All aboard for a marvellous May!
MAGNIFICENT May is almost upon us – and it’s a month full of fabulous events for the whole family. Here we round up some of the best…
FOWEY FESTIVAL OF ART AND LITERATURE
HEAD to south Cornwall in May to celebrate the county’s artistic heritage and its modern crop of creative types at Fowey Festival of Art and Literature, which abounds with readings by authors, academic speakers, musical performances and displays by artists.
The bash is organised by a society dedicated to author Daphne du Maurier, who immortalised Cornwall in classic novels such as Rebecca and Jamaica Inn. The 21st incarnation of the festival, which is premiering a documentary of du Maurier’s life, takes place from May 6 to 13.
NORFOLK AND NORWICH FESTIVAL
THE East of England’s largest arts festival kicks off on May 12 and runs through to the final weekend of the month, bringing a diverse line-up of innovative and inspirational events and performances.
An internationally renowned programme of music, theatre, literature, visual arts, circus, dance and performance art plays to an annual audience of 75,000 people across the county. Highlights include the world premiere of a virtual-reality playground and a series of vintage tea dances in a stunning spiegeltent.
THE LATE SHOWS IN NEWCASTLE
JOIN the fun as the city’s top cultural institutions throw open their doors after sunset. On May 19 and 20, museums, galleries, studios and historical buildings will be playing host to performances, tours, workshops and parties galore. You can embark on a ‘culture crawl’ around more than 60 venues, so you will have ample opportunity to visit your favourites and find new places to adore.
MALTON FOOD LOVERS’ FESTIVAL
FANCY a feast? Head to Malton in Yorkshire on the final weekend in May. A foodie hotspot in a county known for its culinary delights, Malton showcases the best of Yorkshire’s produce and cooking at the Food Lovers’ Festival, and it does so in typical, finely crafted Yorkshire style.
There will be street food, celebrity chefs including Levi Roots and Prue Leith, cookery lessons, and craft beers and ciders – and entertainment for all ages on May 27 and 28.
EAST LANCASHIRE RAILWAY’S 1940s WEEKEND
FOR three days at the end of May, the East Lancashire heritage railway is putting on a fete aimed at recapturing the glamour and recognising the history and sacrifice of the 1940s. From May 27 to 29, the steam railway will host live music, dancing, battle re-enactments and more to bring wartime Britain to life.