Marvellous May Day

It’s a bank holiday bonanza, and we’ve got some awesome ideas to make the most of the three-day weekend

There are three undeniable reasons to love this time of year: blossoms, baby animals and bank holidays. We all know May is the big one, with two long weekends bookending the month and lots of brilliant family days out to go along with them. Here’s our top picks for the early May Day weekend…

DANE JOHN GARDENS

Canterbury’s free multi-arts festival returns this bank holiday weekend after a five-year break. The CSP in the Park festival, organised by City Sound Project, boasts two days of live entertainment, including music, dance and cultural workshops. There will also be a children’s area with family-friendly performers, street food stalls and a bar. Details: Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5 in the Dane John Gardens in Canterbury. Free entry, no need to book.

DREAMLAND

Spend a day by the seaside with your four-legged friend at this year’s Dreamland Dog Day. The annual event boasts lots of pup-friendly activities, including agility courses, professional photoshoots and doggy ice cream, while the big screen on the outdoor Scenic Stage will be showing a free film throughout the day. Details: Sunday, May 5 at Dreamland in Margate. Free entry, no need to book.

FOLKESTONE HARBOUR ARM

Grab the popcorn and enjoy a free screening of one of the world’s best-loved musicals. Folkestone’s outdoor cinema season kicks off this bank holiday weekend with a showing of Grease, the hand-jiving 1950s film that continues to be a hit generation after generation. The screening, located at the harbour’s Goods Yard, will be surrounded by street food stands selling everything from bao buns to smash burgers.

Details: Friday, May 3 at the Goods Yard on the Harbour Arm in Folkestone. Free entry, no need to book.

HEVER CASTLE

The maypole will be flying high in the grounds of Hever Castle this May Day weekend. Grab one of the brightly coloured ribbons and take part in the traditional dance, which will be led by one of the castle’s dancers. When you’re done, take a seat and watch the Merry Men Players as they act out their interactive rendition of King Arthur and the Legend of the Sword, with characters such as Robin Hood, Little John and Maid Marion.

Details: Saturday, May 4 to Monday, May 6 at Hever Castle, Edenbridge. Activities included in a standard entry ticket, book online.

ROCHESTER CORN EXCHANGE

Just over six months since its debut, the Rochester Art Fair is back for a spring edition. Bringing together local and nationwide artists, collectors and enthusiasts, the fair is a three-day bonanza of beautiful artwork to admire, and perhaps even buy. It’s held inside the town’s 18th century venue, just a few steps away from the high street’s bars and restaurants.

Details: Friday, May 3 to Sunday, May 5 at the Corn Exchange in Rochester. Adult tickets cost £7, book online.

Picture: Hever Castle and Gardens