10 ways to while away the May Bank Holiday in Leicester

The weather hasn’t suited us very well this Bank Holiday so far (as I write a large peal of thunder is ringing across the sky!), but there is still plenty happening to make the most of your extra day off (should you be lucky enough to have one!). Here are 10 ideas for things to do in Leicester over the next 36 hours of Bank Holiday awesomeness!

10. Crafters do it by hand
There’s still time to get over to the Handmade Festival in the city centre. There is plenty of art and music to suit every taste at the o2 Academy. Get going, there’s still a whole afternoon and evening to go!

Commune with the animals (stripey pants optional)

9. Stroke a large, furry animal
A firm favourite in our house, Gorse Hill City Farm on Anstey Lane is a top visit for families and people like us who don’t have kids but like to go and stroke the goats nonetheless. I’m always surprised how few people seem to have heard of them. They are open 10am-4.30am and admission is a suggested donation of £2 for adults, £1 for children. They’re volunteer run and a fantastic organisation so get your cash in the milk churn and show them your support. The best thing about this time of year is that all the baby animals will be running around the place. Be aware of the dangers of cute overload.

8. Have a Secret Garden Party
Sadly, due to the weather, the Cafe Bruxelles and Apres Lounge Secret Garden Party has now moved inside the Apres Lounge, however you can still enjoy live music all afternoon and DJs this evening. HAPPENING NOW!

7. Drink a summery beer
The Kings Head have a lovely beer from the Kernel Brewery that you can treat yourself too. Citra hops give this pale ale a fresh, zesty aroma and a mix of citrus and floral flavours in the mouth. And you never know, if the sun comes out tomorrow (which it might) they have told me they might even fire up the BBQ!

6. Visit a traditional May Fayre
We’ve just had May Day, and now you can visit a Fayre with live jazz, stalls, games, maypole dancing and the crowning of the May Queen at St Guthlac’s Church in South Knighton. On between 10.30am and 2.30pm tomorrow, 03/05/15.

5. In fact, have all the fun of the fair
The funfair is back at Victoria Park from today. Nuff said!

4. Watch a s*@!load of Star Wars
Yep, the Black Horse in Aylestone will be showing Star Wars episodes 1 through to 6 tomorrow (Monday). Drink beer, watch films. May the Fourth be with you.

Braggy Park

3. Take a stroll in the park
Bradgate Park has long been a firm favourite for a nice walk in the countryside. Beautiful views, stunning wildlife, and even a little tea room.

2. Ride da choo choo train
The Great Central Railway are holding special events across the weekend. Get thee down there and steep in some history, and steam.

1. Get your running shoes on!
Or don’t, just go and watch those crazy fools participating in Leicester Sprint Triathlon! Held around Leicester Grammar School, those amazing supermen and women will be running, cycling and swimming their way to personal glory. Just thinking about it makes me want to have a little sit down.