What's Happening in May
Cherry blossom season has come and gone, but it gets even better in London. The city is in full bloom this May, with the whole of London showing off its flowers. Open-air theatre, ballet, drive-in cinemas, and so much more. Don't be fooled by our top picks, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Food markets (our very own Sunday Farmer's Market being a favourite), new store openings, galleries, theatres and an array of things to get excited about. If you're in London, get booking. If you're visiting London, here are all the excuses to get booking.
English National Ballet School x Wallace Collection
Prepared to be spellbound by students from the English National Ballet School as they perform their own choreographic works, set to music in the intimate surroundings of The Wallace Collection. Young Choreographers from the Ballet School have been exploring the collection and developing choreography informed by what they have encountered. In an evening showcase, they will present their breathtaking new work, performed amongst the masterpieces that have inspired them.
The event includes performances in different galleries throughout the building (short, unseated performances and movement between different levels).
21 May 2024
Manchester Square, London. W1U 3BN
Vakia: A Singer's Journey
Described by the French press as ‘a highly sophisticated and enchanting artist that makes one hear the vast beauty of her voice’ (Bertrand Dicale of Radio France), internationally acclaimed singer and songwriter Vakia performs songs from her new album, accompanied by Socrates Leptos on classical guitar.
11 May, 2024
The Hellenic Centre. 16-18 Paddington Street London W1U 5AS
Chelsea in Bloom
London’s largest free flower festival will spring into life in Chelsea. Focusing on the theme ‘floral feasts’, Chelsea in Bloom will transform this charming corner of London with floral creations adorning the frontages of businesses, shops and restaurants, with inspiration taken from culinary favourites and memorable food scenes and characters across film, literature, history and art. Large scale installations will spring up across the neighbourhood, including an enormous floral The Very Hungry Caterpillar on Sloane Square – alongside the Information Point, where rickshaw and walking tours can be booked – while further installations can be found on the King’s Road, Pavilion Road, Duke of York Square and Sloane Street.
20-26 May 2024
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here for more information
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
An annual London highlight. Regent's Park Open Air Theatre returns, kicking off its summer roster of shows with Shakespeare’s comedy of mistaken identities Twelfth Night. The season has shows for adults, families, musical theatre fans and romantics, with a programme featuring Roald Dahl’s The Enormous Crocodile (from 17 May) and the classic musical Fiddler on the Roof from the end of July. It's an ideal destination for avid theatre lovers to experience something different this month.
Inner Circle, Regent’s Park, NW1 4NU
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here for programme and tickets
The Embassy Gardens Drive-In Cinema
Celebrating the best classic cars and timeless movies, head to Vauxhall’s Embassy Gardens for an American-inspired drive-in cinema on 11 May. Promising back-to-back blockbuster film screenings from 10am to 10pm – as well as the option to hire a spectacular classic or supercar, or bring your own vehicle – sit back and enjoy the likes of The Lion King, Star Wars, Mamma Mia and James Bond. Every small detail has been taken care of, as each car is provided with its own wireless speaker, as well as deckchair and ‘bring your own blanket’ screenings for those without their own set of wheels. Classic cinema food and drink comes courtesy of The Alchemist, as well as summery cocktails, mocktails, beers, and wines – that can be delivered straight to your car.
11 May 2024
3 Viaduct Gardens, SW11 7AY
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here to book tickets