With two bank holidays falling in May this year – Monday 6th and Monday 27th – you have two chances for a bank holiday weekend full of enjoyment. Whether you’re after dancing at a music festival, a new show at the theatre or just some family-friendly fun, these are some of the best activities across our network for the May bank holidays in 2024.
When: 4th – 5th May
Sound City Festival is the UK’s leading independent festival for new music and has been going in Liverpool for 16 years. In 2024, it’s held at Mountford Hall at the Liverpool Guild of Students which is one of the top live music venues in the city.
Headline acts this year include Caity Baser and The Snuts, as well as a range of local musicians taking to the stage too. If you’re looking for a party this early May bank holiday, it’s the perfect option.
When: 22nd May – 7th July
If you’re a family of Disney fans, head to Manchester in the second May bank holiday for a real musical treat. The Palace Theatre is home to Disney’s Aladdin from 22nd May, with this enchanting musical the perfect way to treat the whole family in Manchester.
Watch as Aladdin embarks on his epic journey – lamp, genie and all – to win the heart of Princess Jasmine and escape the evil clutches of Jafar. What a classic! Tickets start from £25 up to around £100, depending on where you choose your seats.
When: Each day across both bank holiday weekends
Kids obsessed with all things Harry Potter? Edinburgh has a rich wizarding history, as the place where JK Rowling famously wrote the first book with many of the cobbled streets and much of the architecture inspiring the magical tales.
The Potter Trail is the perfect way to see this inspiration for yourself. Taking in the spots in Edinburgh that have inspired places, events and characters from the books – including the real-life Diagon Alley. The tours last for about 90 minutes, starting outside Greyfriars’ Kirkyard and ending near the Royal Mile. There are free public tours (you just need to book on) but you can also book private tours for £35 for adults and kids aged over seven. Kids under seven are free.
When: 25th – 27th May
Love nothing better than spending your bank holiday weekend devouring delicious treats and sampling new food? Then make a beeline to Sheffield this May bank holiday for the Sheffield Food Festival.
Held at The Peace Gardens in Sheffield city centre, it’s one of the city’s largest free to attend events for all the family. You’ll find over 50 stalls selling sumptuous street food from Caribbean fusion to Turkish kebabs, plus artisan treats from local independent businesses. There’s music on the Mad Dog Stage too. You’ll leave with your belly full and a smile on your face.
When: Both bank holidays
Satisfy anyone with a sweet tooth in your family with a trip to York in May this year. The city has a rich history dating back to the Romans and the Vikings, but it’s also famed for chocolate too. And a chocolate tour from the York Chocolate Story is the best way to discover it, and sample some chocolate at the same time.
You’ll dive into over 4000 years of chocolate tales, learn about how it came to York and find out about the famous confectioners of the city. The tour finishes with a live demonstration from an expert chocolatier and there are samples to enjoy along the way too.
Tickets start at £16.65 for adults, £14.45 for kids 15 and under, and free for under 4s.
When: 24th – 27th May
Another foodie extravaganza for the late May bank holiday weekend, Eat and Drink Festival Scotland is held in Glasgow’s Scottish Event Campus (SEC).
Head to the Great Eat to indulge in the world’s finest flavours with food crafted by some of Scotland’s most celebrated street food visionaries. You’ll find Indian, Greek, burgers, cheese and more. Visit the Artisan Producer’s Market for the best in fresh produce and handmade products, before watching the live action on the Eat & Drink Stage.
When: Both bank holiday weekends
Even if you don’t have a city break or something special planned for either bank holiday, you can make the most of family time this May with a walk in some sublime spots across our network.
Make your way to Scarborough for beachside walks and the dramatic Cleveland Way. Hop on the train to the Lake District for dramatic lakes and hillside trails. Put Durham on your bank holiday wish list and stroll along its pretty riverfront. Or travel to Carlisle to take in the historic Hadrian’s Wall Path. Fingers crossed the sun will come out too.
Whatever you’re planning for the May bank holidays this year, there’s so much to see and do across our network. Remember to buy your tickets in advance online or on the TPExpress app.
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