May Bank Holiday in Exeter

Early May Bank Holiday falls on Monday 7th May this year and, here in Exeter, there is no shortage of things to do with this extra time off.

The award-winning Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink returns to the city for its 15th consecutive year from 5 - 7 May in the scenic grounds of Exeter Castle Courtyard and Northernhay Gardens. Celebrate the South West’s rich food culture with local producers and Michelin starred chefs. Attend workshops, demonstrations and other food-themed activities for both adults and children. In the evening, head to Exeter Beats to enjoy live music, street food stalls and local wines and beers in the Festival bar.

In remembrance of the air raids of 4 May 1942, Exeter’s Red Coat Guides are running special Exeter Blitz tours on Friday 4 May. Walk around the city to discover how Exeter was affected by the air raids and how this event has shaped the city as we see it today. Tours run at 11.30am and 3pm and depart from the West Front of Exeter Cathedral. Check out the fascinating exhibitions at the award-winning Royal Albert Memorial Museum.

Watch one of the exciting shows in Exeter over the weekend. At Exeter Corn Exchange, have fun with Tom Allen: Absolutely on Saturday, or return on Sunday for There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly!, a family show bringing one of the world’s best loved nursery rhymes to life. Enjoy live music from Jon Boden & the Remnant Kings on Saturday 5 May at Exeter Phoenix or join Giles Shenton in his amusing one-man play My Dog’s Got No Nose at The Cygnet Theatre.

Spend time outside in Exeter over the holiday weekend to enjoy the warmer spring weather and longer days. On Sunday, pop along to the Inside Outside Craft Market on Exeter’s historic Quayside. Browse through the stalls by local artists, craftspeople and makers and soak up the Quay’s lovely atmosphere. Hire a bike and cycle along the Exe Estuary Trail to admire the fantastic views along the River Exe or go for a walk on Exeter’s Green Circle Trail.

So make the most of the long weekend and celebrate the Early May Bank Holiday in Exeter!