May Bank Holiday 2024: Things to Do

Creative Tourist

The weather’s been rather shocking of late, but we’ve got high hopes for the historically-sunny Early May Bank Holiday Weekend! To help you plan it wisely, we’ve put together our early picks of events, venues and activities taking place over the long weekend, both outside and indoors.

From music and art to delicious food and fancy cocktails – all the best things in one place, and we’ll be adding more as we find it, so do check back again soon.

And if you’re curious about what else is on around the North this spring, take a look at our culture guides, where there’s something for everyone, including exhibitions, music, cinema, theatre, literature, tours and activities and family events.

Our top picks

The Accountants at Aviva Studios

The Accountants at Aviva Studios, Manchester, 4–11 May 2024, from £10.00 - Book now

Explosive global dance and state-of-the-art visuals battle it out in this world premiere spectacular by Keith Khan, whose grand artistic creations have adorned events from the Notting Hill Carnival to the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Two people in suits jumping in the air on a lit-up background
Image courtesy of yeahnice.design.

Sounds From The Other City

Sounds From The Other City at Maxwell Hall, University of Salford (and other venues), 5 May 2024, from £40 - Book now

One of our favourite music festivals is back this Early May Bank Holiday, with a fantastic line-up of artists. Created by music lovers for music lovers, you’ll find some well-known names while discovering some incredible emerging talent.

A crowd of people watching Honeyglaze at Sounds From The Other City 2023 in St Philips Church
SFTOC23 Honeyglaze at St Philips Church by Breige Cobane.

The Legend of Ned Ludd at Liverpool Everyman Theatre

The Legend of Ned Ludd at Liverpool Everyman Theatre, Liverpool, Until 11 May 2024, from £11.00 - Book now

Experience truly innovative storytelling that takes a closer look at the history of work, class, and the impact of technology on our lives, using automation and… chance.

The Legend of Ned Ludd at Liverpool Everyman Theatre
Image courtesy of Liverpool Everyman.

Colours Uncovered at Harewood House

Colours Uncovered at Harewood House, Leeds, Until 9 June 2024, from £12.00 - Book now

Explore colour in all its beauty, from the science and history behind it to incredible artworks, objects and plants.

a large mansion house surrounded by three blocks of colour
Image supplied by Leeds Inspired

Mungo’s Hi Fi + Solo Banton at The Blues Kitchen

Mungo’s Hi Fi + Solo Banton at The Blues Kitchen Manchester, Manchester, 5–6 May 2024, from £16.50 - Book now

A soundsystem, production house and legendary selectors, Mungo’s Hi Fi will be bringing the fire to The Blues Kitchen this Bank Holiday Weekend.

Mungo's Hifi
The Blues Kitchen

Bars in Manchester

If you’re spending the long weekend in Manchester, you’ll likely be in the need of a top tier bar or three to pepper into your plans. Check out our top recommendations.

Lamb of Tartary

Lamb of Tartary, 16 Newton St, Manchester , M1 1AE - Visit now

Chef Shaun Moffat’s tastefully British menu and intricate flavours will leave a lasting impression so why not visit the very special new restaurant this Bank Holiday Weekend?

Lamb Of Tartary
Ian Jones

Shaun the Sheep: Find the Flock at Tatton Park

Shaun the Sheep: Find the Flock at Tatton Park at Tatton Park, Until 23 June 2024, from £6.00 - Book now

Got kids to keep entertained while school’s out? Tatton Park invites you to join in the fun at this baa-rilliant family adventure.

Shaun the Sheep
Tatton Park

Strike! A guided gallery tour

Strike! A guided gallery tour at People’s History Museum (PHM), Manchester, 2 May 2024, from £0.00 - Book now

Join this fascinating guided tour at People’s History Museum (PHM) – this time it’s a look into the history and legacy of strike action.

Museum displays about the Miners’ Strike
People's History Museum

Fragile Microbiomes at Thackray Museum of Medicine

Fragile Microbiomes at Thackray Museum of Medicine, Leeds, Until 23 June 2024, from £8.95 - Book now

In Fragile Microbiomes, bacteria work with textiles and other materials to create multi-layered artefacts – a fascinating display for the whole family.

The Plague Dress - Fragile Microbiomes - Thackray Museum of Medicine
Jo Ritchie (Chapter 81)

Once More With Ealing at HOME

Once More With Ealing at HOME Manchester, Manchester, 5–31 May 2024, from £7.95 - Book now

If it is a washout, then the cinema’s always a safe bet. We recommend this season of seven films that showcase the legendary Ealing Studio’s output under the stewardship of producer Michael Balcon.

Once More with Ealing Season
HOME

New Wave Ramen

New Wave Ramen, 16 Tib Lane, Manchester , M2 4JB - Visit now

Fluorescent drinks and sensational ramen – what more could you want! Pop into New Wave Ramen for a bite (the regular kitchen takeovers resulting in a fresh menu every time you visit), and stay for the Melon Sour.

Ian Jones

Leilah Babirye: Obumu (Unity) at Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Leilah Babirye: Obumu (Unity) at Yorkshire Sculpture Park, West Yorkshire, Until 8 September 2024, free entry - Visit now

Yorkshire Sculpture Park is a firm favourite when it comes to Bank Holiday spots for walks and culture. This year you also get a chance to see Leilah Babirye’s compelling new exhibition of sculptures in the Chapel.

Unity Sculptures
Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Sunday Roasts in Manchester

If you don’t feel like cooking this weekend, we’ve got you covered – check out our roundup of the best Sunday Roasts in Manchester.

Outdoor Art in the North

Often free and publicly accessible, outdoor art has a special relationship to community, cultural heritage and the landscape it’s situated in. Why not take the opportunity to discover the iconic outdoor artworks the North has to offer over Bank Holiday Weekend.

Six By Nico Deansgate

Six By Nico Deansgate, 2 John Dalton St, Manchester, M3 2BY - Visit now

Just in time for the Bank Holiday, Six by Nico Deansgate has announced its new menu, themed around New York. Best to act fast on this one, as tables are naturally flying.

Six By Nico Deansgate

Whitworth Art Gallery Tours

Whitworth Art Gallery Daily Tour at The Whitworth, Manchester, Until 31 July 2024, free entry - Visit now

Visit the gorgeous Whitworth Art Gallery for a tour of its current exhibitions. Afterwards, you can take a stroll in the surrounding park.

Free Daily Tours, the Whitworth.

Wild Swimming in the North of England

If you’re looking for outdoor activity ideas, wild swimming might just be the one. Whether you prefer picturesque lakes or local lidos, there are lots of lovely spots to choose from. And, if you’re after something even more energetic, why not combine a hike with a refreshing dip at the end?

Parks and Gardens in Manchester

You can’t go wrong with a visit to the park, weather permitting. Take a break from the city noise, bring a friend, bring your dog, breathe in the spring air and have an ice-cream en plein air.

Blossom on trees in Manchester

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the North

World Heritage Sites tell the story of this country’s unique contribution to the world. More than playing its part in that story, the North is home to many sites of international interest, and they’re right on your doorstep! Taking a trip to one or more of them would be an especially wholesome way to spend the Bank Holiday Weekend!

Spotlight on

May Bank Holiday 2024: Things to Do

Plan your May Bank Holiday weekend with our top picks from music, art, theatre, food and drink spots, whatever the weather.

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Culture Guides

Festival-goers at Green Island
Music in Manchester and the North

Gazing longingly towards the good times that will accompany the surely imminent sun, we take a look at the best music festivals coming up in Manchester and Salford.