7 Top Sources for May Bank Holiday Events in 2025

The May bank holiday weekend is the perfect opportunity to shake off the routine and dive into some exceptional live entertainment. With an extra day to relax and celebrate, the challenge isn't finding the time, but deciding what to do. This guide is designed to solve that problem, offering a curated selection of the very best may bank holiday events happening in Abingdon and across the Thames Valley. We’ve done the research so you can spend less time searching and more time planning an unforgettable weekend.

This article cuts straight to the chase, providing a detailed roundup of top-tier events, with a special focus on the incredible tribute shows at Northcourt LIVE in Abingdon. Whether you're a die-hard fan of Queen, Pink Floyd, or Take That, or simply looking for a fantastic night out, we have you covered. We'll explore the best platforms for discovering and booking tickets, from local specialists like Paul Robins Promotions to national powerhouses like Skiddle and Ticketmaster UK. Each entry includes direct links and essential details to help you secure your spot. Think of this as your definitive planner for a music-filled bank holiday, complete with practical tips on travel, dining, and making the most of your visit.

1. The Northcourt LIVE Abingdon music – Paul Robins Promotions

For anyone planning memorable May bank holiday events, the Paul Robins Promotions website is the definitive destination for securing tickets to Abingdon’s premier live music venue, The Northcourt. This platform serves as a single, regularly updated master listing for every upcoming show, offering a streamlined and reliable way to discover and book high-energy tribute concerts. It consolidates all essential event information into one easy-to-navigate space, eliminating the need to search across multiple ticketing sites or social media pages.

The website’s core strength lies in its curation. Paul Robins Promotions hand-picks an exceptional lineup of top-tier tribute acts and original artists, ensuring every performance meets a high standard of authenticity and production value. This is where you will find exclusive and acclaimed shows, including Hi-on Maiden, the UK's only officially endorsed Iron Maiden tribute act, alongside fan favourites like Ultimate Coldplay, The Bohemians (Queen), and Just Floyd. The direct relationship between the promoter and the venue guarantees a seamless and secure ticket-buying experience.

Key Features and User Experience

The platform is designed with the user in mind, providing clear, actionable information at a glance. You can quickly scan upcoming dates, check ticket availability in real-time (including updates on sell-outs or ticket returns), and purchase directly, which is a significant advantage for popular events that sell out fast.

• Centralised Information: Find comprehensive details for each gig, including dates, times, age restrictions (most shows are 14+ with an adult), and accessibility notes, all on one page.

• Secure, Direct Ticketing: As the exclusive online seller for The Northcourt LIVE, the site offers a trustworthy purchasing process without redirects to third-party vendors.

• Engaging Content: Beyond tickets, the site features photo galleries from past shows and a newsletter to keep you connected with the local music scene and upcoming announcements.

• Special Events: Look out for seasonal specials like Rock FestEvil and We Rock Christmas, which offer unique, themed concert experiences perfect for group outings.

For those looking to plan the ultimate bank holiday weekend, the website provides everything needed for a hassle-free, high-energy night out. The combination of an expertly curated lineup and a user-friendly booking system makes it an essential resource for live music fans in the Thames Valley. To see the full calendar of upcoming gigs, you can explore the complete schedule on the Paul Robins Promotions website.

2. Eventbrite (UK)

For uncovering a truly diverse range of may bank holiday events, especially those happening right on your doorstep, Eventbrite is an indispensable resource. It operates as a vast marketplace, connecting you with everything from community-led street parties and artisanal food markets in the Thames Valley to high-energy club nights and family-friendly workshops across both the Early May and Spring bank holiday weekends.

Its strength lies in the sheer breadth of its listings, many of which you won't find on larger, more mainstream ticket sites. This makes it perfect for finding unique, hyperlocal experiences. The platform's user-friendly interface allows you to filter results with precision, searching by specific bank holiday dates, location, price (including a handy "free" filter), and event category. Tickets are delivered instantly to your mobile, making last-minute planning a breeze.

Key Features and User Experience

• Hyperlocal Discovery: Excellent for finding smaller, community-focused bank holiday gatherings that larger platforms often miss.

• Powerful Filtering: Easily narrow your search by date ranges (e.g., 3rd-6th May), location, and price to quickly find relevant events.

• Instant Mobile Tickets: Purchase and receive e-tickets directly on your phone, simplifying entry on the day.

• Follow Organisers: Keep up with your favourite local venues or promoters to get notified when they add new bank holiday dates.

Maximising Your Bank Holiday Search

A top tip for using Eventbrite is to use the "Follow" feature for local venues or event organisers you like. This ensures you're among the first to know when they announce their bank holiday schedules, which is crucial as popular events can sell out quickly. While Eventbrite is a fantastic tool, it's just one of many options available. For those planning a full season of events, exploring a broader list of the best event registration platforms can uncover even more hidden gems for your May adventures. Eventbrite’s role as a major player in the ticketing world is also highlighted in roundups of top UK ticket sites, cementing its place as a go-to for live event discovery. To see how it compares to other major ticket sellers for different types of events, explore this guide to UK ticket sites.

3. Skiddle

For those whose idea of a perfect long weekend involves live music, festivals, and high-energy club nights, Skiddle is an essential destination for planning your may bank holiday events. As a UK-first ticketing site, it excels in curating a massive selection of day parties, city takeovers, and gigs, making it a prime resource for both the Early May and Spring bank holiday weekends. It's particularly strong for nightlife and electronic music scenes.

Skiddle's strength is its deep focus on the music and clubbing sectors, offering listings you won't find on more generalist platforms. Its event pages are packed with useful trust signals, including ticket sales history and genuine user reviews, helping you assess the vibe before you buy. The platform functions as a verified primary ticket outlet, delivering e-tickets or printable options straight to your account, which is perfect for sorting out last-minute plans for that all-important bank holiday Sunday night.

Key Features and User Experience

• Music and Nightlife Focus: Unrivalled coverage of bank holiday club nights, festivals, and live music gigs across the UK.

• Detailed Event Pages: Get a real feel for an event with included user reviews, detailed information, and transparent sales history.

• Targeted Date Filtering: Easily browse city or venue listings and apply filters to pinpoint events on specific bank holiday dates.

• Verified Primary Tickets: Securely purchase official tickets with a clear order history and reliable mobile or printable ticket delivery.

Maximising Your Bank Holiday Search

One of the best ways to use Skiddle is to take advantage of its last-minute listings, as many promoters add events specifically for the bank holiday Sunday. Use the location and date filters to zoom in on your area for the 5th-6th of May or the 26th-27th of May to see what’s happening nearby. While Skiddle is a powerhouse for music events, it offers less coverage of family-friendly attractions compared to broader marketplaces. For those seeking a wider variety of entertainment, you may need to supplement your search with other platforms. You can find out more at skiddle.com.

4. Ticketmaster UK

For those planning their may bank holiday events around a major concert, festival, or sporting fixture, Ticketmaster UK is the definitive primary platform. As the UK's largest official ticket agent, it provides direct access to the most high-profile events, including arena tours, stadium shows, and large-scale outdoor festivals that often anchor the Early May and Spring bank holiday weekends.

Its core advantage is the security and buyer protection that comes with purchasing from an official primary seller, eliminating the risks associated with the secondary market. Ticketmaster’s editorial guides are particularly useful, often curating lists of the best bank holiday weekender festivals with direct links to secure tickets. The platform allows you to plan your entire experience, from selecting specific seats to purchasing add-ons like parking or merchandise in advance, which is invaluable for busy bank holiday periods.

Key Features and User Experience

• National Headline Events: The go-to source for tickets to major tours and festivals scheduled across the May bank holidays.

• Interactive Seat Maps: Select your exact seats for arena and stadium shows, giving you full control over your viewing experience and budget.

• Official Ticket Options: Provides access to a range of official tickets, including platinum, VIP packages, and dedicated accessible seating.

• Venue Information: Detailed venue pages with maps and travel advice help you plan your journey, which is crucial for navigating bank holiday transport.

Maximising Your Bank Holiday Search

A top tip for using Ticketmaster is to create an account and save your payment details well in advance of a major on-sale date. High-demand bank holiday events can sell out in minutes, and having your information pre-filled saves critical time at checkout. Also, check the venue-specific pages for travel and parking information, as booking these extras alongside your event tickets can streamline your bank holiday plans. While ideal for headline acts, remember that Ticketmaster's focus on large-scale events means you'll need to look at other platforms for smaller, local community gatherings in the Thames Valley.

5. See Tickets

As a stalwart of the UK ticketing scene, See Tickets is a highly reliable platform for securing tickets to a vast array of may bank holiday events, from large-scale festivals to intimate gigs in local venues. It’s a go-to resource for music lovers, covering major tours, club nights, and a host of attractions perfect for the Spring bank holiday weekend. Its long-standing relationships with promoters and venues mean it often has exclusive ticket allocations.

The platform’s key advantage is its sheer breadth and reliability. While some ticket sites focus on niche events, See Tickets covers the entire spectrum, making it a dependable one-stop shop. The purchase process is straightforward, and tickets are typically delivered as e-tickets directly to your account, ready to be shown on your phone. This makes it a great backup option if your first-choice outlet has sold out of a popular bank holiday event.

Key Features and User Experience

• Wide UK Footprint: Lists events from the smallest independent venues to major festivals, offering extensive choice for the May bank holidays.

• Exclusive Allocations: Strong partnerships with venues and promoters often mean See Tickets has ticket availability when other sites are sold out.

• Simple Order Management: Your online account keeps all your bookings in one place, with options for ticket transfers when enabled by the event organiser.

• Straightforward Interface: The website is list-driven and easy to navigate, allowing users to quickly find events by artist, venue, or location.

Maximising Your Bank Holiday Search

The most effective way to use See Tickets for bank holiday planning is to search directly for the specific artist, festival, or venue you are interested in. While its editorial guides might be less prominent than on other platforms, its search functionality is powerful and direct. If you find a popular event is sold out elsewhere, always check See Tickets, as their separate allocation might still have availability. Its reputation as a primary ticket agent is also why it's frequently mentioned in guides to the best ticket sites in the UK, cementing its status as an essential tool for live event planning.

6. Time Out London

For those planning a trip into the capital for the bank holiday, Time Out London is the essential editorial guide. It cuts through the noise to offer expertly curated roundups of the best may bank holiday events, from exclusive pop-up restaurants and major exhibitions to free street festivals and buzzing multi-venue parties. Its value lies in providing not just listings, but a high-quality filter on what's genuinely worth experiencing over the long weekends.

Unlike simple ticketing platforms, Time Out enriches its event guides with practical, timely information that is crucial for a smooth day out. This includes real-time transport disruption alerts and logistical advice, helping you navigate the city during one of its busiest periods. The platform excels at unearthing a mix of paid and free options, often highlighting special bank holiday deals and providing direct booking links, making it a comprehensive planning tool.

Key Features and User Experience

• Expert Curation: Features editorially selected lists of the 'best things to do' and 'free events', ensuring a focus on quality over quantity.

• Logistical Planning: Integrates vital travel and transport disruption information, a key consideration for navigating London on a busy bank holiday.

• Direct Booking Links: Provides clear routes to purchase tickets for featured events, streamlining the booking process.

• Variety of Listings: Covers a wide spectrum of activities, including one-off parties, recurring bank holiday fixtures, and unique pop-ups.

Maximising Your Bank Holiday Search

The key to using Time Out effectively is to check the publication date on their bank holiday guides, as search results can sometimes show popular articles from previous years. Always focus on the most recent "things to do this bank holiday" articles for up-to-date information. While its focus is squarely on London, its model of combining listings with practical advice is a benchmark for event discovery. To explore other top-tier platforms for discovering live music and more across the UK, see this guide to the top places to find live music events.

7. DesignMyNight

For those looking to plan more structured hospitality-focused may bank holiday events, DesignMyNight is the perfect digital concierge. It specialises in booking nightlife, unique brunches, and immersive experiences, making it ideal for organising a memorable long weekend. The platform excels by publishing dedicated May bank holiday city guides that allow for instant ticket or table bookings for everything from rooftop parties to themed bottomless brunches and expert-led tasting sessions.

Its main advantage is the ability to lock in your plans from day to night, particularly over the lively bank holiday Sundays. Unlike general event sites, DesignMyNight focuses on curated, bookable listings with transparent pricing and clear details on what’s included in your package. While its strength is in cities like London, Manchester, and Brighton, its coverage spans multiple UK locations, offering a polished alternative to sifting through individual venue websites.

Key Features and User Experience

• Bank Holiday Hub Pages: Curated guides and listings specifically for the May bank holidays, showing dates, prices, and package inclusions upfront.

• Instant Booking: Seamlessly book tickets, reserve tables, or purchase packages directly through the site, with clear confirmation.

• Visual Previews: User reviews and high-quality venue photos help you get a feel for the atmosphere and set expectations before you book.

• Multi-City Coverage: Find exciting hospitality experiences in various UK cities, not just the capital.

Maximising Your Bank Holiday Search

The best way to use DesignMyNight for the long weekend is to book well in advance, as prime-time slots for popular brunches and evening events are snapped up quickly. Be sure to carefully read the terms, as many bookings require prepayment and have specific cancellation policies. While the platform focuses more on hospitality than large-scale festivals, it’s an unbeatable resource for planning a sophisticated and hassle-free bank holiday celebration. You can explore all their offerings at DesignMyNight.

May Bank Holiday Events: 7-Platform Comparison

Maximise Your May Bank Holiday: Final Planning Checklist

This May bank holiday offers a fantastic spectrum of events across Abingdon and the Thames Valley, from the raw energy of live tribute bands at Northcourt LIVE to broader cultural festivals and unique local gatherings. We have explored a range of powerful tools to help you discover, plan, and book your ideal long weekend. From the hyper-local focus of Paul Robins Promotions listings to the broad national reach of Ticketmaster UK and the curated suggestions on Time Out London, your perfect experience is just a few clicks away.

The key takeaway is to adopt a proactive and tool-driven approach. Instead of aimless searching, use the specific strengths of each platform we have covered. For authentic, intimate gigs celebrating rock and pop legends, the Northcourt LIVE schedule is your primary destination. For discovering a wider variety of may bank holiday events, including food festivals or family activities, platforms like Skiddle and Eventbrite offer extensive filters to narrow your search by location, date, and event type.

Your Action Plan for an Unforgettable Bank Holiday

To ensure your plans go off without a hitch, here is a final checklist to guide your decisions. This isn't just about finding an event; it's about crafting a complete and seamless experience.

• Define Your Vibe: First, decide what kind of bank holiday you want. Are you seeking a high-energy night out with a brilliant tribute band like A Foreigners Journey or Hi-on Maiden? Or is a relaxed afternoon at a local market more your speed? Your answer will determine whether you start with the Paul Robins Promotions site or a broader discovery tool like DesignMyNight.

• Compare and Cross-Reference: Found a promising event on See Tickets? It is wise to check the venue’s direct website or promoter’s page. Sometimes, booking direct offers perks like lower booking fees or access to exclusive seating allocations. This small step can often save you money and hassle.

• Plan Beyond the Ticket: Remember to think about the complete outing. Use the practical planning tips discussed earlier to book parking in advance, check public transport schedules, and make pre-show dinner reservations. A well-organised evening feels effortless and allows you to focus purely on the entertainment.

For those inspired to host their own gathering alongside attending these public festivities, meticulous organisation is crucial. Using a dedicated Event Planning Timeline Template for Any Occasion can make the difference between a stressful setup and a successful celebration, ensuring you don't miss a single detail from sending invites to finalising catering.

Ultimately, the wealth of tools and events available means there is no excuse for a dull bank holiday weekend. By leveraging the right platforms and planning strategically, you can move from simply finding may bank holiday events to creating lasting memories. Whether you are rocking out in Abingdon or exploring further afield, a fantastic long weekend is well within your grasp.

Ready to experience the best live music Abingdon has to offer this bank holiday and beyond? Visit Paul Robins Promotions to see the full lineup of incredible tribute shows and secure your tickets for an unforgettable night of entertainment. Paul Robins Promotions.