Things to do in Salisbury this May
With the launch of two big festivals, a motor show, Mayor Making celebrations and jubilee events, there is a lot going on in Salisbury this May.
Whether you want theatre, music, family days out or dinosaurs – we have them all!
Here are some of the things to experience in Salisbury this month:
Salisbury Cathedral
We are just days away from Salisbury Cathedral’s Festival of Flowers. Following a two-year delay due to Covid, the popular event will finally get underway on 10th May 2022. 30,000 blooms will transform the inside of the cathedral, with displays celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the end of Cathedral’s 800th anniversary year. There is late night viewing on Thursday 12th and breakfast and tour packages available on 10th, 11th and 12th May. The event ends on Sunday 15th. Book tickets now.
Salisbury Cathedral festival of flowers 2019
Also this month, the cathedral will come alive with the sound of music as the second concert in their Organ Festival programme takes place on 21st May. Acclaimed organist (and former Salisbury Assistant Organist) Colin Walsh will lead the evening with works by Franck, Langlais, Saint-Saëns, Tournemire and Vierne.
Wiltshire Creative
It is a busy month for Wiltshire Creative with the launch of the International Arts Festival taking place on 27th May. There is a packed programme with music, theatre, workshops free activities and much more! Find all the events on our dedicated Arts Festival page here.
Away from the festival and there is a lot happening at both the Salisbury Playhouse and Arts Centre.
Sheila’s Island is currently running at the Playhouse (until Saturday 7th May). If you enjoyed Calendar Girls and Kinky Boots you'll love this brilliant new comedy from writer Tim Firth. Sheila's Island has been described as The Office meets Lord of the Flies meets Miranda, and it will have you laughing out loud! See it at the Playhouse now.
Living Spit return to the Arts Centre with their comedy, ELIZABETH I: VIRGIN ON THE RIDCULOUS. See it on the 5th and 6th of May.
One of Britain’s greatest modern plays, The Rise & Fall of Little Voice, is next at Salisbury Playhouse. The Olivier Award-Winning comedy-drama has earned international acclaim, including a Golden Globe winning smash-hit film starring Jane Horrocks and Michael Caine. See it on the Salisbury stage 9th to 14th May.
And, at the Arts Centre on 12th May is Jeremiah, a raucous rebellious gig theatre show about a forgotten part of British history. More details about all these entertaining events from Wiltshire Creative can be found on our What’s On pages.
Get walking
To celebrate the Queen’s 70 years on the throne, Salisbury BID and Salisbury City Council have introduced a new family-friendly story-trail to the city centre. The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Trail brings seven colourful characters to life through augmented-reality. Scan the QR codes you find dotted around the city and see the magic happen! You’ll also get to learn about the Queen’s historic reign. Click here for more on how to get started.
One of the augmented characters that comes to life on the Jubilee Trail
You can help raise money for Salisbury Hospice Charity this month by taking part in their Celebration Walk. There are two routes to take part in - 5 and 10 mile options – that wind around the city. Both start and finish at the Guildhall. If you want to help raise money for a vital local charity on 21st May, click here.
There’s also an annual family fun day fundraiser for Salisbury Hospice Charity on 14th May at the Rugby Club. There will be football and touch rugby tournaments, a beer festival, live music, Pimms and Prosecco bars, BBQ, Pizza, children's entertainment and more!
Fun in the Market Place
Salisbury City Council will add vibrancy and entertainment to the Market Place this month with a number of family-fun days.
On Sunday 8th May is Salisbury Street Sellers and this month the event has a dinosaur theme! Take the family along between 10am and 4pm to meet Reggae Rex and his dino friends. Plus, there will be FREE workshops, artisan stalls, music and food and drink.
Reggae Rex will be coming to Salisbury this month!
Car Boot Sunday will return on 15th May, giving buyers the chance to pick up a bargain and sellers the opportunity to sell unwanted items. Find out more here.
Salisbury’s newest mayor will be sworn in at a special Mayor Making service on 14th May and there will be a day of celebrations to mark the occasion. Fun family entertainment will take place in the Guildhall Square from 10am to 4pm, including a free workshop where children will be able to make a mayors chain or hat. All are invited to join the fun!
Salisbury Market Place and Guildhall Square will come alive with an array of cars from different eras and countries on 29th May when the Motor Show rolls into the city centre. There will also be food and drink vendors to create a brilliant day out for the whole family. Be there from 10am to 5pm.
The Motor Show returns to Salisbury Market Place
A day at the races
Salisbury Racecourse has two more race days in May. There’s afternoon racing on May 12th and evening racing with DJ entertainment on May 28th. Gather your friends, family and colleagues for a great evening out!
Get outdoors
With the weather improving a lot of us are spending more and more time outside, which makes it an ideal time for Salisbury’s outdoor venue Brown Street to reopen! With entertainment, food and drink there’s a lot going on. Join them on 6th May for their opening with hot new band, Polar State & Signature Vision.
Brown Street reopens on May 6th 2022
If you’re still looking for things to do in Salisbury this month, or beyond, head to the Experience Salisbury What’s On pages. And, if you’ve got an event you want us to promote, let us know here.