The UK in Springtime

Spring in the UK means flowers starting first in the south of England.  People's gardens are in bloom and all the countryside becomes green. People flock to parks, commons and green spaces.  It is a joyous time of year.

There are festivals all over the UK in Spring from art, music and flower shows to sport and a plethora of things to take part in.  National Trust properties offer festivities and other agencies such as Bletchley Park widen their availability of events.

This Spring is no exception.  On April 16th, during Easter weekend, the Betfred World Snooker Championships begin in Sheffield at the Crucible. They continue until May 2nd. Other sporting events include the FA Cup Final on May 14th and the Women's FA Cup Final on May 15th (both at Wembley Stadium), The European Taekwondo Championships in Manchester from May19-22 and the FIH Hockey Pro League from May 21st until June 19th in London.  The Betfred British Masters Golf tournament will take place at the Belfry in Sutton Coldfield from May 5th - 8th.

Art Festivals are popular around the UK.  Two of these in May are Upfest in Bristol on May 28th and May 29th and the Norfolk/Norwich Festival from May 13th until May 29th.  The Norfolk Festival takes place all around the area in public places.

Music Festivals this Spring include Cheltenham's Jazz Festival April 27th-May 2nd and Liverpool's Sound City from April 30th to May 1st. Salford's Day Festival Sounds from the Other City is on May 1st. The Bath Festival, a celebration of literature and music, runs from May 13-22nd.

An event celebrating history is the Jorvik Viking Festival in York.  It takes place from May 28th until June 1st.

Hastings celebrates May Day at the traditional Jack in the Green festivities from April 30th until May 2nd.

Other types of Festivals include Padstow's ancient festival called Obby Oss on May 1st, Photo London at Somerset House in London from May 12-15th, the Plymouth Pirates Weekend (May 7th and 8th), and the Brighton Fringe and Festival from May 6th which lasts for 3 weeks.

Long running festivals include Tom Kerridge's Pub in the Park on selected dates from May 12th - Sept 18th which is a national foodie festival and the Birmingham Festival which runs from the end of May until October 31st.

A famous but long lasting unusual tradition is the Cooper's' Hill chase of the Double Gloucester cheese wheels down a hill.  You can participate or watch this event.

When it comes to flowers, the UK's most famous flower show, THE RHS Chelsea Flower Show, takes place this year from May 24-28th. Anyone who enjoys looking at gardens or creating them will enjoy this event.  Last year it took place in September due to the pandemic and it was attended by so many with so much enthusiasm after not taking place since 2019.

In Scotland there is Bonfest near Dundee at Kirrriemuir.  Go to Bonfest.com for information re: tickets and camping options for the weekend of April 29-May 1st, 2022.

In Northern Ireland in North Antrim at Ballycastle, the locals expect to have the Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival at the end of May each year.  The dates have yet to be announced for 2022. Events are for boating enthusiasts as there is a sailing regatta, curragh racing, and Tall ships and Viking ships to see.  There is always lots to tempt foodies on the shore.

Go to one of these events, walk in the outdoors or just enjoy new blooms as you are out and about this Spring!