Here are some of the top events, activities and things to do in Britain in May. Plus, enjoy a mix of other experiences in Britain this spring.
Head to the UNESCO City of Music, Liverpool, for the Liverpool Sound City – the annual international music festival and industry conference. Welcoming global stars, local artists and key industry figures, the festival has provided a platform for many stars early on in their careers, including Ed Sheeran, alt-J and Calvin Harris.
Brighton is known as a place that welcomes diversity, creativity and innovative thinking, and its annual festival celebrates this pioneering spirit and experimental approach. Established in 1967 and now one of Europe’s leading arts festivals, this celebration of music, theatre, dance, circus, art, film, literature, debate and family events aims to make art accessible to all and takes place in a variety of venues across Brighton and Hove.
Shetland in the Scottish Islands comes alive over four days with its historic Shetland Folk Festival, celebrating local, national and international music.
For a couple’s experience with a whisky twist, the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival will be right up your street. Spirited, inspiring, Scottish – Speyside’s distilleries open their doors and invite visitors from around the world to taste the finest whiskies on offer. Experience the passion behind the region’s famous tipple, and enjoy foodie events, live music, tours and more.
Every year, Cheltenham Jazz Festival represents the start of the summer in Cheltenham, bringing together world-renowned performers and jazz enthusiasts from across the globe.
Keep your finger on the music pulse at FOCUS Wales, which turns the spotlight onto up-and-coming artists from Wales and afar. As well as more than 250 artists to discover, performing in venues across Wrexham, there are industry panels, networking events and film screenings, too. Past performers have included Echo and the Bunnymen, Charlotte Church and Self Esteem.
Shakespeare’s hometown, Stratford-Upon-Avon, celebrates the written word in this bi-annual event for book lovers. With 80 events to choose from, including talks and workshops, there’s fun to be had from age four up.
11 May – 14 September 2026: Highland Games, across Scotland
Usually starting in May across Scotland, the Highland Games brings tradition, fun and competition set against some epic backdrops. Around 100 Highland games and gatherings take place in Scotland each year. Each one has a mix of piping, athletic events and Highland dancing.
Celebrating all things outdoors, the Keswick Mountain Festival shows off the Lake District at its finest. Expect to get involved with mountain sports, listen to guest speakers and live music, plus, get stuck into the food and drinks stalls. This inclusive festival has accessible outdoors sports and guided activities for all ages and abilities.
The FA Cup, the oldest domestic cup competition in the football world, is established as one of the country’s great sporting institutions. The history and tradition of the competition, and the pageantry of the Cup Final, is familiar to millions.
One of the best-known Royal Horticultural Society shows, the world-famous Chelsea Flower Show returns with even more unforgettable floral and horticultural displays.
The tip of northern Scotland comes alive with international musicians for a four-day folk music extravaganza at the Orkney Folk Festival.
The renowned Hay Festival of Literature & Arts, held annually in a tented village on the edge of the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) National Park, aims to bring together some of the greatest contemporary authors and the most exciting new voices in literature and the arts. Past speakers and performers have included Margaret Atwood, Ian McEwan, Chelsea Clinton, Michael Woolf, Stormzy, Dua Lipa, Simon Schama, David Olusoga, Rose McGowan, Dara Ó Briain and many more.
The Urdd Eisteddfod in North Wales is one of Europe’s largest youth touring festivals, with children and young people competing in various competitions such as singing, dancing and performing. There are plenty of attractions for the whole family at the Eisteddfod, from enjoying the competitions to visiting the various stalls and exhibitors on site.
The second largest city in England, Birmingham hosts its annual gay Pride, a technicolour spectacular celebration of LGBTQIA+ culture.
Oxfordshire’s largest food festival brings food stalls, strolling jazz musicians, children’s storytellers and some of the biggest names in the foodie world to Blenheim Palace’s magnificent grounds. Chef Raymond Blanc OBE and MasterChef winners have attended in the past.
In a celebration of 16th-century wool production, competitors carry a sack of wool up and down a steep hill in the Cotswolds town of Tetbury.
The Adobe Women’s FA Cup Final returns to Wembley and will see two teams battle it out for the coveted trophy.
