May brings a fresh wave of excitement to Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, with a vibrant mix of live entertainment, outdoor spectacle, and creative wonder. The ingenious and ever-surprising Murder, She Didn’t Write arrives on its UK tour, delivering an improvised murder mystery where no two performances are the same. The Royal Windsor Horse Show returns to its iconic setting from 15th to 18th May, showcasing elite equestrian talent. Meanwhile, Waddesdon Manor becomes a canvas for the natural world as land artist James Brunt constructs a new site-specific piece, inviting visitors to explore the intersection of art and environment during a special Spring Bank Holiday celebration. With so much to see and do, May promises a rich mix of culture, excitement, and unforgettable experiences you won’t want to miss.
Your Culture Guide this May in Berkshire & Buckinghamshire
Royal Windsor Horse Show
Dates: 15-18 May
Venue: Windsor Castle
Royal Windsor Horse Show is back in its usual slot for 2025 – taking place from 15th to 18th May. Alongside the top-class equestrian competition in Jumping, Driving and Endurance, and the 120-plus Showing classes, visitors can enjoy plenty of other entertainment and more than 170 shops to browse.
Murder, She Didn’t Write
Date: 5 May
Venue: Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
The improvised whodunit and many year Edinburgh Fringe favourite, Murder, She Didn’t Write, is heading on a UK tour. This cleverly comedic show will see improv legends Degrees of Error perform an entirely improvised murder mystery each night, across the country. In this ingenious show, the audience becomes the author as a classic Agatha Christie-inspired murder mystery is written live.
Buy tickets at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
That’ll Be The Day
Date: 8-9 May
Venue: Wycombe Swan
The smash-hit sensation That’ll Be The Day will return to delight fans as they embark on their 39th tour. The show’s iconic Trevor Payne and his wonderful ensemble will continue to grace stages across the country with the fan-favourite show that celebrates pop culture from the 50s through the 80s. With songs covering The Ronettes, The Beatles, Cliff Richard, ABBA, Tom Jones, Barbara Dickson, and Elaine Paige, That’ll Be The Day delights and thrills audiences with its blast-from-the-past performances.
Book your spot
Seven Drunken Nights – The story of the Dubliners
Date: 4 May
Venue: MK Theatre
The world’s biggest celebration of The Dubliners – one of Ireland’s most iconic bands – is
embarking on a UK tour. In association with the legendary Irish pub O’Donoghue’s, the famous venue where The Dubliners first started performing, Seven Drunken Nights: The Story of the Dubliners is marking its eighth year to honour the music of Ireland’s favourite musical sons.
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Art in Nature
Dates: 24 May – 1 June
Venue: Waddesdon Manor
Over Spring Bank Holiday weekend, land artist James Brunt will create a brand-new artwork in the gardens of Waddesdon Manor for a festival celebrating art in nature. Known for his intricate, temporary rearrangements of natural matter, the work follows on from his public artwork known as The Knowsley Mandala, which was completed in Liverpool in 2022
The Baddies
Dates: 27-29 May
Venue: Corn Exchange Newbury
The brand-new stage adaptation of The Baddies, Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s hugely successful 2022 story, heads to the Corn Exchange Newbury. Meet the very worst Baddies in the world! Don’t you dare to come too close to a witch, a troll and an ancient ghost! The Baddies love being bad. They roar, spook and cast spells to try and scare a girl out of her wits. Or perhaps the girl is braver than they think…
Get your tickets at Corn Exchange Newbury
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Dates: 10 May – 29 June
Venue: Cliveden House
Cliveden invites you to wiggle, munch and transform as a new The Very Hungry Caterpillar™ trail opens this May. Families can wiggle along the trail, follow the illustrated signs and spot the vibrant juicy fruits and tasty snacks hidden around the garden before emerging (through a 3D cocoon) as a beautiful butterfly.
This charming trail brings to life the best-selling story of the tiny caterpillar who hatches from an egg and is very hungry so he eats through a variety of fruits and snacks each day. The caterpillar then forms a chrysalis around himself and, after some time, emerges as a beautiful butterfly. Enhanced by illustrated trail markers, giant food posts and accompanying QR (and augmented reality) codes, activities and games, children learn about the days of the week, counting, and the life cycle of a butterfly all within the beautiful setting of the stunning spring gardens at Cliveden.
The World of Eric Carle nurtures a child’s love of literature and learning, encouraging imaginative play and exploration. Trusted by parents, teachers, and librarians and beloved by children worldwide for generations, The Very Hungry Caterpillar™, and other timeless storybooks, come to life in colourfully creative books and products, designed to inspire very hungry young minds. Carle is acclaimed and beloved as the creator of brilliantly illustrated and innovatively designed picture books for young children. Carle illustrated more than 70 books, many best sellers, most of which he also wrote, and more than 175 million copies of his books have sold around the world.
How Absolutely Picks The Best For You
At Absolutely Magazines, we pride ourselves on curating only the finest recommendations for our refined readers. Our editors leverage their extensive expertise in lifestyle journalism to ensure that every selection meets the highest standards of quality and relevance. From scouring local insider tips to understanding trends and feedback, we leave no stone unturned in identifying the most exceptional venues for you. Guided by an appreciation for your taste, we prioritise venues and events that epitomise luxury, style, and premium experiences. You can trust us to bring you the Absolute best, every time.
