Spring is well and truly in the air this month, with bluebells blooming all over Gloucestershire, flower-filled festivities at RHS Malvern Spring Festival and county-wide celebrations for the coronation of King Charles III.
Plus, with everything from pride events to the return of the LEGENDARY Cheese Rolling on the late May bank holiday, discover SoGlos's pick of 10 unmissable things to do this month.
Chase the cheese at Gloucestershire Cheese Rolling
One of Gloucestershire’s craziest traditions, the annual Cheese Rolling competition is returning to Cooper’s Hill on Monday 29 May 2023, giving daring competitors the chance to peg it downhill after that coveted wheel of Double Gloucester.
Attracting hundreds of spectators and brave participants, who rarely manage to stay on their feet in pursuit of the cheese, this world-famous event is not to be missed.
Go bluebell spotting in Gloucestershire
With seas of blue flowers transforming Gloucestershire’s landscape, May is the best time to see bluebells in the county – with remarkable displays at popular attractions like Westonbirt Arboretum, as well Cam Peak and other local beauty spots.
Providing some picture-perfect inspiration for floral fans, check out SoGlos’s 11 favourite places to see bluebells in Gloucestershire to soak up the spectacle this month.
See Europe’s biggest walking dinosaur in Cheltenham
There's a rare opportunity to snap a selfie with a Jurassic giant, when the largest animatronic dinosaur in the whole of Europe roams into Cheltenham on Sunday 21 May 2023.
Standing at a whopping 12 feet tall and 22 feet long, Zeus the Tyrannosaurus rex really walks and roars – and he's ready to meet Gloucestershire's biggest dino fans outside Waterstones on the Promenade, from 12pm to 3pm. You might even catch a glimpse of two newly-hatched dinosaurs, too!
Celebrate the king’s coronation in Gloucestershire
Three cheers for King Charles III — and the extra bank holiday! Street parades, garden parties and special events are taking place all over Gloucestershire to mark the new monarch's coronation from Friday 5 to Monday 8 May 2023.
There's a unique chance to experience the sport of kings at Cheltenham Racecourse at this year's only evening fixture; discover Gloucester Cathedral's fascinating royal links; sip on special limited-edition cocktails at The Ivy in Montpellier; and even shop for coronation collectibles from the king's private residence in Highgrove.
For more royally wonderful inspiration, check out SoGlos's round-up of the best ways to celebrate the king's coronation in Gloucestershire.
Follow the new Quentin Blake trail at Slimbridge
Discover the watery wonders of Slimbridge Wetland Centre through the eyes of the UK's most notable illustrators, with the launch of Drawn to Water: Quentin Blake at WWT on Thursday 18 May 2023.
Great for entertaining the little ones, visitors can pick up a guide full of Quentin Blake's distinct drawings and follow the brand-new family trail, as well as take part in arty workshops and even enter a photography competition for the chance to win a special edition, one-off print.
Celebrate spring at Three Counties Showground
Soak up the scents of spring, wandering around the spectacular show gardens at the RHS Malvern Spring Festival, returning to Three Counties Showground from Thursday 11 to Sunday 14 May 2023.
Green-fingered guests can pick up top tips, shop for new plants and hear from gardening experts – including TV legend, Alan Titchmarsh. While there’s global street food and artisan produce to delight hungry visitors, plus foodie talks from celebrity guests like MasterChef's Gregg Wallace, too.
March in Cheltenham's pride parade
Show your pride for Cheltenham's LGBTQIA+ community on Saturday 13 May 2023, marching in the first pride parade to be held in the Regency town for more than a decade!
Meeting outside John Lewis on the High Street before travelling through town, the parade finishes at Imperial Gardens, just in time for Cheltenham Pride Festival to kick off — hosted by Tray La Trash and Gloucestershire drag queen, Misty Monique; with performances from RuPaul's Drag Race UK star Copper Topp and, of course, the ever-paw-pular dog show. Don't miss the after party at DEYA, too!
Cheer on the dragon boats at Gloucester Docks
Bringing with it a boat load of entertainment, Gloucester’s annual Dragon Boat Festival is floating back into town on Sunday 14 May 2023.
Watch the colourful dragon boats race to victory through Gloucester Docks at the vibrant annual event, with family entertainment expected throughout the day, too.
Tuck into colourful Filipino street food at Dunkertons Cider
Feast on brightly-coloured siapao buns and Filipino street food at the newest eatery to join the Dunkertons Cider family – with Humble Kusina opening its first permanent location at the Charlton Kings cidery on Thursday 18 May 2023.
Foodies can look forward to an exciting new menu, as well as those signature colourful buns packed with flavours from the Philippines. Even better washed down with a pint of cider on a sunny day!
See classic vehicles at Eastnor Steam and Vintage
A must for motor enthusiasts, Eastnor Steam and Vintage is back for 2023 – with an impressive line-up of vintage vehicles and steam engines to see at Eastnor Castle from Sunday 28 to Monday 29 May 2023.
Promising heaps of nostalgic fun, visitors can take a ride on the fairground carousel or model steam engines; get their toes tapping with an old-school dance workshop; or challenge the family to a giant garden game.
