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The early May bank holiday in 2020 will move from Monday 4 May to Friday 8 May to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day which takes place on 8 May.
Whether it’s a Monday or a Friday, May still remains the most wonderful time of the year as the bank holidays come thick and fast.
Whether rain or shine – our guide will guarantee that you make the most of those extra, and precious, days off work.
For more ideas read our culture guides which feature exhibitions, music, cinema, theatre, literature and family events – and don’t miss our guide to the Spring Bank Holiday, it’s just a couple of weeks away!
Here are our picks
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1. Back To The Future The Musical at Manchester Opera House
Image courtesy of ATG Back To The Future The Musical at Manchester Opera House, City Centre, 20 February–17 May 2020, from £19.95 - Book now
Turn your flux capacitor on and set your destination to the Manchester Opera House in the year 2020. Your future depends on it.
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2. West Side Story at the Royal Exchange
Image courtesy of Richard Davenport: The Other Richard West Side Story at Royal Exchange Theatre, City Centre, 18 April–23 May 2020, from £10.00 - Book now
Powerful and fast-paced and heart-breaking, we’re thrilled to hear that West Side Story will return to the Royal Exchange next spring.
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3. Places To Eat Outside in Manchester
If the weather is anything like as good as it was for Easter, you might be looking for somewhere to eat outside in Manchester. Here’s our guide to the restaurants in Manchester with the best areas for al fresco dining.
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4. Poulsen Arc Dream Radio at Storyhouse in Chester
Storyhouse Poulsen Arc Dream Radio at Storyhouse, Chester, 17 May 2019–15 May 2020, free entry - Visit now
What does it mean to be transported into another person’s memories? Step into a new digital art commission at Storyhouse in Chester to find out.
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5. Parks and Gardens in Manchester
If its nice weather, it’s either in the beer garden, or stomping around a park long enough to justify the time spent in the beer garden.
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6. Things to Do in Liverpool
Image courtesy of Visit Britain For more ideas of things to do in Liverpool, check out our latest recommendations and the pick of places to eat, drink, shop and stay.
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7. Pubs in Leeds
If you’re heading over for any of the great events at Leeds International Festival, you’ll probably appreciate this guide to watering holes. We’ve also put together guides for vegan food in Leeds, hotels in Leeds and the best places to grab lunch.
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8. Forest Side Restaurant
North Atlantic Cod, Peas, Oyster, Dill Forest Side Restaurant, Keswick Road, Grasmere, Ambleside, LA22 9RN - Visit now
If the weather is good, a trip to The Lakes is never a bad idea. We love the fantastic Forest Side Restaurant. Attached to the historic Forest Side Hotel in Grasmere, this is one of the best places to eat in Cumbria.
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9. Windermere Jetty Museum of Boats, Steam and Stories
Courtesy of Lakeland Arts Windermere Jetty Museum of Boats, Steam and Stories, Rayrigg Road, Windermere,, Cumbria, LA231BN - Visit now
Try something new while you’re up there with a brand-new museum dedicated to the simple, timeless pleasure of boating opens on the banks of one of England’s largest and most picturesque lakes.
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10. Beer Gardens in Manchester
If you don’t feel like doing anything too strenuous, there’s always the beer gardens. When the sun is shining, they’re where you want to be; here’s our guide to the best in Manchester. Remember to drink plenty of water between pints, and for goodness sake wear sun cream.
Related Guides
Exhibitions
Like the 58th Venice Biennale which opened earlier this May, our latest pick of exhibitions across the north also has a strong ecological bent.
Top places to go rural (without leaving Manchester)
Our top places to go rural without leaving Manchester too far behind. From water parks to national trust properties with some wild swimming chucked in for good measure.
Spring Bank Holiday
Spring bank holiday, or late May bank holiday as you may know it, offers the perfect time to do something a little different – take a look at our hand-picked recommendations.
Roof Terraces in Manchester
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Families
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