ARTY PARTY

Hitting up the races this year? Get Ascot ready with a culinary catwalk show over at French and fancy L’Ortolan near Reading. Female-founded UK brand Nataliya Couture, designer of Royal Ascot ladies day with be cropping up to showcase some sizzling looks with violinist Alexandra Galfe providing the soundtrack. Plus, you’ll enjoy a 6 course tasting Menu plus Caviar Canapes and a glass of Sparkling Wine on arrival. Winning. On 23 May. £130pp.

Amazing art in 89 open studios and private spaces across West Berkshire and North Hampshire, and it’s totally free! Open Studios is on 4 – 27 May with the main exhibition INSIGHT happening at The Base Greenham where more than 100 artists will show their work.

Over in Cookham, the Stanley Spencer Gallery is always worth a visit. See this influential local artist’s work in the latest exhibition The Cookham Brotherhood: The Art of Gilbert and Stanley Spencer – a celebration of the profound influence that Cookham had on the artistic expression of the Spencer brothers. On now – 3 Nov.

DAYS OUT

Yes you May! What's on locally this month Newbury Racecourse ladies day

Love a Ladies Day? Ooh it’s a fab excuse to get your gal pals together, have a few drinkies and a cheeky little flutter. Newbury Races is kicking off the summer of social fun at the Al Shaqab Lockinge Day – aka Ladies Day on Sat 18 May. Don’t know what to wear? We have you covered. Check out our ultimate race day fashion guide.

Watch falconry displays, try your hand at clay shooting, and get stuck in with other country pursuits at The Highclere Show (26 & 27 May), set in the gorgeous Highclere Castle (aka Downton Abbey). Expect family entertainment and give it a go activities for all ages. Even Taylor Swift, Elton John, and Madonna are making an appearance. Okay, fine – their tribute acts. There’ll also be plenty of foodie highlights too, from street food to local produce – including Highclere’s very own gin!

Experience the thrill of live horse racing and family entertainment over at Windsor Racecourse with the Summer Opening Party. Vernon Kay will even be on the afterparty DJ decks. On Sat 25 May.

royal mews — © Royal Collection Trust / His Majesty King Charles III 2024

Royal lustre, glittering coaches and a horse or two. Love the pomp and ceremony of royal events? Head straight for the Royal Mews – a working royal stables responsible for the King’s road travel. A stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace, you can get up close to the fairytale-like Gold State Coach used in coronations since 1821 and the Rolls Royce Phantom VI used in royal weddings. You can even climb aboard a reproduction landau for that essential photo opp, tack up a (wooden) pony, and ‘ooh and aah’ over the other carriages and shiny bits of kit. A great day out for all ages. Tickets: adults from £17, Kids (5-17yrs) from £8.50 and under 5s free.

Planning to join the petrolheads, A list and Netflix film crews at this year’s Formula 1® Qatar Airways British Grand Prix 2024 at Silverstone? We’ve got an exclusive Muddy ticket offer where you only need to book the Sunday (the all-action day!) rather than the whole weekend. Racing Green hospitality at Silverstone, Fri 5 – Sun 7 July, Towcester, Northamptonshire.

Deckchair and table with pot of tea and cake National Garden Scheme

The National Garden Scheme’s Open Gardens are a great opportunity to nose around gardens that rarely open. Get some inspiration for your summer planting, or just chose the ones that serve tea and cake. Check out Rookwood Farm House, Newbury on Sun 26 May, but loaaaads happening in early June. If you fancy travelling further afield, there are lots of fabulous options near Berkshire. And don’t hold back on the tea and cake, it’s all for charity! See our full guide to gardens here.

FESTIVALS

Mixing music and Michelin-starred food, what’s not to like about Pub in the Park? Hosted by Tom Kerridge of The Hand and Flowers and The Coach in Marlow, there’s loads of pop-up restaurants to try, but don’t eat so much you can’t dance to Van Morrison (Thu), Busted and Example (Fri), Boyzlife and Mae Muller (Sat). And then there’s Paloma Faith and Scouting For Girls to bring the weekend to a close on Sunday. Tickets are split into sessions, so you can choose what suits you best. Prices from £45 for adults and £30 for kids (6-15 years). On 16 – 19 May.

At 45 years old, the Newbury Spring Festival is one of the most popular and successful music festivals in the South of England. This year it’s happening 11 – 25 May and you can expect two whole weeks of world-class music from the best up-and-coming, and esteemed musicians. Culture vultures, descend.

Yes you May! What's on locally this month Berkshire Fourbears Fest Shirley Ballas

Less about dancing and more about the book life? Fourbears Fest from the indie bookshop in Caversham is the first book festival of its kind in the area, bringing three whole days of bookish fun (17 – 19 May) for all ages in the form of author talks and panel events. Strictly Queen Shirley Ballas will be there. Need I say more?

More star-studded book action happening in Cookham with the return of the Cookham Festival (3 – 19 May). Former Prime Minister Theresa May will be there on 3 May, Ross Kemp on 4 May, and an evening with Lorraine Kelly on 8 May, plus a ton of other cultural events, activities, and talks to keep you ticking over.

An entire festival dedicated to the drinking of wine? Sign me up. Theale Wine Festival pops its cork on 16 May over at Laithwaites where you’ll have the opportunity to taste the good stuff from a range of international producers, plus cop yourself some mega discounts on the night.

Three whole days of indie comedy awaits in Reading this May with the return of the town’s Indie Comedy Festival on 17 – 19 May. At various venues including The Roseate, The Purple Turtle, Milk Bar, and Double-Barrelled Brewery you can expect top notch quips from our best local talents. Early bird festival pass £35.

Get your walking boots on. Also happening in Reading is the Reading Walks Festival, on 11 – 19 May, and there is still time to book on some of the fascinating 49 walks in and around the area. The aim is to bring to life the stories, heritage, wildlife and landscapes of Reading and the surrounding countryside, meet new people, and get out in the glorious fresh air. Suitable for all ages and ability, plus the majority of the walks cost just £3. Winning. Book here.

Now in its 35th year, Reading Children’s Festival (11 May – 2 Jun) is a fun packed few weeks of events and activities for children. There are free arts and crafts sessions, free boat rides, drumming workshops, storytime, sports sessions, and more more more. Check out the full programme here.

See our full guide to local festivals in Berkshire here.

FOOD & DRINK

Run don’t walk to Cobbs Farm Shop and Kitchen in both Hungerford and Englefield. There will be a series of authentic Indian street food pop ups happening this summer, the next in 31 May in Hungerford.

Two tasting evenings at The Five Bells Wickham this month. Start with Italian Night on 16 May, including ravioli, braised veal shin, and grilled sea bream, or a tasting menu night on 30 May. For £60pp you’ll get six courses (or seven including the additional cheese course) and a wine pairing for £20.

Ritzy five star The Vineyard host their Judgement of Paris Wine Dinner on 17 May, set to be their signature wine dinner of the year with an exquisite 5 course tasting menu, paired with both French and Californian wines (two per course). £249pp.

Is that a glint of sunshine we can see? Join Muddy faves The Shurlock Inn on Sat 25 May for their swish garden party where the BBQ will be on full blast and the gin cocktails flowing. More where that came from at award-winning The Belgian Arms in Holyport who host a May bank holiday BBQ on Sun 26 May. It’s smoking.

Helen McGinn wine club for knackered mums

If a wine club for knackered mums sounds like your equivalent of Barbie’s dream house, listen in. International wine judge, best-selling author and star of Saturday Kitchen, Helen McGinn wrote the ultimate mother-friendly wine guide and you can join her on Thurs 30 May at The Retreat at Elcot Park for wine tasting and nibbles. Come with all your burning questions or simply kick back and enjoy.

WELLBEING

SWAN AT STREATLEY WILD SWIM MOTHER'S DAY

Squeeze your sun-starved skin into a cossie (or wetsuit) and doggy paddle in the River Thames. Wild Swimming is huge, with loads of mental and physical health benefits. Hop over to Swan at Streatley every Sunday between 26 May – 23 Jun for their Wild Swim and Sauna Days in the very safe hands of instructor Jo. There will be a hot drink and use of the sauna and steam room to help you defrost. I reckon lunch at the Coppa Club with a bottle of bubbly is a must.

We’re big fans of Journey with Nikita’s Discover your Dharma workshops (you can check out our review of it here). This month, it’s going five star with an indulgent version of the life-affirming workshop taking place at boutiquey The Roseate in Reading on 31 May. Refreshments on arrival before launching into the good stuff and refuelling at 1pm with a fine dining lunch. £199pp. Book now.

Yes you May! What's on locally this month Berkshire Yin Yoga & Crystal Bowl Sound Healing wasing

Take five and book a spot at this fabulous Berkshire wellbeing workshop at the sexy Wasing Estate. Yin Yoga & Crystal Bowl Sound Healing is on Fri 24 May this month – a grounding, centring, and uplifting session that incorporates a slow-paced style of yoga with a relaxing crystal bowl sound healing journey. Herbal tea is served to finish.

If you’re looking for fun things to do locally, the DJ Night at Coppa Club Maidenhead should fit the bill. It’s on Fri 24 May and seasoned pro Joe NBO is on the decks with everything from old skool club classics, to 70s/80s funk/soul/disco cuts, through to modern day hits and future classics. Dancing – good for the mind and soul.

Get into nature with the help of the National Trust. Throughout May, Basildon Park are running a number of guided woodland walks, taking you through the tranquil grounds to learn about the diverse flora and fauna that call this estate home, from ancient trees to delicate wildflowers. Catch it every Friday, 11am – 12pm.

STAGE & SCREEN

As for what’s on locally this month on the big screen, head to Muddy fave The Swan at Streatley for the first of their summer outdoor cinema screenings. Top Gun Maverick kicks off the festivities on 17 May for £30 including entry, headphones, blanket, and a deckchair, plus a Coppa BBQ burger and two sides, and popcorn. New for this year is the Lobster Bar – a canopy-covered, riverside bar & BBQ so don’t miss it.

Oscar Wilde – coming to a theatre near you. Okay, not quite. Micheál Mac Liammóir’s renowned play The Importance of Being Oscar has huge acclaim. Told in the shadows of Reading Gaol, where Wilde was imprisoned, this strictly limited run will immerse audiences in a compelling journey through loves and losses, successes and struggles – from the eccentric socialite to the imprisoned outcast of this literary icon. Not to be missed at Reading Rep Theatre, 23 May – 8 June.

Over at Norden Farm, watch Voldemort amp up the voltage on his relentless lust for power. Ralph Fiennes and Indira Varma team up for Macbeth in a gripping tale of greed, murder, deception and superstition. It’s epic. See it on 16 – 17 May.

Don’t miss the first play in Sean Mathias’s 4th season at Theatre Royal Windsor. He previously directed none other than Sir Ian McKellen in his adaptation of Hamlet back in 2021 (recently released in film version this year), and now, he’s back with Accolade – a gripping thriller set in the vibrant world of London’s intellectual elite with razor-sharp dialogue and unexpected twists at every turn. Starring Ayden Callaghan (Hollyoaks) and Honeysuckle Weeks (Foyle’s War). On 31 May – 15 Jun.

Also at The Watermill Theatre, expect another top notch production in the form of Fanny – a rip-roaring comedy featuring Charlie Russell (BBC The Goes Wrong Show) that’s on from Thurs 23 May to Sat 15 June. We can’t wait.

WITH THE KIDS

Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2024

Head to Windsor Castle this half term for a spot of culture and crafting. As part of your entry fee into the King’s pad, children can enjoy some creative crafting at the Castle’s Learning Centre between 9.30am – 3.30pm. Inside the state rooms, they’ll have to get their Shurlock skills fired up for the family trail to find some tiny objects in the Castle. Don’t miss the Queen Mary’s Doll’s House exhibition going on this year too.

Surely the weather will heat up soon and when it does Lagoona Park will be waiting for you! Go wild in the aqua park, try some paddleboarding or hang out in the beach bar with food and drinks available all day. Book your slot and don’t forget your sunscreen (everything crossed you’ll need it!) Opening 11 May.

Eton’s Natural History Museum is running several workshops throughout May, including half term week. On 19 May it’s birds, and on the 26 May, turtles are all the rage. All totally free. Drop in anytime.

Nothing like a bracelet to let your bestie know you love ’em. Learn how to make a friendship bracelet over at Theale Library on Wed 29 May. It’s totally free with all materials provided. Suitable for 7+.

Welcome to the Brickwarts & the Brickitch World Cup. This is a Lego Master Builders Workshop with a witchy twist, aka the the annual Brickitch tournament. Master Builders Club will be providing 1000s of LEGO bricks that will transform the Soane Space at Reading Town Hall into a LEGO fan’s paradise. On 29 May. £17.50pp.

Get ready to rummmmmbleeeee. The hugely popular wrestling extravaganza is back at Wilde Theatre at South Hill Park, Bracknell (30 May). Rumble Wrestling is a high stakes, high action family show that packs one hell of a punch. Plus, a chance to meet all the wrestlers after the show too.

Also at South Hill Park, Judith Kerr’s tea loving tiger is back on the stage for the The Tiger Who Came to Tea. This Olivier Award nominated smash hit show is packed with plenty of magic, songs to sing along to and all kinds of chaos. On 21 & 22 May.

See some of the world’s best tribute acts come to life on Tue 28 May at The Corn Exchange Newbury for fab family show Pop Divas Live! Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa, Olivia Rodrigo and Billie Eilish, as well as established favourites including Ariana Grande, Katy Perry, Beyoncé, Miley Cyrus and many more will be there showing us how it’s done. Plus, a few lucky little divas will be able to join the stars on stage. A perfect half term boredom buster.

Start them early on the classic tunes. The Bach to Baby Family concert comes to Reading on Tues 28 May for a half term special with some seriously feisty foot-tapping melodies the little ones will go Gaga for. It’s happening at Reading Minister so a postcard perfect setting for it too.

WORKSHOPS

The Aegean Table honesty cookery school berkshire

Channel your inner Gordon Ramsay, except no idiot sandwiches here. Honesty Cookery School are renowned for their top tier courses and this month’s The Aegean Table (21 May) is no exception. Learn to create an array of Turkish delicacies including how to balance spices and herbs with fresh and dried vegetables to produce a delicious and unusual meal. £100pp.

If you want to bring your kid, try the Cook Together Adult and Child Pizza Making Class on 29 May. It’s fun, totally hands on, and suitable for those 10 – 18 where you’ll work together but create your own pizza from scratch with toppings of your choice. £160 including lunch.

Join this Sausage Making Workshop (15 May) at Cobbs Farm Shop in Englefield and you’ll be well on your way to opening up your own deli. It’s a hands on crash course with their expert butchers on call to help you master the art of making your own porky links. All free-range pork, plus you’ll get to take home your sausage creations. Toad in the hole anyone? £50pp.

For fab Berkshire workshops, look no further than Micklems Farm in Knowl Hill. Their workshops sell out quicker than hotcakes, but there’s still spaces available on the Pressed Flower Art course on Mon 27 May. £65pp.

Unleash your creativity at Old Butcher’s Wine Cellar in Cookham with a sip and paint evening this month. Create like Klimt is on 15 May. All materials provided, plus you’ll get a glass of wine and nibbles. £45pp.

COMEDY

Yes you May! What's on locally this month Berkshire Julian Clary

Lose yourself to a fit of giggles in Julian Clary’s latest show A Fistful of Clary. He’s a national treasure and the king of smut so you know this camp comedy fiesta will not disappoint. On at The Hexagon on Thurs 30 May.

Staying in Reading, you won’t want to miss this 2023 Edinburgh Fringe sellout show from Michelle Brasier. Reform is a cautionary tale of an online scam and the urge to empathise with, understand, and become the emergency contacts of those who have done us wrong. Fabulously fun and life-affirming in equal measure. At South Street on 25 May. £21pp. 15+.

SORRY… YOU MISSED IT!

Henley Arts Trail SCULPTURE OF FACE Yes you May! What's on locally this month

Things to do locally? Well start with Henley Arts Tra il over the bank hol weekend (4 – 6 May), an open studio and exhibition event along the Thames, showcasing work by over 200 artists and makers. There’s a map to help you discover all 34 venues, plus refreshment stops and live artist demonstrations along the way. The perfect bank holiday weekend activity if you ask us. Entry to the exhibition is free with the exception of National Trust’s Greys Court where fees occur.

Staying in Windsor, giddiup! The Royal Windsor Horse Show (1 – 5 May) is one of the hottest horsey events in the UK – the royal family always make an appearance. Expect to see top flight show jumping, dressage, fun kids events, and lots of pomp and ceremony from the Household Cavalry. It’s a fun, family affair, so trot on.

Yes you May! What's on locally this month Berkshire

Intimate dining with a huge field to fork ethos? We love supper clubs at Wellington Farm Shop near Reading. Lots of the produce used comes straight from the farm itself including the lamb on their Spring Supper Club menu. Join them on 9 May for five gorgeous courses plus welcome drinks, nibbles, and petit fours to finish. £80 without wine or £100 with wine pairing.

If dining with familiar faces off the box is more your bag, don’t miss a very special dinner party taking place on Fri 3 May. For £700 you’ll have Ross Kemp joining your private dining table for a five course spectacular with wine pairings and a champagne reception. No doubt Ross has one or two cracking stories up his sleeve. All to raise money for Thames Hospice. Oh, and you’ll get a signed copy of his book Take Nothing for Granted too.

cheese wars streetfood berkshire blue collar corner reading

Cheesus! The UK’s greatest cheese-based street food vendors are going to war, battling it out to see who will come out on top as the best in the biz. This is Cheese Wars, and the final vote is in your hands. Cheese wheels, mac & cheese, smash burgers, Philly cheese steaks, halloumi fries, quesadillas and much much more, nope this isn’t heaven, it’s Blue Collar Corner in Reading. Happening on 4, 5, & 6 May with all day and night DJing too. Free entry. Arrive hungry.

Celebrate VE Day in style. Brimming with history, Danesfield House was once home to the Intelligence Section of the RAF, specialising in photographic intelligence and was the ‘eyes’ to Bletchley Park’s ‘ears’. Fascinating stuff. They are hosting an intimate evening with historian and best-selling author Taylor Downing who will be doing a talk while you enjoy a three-course set dinner with wine. Join the VE Day Spies in the Sky Dinner on 8 May. £85pp.

For luxury loafing (and if you’ve got a spare grand hanging around), head to Alain Roux’s three Michelin shiner for spring supper clubs in a whole different league. The whopper is also happening on 9 May – Six-Hands Dinner with Alain Roux, Raymond Blanc OBE and Luke Selby. Three inspired chefs together in one great kitchen? It’s going to be magic.

MAY THE 4TH BE WITH YOU

The upcoming series Star Wars: The Acolyte was one of the first productions to be filmed at Shinfield Studios in Reading so Berkshire has some pretty flashy connections when it comes to the franchise. Celebrate May 4th like the storm trooper you are. There’s a free Star Wars Fun Day at Eclectic Games in Reading, Star Wars comedy show at Reading Biscuit Factory, and a saucy sci-fi themed burlesque and cabaret show.

Take your wellbeing seriously and dedicate an entire day to it. Surrounded by empowering women, spend 12 May enjoying a range of activities and talks including relaxation, time with a mindset coach, a sound bath, and lunch. It’s happening at Soul Barns in Mortimer and is just £50pp.

Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final show berkshire

Get your glitter and shimmer on because, for the second year, the Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final show will be broadcast live into cinemas across the UK! Join Graham Norton for the biggest music party of the year at the Reading Biscuit Factory on Sat 11 May. Tickets are £9. The screening starts at 8pm and lasts about four hours so get comfy.

This award-winning Ellen Kent production of Bizet’s sexy and fabulous opera Carmen (7 May) features the Ukrainian Opera and Ballet Theatre Kyiv, with international soloists, highly-praised chorus and full orchestra, doing what they should be able to freely do and doing it brilliantly. At The Hexagon Reading.

Edinburgh Festival Fringe hit Six Chick Flicks comes to Newbury this May – the 1 May to be exact – consisting of two actors, six beloved films, and one hilarious parody. It’s fast-paced, hysterical, and not to be missed.

Yes you May! What's on locally this month Berkshire judy dench

It’s true, Dame Judi Dench can’t get enough of Berkshire. Hot off the presses, she’ll be making an appearance at The Watermill Theatre on Fri 10 May for a thought-provoking chat with actor and director Brendan O’Hea, all to raise money to support the indie theatre. Tickets from £80. Grab them while you can.

Rock the house down at The Mill at Sonning on Sun 12 May. Women In Rock have been wowing audiences across Europe with their high energy performances of classic female rock since 2016 and now, they are back with classic tunes from the likes of Cher, Blondie, Janis Joplin, P!nk, Tina Turner, and many more.

Ain’t no party like an IKEA party. Head to the Reading store on 8 May for a totally free Spring Picnic Party where there will be face painting, balloon art, crafts and seed planting to get stuck in to.

Who said running couldn’t be fun? The Colour Run is a 2.5 or 5k walk, run, crawl, hop with 4 colour stations along the way, ensuring you come out a different colour to when you started. It’s happening in Reading on Sun 12 May with bespoke medals to be won, and all in support of First Days Children’s Charity.

Yes you May! What's on locally this month Berkshire Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book

It’s always a job thinking of things to do with the kids locally. Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book is a surefire hit with littlies aged 3 – 8. It’s based on the original book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, following Charlie’s big challenge to convince his sister reading is fun. See it at The Hexagon Reading, 3 – 5 May.

She’s loud, she swears, she’s inappropriate, and she’s the comedian behind the social media antics of Knee Deep In Life. Laura Belbin’s taking to the stage at South Street Reading with her brand new show on 16 May with one question: is there such a thing as too much? Muddy’s answer: never!

Beer and a chuckle? Count us in. Head to Renegade Brewery in Yattendon on 7 May for a night of laughs under their outdoor canvas. BRB, we’ll pray to the sun Gods. They will be joined by award-winning and TV comedians including Headliner Rich Wilson, James Ellis, plus Jonathan Elston.

Yes you May! What’s on locally this month

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