All around Yorkshire in April and May, events are popping up with increasing regularity. Helped by the warming weather and the welcome arrival of three bank holiday weekends, there are an array of diverse happenings, from north to south and from Easter to the end of May. Here’s our pick of where to go to make the most of your bank holidays in Yorkshire.
Easter
In 2025 we’ve been made to wait longer than most years for it, but as Easter arrives more than halfway through April, the festivities are already here. Indeed, the family fun begins early at the stunning Beningbrough Hall, whose Easter egg trail opens up on 5th April and continues until bank holiday Monday on the 21st. Bring all the family here to explore the beautiful National Trust gardens by discovering 10 fun trail points; race against the egg timer, test your throwing skills at the bean bag toss, feel different textures in the sensory boxes, and peep through a magnifying glass as spring buds unfurl.
On Easter Monday a rather eccentric tradition races into life in a creative Yorkshire town. The annual Hebden Bridge Duck Race sends the crowds quackers with street stalls, a fairground and live entertainment. The centrepiece is two duck races down Hebden Water, first for competing businesses followed by the main race of smaller yellow ducks. Hosted for charity by The Rotary Club, come along to cheer up your bank holiday and cheer on your chosen duck.
The one thing that signifies a modern Easter more than anything is of course: chocolate. And with York’s fine heritage for confectionery, it’s apt that the city celebrates at Easter with the York Chocolate Festival. From the 16th to 20th April, Parliament Street treats visitors to a delicious variety of chocolate-centric activities. There’s a market, a taste trail, a cafe bar and plenty more sweetness for all ages to indulge in.
May Day
Welcoming in the start of May are a bunch of festivals and fairs celebrating the fertility of Spring and the start of Summer in style. Kicking off the May Day bank holiday weekend is an annual extravaganza in a lovely Yorkshire market town. Richmond Mayfest begins on Friday 2nd with a talent show and ends on Monday 5th with a parade, packing in a music Saturday and Sunday of dance in between.
On bank holiday Monday head towards Helmsley to the original country fair of North Yorkshire, running since 1982 in the beautiful estate of Duncombe Park. Duncombe Park Country Fair is a fantastic day out for all the family. Attractions include trade stands, craft marquee, farmers market, animal shows, vintage vehicles, and lots of activities, demonstrations and classes for everyone to enjoy.
Travelling east to the glorious Yorkshire Coast reaches a beguiling new immersive experience. Take Me to the Forest arrives at Errington Wood near Saltburn on the 3rd, 4th and 5th May to provide a May Day bank holiday at one with nature during this special time of year. Explore the woodlands, complete a set of challenges, and take part in a glorious celebration inspired by the ancient festival of Beltane.
Spring Bank Holiday
Food, music and magic are the themes of Yorkshire’s big happenings on the Spring bank holiday weekend at the end of May. Yorkshire’s music festival season begins with a collection of eclectic events this month, topped off on Saturday 24th by Live at Leeds. This popular festival brings a strong line up to Temple Newsam, including a trio of Yorkshire favourites, Yard Act, The Pigeon Detectives, and comedian Maisie Adam.
From 24th to 26th May, York conjures up its first festival of wizardry. Co-hosted by the Wizard Walk of York and Little Vikings, Wizard Fest promises a magical experience for all ages at various venues. Attractions include A Kind of Magic workshops, Harry Potter film screenings, a Magical Night Market, and themed food and drink – plus much more sorcery to be enchanted by.
The “food festival of the North” in “Yorkshire’s food capital” returns for the Spring bank holiday weekend, and who can resist such a description? The streets of Malton fill with Yorkshire’s finest produce and cooking, artisan stalls, delicious street food, talks, tastings, celebrity chefs, demos, festival bar, live music, and even more. Visit this special market town from Saturday 24th to Monday to Monday 26th May for the tastiest time at Malton Food Lovers Festival.
Images – @wizardwalkofyork, @liveatleeds, @hebdenbridgeduckrace
