What's on this weekend - May Bank Holiday (May 2- 4)

The first May bank holiday is so close you can almost smell it, can't you? And if you're still undecided as to what to do with those three glorious days (hopefully that goes for the weather, too) - read on.

Antique lovers may already be aware that there will be a series of antique markets across the country: The Harrogate Antique & Fine Art Fair (April 30 - May 4 ), The East Berkshire College Antiques & Fine Art Fair (May 2-4), Antiques & Collectors' Fair, The Royal Welsh Showground (May 2-4), Weekend Antiques Festival, Trentham Gardens, North Staffordshire (May 2-4), Alexandra Palace Antiques, Art Deco & 20th Century Fair (May 3), the National Glass Collectors' Fair, National Motorcycle Museum, Solihull (May 3) ... and so on.

One thing that never gets old (for the under fives, anyway) is Thomas the Tank Engine. Join Thomas and friends for a day out at the East Somerset Railway (May 2-4). See www.funkidslive.com/ for details. Meanwhile, Bob the Builder will be doing his thing at Legoland (May 2-4, and, kicking off (or fluttering, anyway) from May 1 is The Butterfly Jungle at the National History Museum, London.

The May bank holiday also sees the start of a number of festivals: This Sunday (May 3) is Vaisakhi, the Sikh New Year festival. Celebrations will be held in Trafalgar Square in London alongside performances of traditional music and modern Asian music and dance. And there will be more celebrations on an international theme at Cambridge's Heart of the World festival (throughout May), which runs the gamut from African drumming to Celtic band Peatbog Faeries.

Already begun, but going strong until May 4 is the Cheltenham Jazz Festival , which as you might expect, does Jazz, in and around Cheltenham. Starting on Saturday is the Brighton Festival, which promises all number of things, from dance to music to theatre and debate, and this year is under the direction of no less than Anish Kapoor.

Finally, singing loud and proud this weekend: 60 international lesbian and gay, bisexual and transgender choirs. The four day festival will be held across London - see Various Voices for details.

Have a lovely bank holiday!

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