Northumberland this May

Northumberland County Show

Living North LIVE

Living North LIVE 2025 is the North East’s leading homes, gardens, shopping, food and lifestyle event. With stylish shopping, live demonstrations, talks and tastings, Living North LIVE brings you inspiring ideas for your home and garden, great gifts, delicious food and unique accessories that you won’t find anywhere else.

Celebrate Northumberland Day

Northumberland Day (25th May) celebrates the rich heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant communities of England’s northernmost county.

To immerse yourself in the spirit of Northumberland Day and experience the magic of the North East, here are some content ideas to inspire exploration and appreciation of all things Northumbrian:

• Share stories and anecdotes that capture the essence of Northumberland, from local legends and folklore to tales of community spirit and resilience
• Highlight events and activities taking place across the county, including festivals, fairs, guided walks, and cultural performances
• Provide guides and itineraries for exploring Northumberland’s top attractions, hidden gems, and scenic routes, whether by foot, bike, or car
• Organize virtual tours or live streams showcasing Northumberland’s landmarks, wildlife, and natural beauty, allowing audiences to experience the county from afar
• Collaborate with local businesses, artisans, historians, and storytellers to share their insights, recommendations, and Northumbrian pride

Hexham Book Festival

With 60 events over 10 days, and speakers including Mary Beard, Robin Ince, Patrick Grant, Lucy Mangan, Anthony Seldon and Sayeeda Warsi, Hexham Book Festival 2025 offers something for everyone!

From the Land Beer Festival!

Held on the 3rd & 4th May at Rigg & Furrow, on a family farm situated right in the heart of the Northumberland countryside.

There will also be some exclusive bottle pours of rare beers and talks & tastings from the guest breweries over the course of the weekend.

But it’s not just beer: they have some of the best UK cider, a load of low intervention/natural wines, cocktails and coffee.

Oh and of course a load of delicious street food, entertainment and DJs. All taking place in at the beautiful event space, The End Hemmel.

Blanchland Artisan Market

Monday 5 May 2025 | 10am – 4pm | Blanchland Village Hall, DH8 9UA and The Lord Crewe Arms Gatehouse, DH8 9SP

This carefully curated event brings together over 35 of the North East’s most talented independent makers, bakers, and creatives. Immerse yourself in a unique shopping experience amidst the stunning rural backdrop of Blanchland.

Paxton House Antiques & Decorative Fair

The inaugural Paxton House Antiques Fair will introduce up to 70 quality dealers selling a wide range of antiques, decorative items for interiors and exteriors, furniture, salvage and collectibles, including jewellery, silver and gold, ceramics, glassware, curiosities, cameras, clothing and many more.

First & Last Brewery Tasting and Tour

17th of May- Discover the science, art and history of beer & brewing! Join first & last brewery for a tour around our brewery in Bellingham, they’ll tell you a little bit about the F&L story, how beer is made and talk about what makes their foraged beers so special. Plus an opportunity to ask any questions you have!

Traditional Music at Craster

An acoustic folk band from London playing original music inspired by many musical traditions. … Tuesday 20 May 2025 18:30 PM.

Lego Workshop – Vikings and Catapults at Bamburgh Castle

Join Bricks McGee on the 24th and 25th of May at Bamburgh Castle for a hands-on session with thousands of LEGO bricks – fun for all of the family! Sessions lasts around 1 hour.

Amble Puffin Festival

Amble Puffin Festival (24th/25th May) celebrates everything Puffin! Fun and activities in the Friendliest Port at the best time of year to see the Coquet Island puffins, as they prepare to take care of their newly hatched pufflings.

VE Day 80th Anniversary Celebrations

Saturday 3 May 2025 | 10am – 4pm | Blyth Quayside

Blyth Town Council are excited to announce that the VE Day Quayside Festival will take place on Saturday 3 May 2025 at Blyth Quayside.

VE Day Quayside Festival, commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day will feature a variety of live musical performances, including those by The Community Voices Choir, Tall Ships Shanty Singers, Ashington and district Male voice Choir and Graeme Danby, who will feature a local solo artist from Blyth. The event will also showcase a range of food options and local businesses.

The Twangtown Paramours First UK Tour comes to Alnwick Playhouse

Tuesday 13 May | 7.30pm – 10.30pm | Alnwick Playhouse, NE66 1PQ

They are three time Kerrville finalists and and winners of Texas’s Wildflower Contest. Recently, other artists have started to record their songs. Lead singer, MaryBeth Zamer used to sing background vocals for Eva Cassidy. Writer, producer, and guitar player, Mike Lewis is the author of a #1 platinum selling hit in Korea and sometimes plays upright bass for Jimmie Dale Gilmore. The newest Twangtown Paramours album, which was released in January, 2025, came in at #1 on the Folk Alliance International Chart for that month, got more spins than any #1 monthly artist in over two years, and had six of the top ten songs. The last Twangtown Paramours album was #11 on the UK blues charts, and the last Folk album was #2 on the FAI Chart.

North Yorkshire this May

Middleton Lodge Spa

Indulge in luxury at this Georgian manor near Richmond. The Forest Spa, exclusive to 16 adults, features a heated outdoor infinity pool, thermal suite, and woodland treatment huts. Dine at the Michelin-starred Forge restaurant or the Coach House brasserie, both emphasizing local, sustainable cuisine

Swaledale Festival

Running from late May into June, Swaledale festival offers a rich tapestry of classical, folk, and jazz music performances in intimate venues across Swaledale and Wensleydale. The event also features talks, workshops, and guided walks, perfect for cultural enthusiasts

Thorp Perrow Car & Motorcycle Show

On May 25th, immerse yourself in a day celebrating classic vehicles at Thorp Perrow Arboretum. Enjoy live music, browse through vintage stalls, and explore the arboretum’s impressive collection of trees and wildlife.

Rhod Gilbert & The Giant Grapefruit

Experience a night of darkly comedic storytelling with Rhod Gilbert’s latest show at Harrogate Royal Hall on 15th May.Tickets are available from £38.

The Great British Food Festival at Harewood House

Savor gourmet delights from local producers and chefs at this food festival on 24th–25th May. Set against the backdrop of Harewood House, it’s a treat for the senses. ​

Henshaws Beer Festival 2025

Sample a variety of local ales, enjoy live music, and indulge in tasty food at this beer festival on 3rd–4th May. A must-visit for beer aficionados. Find out more here.