Sweeps Festival
Rochester comes alive every May Day to celebrate the Sweeps Festival. On May 2 experience traditional May Day festivities complete with Jack in the Green, Morris dancers, chimney sweeps and folk music from all over the UK.
Salisbury International Arts Festival
From Stonehenge to Salisbury Cathedral, see each of these impressive locations in a new light during the Salisbury International Arts Festival which runs from May 22 to June 2. There’ll be treasure trails, photo competitions and exhibitions as well as live music and shows by international and home-grown artists.
Get rolling
Each year cheese rolling enthusiasts from all over the world congregate on Cooper’s Hill near Cheltenham and Gloucester to chase their 7lb Double Gloucester cheese down the steep incline. The tradition of cheese rolling may be over 200 years old but it’s still going strong today. See it for yourself on May 25.
Best of Brighton
From May 2 to 24 Brighton hosts its annual arts festival. For three weeks there’ll be parades, dance and theatre performances, exhibitions and concerts - many of which are free. The Turner Prize winning artist Anish Kapoor is heavily involved this year and will be unveiling a series of commissioned work.
Surfs up
The 2009 UK Pro Surf Tour is coming to Croyde beach near Barnstaple in beautiful Devon. From May 23 to 25 you’ll be able to catch the hottest surfers out there, as they ride the swell and compete in the various categories of the Saltrock Open.
Magnificent motors
Magnificent motors is an annual celebration of classic cars, motorbikes, buses, steam traction engines, commercial and military vehicles. This free event takes place May 2 to 3 on Eastbourne’s seafront. And if engines and oil aren’t your thing, there’s always the fairground rides and market stalls to keep you entertained.
Giddy up
In its first year, Houghton International is one of the newest International Horse Trials. Set in the beautiful, historical grounds of Houghton Hall in North West Norfolk. From May 21 to 24 you can come and watch all the equestrian action from dressage to cross country and show jumping.
Flower power
Whether you’re green fingered or not, there’s something for everyone at the Bath flower show which runs from May 2 to 4. Get gardening tips, see cookery demonstrations, learn about bees at the beekeeper’s exhibit, listen to live music and keep the kids happy in the Children’s Activity Marquee.