Spring Events Across West Midlands Combine Wildlife, Tradition and History
The May Bank Holiday in the West Midlands is shaping up to be a mix of springtime activities with everything from wildlife encounters to traditional dancing and tributes to wartime history filling the region with events worth discovering. West Midlands Safari Park is welcoming visitors to view three rare Sumatran tiger cubs that were born earlier this year. At the same time, the town of Shrewsbury will host Morris dancing performances on Monday as part of the area's long-standing May Day traditions that draw from centuries of English folklore.
The Tiger Takeover event at the Safari Park is scheduled for weekends from 3 to 18 May, continuing on a daily basis between 24 May and 1 June. The tiger cubs, named Nova, Nadirah and Naresh, are an important part of the park’s breeding and conservation work. Visitors can observe the cubs through purpose-built viewing spots while also exploring nature trails, educational displays and themed craft sessions. These activities form part of the park’s broader spring programme, which aims to engage families and school groups during the seasonal holidays.
Morris dancers in Shrewsbury will take the stage at The Dingle in Quarry Park where visitors can watch a type of folk dancing that people usually don’t get to see unless they attend special local festivals. Performers will wear costumes and use instruments that reflect historical customs linked to seasonal change and agricultural cycles. In parallel, the region will also commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, with events taking place in Wolverhampton’s Bantock House and heritage-focused exhibitions in Cradley Heath featuring live music, local stories and wartime artefacts.
Together, these events underline the West Midlands' commitment to celebrating its natural and cultural assets through public participation. When you mix wildlife protection, old local customs and lessons from the past, you get a travel experience that feels deeper and more interesting than just walking around a big city for the weekend. Each location offers an opportunity to explore different aspects of the region’s identity through engaging and accessible formats.
If you're thinking of taking a short trip in early May, the West Midlands has plenty going on without the packed streets you often get in bigger cities. The region’s event calendar invites exploration through specific interests such as wildlife protection, cultural heritage or historical reflection, creating opportunities for meaningful visits shaped by seasonal relevance and local character.