UK events: May 2018
Don’t worry if, like us, you didn’t receive an invite to the royal wedding of Price Harry and Meghan Markle, on Saturday, 19 May.
We’ve put together a great list of events happening all over the UK this month – including some royal wedding alternatives!
Royal Events
Royal wedding street parties
Saturday, 19 May
Over 5,500 communities across the UK have applied to close off the roads and hold a street party for the royal wedding so search community websites and notice boards near you to find out if there’s one you can join!
Royal Lives, Royal Wives
17 May
Head to the Household Cavalry Museum, London, to learn more about the history of royal consorts at this late-night event. Including: Queen Victoria’s beloved Prince Albert, to Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.
Visit Windsor Castle
All year round
It might be a little busy on the weekend of the wedding but you could try at most other times of the year!
You can of course just stay in and watch The Crown to celebrate!
North West
Sound City Music Festival
5 to 6 May
Your chance to potentially discover the new Beatles at this Liverpool music festival. Offering up all types of music from pop, rock and indie, to grime, urban and electronica, this festival has music for all tastes.
Cumberland Sausage Festival
5 to 7 May
This three day celebration of Cumbrian food and drink promises celebrity chefs, demos and entertainment. Most importantly, there will be lots of food to try, including the famous Cumberland sausage, which is so important to locals that it recently gained Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status from the EU.
Scotland
Edinburgh Yoga Festival
11 to 20 May
This festival, organised by Edinburgh Community Yoga Outreach is held in celebration of yoga in the city. Head along to one of their sessions to relax, stretch and learn about different types of yoga. All proceeds from the event go to support yoga outreach programmes in the city.
STEM at The Helix
19 May
Head to Falkirk for this event which will be packed with interactive, fun science experiments. From Lego construction to virtual reality kits, go and explore science. You can also see The Kelpies at the same time and learn more about horses and industry in the area.
Wales
Llandudno Victorian Extravaganza
5 to 7 May
Wondering what Victorian Britain was like? This might be the closest to living it as you’ll get. See a parade, watch a traditional ‘Punch and Judy’ show and enjoy a Victorian funfair!
Harlech Fire and Sea Festival
27 May
Head to the beautiful beach of Harlech, overlooked by its ancient castle, to build sandcastles along the tide line before evening performances by local artists lit by a campfire.
North East and Yorkshire
The Late Shows
18 to 19 May
The Late Shows in Newcastle offer a free late-night culture crawl where museums, galleries, studies, and historical building open their doors after-hours for special events for the public. This is part of Museums at Night, an event taking place across the country.
WalkFest 2018
26 to 28 May
WalkFest offers a series of guided walks on the North York Moors. See some stunning scenery, visit some special locations and learn more about the history of the area whilst getting active.
http://www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/visiting/enjoy-outdoors/walking/walking…
South East and London
State opening of Parliament
Date TBC
The most important event of the parliamentary calendar which brings together the House of Lords, House of Commons, and the sovereign is broadcast on TV, but you can join spectators along the Mall in London for your chance to glimpse the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh as they are escorted by the Household Cavalry from Buckingham Palace to Westminster.
Chippenham Folk Festival
25 to 28 May
Find out more about traditional English folk music and dance at this traditional festival. With over 200 events and workshops, get singing, dancing, and browse traditional crafts.
Northern Ireland
Belfast Titanic Maritime Festival
19 to 20 May
Jam-packed with food, fun, and frolics, this maritime-themed festival also features the ‘Maritime Mile’, an animated waterfront trail which encourages visitors to explore the area’s maritime and industrial history.
BBC Music: The Biggest Weekend
25 to 26 May
Hosted by a variety of BBC radio stations, this music festival will feature performances from some of the biggest and best loved names in music.
Midlands
Coughton Court Bluebell Walks
Start until mid-May
Venture into the ancient woodlands of Coughton Court to see carpets of brightly coloured bluebells. Follow the gentle 30-minute walk, snap some photos, and enjoy some fresh air.
Birmingham Pride
26 to 27 May
Join the Birmingham Community to celebrate Pride 2018. With live music, a cabaret marquee, a dance arena, and street party you’ll be spoilt for choice of how to help celebrate!
UK-wide
Pint of Science
14 to 16 May
Pint of Science is an annual science festival that takes place every May and brings researchers to your local pub to present their scientific discoveries. From neuroscience to astrophysics, head to the pub to find out more! You can also see collaborative artworks created by scientists and artists during this festival.