. It will transform Queen Victoria Square into a vast canvas combining awe-inspiring live projection-mapped animation with poetry, music, and live choral singing.
EAST YORKSHIRE
Beverley Gin Festival
20 – 22 May 2022
Beverley Minster
Tickets are priced from £20 per person
Plan a weekend break in Beverley for this year’s Gin Festival. Enjoy the beautiful town, breathtaking Minster, specialist gins, live entertainment and street food. #WowBookNow #EastYorkshire #visitbeverley
Bank Holiday Family Funday
Beverley Racecourse
2 May 2022
Admission: £8 – £24
https://beverley-racecourse.co.uk
A perfect day out for the whole family, with children’s entertainment and music throughout the afternoon and an afternoon of racing, featuring seven races.
Picnic in the Park Beverley Film Festival
Beverley Racecourse
13 – 15 May 2022
£19
https://beverley-racecourse.co.uk
Enjoy a new festival, Picnic in the Park, for 2022 at Beverley Racecourse. Starting on the Friday evening and ending on the Sunday evening, the festival will feature live bands and blockbuster films. There will also be catering units onsite serving hot drinks. A live band will play until the start of the screening and movies include Bohemian Rhapsody. The Lion King and Mamma Mia.
The Great British Food Festival
Burton Constable Hall
14 – 15 May 2022
£10.80
www.burtonconstable.com
The Great British Food Festival comes to Burton Constable for the first time. Home to the Constable family for over 700 years, The Great British Food Festival will bring a blend of tasty street food and artisan local businesses to the lawns surrounding the famous Hall. Car-parking is included and then it’s a case of enjoying the wide variety of food and drink stalls, live demonstrations, forager walks, live music and children’s entertainment.
Vintage Car Show
Burton Constable Hall
22 May 2022
Admission: £7.60
www.burtonconstable.com
The East Yorkshire Thoroughbred Car Club has been holding car rallies in the ‘Capability Brown’ landscaped grounds of Burton Constable Hall since 2005. This year, the Vintage Car Show will showcase cars alongside vintage stalls, live music and entertainment.
‘The Survivor’
South Beach, opposite the Spa, Bridlington
6 May 2022
‘The Survivor’ is a large-scale puppet that will be visiting several destinations along the Yorkshire Coast during May 2022 as part of ‘The Odyssey – An Epic Adventure on the Yorkshire Coast’. Telling the tale of a survivor of conflict in the Trojan Wars, the Survivor will be welcomed in each town with artworks, music, and spoken word created by local people. Each day’s performance will begin in the morning at the water’s edge and will be followed by the creation of large-scale sand art, subject to conditions.
Laurel Vines Vineyard Picnics
14 and 16 May 2022
Tickets: £20.00 per person, minimum picnic size is 2 people
https://laurel-vines.co.uk
Vineyard picnics return! If you spotted the family owned and run vineyard on your TV screens, thanks to a visit from the Hairy Bikers, here’s a chance to follow in their footsteps. Picnics for two include a brief vineyard and winery tour, two sandwiches of your choice, two packets of Yorkshire crisps, two scones (fruit or plain), two bottles of water (still or sparkling), a bottle of Laurel Vines wine or three local beers. Each event is limited to a maximum of 20 people.
Bridlington Kite Festival 2022
Sewerby, Bridlington
21 – 22 May 2022
Free admission
www.bridlingtonkitefestival.co.uk
Some of the world’s largest inflatable kites take to the skies above the dramatic cliffs of the East Yorkshire coast for the annual Bridlington Kite Festival. Kites of all descriptions, sizes and colours take to the air for two days of aerial displays over Sewerby Fields. From flying frogs to sky-high snakes and leaping lizards to daredevil dragons, scores of exotic inflatables add a splash of colour to the cliff tops above the popular seaside resort of Bridlington.
Beverley and East Riding Early Music Festival
27-29 May 2022
Tickets: various prices, see website for details
The Beverley & East Riding Early Music Festival was established in 1988 to celebrate the market town’s historic association with musicians from medieval times. Supported by the East Riding of Yorkshire Council, and administered by the National Centre for Early Music, the festival draws in residents and visitors alike to its annual series of concerts, illustrated lectures and associated workshops.
DERBY
Peace Doves
Derby Cathedral
Until 12 June 2022
Admission: Entry is free with a suggested entry donation of £3 per person. Booking is encouraged
https://derbycathedral.org
Peace Doves is a mass participation large-scale art installation, created by renowned sculptor and artist Peter Walker. It features around 8,000 paper doves suspended on ribbon above the nave of the Cathedral, accompanied by a soundscape from composer David Harper.
Derby Walking Festival
1st May – 26th June 2022
Most events free
Derby’s Walking Festival is back for 2022! With a wide variety of in person, self-guided, virtual and walking sports, there’s something for everyone. Starting on 1 May until 26 June 2022, this year’s festival will celebrate the many walking routes and opportunities available in Derby.
Sausage and Cider Festival
Bustler Market
7 May 2022
Tickets from £10
The world-famous Sausage and Cider Festival will be arriving in Derby this May! Staged inside Bustler Market, there will be ciders on tap, beers on tap, craft beer, prosecco and wine, plus soft drinks and more. And, of course, there will be a range of sausages and sausage flavours, plus a few other street food stands, along with live music plus a live DJ throughout each session.
May Fest
Derby Arboretum
8 May 2022
Free entry
A day filled with traditional activities and games, music and dancing and refreshments. Plus, garden plants, nature and wildlife activities.
Derby Book Festival
20 – 28 May 2022
Various locations
Check website for details
www.derbybookfestival.co.uk
It’s the summer edition of the 2022 Derby Book Festival with a broad range of book-related events for all ages and interests in accessible venues across the city. This year’s programme has over 70 in-person events and book lovers can also buy live streamed event tickets as well as a Digital Pass to watch recorded events after the Festival ends.
LINCOLNSHIRE
West Lindsey Churches Festival
7-14 May 2022, weekends
Free admission
www.churchesfestival.info
One of the largest free festivals of its type in Europe, the West Lindsey Churches Festival returns after a two-year absence. More than 90 historic churches spanning centuries of history will open their doors offering a warm welcome to visitors along with events, exhibitions, lunches and even organ music over the weekends of 7/8 and 14/15 May. North of Lincoln, the West Lindsey area is renowned for its unspoilt countryside with ancient stone churches, as well as the historic market towns of Gainsborough, Market Rasen and Caistor.
Platinum Jubilee Trail
Lincoln
Until 12 June 2022
www.jubileebeacontrail.com
Celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with a free family story-trail around Lincoln. The free, augmented reality trail, located around Lincoln, involves seven magical characters on a day trip from Buckingham Palace. Join Sir Barnaby Beacon as he visits his friends, decide what happens next in the story and even win a free digital fun pack at the end. Each of the characters will also tell you about a decade in The Queen’s historic seventy-year reign.
Lincoln Grand Prix
8 May 2022
Free to spectate
www.lincolngrandprix.co.uk/site/
The world-famous Rapha Grand Prix will be returning to Lincoln in 2022, attracting hundreds of cycling enthusiasts to the city. Both the men and women’s races will take place on Sunday 8 May, with the steep hills of Lincoln’s cobbled Cathedral Quarter offering an exciting and challenging route for riders.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Lincoln Cathedral
23 May – 4 June 2022
Tickets from £31
https://lincolncathedral.com
Following sell-out productions of Jesus Christ Superstar, Jekyll & Hyde and Oliver, the Starring Lincoln Theatre Company are back with another spectacular performance as a new production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame soars into Lincoln Cathedral. Based on the original Victor Hugo novel, featuring songs from the Disney adaptation, the show will feature over 200 performers and a live orchestra.
Boston May Fair
Until 7 May 2022
Free entry
Rated as one of the top five street fairs in the country, the May Fair has a Royal Charter and is surrounded by tradition, dating back to 1125. Once again the town centre will be filled with rides, food stalls, game stalls, slides and lots more from The Showmen’s Guild. Families of showmen have been coming to Boston for generations, occupying the same pitches with their rides and stalls
Gaia by Luke Jerram
The Collection Museum, Lincoln
Until 29 May 2022
‘Pay-What-You-Decide’
Take a trip around the world and explore our planet like never before with Gaia by Luke Jerram. The awe-inspiring art installation, called Gaia, is by the same artist who brought the moon to The Collection in 2018, Luke Jerram. Measuring six metres in diameter, the internally lit sphere has been recreated from 120dpi detailed NASA imagery of the Earth’s surface. A specially made surround sound composition by BAFTA award winning composer Dan Jones is played alongside the sculpture. In Greek Mythology ‘Gaia’ is the personification of the Earth. A programme of events and talks will also be staged during the exhibition.
Meet Lucy at Lincoln Castle
Throughout May
Lucy is free to view as part of entry to the Castle grounds, all other admissions apply
www.lincolncastle.com
Meet Lucy, the latest and the greatest addition to Lincoln Castle! Bursting through the Castle walls is the most awe-inspiring sight, as the magical and fantastical dragon rests on the bank waiting to meet visitors! Entry to the Castle grounds and to visit Lucy the dragon is free, but the Medieval Wall Walk, Victorian Prison and Magna Carta come with an entry price.
Dog Friendly Day
Lincoln Castle
28 – 29 May 2022
Admission: Castle Day Ticket £15 adult, £8.30 child, Castle grounds free to enter during non-event days.
www.lincolncastle.com
Explore with Paws on Dog Friendly Days! Unlock 1000 years of history, with your four-legged companion on selected weekends during the year as your dog follows you on a journey back through history exploring the Medieval Wall Walk, Victorian Prison and Magna Carta.
Lincolnshire Wolds Outdoor Festival
30 April – 5 June 2022
Pre-booking is essential for most of the events
www.woldsoutdoorfestival.com
Celebrating the great outdoors, the new Lincolnshire Wolds Outdoor Festival takes place across a host of locations to showcase everything the Lincolnshire Wolds has to offer, from walking to stream dipping and cycling to fishing. The event aims to broaden the appeal of that festival by celebrating the Wolds as a place to visit, get active, and explore. As well as featuring traditional outdoor pursuits such as walking and cycling, it will include more outdoor activities, from fishing to yoga, and golf to water sports. There are more than 200 events and activities
STAFFORDSHIRE
Staffordshire Day
Various locations
1 May 2022
www.enjoystaffordshire.com/staffsday
Staffordshire’s countryside and urban green spaces are set to be the star attractions for Staffordshire Day 2022, which includes the return of a popular film competition to celebrate the ‘creative county’. The Great Outdoors will be the theme for the seventh county day, which falls on Sunday 1st May, and will feature a host of events and activities along with the return of the Staffordshire Day Film Competition.
Staffordshire Moorlands Walking Festival
Until 2 May 2022
All walks free
An 11-day festival with knowledgeable guides and walk leaders sharing their love of walking and a passion for the history, wildlife and beauty of the Staffordshire Moorlands landscape and its historic market towns. There will be a variety of walks, from easy short routes to some long challenging treks, across the Staffordshire Moorlands, including the Staffordshire part of the Peak District.
Vintage Fair Weekend
National Memorial Arboretum
Until 2 May 2022
Gather the family and step back in time at the annual Vintage Fair. With toe-tapping music, tasty treats and a vintage market featuring a range of local stallholders.
Collections Weekend – The Clay Industry at Tamworth Castle
Tamworth Castle
1 – 2 May 2022
Normal admission charges apply (£9.95 adults, £7.50 children up to 15yrs)
www.tamworthcastle.co.uk
Over the collections weekend, visitors will be able to see an exhibition of objects and documents from the castle collection and archive, which will give an insight into the famous Tamworth clay works, and talk to the Castle Museum Collections and Archives Officer to find out more.
VE Day Celebration
Museum of Cannock Chase
7 May 2022
Tickets: £4 per person, under 16s free
A Spitfire is scheduled to fly over Staffordshire as part of VE Day celebrations being organised by the Museum of Cannock Chase in Hednesford, Cannock. The aircraft will fly over Hednesford on Saturday 7 May, while also planned for the event are Lindy Hop lessons, music and dance and a Dig for Victory corner.
STOKE-ON-TRENT
International Dawn Chorus Day
Trentham Gardens
1 May 2022
Free for annual members, Gardens admission prices apply for day visitors
https://bit.ly/3LiDnC5
There will be chiffchaff chatter and a fluting flourish at Trentham as part of the worldwide celebration of nature’s greatest symphony, International Dawn Chorus Day. The gates will be open from 5am to start the day with birdsong. Book ahead, grab your camera and discover the delights of bird song at this award-winning Staffordshire garden and parkland.
The Big Bark
Trentham Gardens
21-22 May 2022
Tickets: £14.50 adult, £9 child (under 16)
https://bit.ly/3M36RnJ
A brand-new weekend of furry family fun! A Doggy Day Out brings two fun-packed days of adventure and excitement for you, your dog and the family. Whether on two legs or four, there’ll be plenty to see and do including canine Olympics, dog shows and agility challenges.
Walking Tour of The Mother Town
Burslem
22 May 2022
Ticket: £5 per person, must be booked in advance
https://bit.ly/3x9p26X
Middleport Pottery in Burslem, is now the starting point for informative spring walking tours of the so-called “Mother Town” of Stoke-on-Trent’s Potteries. One of several tours available from the popular attraction, ‘More of the Mother Town’ is scheduled to depart Middleport, where there is free parking, at 9.45am on 22 May. Limited spaces are available.
HAMPSHIRE
Alton Walking Festival
All walks are free to attend but you must book in advance
1st – 31 May 2022
https://bit.ly/3Ibnmfd
A vibrant Walkers are Welcome town enjoying a stunning rural backdrop at the gateway of the South Downs National Park, Alton is known by many as ‘Jane Austen Country’ with its close ties to its charming neighbouring parish of Chawton. Alton Walking Festival, which is now in its 10th year, is ideal for enthusiastic walkers, relaxed wanderers, and curious explorers of all ages. The Festival hosts a wide variety of walks led by knowledgeable volunteer walk leaders, offering routes to suit all abilities from a shorter stroll to a daylong hike or themed walks including Foraging, Nordic Poles, Bat Walks and Town Walks.
Sunset Chasers Paddling Tours
New Forest Activities
From 1 May 2022
£44 per person (12+ years)
www.newforestactivities.co.uk/activities/canoeing
Bask in the warmth of a beautiful sunset on the Beaulieu River this summer with New Forest Activities. Chase the warm glow of the sun’s last rays of the day as they settle on the river’s calm waters. Enjoy picturesque river views from the comfort of your own canoe or kayak and discover hidden spots with your guide – and take along your cameras, as the wildlife comes alive in the evening. Various dates available between May – August. All equipment provided.
Lights, Camera, Science!
Winchester Science Centre
14 May – 3 July 2022
Admission: £13.64 adults and children (3-18 years old)
www.winchestersciencecentre.org
Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium has proved an out of this world hit for hands-on, interactive family fun since first opening its doors in 2002. As it celebrates its 20th anniversary, the Science Centre is taking visitors on a trip down memory lane to enjoy some of its best show themes and demos, all with a retro 2002 twist. Next stop is light, and in particular cinema. So, it’s ‘lights, camera, science!’ to explore how light, not CGI, could have been used in some of 2002’s top films, with some ‘illuminating’ audience participation along the way.
Spring Autojumble at Beaulieu
Beaulieu, National Motor Museum
14-15 May 2022
Normal admission applies (from £23 adults, £12 children, 5-16, booked in advance)
www.beaulieu.co.uk
Back at Beaulieu for 2022, the Spring Autojumble is a one-stop-shop for classic motoring needs with hundreds of stands packed with spare parts, books, automobilia, model cars and much more motoring miscellany. The event also features the Land Rover Rummage, giving enthusiasts the chance to snap up bargain spare parts for the iconic British 4×4. Tickets include entry to the event as well as all the Beaulieu attractions.
Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship
Thruxton Circuit
28 – 29 May 2022
Tickets: from £36
Two days of action-packed racing at the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship, the UK’s most illustrious championship with a worldwide following. The racing is fast, close and full of action. All cars are built to the same regulations allowing independent teams to compete on a level playing field against manufacturer-backed teams. See the stars of BTCC race wheel-to-wheel.
Day Out With Thomas
The Watercress Line
From 28 May 2022
Admission: £23.10 adult, £16.50 children (2-16)
https://bit.ly/38FarpE
Peep, peep! Join Thomas & Friends for a day of family fun at The Watercress Line heritage railway. Take a train ride with Thomas, meet some of your favourite characters and join Sodor Station Sweepers Rusty & Dusty for a trainload of excitement! There’s plenty to keep the family entertained for the whole day, including a Rusty & Dusty live entertainment show with The Fat Controller and Diesel. All activities and rides are included in the ticket price.
Vineyard Tours
The Grange Vineyard
7, 12 and 23 May 2022
Tickets: from £20 per person
www.thegrangewine.co.uk/vineyard/tours
Helped by the warm climate and similar chalky terrain to the Champagne region, Hampshire is home to a host of vineyards, many of which offer tours and tastings. One of the county’s newest offerings is the 30-acre vineyard of The Grange, a family enterprise created in 2011 by four siblings, which sits on a south-facing slope of the Hampshire Downs overlooking the crystal-clear waters of the River Itchen. Owned by the family of the man who founded Barings Bank, the Grange has daytime and evening tours around the vineyard, which include a taste of the award-winning wines it produces. For May there are two daytime tours plus a sunset snack tour with canopies (12 May, £35 per person)
