Top UK Spring Festivals And Events To Put In Your Calendar

It’s a lovely time of the year as we are looking forward to Easter and the clocks have gone forward to gain that precious extra hour of daylight. The weather is even blessing us with some warmth and sunshine! It’s also the start of the festivals and events season, so if you are looking for a way to shake off the final cobwebs of winter, take your pick.

There are celebrations of nature, sporting events, music and literature festivals and much more. If you are planning a group trip, coach hire is one of the best ways to travel, as you don’t have to deal with the stress of navigating and parking. Here are some of the top events happening around the UK this spring. 

The Grand National, Liverpool, 3-5 April

Looming large on the horizon is the Grand National at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, which needs no introduction. It’s an institution of the British horse racing calendar, and is a spectacle that is enjoyed by enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. 

Opening day is on Thursday, while Ladies Day is Friday, when you can expect to see some elaborate headwear and fashion-forward outfits in the crowd. The best dressed racegoer can win a prize worth £3,000, so be sure to turn out in your most stylish attire. 

The main event takes place on Saturday, when horses and jockeys will line up to tackle 16 formidable fences including Becher’s Brook and the Canal Turn over the four mile course. The atmosphere is electric with excitement and anticipation and all bets are on as the winner is roared over the finish line. 

Cheltenham Jazz Festival, Gloucestershire, 30 April- 5 May

Cheltenham is perhaps more famous for its racecourse and literature festival, but its Jazz Festival in late April/early May is also hugely popular. Key acts this year include Katie Melua, Lulu, Elli Ingram, Lisa Stansfield and Kokoroko. There is a stage dedicated to showcasing upcoming artists and global sounds, and a separate free programme of live events.  

There’s also street food stalls, pop up bars, a family tent with hands-on workshops, classic album playbacks, exclusive artist signings, various merchandising stalls, and much more. 

Liverpool Sound City, May 2-4

Returning to the north west, Liverpool Sound City is a popular annual event that takes place across the Baltic Triangle near to the city centre. Headliners this year include the Royston Club, Dylan John Thomas, Nieve Ella, and Overpass. There are also dozens of up and coming artists, so it’s a great chance to discover some new favourites.

Liverpool is famed worldwide for its thriving cultural scene and rich musical heritage, and there is a unique atmosphere as creative minds meet for performances and a national music conference. The city has undergone a significant amount of regeneration in recent years, so it’s well worth exploring further afield, such as the newly revitalised Docklands. 

Hay Festival, 22 May-1 June, Hay on Wye

The Hay Festival is in a beautiful quiet countryside location in mid-Wales, in Hay-on-Wye, known for its abundance of book shops. It’s a mecca for literature lovers, but there are also family-friendly events, comedy, music, and discussion of current affairs with some of the country’s leading thinkers and writers from the establishment and also the counter culture. 

The town is on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park, so it’s an ideal place to book a longer stay and explore the beauty of the local area if you love walking and outdoor activities. 

Blenheim Palace Food Festival, 24-26 May

Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire is one of the UK’s grandest and most beautiful stately homes, and in the late May bank holiday weekend, it celebrates the best of food and drink from across the country. There will be dozens of stalls selling organic fruit and vegetables, sweet baked goods, street food, craft beers, English sparkling wine and more. 

There will also be a festival Kitchen featuring celebrity chefs and Michelin Star chefs, where they will be hosting live demonstrations, workshops and sharing tips and tricks with Q & A sessions. It’s a must-do event for foodies and history lovers alike.