Traditionally taking place around the 1st of May, May Day is a UK bank holiday celebrated every year on the first Monday in May. Across Britain, you’ll find festivities including Morris dancing, maypole songs, live music and unique local customs.
Whether you’re staying home or travelling to one of our UK holiday parks, we’ve gathered some fantastic events to keep the whole family entertained over the bank holiday weekend.
Flora Day Festival, Helston
- When: Early May (usually the first week of May)
- Where: Helston Town Centre, Cornwall
If you’re staying at Lizard Point Holiday Park, just 20 minutes away, don’t miss Helston’s famous Flora Day Festival. This centuries-old celebration sees the streets filled with greenery, music and dancing to welcome the arrival of spring.
The event is best known for the Furry Dance, where hundreds of people dressed in white and decorated with flowers dance through shops and streets to the sound of the town band playing the Flora Dance tune. There are processions throughout the day, starting in the morning with the children’s dance and finishing with the evening celebrations.
With traditional food stalls and a friendly atmosphere, it’s a brilliant day out for all ages. Visit the Visit Cornwall website for the latest details and times.
‘Obby ‘Oss Festival, Padstow
- When: 1st May every year
- Where: Padstow Town Centre
The Cornish fishing port of Padstow hosts one of Britain’s most famous May Day events. The ‘Obby ‘Oss Festival dates back centuries and features the iconic hobby horse parading through the streets in a vibrant celebration of spring.
Padstow comes alive every May with music, colour and folklore
From dawn, the town is decorated with flowers and greenery. Throughout the day, two ‘obby ‘osses and their teams dance through the streets accompanied by traditional music and singing. The festival has an incredible atmosphere and is well worth experiencing if you’re staying at St Minver or White Acres Holiday Parks.
Find more details at the Padstow Obby Oss website.
May Day Run, Hastings
- When: Early May Bank Holiday Monday
- Where: Hastings Seafront
Don’t start dusting off your running shoes – the Hastings May Day Run is the UK’s largest motorcycle festival. Every year, tens of thousands of motorcyclists gather for this impressive spectacle, ending on Hastings’ historic seafront. It’s a must-see for anyone staying at Camber Sands Holiday Park.
Video courtesy of Laguna TV
The tradition began in the 1960s and has become a beloved annual event. Riders of all ages and backgrounds arrive on bikes, trikes and scooters, filling the seafront with music, market stalls and a fantastic atmosphere.
Discover more on the Bike1066 website.
Bandstand Beer & Music Festival, Nairn
- When: May Bank Holiday weekend
- Where: Bandstand, Nairn
This popular event is perfect for adults looking for a relaxing day out. If you’re staying at Nairn Lochloy Holiday Park, head into town to enjoy live music, delicious food and over 100 ales and ciders on offer.
Nairn’s annual festival combines great music and local flavours
Taking place over several days, the festival attracts visitors from across Scotland. Check the Bandstand Bar & Restaurant’s Facebook page for the latest updates.
Wessex Morris Men, Cerne Abbas Giant
- When: Dawn on 1st May each year
- Where: Cerne Abbas Giant, Dorset
No May Day would be complete without traditional Morris dancing. At sunrise on 1 May, the Wessex Morris Men gather above the Cerne Abbas Giant chalk figure to perform this age-old ritual.
Video courtesy of darkdorset
Just a short drive from Warmwell Holiday Park or West Bay Holiday Park, this event is a wonderful way to welcome the arrival of summer and experience local folklore.
Have we missed any of your favourite May Day celebrations? Let us know over on our Facebook page – we’d love to hear your recommendations.