As the weekend approaches, the Midlands of England offers an array of exciting events that cater to diverse interests. From vibrant music festivals and gourmet food fairs to historical reenactments and family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s a detailed look at some of the most captivating events happening across the Midlands this weekend.
1. Birmingham Pride – Birmingham
Date: Saturday, May 18 – Sunday, May 19
Location: Gay Village, Birmingham
Birmingham Pride is one of the UK’s largest LGBTQ+ festivals, celebrating diversity and inclusion with a vibrant parade, live music, and entertainment. This year’s lineup includes performances by top artists such as Jax Jones, Years & Years, and Becky Hill. The festival also features a community village, dance arena, and funfair, ensuring a lively and inclusive atmosphere. It’s a fantastic weekend for everyone to celebrate love and equality.
2. Hay Festival – Hay-on-Wye
Date: Friday, May 17 – Sunday, May 19
Location: Various venues, Hay-on-Wye
The Hay Festival is a renowned literary event that attracts writers, poets, and thinkers from around the world. The festival features an extensive program of talks, readings, and workshops, with appearances by celebrated authors and emerging voices. Attendees can engage in discussions on a wide range of topics, from literature and politics to science and the arts. It’s a must-visit for book lovers and those seeking intellectual stimulation.
3. Leicester Riverside Festival – Leicester
Date: Saturday, May 18 – Sunday, May 19
Location: Bede Park, Mile Straight, and Western Boulevard, Leicester
The Leicester Riverside Festival is a family-friendly event that celebrates the city’s waterways with live music, street performers, and a variety of food stalls. The festival also includes boat trips, a funfair, and craft stalls. For children, there are plenty of activities such as face painting, workshops, and games. It’s a wonderful day out for the whole family, offering a mix of entertainment and relaxation by the river.
4. Coventry Motofest – Coventry
Date: Saturday, May 18 – Sunday, May 19
Location: Various locations, Coventry
Coventry Motofest is a unique blend of motorsport and music, transforming the city into a celebration of automotive culture. The event features live motorsport demonstrations, car displays, and heritage vehicle parades. Attendees can also enjoy live music performances, food stalls, and interactive exhibits. It’s an exciting event for car enthusiasts and those looking for high-octane entertainment.
5. Nottingham Craft Beer Festival – Nottingham
Date: Saturday, May 18 – Sunday, May 19
Location: Sneinton Market, Nottingham
The Nottingham Craft Beer Festival brings together some of the best breweries from the UK and beyond. The festival features a wide selection of craft beers, ciders, and ales, along with food stalls offering gourmet street food. There are also live music performances and beer tasting sessions, providing a lively and enjoyable atmosphere. It’s a must-visit for beer lovers and those looking to discover new brews.
6. Derbyshire Food and Drink Festival – Derbyshire
Date: Saturday, May 18 – Sunday, May 19
Location: Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire
Food enthusiasts will delight in the Derbyshire Food and Drink Festival, which showcases a variety of local and regional produce. The festival features food stalls offering everything from artisanal cheeses and meats to freshly baked goods and sweet treats. There are also cooking demonstrations by top chefs, food tasting sessions, and activities for children. It’s a delightful day out for the whole family, celebrating culinary creativity and quality.
7. Stratford-upon-Avon Literary Festival – Stratford-upon-Avon
Date: Saturday, May 18 – Sunday, May 19
Location: Various venues, Stratford-upon-Avon
The Stratford-upon-Avon Literary Festival is a celebration of literature and the arts, featuring talks, readings, and workshops by renowned authors and poets. This year’s festival includes appearances by bestselling writers and emerging voices, offering a diverse program of events. Attendees can participate in book signings, panel discussions, and creative writing workshops. The festival also includes activities for children, making it a great outing for families.
8. Worcester Canal Festival – Worcester
Date: Saturday, May 18 – Sunday, May 19
Location: Diglis Basin, Worcester
The Worcester Canal Festival is a charming event that celebrates the city’s historic canals with boat parades, live music, and street performances. Visitors can enjoy boat trips, explore craft stalls, and sample local food and drink. The festival also includes children’s activities such as face painting and workshops, ensuring a fun-filled day for all ages. It’s a wonderful opportunity to explore Worcester’s waterways and heritage.
9. Lincolnshire Show – Lincoln
Date: Saturday, May 18 – Sunday, May 19
Location: Lincolnshire Showground, Lincoln
The Lincolnshire Show is a traditional agricultural show that celebrates the rural heritage of the region. The event features livestock competitions, equestrian displays, and agricultural exhibits. Visitors can also enjoy craft stalls, local food vendors, and a range of entertainment, including live music, circus acts, and children’s activities. It’s an excellent opportunity to experience the best of Lincolnshire’s countryside and community spirit.
10. Warwick Food Festival – Warwick
Date: Sunday, May 19
Location: Warwick Town Centre, Warwick
The Warwick Food Festival is a culinary extravaganza that brings together local food producers, chefs, and food enthusiasts. The festival features a wide range of food stalls offering gourmet dishes, street food, and artisanal products. There are also cooking demonstrations, food tasting sessions, and live music performances. It’s a delicious day out for the whole family, celebrating the rich culinary heritage of Warwick.
11. Shrewsbury Steam Rally – Shrewsbury
Date: Saturday, May 18 – Sunday, May 19
Location: Onslow Park, Shrewsbury
The Shrewsbury Steam Rally is a nostalgic event that showcases vintage steam engines, classic cars, and agricultural machinery. The rally features live demonstrations, parades, and static displays, providing a fascinating insight into the history of steam power. There are also craft stalls, food vendors, and activities for children, making it a fun and educational day out for all ages.
12. Lichfield Cathedral Festival – Lichfield
Date: Friday, May 17 – Sunday, May 19
Location: Lichfield Cathedral, Lichfield
The Lichfield Cathedral Festival is a celebration of music and the arts, held in the stunning surroundings of Lichfield Cathedral. The festival features performances by choirs, orchestras, and soloists, covering a range of musical genres. There are also art exhibitions, literary events, and workshops. It’s a cultural feast for the senses, offering a diverse program of events in a beautiful setting.
13. Telford Balloon Fiesta – Telford
Date: Saturday, May 18 – Sunday, May 19
Location: Telford Town Park, Telford
The Telford Balloon Fiesta is a spectacular event featuring hot air balloons, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities. Visitors can enjoy balloon displays, including a night glow where balloons are illuminated against the night sky. There are also fairground rides, food stalls, and live music performances, creating a festive atmosphere. It’s a magical experience for all ages, offering breathtaking views and fun-filled activities.
14. Melton Mowbray Food Festival – Melton Mowbray
Date: Saturday, May 18 – Sunday, May 19
Location: Cattle Market, Melton Mowbray
The Melton Mowbray Food Festival is a celebration of local food and drink, showcasing the best produce from the region. The festival features food stalls offering a variety of products, from the famous Melton Mowbray pork pies to cheeses, chutneys, and baked goods. There are also cooking demonstrations, food tasting sessions, and activities for children. It’s a delightful day out for food lovers, celebrating the culinary heritage of Melton Mowbray.
15. Leamington Spa Art in the Park – Leamington Spa
Date: Saturday, May 18 – Sunday, May 19
Location: Jephson Gardens, Leamington Spa
Art enthusiasts will enjoy Leamington Spa Art in the Park, an outdoor event that showcases the work of local artists and craftspeople. The festival features art installations, craft stalls, and live demonstrations. Visitors can also participate in workshops, enjoy live music performances, and sample food from local vendors. It’s a vibrant and creative event that celebrates the artistic talent of the region.
16. Northampton Music Festival – Northampton
Date: Sunday, May 19
Location: Various venues, Northampton
The Northampton Music Festival brings the city to life with performances from a diverse range of musical acts. Spanning genres from rock and pop to folk and classical, the festival features both local talent and well-known artists. Events are hosted in various venues, including pubs, cafes, and open-air stages. The festival creates a lively atmosphere throughout Northampton, offering something for every music lover.
17. Wolverhampton Literary Festival – Wolverhampton
Date: Saturday, May 18 – Sunday, May 19
Location: Various venues, Wolverhampton
The Wolverhampton Literary Festival is a celebration of literature and the arts, featuring talks, readings, and workshops by renowned authors and poets. This year’s festival includes appearances by bestselling writers and emerging voices, offering a diverse program of events. Attendees can participate in book signings, panel discussions, and creative writing workshops. The festival also includes activities for children, making it a great outing for families.
18. Burton upon Trent Beer Festival – Burton upon Trent
Date: Saturday, May 18 – Sunday, May 19
Location: Town Hall, Burton upon Trent
The Burton upon Trent Beer Festival is a lively event that celebrates the rich brewing heritage of the region. The festival features a wide selection of beers from local and national breweries, as well as ciders, wines, and spirits. Attendees can enjoy live music performances, food stalls, and beer tasting sessions. It’s a fantastic event for beer enthusiasts and those looking for a fun day out with friends.
19. Hereford River Carnival – Hereford
Date: Saturday, May 18
Location: River Wye, Hereford
The Hereford River Carnival is a vibrant celebration of the River Wye, featuring a colorful parade, live music, and street performances. The event includes boat races, water-based activities, and a variety of food stalls. There are also craft stalls, workshops, and children’s entertainment, ensuring a fun-filled day for all ages. It’s a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the scenic beauty of Hereford’s riverside and community spirit.
20. Tamworth Castle Medieval Festival – Tamworth
Date: Saturday, May 18 – Sunday, May 19
Location: Tamworth Castle, Tamworth
Step back in time at the Tamworth Castle Medieval Festival, an immersive event that recreates the atmosphere of the medieval period. The festival features historical reenactments, jousting displays, and live music from the era. Visitors can explore medieval crafts, sample historical food, and participate in archery and other traditional activities. It’s an engaging and educational experience for the whole family, offering a glimpse into the past.
Conclusion
The Midlands of England offers a rich variety of events and activities this weekend, catering to a wide range of interests and tastes. Whether you’re a music lover, a foodie, a history enthusiast, or looking for family-friendly fun, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, gather your friends and family, and explore the vibrant and diverse events taking place across the region. From the cultural richness of Birmingham to the scenic beauty of the River Wye, this weekend promises to be filled with excitement and entertainment.
