The May Day Makers Markets at People’s History Museum are the perfect celebration of the occasion: from vintage-inspired jewellery and beautiful ceramics to an array of workshops and live music, it’s got a little bit of everything you might want.

After scaling up to 5000 capacity, Manchester’s open-air club Progress has launched a huge spring/summer season, including not one but two parties over the Bank Holiday.

With performances from Company Chameleon, Global Grooves, Tea Club and Sole Rebel, Northwich’s free international dance and street arts festival is back for 2025.

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 vibrant live music venue with an old school pub vibe may not be what you would expect from a hotel. Let it surprise you though, and enjoy the roomy beer garden.

CANVAS is a new community festival taking place in Leeds’ Wellington Place. Pop into the ‘Art in the City Print Fair’ taking place across the Bank Holiday weekend – browse the local stalls and enjoy the medium of print in its various forms and styles.

Experience Shakespeare’s classic tragedy with Radiohead’s seminal album in a dizzying combination of theatre, music, and dance.

Liverpool is full of hidden gems when it comes to picturesque walks, both in the city and the surrounding areas. If long weekends inspire you to get out and explore on foot, check out our guide.

Start your Bank Holiday weekend on a Lynchian high with a screening of ‘Blue Velvet’ at HOME.

See the vibrant textile works of celebrated Polish-Roma artist at the Whitworth – this beautiful display tenderly captures the history and daily lives of Roma communities.

Scranchester have teamed up with Manchester Union Lager to curate a foodie walking tour with a craft lager twist.

If the whole sun thing works out, you’ll likely be in the need of a top tier bar garden or three to pepper into your plans. Here’s 30, yes 30, of our favourites in Manchester and Salford.

Looking for a place to relax and unwind, but not too far from home? Look no further, check out our guide to the best spas in the North West.

It may not be here for long so pop in while you can – The Shoegaze Cafe offers the simple pleasures of coffee, music and down-to-earth company. Sit by the enormous open window and take it all in.

Add a bit of grunge to your long weekend and see Anika perform her heaviest and angriest album to date at Leeds’ Brudenell Social Club.

With Sunday roasts set to be replaced with lighter bites as the weather warms, the Bank Holiday’s a good time to go out with a belly-busting bang. Check out our roundup of the best Sunday Roasts in Manchester.

Make the trip to YSP and see Laura Ellen Bacon’s installation at the Chapel – a monumental nest-like structure, woven in willow and made entirely by hand, cocooning the viewers in its warmth. You might not want to leave!

Exhibition is not just another food hall, but possibly the best-looking and most elegant one that Manchester has. With Scandinavian and European-inspired menus, high ceilings and delicious drinks, it’s sure to elevate your long weekend to a truly memorable experience.

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.