How to Enjoy the May Bank Holiday Weekend
Another bank holiday, and another great excuse to get out and about this weekend
Festival mad…
With the warmer weather well and truly here why not head to a festival this bank holiday weekend? Swaledale Festival returns this Saturday (25th) taking place across the three northernmost Yorkshire Dales (Swaledale, Wensleydale and Arkengarthdale), and promises to be unforgettable fun. Expect everything from live and local musicians to international comedians, film showings and hands-on workshops. Further north, Into The Fields returns to Meggie’s Burn in Blyth and is bigger than ever, running from Friday until Sunday (24th–26th). The relaxed event brings together tribute bands, local artists, a silent disco, DJs and three brand new stage spaces and is not to be missed.
Fabulous food…
This is sure to be a great weekend for lovers of great food and drink. Skipton Beer Festival is back for 2024 at Skipton Town Hall, running from Thursday to Saturday (23rd–25th). The event will include around 70 real ales, as well as a good range of ciders and perry. Not a beer person? There will also be wine, prosecco and soft drinks available and if you get hungry, you can grab a classic homemade pie from local butcher Stanforth Butchers. Also taking place this weekend is the Malton Food Lovers Festival from Saturday to Monday (25th–27th) throughout the streets of Malton. Affectionately known as the food capital of Yorkshire, the event will include appearances from David Atherton (GGBO Winner, 2019) and Molly Payne (Masterchef The Professionals Finalist, 2023). You can expect wonderful street food, artisan stalls, a festival bar and live music.
Nuts about nature…
A brand new event is taking place this weekend and is one nature lovers won’t want to miss. Beginning on Saturday (25th) the North Pennines NatureFest will be taking place with more than 20 events happening over the course of two weeks. Events include themed nature walks, volunteer days, hands-on activities for kids and arts and crafts, with a good mix of events aimed at more experienced explorers too. The full programme of events and venues can be found online. May also happens to be National Walking Month so there’s no better time to embrace the outdoors.
Ciao, bella…
There’s nothing we love more than delicious Italian food so why not treat yourself this weekend? San Carlo Flying Pizza in Leeds is reopening its doors on Friday (24th) after a refurbishment (including a completely renovated bar). This is a great spot to head for an evening meal with friends, with a large menu of authentic Italian classics (including an enormous seafood risotto sharing plate). For something on-the-go, head to DoughDaze in Newcastle, a New York–style neighbourhood pizzeria which serves fresh pizza by the slice. The team here are very friendly and the garlic dough balls are to die for. If you prefer to stay in, try these authentic Italian recipes to try at home.
Craft crazy…
Supporting independent artists is a fantastic way to find new favourites and discover new hobbies. This Sunday (26th), head to Lowick Village Hall Arts and Crafts Fair to explore a great range of local artists making unique pieces including work from Jane Charles Studio Glass, jewellery, stone carving, eco prints, weaving, textile arts and homemade preserves. This is a great chance to meet new artists (and will of course include homemade cake, tea and coffee) so make sure to stop by.
Little tykes…
For many, this weekend is the beginning of Half Term and with it comes the headache of coming up with things to keep the little ones entertained. At Northern Stage from Friday to Sunday (24th–26th) take the kids to see the classic The Tiger Who Came To Tea brought to life, with plenty of singalong songs for the family. For something outdoors, head to Mother Shipton’s Cave from Saturday (25th) for their Lost Boys event where kids can embark on an adventure with the wild gang from the children’s classic Peter Pan and discover everything from pirate hideouts to fairy kingdoms. Alternatively, rockpooling and beachcombing are great ways to get fresh air with the family without breaking the bank. St Mary’s Lighthouse is a firm favourite and at low tide there are countless pools to explore, and at Seaham beach you can always find hidden treasures in the sand.
Football mad…
This Saturday (25th) is the FA Cup final and what better way to enjoy the match than by heading to your favourite pub and settling in with a pint. The Percy Arms in Chatton is a great traditional pub and hotel which serves cracking meals and a good range of beer and ale – the perfect spot for a gettogether to watch the match. Just a short distance from Sheffield city centre, The Blind Monkey is another good choice, offering a warm welcome and a lively atmosphere (as well as good beer of course). No matter where you head, it promises to be a great match.
