Posted on April 23, 2024
Spring not only brings blossoming flowers and longer days, it brings along a flurry of bank holidays, making May a fun month for exploring The Cotswolds. With that in mind, we’ve found a few events for both bank holidays you’ll not want to miss out on!
May Day Bank Holiday
Artweeks at WOA
This May Day bank holiday, there’s a unique exhibition being hosted at the WOA Gallery in Bampton for Oxfordshire. Artweeks 2024, a county-wide, free art celebration that the gallery is a part of. Discover an exceptional exhibition showcasing twelve artists, each with their distinctive flair. Dive into an exhibition of mesmerising fused glass, exquisite jewellery, soft felted accessories, vibrant watercolours, rich oils, intricate papier-mâché sculptures, and delicate ceramics. It's a perfect opportunity to support local talent and perhaps find that one-of-a-kind piece of art to treasure in your collection.
10th Lechlade Annual Vintage Rally, Country Show & Craft Fair
This May Day bank holiday weekend, Langley Farm in Bampton is the place to be for a vibrant weekend filled with vintage charm. Explore an amazing display of vintage Cars, Tractors, Motorcycles, Miniature Steam, Commercial, and Military Vehicles. Don't miss the extensive awning display, Model Tent, and Craft Fair for enthusiasts. Kids will love the funfair, car boot, raffle, and tombola, along with a parade ring for everyone to enjoy. With plenty of food and drink options, it's the perfect family day out. Entry is just £6.00 for adults, £4.00 for concessions, and under 16s join for free with any paying adult.
Hide-and-seek at Chedworth Roman Villa
This May bank holiday weekend, gather the family for a fun-filled adventure at Chedworth Roman Villa! Embark on a hide-and-seek quest to find mini versions of the Villa's most famous figures hidden throughout the site. Search for Censorinus, the wealthy villa owner, Sabina, the villa lady's hairstylist, and Dr Quintus, the family physician and surgeon, among others, scattered around the villa and its grounds. Discover all 8 characters and win a surprise from the lucky dip at the Chedworth shop. Don't worry, life-size Chedworth characters will be there to guide you on your quest. It's an exciting and unique way to explore the history of the Villa with your loved ones.
Cheltenham Jazz Festival
It’s that time of year again, so mark your calendars for the Cheltenham Jazz Festival, taking place from the 1st of May to 6th. As part of the Cheltenham Festivals charity, this event promises joy, memories through a community atmosphere surrounded by an unforgettable music experiences. Join over 20,000 fans in one of the UK's favourite jazz festivals to see world-renowned artists like Dionne Warwick, Robert Plant, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Jack Savoretti, UB40, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Morcheeba, Courtney Pine, Clare Teal, Huey Morgan, Snarky Puppy, and many more.
Jousting tournament at Blenheim Palace
This May Day, head to Blenheim Palace for a thrilling opportunity to step back in time. Watch as the palace grounds come alive as an action-packed mediaeval scene. The highlight being as you take your seats and experience the excitement of armoured knights engaging in jaw-dropping jousting. But there's more on offer as you can immerse yourself in the old English setting with jesters shows, the chance to try your hand at archery, and mesmerising falconry displays. It's a day of historic fun you’ll be happy to have attended.
Red, White and Blue Ball
On Saturday the 4th of May Tetbury hall is throwing a lavish event to honour the first anniversary of the king's coronation. Guests will arrive to a glass of elderflower fizz and chef’s selection of canapés before sitting down to enjoy a decadent three course meal. After food there will be live music by Tommy & The Fuse. Guests will also have the opportunity to be taken away in horse drawn carriages should they book beforehand.
Late Spring Bank Holiday
Gloucester tall ships festival
On the Spring Bank holiday, don't miss the spectacular return of the Gloucester Tall Ships Festival at the historic Gloucester Docks. You can be part of a vibrant celebration that attracts thousands with thrilling live music, engaging entertainment, sail cargo displays, vintage fair rides, fun activities for all ages, and a delicious local food and drink market. It's a weekend filled with unforgettable maritime moments.
Giffords Circus at Blenheim Palace
We’ve spoken about it before but we'd be remised to not once more recommend the fantastic Giffords circus. From the 23rd May to the 3rd of June, you can visit the Palace and head down to the magnificent trees of the parkland, where you’ll find a tent ready to transport you to a world of colourful acrobats, jugglers, horses and musicians. It’s the perfect event for the whole family or a unique date night.
Prescott Historique
Prescott Historique is the perfect day out for any car lover, a two day meeting celebrating the history of Hill Climbing from the early 1900's up to the 1990. And now returning for 2024, the event promises to be bigger and better than ever, with the event now spread over two days, May 25th and May 26th. The event will feature a brand new interview stage, located adjacent to The Clubhouse, with a specially selected driver, visitor or engineer sharing tales from their past with well-known commentator Chris Drewett on the hour, every hour, from 10am - 4pm each day. The main event of course is the hill climb, this year there will be over 150 cars attempting the hill climb. There will also be a special display of Bugattis at the event!
South Cerney street fair and duck race
This Spring Bank Holiday, you can take part in one of Gloucestershire's cosiest and fun filled days out, the South Cerney Duck Race. Cheer on as 2,000 yellow ducks race down the river, with live commentary ensuring you're part of the excitement. Enjoy live music, street food, and more amidst South Cerney's beautiful streets. With free parking, shuttle service, free fair entry, plus all profits going to local charities, it's not just fun but also for a good cause.
Poulton Hill Wine Tasting at the Cellar Door
After their wildly successful winter wine tasting events, Poulton hill decided that on the 25th of May, they’d welcome visitors once more, for their relaxed wine tasting experience. If you missed out previously, you’ll want to take this chance to be expertly taken through the history of the Cellar Door, the growing of grapes and the management of the vineyard. You’ll be sampling two award winning whites and an award winning rosé.
Bee Experience
Have you ever thought about having your own beehive? Or perhaps you simply want to know a bit more about the amazing little creatures? If so Notgrove Holidays are running a fantastic beekeeping experience. You’ll be led by expert Harry, of Harry’s Honey, for a course on how to best take care of a hive and exactly how the bees create honey. A fun and unique way to spend your bank holiday and one that can lead to creating some sweet treats for the long term too.