May bank holiday Monday: 10 things to do, from Jam on Rye to Tate Liverpool

Ronan J O'Shea
Updated

The late May bank holiday is just around the corner on 28 May, with people in England and Wales revelling in a day off work and – hopefully – splendid weather.

There are numerous events taking place around the UK, with activities for both children and adults.

From nautically themed prosecco brunches to afrobeat and jazz in south London, we round up 10 of the best things to do this bank holiday Monday.

Reach for the Beach, Durham

More than eight miles of coastline along east Durham and south Sunderland play host to the Reach for the Beach festival again in 2018.

The series of events kicks off on bank holiday Monday with a geology walk from Nose’s Point to Easington Circular, highlighting the area’s coastal views.

It’s a seven-mile walk, so sturdy footwear is recommended.

Free event; 10am-2.30pm

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Tall Ships Brunch, Liverpool

Views of Tate Liverpool along the River Mersey
Views of Tate Liverpool along the River Mersey

A fleet of tall ships will sail along the Mersey on bank holiday Monday. Visitors to Tate Liverpool can enjoy a Tall Ships Brunch, taking in the views from its panoramic Clore Learning Centre with food, a glass of fizz and the option of visiting the Life in Motion: Egon Schiele/Francesca Woodman exhibition.

From £28.50; brunch available 11am-1pm
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Kerb presents Jam on Rye, London

Jam on Rye takes place for the first time in 2018 (Kerb)
Jam on Rye takes place for the first time in 2018 (Kerb)

Jam on Rye is a new one day festival in Peckham, south London, celebrating food, culture and music.

Afrobeat, jazz, reggae and more will be performed by the likes of Reggae Roast, David Rodigan and Horace Andy, while food vendors include Breddos, White Men Can’t Jerk, Only Jerkin’ and Club Mexicana.

Along with music and food, the third stage will host Kerb Talks: a panel discussion on London’s sounds system culture and local talent.

From £20; 10am-11pm

The Sound of Music, London

Robert Wise’s 1965 classicy, featuring Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer and, of course, the scenic Austrian Alps, will be screened at the British Film institute in glorious 70mm on bank holiday Monday.

From £8; 3.20pm and 7pm

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Summer of Stories, Powys

Tretower Court is hosting Summer of Stories (Cadw)
Tretower Court is hosting Summer of Stories (Cadw)

Tretower Court and Castle in Powys, Wales, is hosting a number of stories based on Welsh historical characters, myths and legends in conjunction with Summer of Stories.

Stories last up to 30 minutes; no booking required.

Adult tickets £6.90, child tickets £4.10; 11am-4pm

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Family Fun Day, Windsor

All the fun of the fair for families at Royal Windsor Racecourse
All the fun of the fair for families at Royal Windsor Racecourse

All rides are free at Royal Windsor Racecourse’s Family Fun day on bank holiday Monday, including laser tag, inflatable horse racing and pony rides.

Alongside kids’ rides, there are seven races on the fixture list, making it an ideal day out for adults with or without little ones.

Family enclosure ticket £14pp; gates open 11.55am

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Chichester Roman Week, Chichester

Many of the events at Chichester Roman Week are free (The Novium)
Many of the events at Chichester Roman Week are free (The Novium)

A seven-day festival celebrating Chichester’s Roman Heritage starts on Monday and runs until 2 June.

Chichester was first established as Noviomagus Reginorum, which translates to “new market of the proud people”, after the Roman invasion in AD43.

Led by The Novium Museum and supported by Chichester Business Improvement District, Roman Week returns for its third year, featuring re-enactments, talks, trails, guided tours, family activities and immersive theatre, with specific themes for each day, including beauty and entertainment.

An interactive re-enactment will encourage audience participation and includes a military show.

Entry to events ranges from free to £6

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Easton Farm Park, Suffolk

On bank holiday Monday, Easton Farm Park in Suffolk is hosting Magic Monday, a family fun day.

Events include Hug a Bunny, pony and cart rides, the Barrel Bug and a family train journey.

Family ticket £35

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Bordeaux Wine Festival, Liverpool

Now in its vintage 10th year, The Bordeaux Wine Festival visits Britain for the first time (G Bonnaud)
Now in its vintage 10th year, The Bordeaux Wine Festival visits Britain for the first time (G Bonnaud)

The Bordeaux Wine Festival is celebrating reaching a decade, and makes this year’s UK debut in Merseyside, culminating on bank holiday Monday.

Visitors can enjoy up to six tastings and learn about the diversity of Bordeaux wines from the official L’École Du Vin De Bordeaux – Bordeaux Wine School – as well as purchasing some vino at the event.

From £21.50

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Beast Creator at Plantasia, Swansea

Running until the end of the month, Swansea hothouse Plantasia has a number of educational animal shows teaching children about the importance of protecting wildlife.

Animals on show include cockroaches, vinegaroons, millipedes, scorpions, geckos, tarantulas, skinks, snakes and a monitor lizard.

Adult tickets £5.95, child tickets £4.95; free for children under three.

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