What's Happening in May
We’re in a heatwave, a London heatwave that is. So with this blessing of longer days, sunny evenings, scorching bank holidays, there's a lot for London to handle this month. As we welcome a fabulous summer, here are the best things to do in London this May.
Moco Museum
None other than the legendary Robbie Williams himself will be spotlighted in a new exhibition at London’s Moco Museum, Radical Honesty by Robbie Williams which opens on May 2, featuring never-before-seen sculptures that offer an insight into the megastar’s artistic expression.
1-4 Marble Arch, London W2 2UH
London in Bloom
When May comes around, that means it’s flower show season, which sees our city absolutely suffused with florals. The free flower festival Chelsea in Bloom will transform the streets of Chelsea into a ‘Flowers in Fashion’ themed paradise, from May 19 until May 25. Belgravia in Bloom (May 19 – 26) has displays themed around ‘Seasons’ with floral representations of spring, summer, autumn, and winter. And of course, the star of the floral festival calendar is the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, which returns with dazzling displays and gorgeous garden designs from May 20 – 24.
Tate Modern
The Tate Modern marks its quarter-century birthday with a weekend-spanning celebration. The gallery will host special activations each day, as well as live music and performances, pop-up talks and tours, and more. As part of the celebrations, a number of new artworks and pieces from the Tate Modern’s history will go on display, alongside a new art trail and two new free exhibitions.
Bankside, London SE1 9TG
Open-Air Theatre
The Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, which just so happens to be the UK’s oldest professional outdoor theatre, kicks off its 2025 season this May, starting with the premiere of musical comedy, Shucked. Other productions include Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Dream Ballets, an adaptation of Malorie Blackman’s novel Noughts & Crosses, and Lerner and Loewe’s Brigadoon.
The Regent's Park, Inner Circle, London NW1 4NU
A Museum Dinner
Acclaimed Chef Giorgio Locatelli is opening a brand-new Italian restaurant in The National Gallery this May. ‘Locatelli’ will open in the Sainsbury Wing of the museum on May 10, alongside ‘Bar Giorgio’, an espresso bar. Diners can expect Italian classics and seasonal dishes from a menu inspired by the museum’s collection, particularly the works of Caravaggio.
Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN