Half Term Fun For All The Family

May half term is just around the corner – time to swap school runs for fun days out and memory-making adventures! Whether you're planning a family staycation, looking for local events, or just want to keep the kids entertained (and burn off some energy), there’s loads happening to fill the week with excitement. 

From Monday 26th - Friday 30th May, we have a jam packed What's On calander to make sure the week is filled with fun for all the family. 

We've rounded up some of our best selections of events happening during the half term ranging from activites for the little ones in your life to escapism for those adults looking for some kid free fun so be sure to keep reading below to find out more

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1. Tournaments

Who says history has to be boring! This bank holiday take a back in time and celerbate all things histroy and culture with some incredibley immersive and authentic historical tournaments and events. 

Nottingham Robin Hood Cup

Start the week off with this unforgettable incredible experience celebrating all things sports, culture and history.

Get ready for a day of non-stop energy, epic goals, and global vibes at the Nottingham Robin Hood Cup – and the best part? It’s totally free! Taking over David Ross Sports Village on Monday 26 May, this isn’t just any football tournament – it’s a full-on cultural celebration with teams from all over the world bringing serious skills and serious style.

Think dazzling opening parade, live music, food from every corner of the globe, and family fun around every pitch. From samba beats to street eats, this mini World Cup has it all – and it’s all happening right here in the heart of Nottingham. Come for the football, stay for the festival vibes. Entry to this event is FREE

The Gathering Of The North

Get ready for an epic adventure this May Bank Holiday Monday as Sherwood Forest transforms into a battleground for the bold! The Gathering of the North is rolling in, and it’s bringing knights, clashes, and mighty medieval vibes.

Hosted by Fireside Events, this all-action weekend will see champions go head-to-head in jousting tournaments and thrilling hand-to-hand combat to claim the title of the forest’s fiercest warrior.

Step into the heart of the Middle Ages with a buzzing medieval village full of crafts, food, and entertainment that’ll transport you straight back in time. It’s Robin Hood’s turf – and you’re invited to the ultimate tournament! Tickets for this event is £10

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2. Comedy

Nothing beats a good laugh and this bank holiday we've got plenty of it. Looking for some kid free fun, well we've got the perfect night for you. Grab your mates, a drink, and get ready for a comedy-packed evening full of surprises and belly laughs

£2 Comedy Nights

NCF are back at the Canal House this May Bank Holiday Monday with their multi-award-winning comedy night – and it's only £2!

Expect a wild mix of established comedians testing out brand-new material and fresh faces stepping into the spotlight for the first time. You never quite know what you’re in for, but one thing’s guaranteed: non-stop laughs all night long. So grab your mates, grab a drink, and get ready for a Bank Holiday evening packed with belly laughs and brilliant vibes.

George Zacharopoulos: Greek Comedian Of The Year

On the 27th May, NCF bring award winning comedian George Zacharopoulos to the Canal House for a brand new show off the back of his debut UK tour. George has been praised for his sharp wit and impeccable joke writing with The European Comedy Awards 2024 hailed him as one of the best joke writers in Europe. 

Don't miss your chance to see one of Europes best live on stage. Tickets are £12 and available to be booked here so be sure to come on down for a night of laughter.

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3. Get Creative

Get creative and get involved with some of our top picks for crafty events happening this May half term. Wether you're a crafting champion or just strating your journey, there's something for everyone.

Fabric Sculptures (Ages 6-10)

Bring your little ones down to the Visual Arts Studio on the 29th May for a fun filled creative morning. You and your loved ones can come together and create your very own sculptures from discarded fabrics, textiles and everyday materials.

Fabric Faces (Ages 8-12)

Dive into the world of fabric art and learn to design and create unique fabric faces using felt and fabrics at the Visual Arts Studio on the 28th May. It's a space where you can unleash complete creativity and get hands - on. 

NeedlePoint Felt Making (Ages 10+)

On Tuesday 27th May, come on down to the Visual Arts Studio and spend a morning getting creative. Whether your a complete beginner or your a pro with a needle point, come on down for a fun and unique morning.

Tickets for all three crafting events are £8 and can be booked through the individual whats on pages here

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4. Movies

A trip to the cinema is the ultimate way to kick back, snack up, and soak in the big screen magic. So grab your popcorn and your favourite people — it’s movie time!

Moana

Bring the whole family and join Moana, Maui, and the gang for an afternoon of epic songs, stunning animation, and heartwarming moments – all under the open sky. With tasty food, drinks, and that unbeatable big screen atmosphere, it's the perfect way to spend this half term. 

The screening will be shown as part of Binks Yard Film Club on Wednesday 28th May. Tickets are FREE but booking is required 

Bohemian Rhaspody 

On Wednesday 28th May, the show will go on at Binks Yard with an electrifying outdoor screening of Bohemian Rhapsody.

Join Freddie and the band for a foot-stomping celebration of Queen’s legendary music, all under the stars.

Tickets for this event are £5 and can be booked here

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5. Music

This May half term, turn up the volume and let the music take over! From live gigs, to musical theatre and tribute acts, theres something for every music lover to dance along too.

Les Misérables - Let the People Sing

From Tuesday 27th May to 31st May experince a brand new ametuer production of the Broadway classic Les Misérables. With a cast of 100 talented individuals from across the whole East Midlands region, Nottingham Operatic will bring to life Victor Hugo's 19th century France in a dramatic story of passion and redemption. 

Tickets start from £18.50 so be sure to make your way down to Theatre Royal and experience the theatre magic yourself.

NTU Band Programme Open Mic Night

An exciting open mic night presented by the NTU Band Programme, featuring performances from programme bands and an opportunity for attendees to take the stage.

Hosted in the Cultural Lounge on the Nottingham Trent City Campus on the 28th May, tickets are just £5 and include a drinks voucher. Whether your looking for an evening of live music or are a performer yourself be sure to support the local music scene and come on down. 

Revolve Festival

Come on down to Binks Yard on Friday 30th May for a night of nostalgia and epic throwbacks. Embrace all things 2000's with some of best pop-punk, emo and harcore hits in this brand new tribute festival. The line up includes tributes to Linkin Park, Blink 182, Green Day and Sum 41 so whether you lived through it or just love the music, come on down and experience a night of musical celebration and fun.

Tickets for this event start from £16.75 so be sure to grab yours now to not miss out on the biggest new tribute festival.

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Blog post currated and written by Georgina Richardson, Internship Visit Nottingham