While May isn’t the official start of the summer, May Day has long been regarded as a celebration of the new season, and we’re even treated to a Bank Holiday so we can really get into the spirit! Traditional celebrations still take place in some parts of the country, including Morris dancing, Maypoles and Green Man costumes, but the whole month is actually pretty jam-packed with festivities and reasons to get together with friends and family, from flower festivals to FA Cup Finals… And that’s just on our doorstep. If you’re feeling adventurous, coincide a getaway with some of the month’s international events for a trip to very much remember.
International Events
Hamamatsu Kite Festival, Japan
This gathering began in the 16th century to celebrate the birth of an heir, however today it has evolved into a battle of the skies with around 200 kites participating. In the evening, a parade of floats takes to the streets and there are often musical and dance performances too.
3-5 May
Cinco de Mayo, Mexico
Cinco de Mayo literally means the 5th of May, and the day is celebrated in Mexico because it marks the country’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. In Puebla and much of Mexico, military parades and battle recreations take place, while the rest of the world tends to get in the spirit with classic cocktails and mouthwatering dishes. Margarita por favor!
5th May
Berlin Design Week, Germany
At Berlin Design Week, events will take place in various venues across the city, showcasing everything from fashion and furniture to tech and bio design.
27 April – 5 May
Canadian Tulip Festival, Ottowa, Canada
The world’s largest tulip festival (apparently!) takes place in Ottowa each May and displays around one million flowers! The event celebrates the country’s friendship with The Netherlands, who sent over tulips as a gift after the Second World War.
10-20 May
Bergen International Festival, Norway
Norway’s second-largest city becomes a nucleus of arts and culture for two weeks each spring. The Bergen International Festival features wonders for all ages and this year it will host a pop-up opera on Mount Fløyen as well as an interactive giant puppet hand.
22nd May – 5th June
UK Events
Fowey Festival of Arts and Literature, Cornwall
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Highlights of this established bookish gathering in Daphne du Maurier’s hometown include a bookbinding workshop, a talk by Jenny Eclair and a performance by The Overtones…
10-18 May
Brighton Festival
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Head to one of Britain’s most famous beachside cities for a colourful pick and mix of events, from open-air theatre and contemporary circus acts to film screenings and children’s book readings.
4-26 May
Bath Festival
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Literature and music collide in the spectacular spa town of Bath, where Ruby Wax will talk about navigating tough times and her book I’m Not As Well As I Thought I Was.
17–26 May
Norfolk and Norwich Festival
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Some of Norfolk and Norwich’s most exciting public spaces, including the Octagon Chapel and the Festival Gardens, are transformed by imaginative displays and immersive experiences.
10-26 May
The RHS Chelsea Flower Show, London
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Sublime flora is arranged in astonishing ways at the country’s leading horticulture show in West London – witnessing it up close is a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.
21-25 May
The Hay Festival of Literature & Arts, Hay-on-Wye
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This esteemed fête in Wales boasts over 500 events this year and will welcome stars including Judi Dench, Geri Halliwell-Horner, James Blunt, Stephen Fry and Gary Lineker to its stages.
23 May – 2 June
