Long days and warmer evenings make May the perfect time to enjoy London’s offering of outdoor events. From the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and horse riding competitions at Windsor Castle, to an urban village fete and a Punch and Judy festival, there’s a flurry of activities coming to the capital. Combine these events with May’s offering of new exhibitions and the chance to explore the city’s museums by twilight, and it’s set to be a busy month. Here’s our guide to what’s on in London in May.
Urban Village Fete
Modern art, crafts, music performances and a host of children’s activities will take over the Greenwich Peninsula in May, throwing an innovative twist on the traditional village fete. Enjoy eclectic sounds from around the world, pick up unique gifts, take part in an art workshop, or feast on mouthwatering fare from across the globe.
15th May 2016
Urban Village Fete
Covent Garden May Fayre and Puppet Festival
The puppet festival returns to Covent Garden for the 40th time this year, as Punch and Judy Professors and Puppeteers unite once again. The event kicks off with a grand brass band procession from St Paul’s Church at 11am, with performances, workshops, stalls, music and maypole dancing taking place throughout the afternoon.
7th and 8th May 2016
Covent Garden May Fayre and Puppet Festival
Mona Hatoum Exhibition
A luminescent globe buzzing with energy, and objects fizzling with the sounds of electricity, are just a couple of the thought-provoking installations that you’ll discover at Tate Modern’s new exhibition. Spanning 35 years of Mona Hatoum’s work, this exhibition showcases sculptures, videos and other artworks in which she explores the complexities and contrasts surrounding us.
From 4th May – 21st August 2016
Mona Hatoum
RHS Chelsea Flower Show
One of the biggest events in London’s horticultural calendar, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show returns once again this spring with colourful displays, garden designs and photography exhibits in honour of the Queen’s 90th birthday. There will also be a 6,000 square-foot Great Pavilion, garden gadgets and an acoustic area, where you’ll enjoy the dulcet tones of talented percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie.
From 24th – 28th May 2016
Chelsea Flower Show
Museums at Night
This bi-annual event sees museums, galleries, and heritage sites across the UK open up in the twilight hours, offering a unique experience to visitors. The Grade I listed Benjamin Franklin House will be offering late night candlelit tours, the View will be hosting guided sunset walks, and at Dr Johnson’s House visitors will be able to enjoy a glass of wine in one of the ornately designed drawing rooms.
From 11th – 14th May 2016
Museums at Night
Sunken Cities: Egypt’s Lost Worlds, British Museum
Head over to the British Museum to explore the fascinating remains of two underwater cities that have been buried under the sea for over 1,000 years. Only recently found by archaeologists in the Mediterranean, the cities of Thonis-Heracleion and Canopus were once at the heart of Egypt’s trade and worship. Now, visitors to the exhibition can see over 200 artefacts from the cities, excavated between 1996 and 2012.
From 19th May 2016
Sunken Cities: Egypt’s Lost Worlds
Royal Windsor Horse Show
Relax in the beautiful grounds of Windsor Castle and admire displays of equestrian skill at this five-day event, which includes national dressage, international jumping and endurance competitions. The final four evenings will feature performances, including a display from The Oman Royal Cavalry, in celebration of the Queen’s 90th Birthday.
From 11th – 15th May 2016
http://www.rwhs.co.uk
During your time in the capital, don’t miss out on the city’s most iconic sites. Embrace the longer days by taking a guided tour of London, cruising along the mighty River Thames, or even taking a day trip out of the city.
Header image: RHS Chelsea Flower Show © Flickr / Herry Lawford
