Make the most of your downtime with our guide to the best entertainment for the month ahead.
WORDS: LILY SMITH. IMAGES: VARIOUS BRANDS. BRIGHTON FESTIVAL IMAGE BY CLAIRE LEACH; HAY FESTIVAL IMAGE BY SAM HARDWICK.
Upcoming eventsKESWICK MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL 2024
MAY 17-19, KESWICK, CUMBRIA (keswickmountainfestival.co.uk)
Founded in 2007, this is one of the UK’s best-loved outdoor festivals. Expect sporting events and activities, plus a line-up of live music, plenty of food and drinks, and inspirational talks from some of the biggest names in the world of outdoor adventure, including Alan Hinkes, Nicky Spinks, Alastair Humphreys and Louise Minchin.
BRIGHTON FESTIVAL
MAY 4-26, BRIGHTON, EAST SUSSEX (brightonfestival.org)
Brighton is known as a place that welcomes diversity, creativity and innovative thinking. Established in 1967 and now one of Europe’s leading arts festivals, this celebration of music, theatre, dance, circus, art, film, literature, debate and more aims to make art accessible to all and takes place in a variety of venues across Brighton and Hove.
HAY FESTIVAL OF LITERATURE AND ARTS
MAY 23-JUNE 2, BRECON BEACONS, SOUTH WALES (hayfestival.com)
Held in a tented village on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park, this annual festival brings together the greatest contemporary authors and new voices in literature and the arts. This year’s line up includes author Jeanette Winterson, host of The Repair Shop Jay Blades, and national treasure and actress Miriam Margolyes.
Latest page turners
Cats Of Japan: Woodblock Prints by Hokusai, Hiroshige and Other Artists, Prestel Publishing
Featuring over 70 prints by the greatest masters of Japanese printmaking, this collection beautifully captures the complex nature of the country’s attachment to felines.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding In The Lake District by Jo Moseley, Vertebrate Publishing (out May 4)
Illustrated with stunning photography and handy maps, this guide features practical information on the best launch spots and where to stay for your SUP adventure.
Healing Your Heartbreak: 28 D
