Six things to do in and around Newcastle on the first May bank holiday weekend

The long Easter weekend may feel like it has only just passed, but UK Bank Holidays are set to return next month as we get to enjoy two longer weekends - one at the start of May and one towards the end of the month.

Businesses and organisations across Newcastle and the wider North East are already putting plans in place for the days and with the first May Bank Holiday less than two weeks away these are some of the top things to do around the region over the long weekend.

When are the Bank Holidays in May 2024?

The two Bank Holidays in May fall on Monday, May 6 and Monday, May 27.

1: Food and drink festival

Street food stalls will take over Exhibition Park over the long weekend with local businesses, family fun and a charity partner for the Newcastle Food Festival.

Tyneside and Northumberland Mind will benefit from the event which will also see live music on the site as well as demonstrations from various chefs.

Tickets can be picked up from the event’s website.

2: Head for an evening at the races

Anyone wanting to kick off their weekend with a bang can head to Newcastle Racecourse on the Friday night for a full night of Gosforth racing.

The night is being advertised as a student night, but tickets are available for all and are available through the course’s website.

3: Expand minds at a city museum

We are so lucky to have plenty of museums on our doorstep in Newcastle. Times Square's Life Centre regularly has great exhibits and events on for kids while the Great North Museum: Hancock has a massive range of events for kids as summer approaches

4: Meet a new furry friend

Ouseburn farm is a staple of the school holidays for many families across Newcastle and the site has unveiled its schedule through the long weekend with families able to enjoy lamb feeding sessions.

All these events can be found on the site's website and need to be booked in advance - and many sell out far in advance.

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5: Get in the Festival spirit

May usually marks the start of fesival season across the UK, which runs until early September and one of the North East’s earliest events this year is the new In The Park Festival.

Local music fans can enjoy headline sets from Tom Grennan and Rag n’ Bone Man in addition to Lost Minds, a full day of dance music fronted by Ben Hemsley, Example and more.

6: Soak in culture at the theatre

Tyneside has an impressive series of live venues across the region from the likes of Northern Stage and the Tyne Theatre in Newcastle to the Theatre Royal in South Shields.

Each of these has plenty of shows and events taking place throughout the long weekend. Julian Clary and a production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang are among the options for theatre fans.