Embark on a fabulous adventure this April
APRIL in England is a magical time – the days are getting longer and brilliant springtime festivals are in full swing. JAMEY BERGMAN reveals where to join the fun…
HEAD TO THE RACES IN LIVERPOOL
JOIN the crowds at the dramafilled Grand National at Aintree on Saturday, April 8, and witness one of the world’s most prestigious horse-racing events. The course is more than four miles long and the famous fences, including The Chair, Becher’s Brook and the Canal Turn, are notoriously difficult.
TALL ADVENTURES ON THE THAMES
OVER the Easter holiday, a fleet of more than 30 large sailing ships will take part in a Parade Of Sail that marks the start of the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta transatlantic race from Greenwich to Quebec in Canada. Greenwich and Woolwich will host the Tall Ships festival with ship tours, river cruises, music, drinks, fireworks and more from April 12 to 16.
‘HIT THE NORTH’ MUSIC FESTIVAL IN NEWCASTLE
EXPERIENCE a host of new music in Newcastle in April when the Hit The North festival takes over all of the music venues – and a few pop-up stages – in the city centre from April 28 to 30.
The festival will be showcasing emerging bands and artists, and features musicians from a range of genres. Folk, hip hop, indie pop, rock and R&B will all be represented.
SAVOUR LOCAL FLAVOURS IN SALCOMBE, DEVON
SCUTTLE down to the South West for a food festival with a unique theme. Salcombe Crabfest in Devon was created to celebrate the region’s famous crustaceans. Visitors can enjoy cookery demonstrations galore from culinary experts, so put on your bib and tuck in on April 30.
ENJOY A SWEET TREAT IN YORK
FOR three gloriously delicious days in spring, the city of York celebrates its long association with chocolatemaking. Over the Easter holiday, from April 14 to 17, try out local chocolatemakers’ confectionery crafts at The Chocolate Market, or take your children along to enjoy an Easter lolly making course at York Cocoa House.
GET A DOSE OF HIGH CULTURE IN HULL
HULL is the UK’s City of Culture this year and a number of high-profile events are taking place next month and beyond. Head to the experimental Nordic music-themed festival starting on April 28, or visit the refurbished Ferens Art Gallery this spring to see its permanent collection before the venue hosts the Turner Prize ceremony later in the year.