Nottinghamshire &amp; Derbyshire


<p>Finally &#8211; the forecasters are promising a sunny weekend at last. Time to dust off the sunnies and get yourself outside. Roll up for a bumper weekend of outdoorsy bank holiday fun &#8211; all happening right on your doorstep.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/05/Bearded-Theory-Festival-2025-1024x683.jpg" alt="bearded theory festival derbyshire" class="wp-image-17961" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/05/Bearded-Theory-Festival-2025-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/05/Bearded-Theory-Festival-2025-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/05/Bearded-Theory-Festival-2025-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/05/Bearded-Theory-Festival-2025.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-road-to-nashville-bink-s-yard-nottingham-sat-23-may"><a href="https://binksyard.com/event/road-to-nashville/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Road to Nashville</a>, Bink’s Yard, Nottingham, Sat 23 May</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/05/cowgirl-pawel-szvmanski-efSRqS8esSo-unsplash-1024x683.jpg" alt="woman in pink cowboy hat" class="wp-image-17958" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/05/cowgirl-pawel-szvmanski-efSRqS8esSo-unsplash-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/05/cowgirl-pawel-szvmanski-efSRqS8esSo-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/05/cowgirl-pawel-szvmanski-efSRqS8esSo-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/05/cowgirl-pawel-szvmanski-efSRqS8esSo-unsplash.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Image by Pawel Szvmansk</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>Yee-ha! This country music showdown is riding into Nottingham&nbsp;this bank holiday weekend for a full-on al fresco Western adventure. Festival vibes all round with live country music tribute acts (think Dolly, &nbsp;Shania Twain, and Morgan Wallen). Plus line dancing, axe throwing, a bucking rodeo bull, games, sizzling BBQ &nbsp;and smoked food all under the Nottingham skyline. Grab your hat &#8211; the fun kicks off at 2pm and goes on until 10pm.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chatsworth-family-festival-chatsworth-house-23-25-may"> <a href="https://www.chatsworth.org/events/chatsworth-family-festival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chatsworth Family Festival</a>, Chatsworth House, 23-25 May </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image" id="block-f766303a-8ca4-4a0e-b1b3-9e92da8ba546"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/05/chatsworth-family-festival.jpg" alt="chatsworth family festival" /></figure>



<p id="block-02ebac91-d1c3-4efe-983f-fd8474c28aa1">One of the highlights of the Peak District calendar, <a href="https://www.chatsworth.org/events/chatsworth-family-festival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chatsworth Family Festival</a> is a brilliant fresh air day out in the Peak District. Oodles of stuff to get stuck into, from floral crafts and balloon shows to circus skills and a mini Olympics. The bonus? It&#8217;s all included with house and garden tickets. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bearded-theory-festival-catton-park-20-24-may"><a href="https://beardedtheory.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bearded Theory Festival</a>, Catton Park, 20-24 May</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/bearded-theory-1024x683.jpg" alt="bearded theory festival" class="wp-image-13005" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/bearded-theory-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/bearded-theory-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/bearded-theory-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/bearded-theory.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Festival season is officially upon us and where better to start than Derbyshire&#8217;s beloved Bearded Theory? The Pixies, CMAT, and Skunk Anansie headline at this super-family-friendly festival all set in gorgeous rolling countryside.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trust10-trail-run-clumber-park"><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/nottinghamshire-lincolnshire/clumber-park/events/49af9f34-b475-41ee-8cb3-7154bee41078" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trust10 Trail Run</a>, Clumber Park</h2>



<p>The perfect weekend to try out this monthly 10k trail run that gives you the opportunity to explore Clumber Park for free. It starts at 9am on Sun 24 May (ages 14+) and and consists of two 5k loops taking in lake and woodland scenery, heading over the historic ornamental bridge into the south side of the park. Not quite up to 10k yet? Pencil in the next one (Sun 28 June).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cascades-gardens-matlock-sat-23-may"><a href="https://ngs.org.uk/gardens/cascades-gardens-de4/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cascades Gardens</a>, Matlock, Sat 23 May</h2>



<p>There are plenty of gorgeous gardens opening up to the public this month as part of NGS open Gardens, but I think this one is a particular beauty if you need some time out in the great outdoors. A peaceful four-acre garden with woodland, stream and meditation garden, it&#8217;s gorgeous for a wander on a warm day. Inspired by Japanese gardens and Buddhist philosophy, you can also relax and reflect in the secluded garden rooms – sounds perfect. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dot-to-dot-festival-across-nottingham-sun-26-may-nbsp"><a href="https://www.dottodotfestival.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dot to Dot Festival</a>, across Nottingham, Sun 26 May&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/05/dot-to-dot-rock-city-1024x683.jpg" alt="rock city in nottingham" class="wp-image-17950" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/05/dot-to-dot-rock-city-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/05/dot-to-dot-rock-city-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/05/dot-to-dot-rock-city-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/05/dot-to-dot-rock-city.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Take a musical meander across Nottingham, strolling between the city’s best live music venues and popping inside to catch cutting edge, up-and-coming acts. Headliners this year include Lambrini Girls,  Ratboys, and Indiana, and the festival showcases plenty of local musicians too (look out for The Harbours, Sancho Panza, and Dirty Cheap Horse). Tickets cost from £32.50.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-winsterfest-winster-22-25-may"><a href="https://www.rockersreunited.co.uk/copy-of-winsterfest-may-2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winsterfest</a>, Winster, 22-25 May</h2>



<p>Descend on the chocolate-box-pretty Derbyshire village of <a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/winster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winster</a> (one of Muddy&#8217;s Best Places to Live) this weekend for its small, friendly music festival. Three nights of live music, great food, camping (yes, with flushing toilets on site), it’s a bit of a bargain at £60pp (or £70pp on the door) for the whole weekend.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-live-music-weekend-peak-shopping-village-rowsley-sat-25-mon-25-may"><a href="https://peakvillage.co.uk/events/live-music-this-bank-holiday-weekend/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Live Music Weekend</a>, Peak Shopping Village, Rowsley, Sat 25-Mon 25 May</h2>



<p>Catch local live music, browse the boutiques, and feast on foodie favourites (like Chatsworth Kitchen and Caffe Massarella) this bank holiday weekend. There’s an eclectic mix of free music from talented musicians playing everything from rock and reggae to folk and funk all long weekend from 11am-4pm. Perfect for a sunny bank holiday in the Peaks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meet-the-wombles-at-the-heights-of-abraham-matlock-bath-sat-23-mon-25-may"><a href="https://www.heightsofabraham.com/whats-on" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Meet The Wombles</a> at The Heights of Abraham, Matlock Bath, Sat 23- Mon 25 May</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/05/The-Wombles-at-the-heights-1024x683.jpg" alt="the wombles at the heights of abraham" class="wp-image-13240" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/05/The-Wombles-at-the-heights-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/05/The-Wombles-at-the-heights-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/05/The-Wombles-at-the-heights-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/05/The-Wombles-at-the-heights.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Orinoco and Great Uncle Bulgaria are back at The Heights this bank holiday. Ride the cable car up to the top where you can meet and greet them and check out the Womblemania exhibition. There&#8217;s plenty to keep families happy on a sunny day up here &#8211; from woodland nature trails and stunning views, to adventure playgrounds, ice creams and chilled drinks in the gorgeous Vista restaurant. Top tip? Get up early to bag a parking space and ride the cable car before the crowds &#8211; you&#8217;ll thank me later.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-artisan-food-amp-craft-fair-renishaw-hall-sun-24-may"><a href="https://renishaw-hall.co.uk/upcoming-events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Artisan Food &amp; Craft Fair</a>, <strong>Renishaw Hall, Sun 24 May</strong></h2>



<p>There are few places more glorious that these gardens on a summer&#8217;s day, and this Sunday you&#8217;ve got the bonus of dozens of stalls showcasing all sorts of deliciousness. Bag a ticket to the fair and the gardens for £12, or if you just fancy the fair, it&#8217;s £3.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more">IN THE MOOD FOR MORE?</h2>



<p><a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/summer-supper-clubs-notts-derbyshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The best summer supper clubs to book now</a></p>



<p><a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/for-kids/brilliant-things-to-do-kids-may-half-term/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brilliant things to do with the kids this May half term</a></p>



<p><a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/whats-on/whats-on-june-notts-derbyshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Joyous June! What&#8217;s on near you</a></p>


Sunshine incoming! The best outdoor events for the May bank holiday

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