May in London 2015

 
 
 
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Run Hackney
Run Hackney
Art15
Regent's Park Open Air Theatre
Rambert with Tredegar Town Band and the Rambert Orchestra
Kafka on the Shore
Ninagawa Company: Hamlet
English National Opera: The Pirates of Penzance
Grand Designs Live
Canalway Cavalcade
Covent Garden May Fayre and Puppet Festival
Museums at Night
London Burlesque Festival
Clerkenwell Design Week
RHS Chelsea Flower Show
ITU World Triathlon London
The London International Antiquarian Book Fair
RAW Artisan Wine Fair
Star Wars at Madame Tussauds
Avenue Q
McQueen
Foodies Festival Syon Park
An Audience With UrbanExplorer
London Pet Show
Scotch & Soda
Notting Hill MayFest
Campo Viejo Streets Of Spain
Beyond Bollywood
Fans Of The Belle Epoque
Just Jim Dale
Olly Murs
Fleetwood Mac
An Evening With Texas
Eaves
Bend It Like Beckham
London Rugby Sevens
BMW LSO Open Air Classics: Shostakovich
Beta Testing: Circus Geeks
Hot Tub Cinema
Land Of Kings
London Wonderground
S Club 7: Bring It All Back
Art Deco Fair
FA Cup Final
Rooftop Film Club at Bussey Building
The Alice Look
 

 

Bend It Like Beckham goes from screen to London stage in May 2015, just one of the LondonTown top picks of the month.

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Vaisakhi Festival

Asian music, dancing and an array of exotic culinary delights welcome in the Sikh New Year.

Trafalgar Square, Central, London, WC2N 5DS

Tube: Charing Cross Station , Leicester Square Station, Embankment Underground Station, Piccadilly Circus Station

 

Dates: 27th April 2019

 

The official Vaisakhi Festival celebrations in Trafalgar Square are a colourful way to welcome in the Sikh New Year. The festival is truly a sight to behold with traditional and modern Asian music and dancing and an array of exotic culinary delights on offer. Commemorating 300 years of the consecration of Sri Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru, the Vaisakhi festival includes performances of music such as Shabad Kirtin (religious hymns), as well as modern dance music and DJs. In previous years crowds of 30,000 have attended the celebrations, which typically end with a final prayer for the good and well-being of the whole of humanity. Vegetarian food prepared by the Sikh community is usually on sale during the afternoon.

 
 
 

London Sketchfest

A weekend of belly laughs from bright young British comedic talent.

The Cinema Museum, 2 Dugard Way , London, SE11 4TH

Tube:

 

Dates: 01st - 03rd May 2015

 

Returning for a third year, the London Sketchfest brings a weekend of belly laughs from unsigned sketch comedy talent to award-winning acts from across Britain to London and in 2015, Sketchfest moves to two venues in Elephant and Castle, The Cinema Museum and The Artworks, just a short walk from each other. This year's line-up includes feature acts So On and So Forth, stars of their own upcoming self-titled Radio 4 show, winners of Sketch Screen 2014 This Glorious Monster and critically acclaimed newcomers Massive Dad. While feature shows present the best acts from around the UK, competition shows present undiscovered new and unsigned acts, and sketch screen reveals the best entries for the cinema and comedy video competition. Described as "Weird, wide-ranging and whimsical" by The Telegraph at its debut, London Sketchfest has reinvigorated a sketch scene increasingly overshadowed by all-conquering stand-up megastars, and gives us all a chance to see bright young British comedic talent live and under one roof before they make it big on the small screen.

 
 
 

Breakin' Convention

A celebration of hip hop dance culture.

Sadler's Wells Theatre, Rosebery Avenue, London, EC1R 4TN

Tube: Angel Station

 

Dates: 02nd - 03rd May 2020

 

This annual four-day international festival of hip hop and dance theatre, curated by Sadler's Wells associate artist Jonzi D, is back for a twelfth year in 2015. Breakin' Convention 2015 features performances from some of the world's greatest poppers, lockers, B-boys and B-girls. Taking place every May bank holiday weekend, this world-renowned celebration of hip hop dance culture takes over the space with live DJs, graffiti, workshops, performances, after parties and park jam. Expect a frenzy of cutting-edge performances with one head-spinning act after another taking to the stage to wow the audience. It's all hosted by Jonzi D, a central force in bringing street culture to Britain in the early 80s. Alongside world class performances the weekend is packed with live aerosol jams, workshop programmes, DJ demos and freestyle circles. The full line-up is announced in March 2015.

 
 
 

Notting Hill MayFest

The year's festival opens with a free recital by critically acclaimed organist Stephen Farr.

St John's Church Notting Hill, Lansdowne Crescent, Notting Hill, London, W11 2NN

Tube: Holland Park Station

 

Dates: 01st - 31st May 2015

 

The annual Notting Hill MayFest, formerly known as the St John's Festival after the 19th century parish church which acts as its centrepiece, brings together traditional musicians and contemporary artists to showcase their talents over a fortnight in one of London's dreamiest areas. Now in its twelfth year, the event galvanises a diverse community through a programme of music, art and family activities. The year's festival opens on 1st May with a free-entry recital by critically acclaimed organist Stephen Farr on the restored organ at the beautiful St John's Church, on Lansdowne Crescent behind Holland Park. There are further free lunchtime recitals at St Peter's Notting Hill every Monday and at St John's every Thursday throughout May, the Notting Hill May Fair on Saturday 9th May, tours of Portobello and Golborne markets and a Mayflower Parade setting out at 12noon from St John's on Saturday 30th May.

 
 
 

Campo Viejo Streets Of Spain

The four day festival returns to the South Bank for the May Bank Holiday.

Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX

Tube: Waterloo Station , Embankment Underground Station

 

Dates: 01st - 04th May 2015

 

The four day Streets of Spain festival returns to the South Bank on the first May Bank Holiday of 2015. This year Campo Viejo is putting the tasting notes of its Rioja to sound, creating a soundscape which attempts to give wine tasting notes on the back of the bottle meaning and vibrancy. There will also be live art installations, tapas, chorizo, cheese and Iberico ham from Barcelona's world famous food market, La Boqueria, and the chance to blend your own Rioja in a series of masterclasses.

 
 
 
 

On Light

An illuminating insight into our relationship with light.

Wellcome Collection, 183 Euston Road, London, NW1 2BE

Tube: Euston Square Station , Euston Station, Warren Street Station

 

Dates: 01st - 04th May 2015

 

Four days of performance, discussion, activity and art illuminate our relationship with light. Beginning on Friday 1st May with a late night event across the five floors of the expanded Wellcome Collection, On Light presents light-filled performances from Fevered Sleep, the award winning storytellers The Crick Crack Club and Mariele Neudecker. On Saturday 2nd May UCL will throw open the doors of the Institute of Making for a day of investigations into materials that we use to make and manipulate light. And on the final day, visitors can see the finished effect of Andy Field's 'Non In Luce' installation, a model-city built over the first three days of the event, showing a new way of communicating without light.

 
 
 

Rooftop Film Club at Bussey Building

The al fresco film series gets under way on Friday 1st May with classic romance Top Gun.

Bussey Building, 133 Rye Lane, London, SE15 4ST

Tube: Denmark Hill Station

 

Dates: 09th May - 30th June 2019

 

The huge roof terrace of the Bussey Building in Peckham Rye is one of four venues for the Rooftop Film Club this summer with a series of films that gets under way on Friday 1st May with the classic romantic Top Gun. The 5,000 square foot terrace boasts magnificent panoramic views of London, while guests can enjoy zingy Mexican street food and a Caribbean BBQ, a fully licenced bar serving cocktails and cold drinks while they enjoy a selection of classic films shown on a big screen with wireless headphones and comfy seats. The programme includes The Imitation Game, Selma, The Graduate and Life Is Beautiful and with old classics like Dirty Dancing and new releases including Gone Girl and Birdman there's something for everyone. Tickets cost £14 and the doors open at 6pm.

 
 
 

Nantucket Beach Club

Skylounge's outdoor terrace is transformed into a relaxing island retreat.

Skylounge, Tower of , 7 Pepys Street, London, EC3N 4AF

Tube: Tower Hill Station , Aldgate Station, Monument Station

 

Dates: 01st May - 05th September 2015

 

Bringing a taste of the East Coast to London, rooftop bar Skylounge is hosting a Nantucket Beach Club pop-up this summer. Inspired by the charm of Nantucket, New England the bar's outdoor terrace has been transformed into a relaxing island retreat, even boasting its very own lighthouse, swing-bench and bowling alley. Guests will be invited to sup on Snow Queen vodka slushies and Surfside Punch as well as feast on hearty seafood dishes such as lobster mac 'n' cheese, clam chowder and lobster rolls. To follow, there will be indulgent Boston cream pie and a relaxing game of shuffleboard.

 
 
 

Street Feast London

Five months of feasting every Friday and Saturday night at Dalston Yard.

Dalston Yard, Hartwell Street, Islington, London, E8 3DU

Tube: Highbury & Islington Station

 

Dates: 29th April - 24th September 2016

 

Running from 1st May until 26th September, Street Feast's gastronomic event will provide Londoners with five months of feasts every Friday and Saturday night. Taking over Dalston Yard, this weekly night market will house new traders Yard Diners and new gins at The Gin Store, a specialist indoor cocktail bar with bookable tables and 20 specialist gins (plus plenty of other drinks). Within the yard hungry visitors will be able to choose from a number of well-known traders and guest traders, who will debut new menus for the occasion. With eight bars and 20 traders the choices include Bleecker Burger, Rola Wala, Slider Bar, Yum Bun and Breddos Tacos who return with their Taco Shack. After becoming London's first full weekly night market in 2012, Street Feast offers interesting, delicious and high quality food at an affordable price.

 
 
 

Grand Designs Live

For people passionate about home and garden design.

ExCeL London, One Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, London, E16 1XL

Tube: Canning Town Station

 

Dates: 04th - 12th May 2019

 

Based on the hugely popular Channel 4 TV series, in which the general public aim to build their dream homes, the multi-award winning Grand Designs Live returns to ExCel Centre this spring. Presented by design guru Kevin McCloud, the show is the perfect place to come for ideas and inspiration for the home with over 500 exhibitors, top TV celebrities, shopping and fabulous show features. Whether you're building a conservatory, renovating a new home or just trying to sort out your hideous living room, there will be something for you at this ultimate exhibition for people passionate about home and garden design.

 
 
 
 

Canalway Cavalcade

A wonderful waterway festival which takes place in Little Venice.

Little Venice, Maida Vale, Little Venice, London, W2 1TH

Tube: Warwick Avenue Station

 

Dates: 02nd - 03rd May 2020

 

Canalway Cavalcade is a distinctive waterway festival that has been taking place at Little Venice since 1983. Organised by Inland Waterways Association volunteers, there will be an array of boats, trade show stalls and boater gatherings at this festival for water lovers. As well as the boating activities, there will also be Morris dancing, competitions, food, family-friendly activities and a real ale bar, making it an enjoyable day out for families. Plus, with the location being quaint Little Venice, this creates the perfect opportunity for a gentle stroll and an enjoyable view alongside your lunch and ale.

 
 
 

An Evening With Texas

The Ivor Novello Award winning band celebrates its 25th anniversary with a special night.

London Palladium, 8 Argyll Street, London, W1F 7TF

Tube: Oxford Circus Station

 

Dates: 02nd May 2015

 

The Glaswegian band Texas, featuring Sharleen Spiteri and founder Johnny McElhone, celebrate a quarter of a century of hit tunes with a special 'An Evening With...' night where Sharleen will talk through her amazing career and the band will play as a four piece skiffle ensemble as well as performing tracks from their latest studio album, The Conversation, their first in eight years. The Ivor Novello Award winning band also celebrates its 25th anniversary in style with the release of their latest album 'Texas 25' which contains brand new songs along with the very best of their back catalogue.

 
 
 

The Alice Look

The V&A Museum of Childhood marks the 150th anniversary of Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

V and A Museum of Childhood, Cambridge Heath Road, London, E2 9PA

Tube: Bethnal Green Underground Station

 

Dates: 02nd May - 01st November 2015

 

The V&A Museum of Childhood is another London venue to mark the 150th anniversary of Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, hosting The Alice Look. The family-friendly exhibition will feature garments, photographs, rare editions and illustrations to look at how artists have portrayed Alice over the years.

 
 
 

Olly Murs: Never Been Better

X Factor success story Olly brings a party atmosphere and high energy pop to the O2 arena.

The O2 Arena, Peninsula Square, London, SE10 0BB

Tube: North Greenwich Station

 

Dates: 03rd - 07th May 2015

 

Cheeky Essex lad Olly Murs, who sold more albums than Taylor Swift, Beyoncé and Take That in 2014, is yet another pop act to have spawned from the X Factor. However, after reaching the finals back in 2009 losing out to Joe McElderry the popstar has journeyed on the road to success. Crediting his career so far to 'Right Place, Right Time', the title of his third studio album, Murs has established himself as a singer/songwriter, sold out arena tours and turned his hand at TV presenting. His songs offer unashamed pop that provide light-hearted listening but nothing particularly original; nevertheless, with his charm, infectious grin and clear love for his trade, the Essex boy has succeeded at building a career from his personality as much as his music. Part of his 2015 tour, Murs will be performing four times in London and, if you're lucky, he may even split his trousers mid-performance again.

 
 
 

Land Of Kings

Dalston's all-day festival offers music from The 2 Bears, Boxed In and Deep Throat on Bank Holiday Sunday.

Various Venues East London, Walthamstow, London, EC2M 7QH

Tube: Walthamstow Central Station

 

Dates: 03rd May 2015

 

Dalston's annual Land of Kings festival takes place on the first May bank holiday in 2015. Making the most of every corner that Dalston has to offer, the programme welcomes a whole host of musical, theatre and movie events to the area's rooftops, basements, warehouses and fields. This year's line-up boasts The 2 Bears, Boxed In, Deep Throat, Krankbrother, Koreless and Waze & Odyssey. Plus, Street Feast of Kings, the Lost Picture Show and The Royal Thoughts. For the extensive full line-up, visit the official website.

 
 
 
 

Hot Tub Cinema: Tub Tropicana Tour

See the classic films like the Lion King, Top Gun and Grease from a hot tub.

Former Shoreditch Underground Station, Pedley Street, off Brick Lane, Shoreditch, London, E1 6SE

Tube: Aldgate East Station

 

Dates: 05th - 17th May 2015

 

Of all London's open-air cinema experiences, this is perhaps the most bizarre: for filmgoers watch what's on offer from an inflatable hot tub that can take up to six people. So, while sipping on a glass of bubbly and watching cult favourites like Dirty Dancing, the audience is surrounded by simmering 40 degrees bubbles themselves. Back for 2015, the Hot Tub Cinema comes to the former Shoreditch Underground, a transformed railway station in the heart of Shoreditch where 20 hot tubs, two screens and a bespoke surround-sound system have been installed. Guests will be treated to a choice of classic films: the Lion King, Top Gun, Grease, Ghostbusters and Dirty Dancing. The only rules: keep your swimwear with you at all times and mind the gap between the train and your hot tub.

 
 
 

Tart's Kitchen

A foodie pop-up from Tart London, who boast Kate Moss and Sienna Miller among their clients.

74 Salusbury Road, , London, NW6 6NU

Tube: Queen's Park Station

 

Dates: 05th May - 23rd June 2015

 

Unique catering company Tart London is collaborating with Wedgewood to host foodie pop-up Tart's Kitchen this spring. Founded in 2013 by Lucy Carr-Ellison and Jemima Jones, Tart London provides bespoke catering for fashion and film shoots, with clients including Kate Moss, Sienna Miller, Eddie Redmayne and Cara Delevingne. Tart's Kitchen will see the company serve food to the public for the first time, with dishes that focus on seasonal ingredients and sustainably sourced produce. With a breakfast, lunch and dinner menu, dishes will include sweet potato pancakes, a bruschetta of the day, slow cooked pork and lamb, noodles dishes, and daily salads. There will also be an exclusive Wild Strawberry afternoon tea, served on Wedgewood Wild Strawberry china in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the best-selling pattern.

 
 
 

London Craft Week

A celebration and showcase of exceptional craftsmanship.

 

Dates: 08th - 12th May 2019

 

New to London's events calendar, London Craft Week is a showcase of exceptional craftsmanship. The five-day event will see a number of galleries across London host workshops that display all forms of talent, from ancient skills to new techniques. This year's programme will be centred around Bloomsbury and Mayfair, both of which have long been associated with the craft industry.

 
 
 

London Wonderground

Coney Island-style attractions and cabaret in a Spiegeltent in the shadow of the Southbank Centre.

Underbelly Festival, Jubilee Gardens, Belvedere Road, South Bank, London, SE1 8XX

Tube: Waterloo Station , Embankment Underground Station

 

Dates: 05th May - 25th September 2016

 

The splendid London Wonderground Spiegeltent returns for a fourth year, bringing Coney Island-style attractions and cabaret performed in the shadow of the Southbank Centre. Transforming the riverside site into an amusement ground, it entices visitors in with fairground rides, circus shows and a programme of international cabaret, music and fringe theatre. In its inaugural year the festival drew over 800,000 visitors (including Madonna and 15 members of her entourage), and presented 277 different performances from 46 different acts. This year's line up has yet to be announced but previous shows have included Limbo, record breaking beat boxer Schlomo, Grammy-nominated, Olivier award-winning alternative cabaret performers The Tiger Lillies, and House of Burlesque, so expect more in the way of excellent cabaret, circus and kids' shows.

 
 
 

Dulwich Festival

David Starkey, indie folk and the Dulwich Park Fair are all part of this year's festival.

Dulwich, , London, SE21 7AD

Tube: Denmark Hill Station

 

Dates: 12th - 21st May 2017

 

This year's Dulwich Festival is bursting with music, literary and theatre events, art, a food trail and a whole array of excellent walks and fairs. Highlights include Weighting on the opening weekend, historian David Starkey giving a talk on the Magna Carta, London indie folk band Joe Innes & The Cavalcade playing upstairs at the EDT and Tangram Theatre presenting The Origin of Species by means of natural selection at Belair House. New this year is the Love West Dulwich Fair while the Dulwich Park Fair makes a welcome return with bouncy castles, beer tents, handmade children's t-shirts and homemade cakes to bring all the fun of the fair to the festival.

 
 
 
 

Beyond Bollywood

Dance musical bringing the colour and culture of India to England.

London Palladium, 8 Argyll Street, London, W1F 7TF

Tube: Oxford Circus Station

 

Dates: 08th May - 27th June 2015

 

From Mumbai to the London Palladium, Beyond Bollywood is an Indian dance musical bringing the colour and culture of India to England. Performed by 24 dancers, four actors and four musicians from India, the musical tells the story of a girl, Shaily Shergill, who leaves Munich to revive her family's failing theatre and fulfil her mother's dying wish to travel to India. This colourful musical has been written, choreographed and directed by Rajeev Goswami, with lyrics by Irfan Siddiqui and an original score by Salim-Sulaiman.

 
 
 

English National Opera: The Pirates of Penzance

'Mr Turner' Film maker Mike Leigh stages his first opera.

London Coliseum - English National Opera (ENO), St Martin's Lane, London, WC2N 4ES

Tube: Charing Cross Station , Leicester Square Station, Covent Garden Station, Embankment Underground Station

 

Dates: 09th May - 27th June 2015

 

One of the most "eye-catching elements" of the ENO's 2014/15 season is Mike Leigh's The Pirates of Penzance. "Leigh's interest in Gilbert and Sullivan is well known" according to The Guardian which goes on to cite his 1999 film Topsy-Turvy "about the pair's fraught working relationship". Writing in that paper, Leigh has said the operas have "often been misunderstood" and they had "their dark side, their hard edge". So can we expect a menacing undercurrent to this much-loved comic opera? Leigh has also assembled a superb cast including Andrew Shore as the very model of a modern Major-General, Jonathan Lemalu as the affectionate parody of the British bobby, Robert Murray as the innocent pirate-apprentice Frederic, and Rebecca de Pont Davies as the older woman who has designs on him.

 
 
 

Weighting

Free circus and dance show on the opening weekend of the Dulwich Festival.

Dulwich Park, College Road, London, SE21 7BQ

Tube: Denmark Hill Station

 

Dates: 09th - 10th May 2015

 

Taking place on the opening weekend of the Dulwich Festival, Weighting is a free circus and dance show about a family living in a grey world of routine across the bridge from a world full of colour, excitement and music. However to get to the other side the family have to risk everything. Performed in Dulwich Park by a cast of seven, the shows takes place on a 12 metre by 12 metre rig which swings and lifts the performers high into the air. A beautiful musical score written by Dom Coyote (Kneehigh, BAC) and Ted Barnes (Beth Orton) is performed by a five-piece band with the finale song sung by a 100 strong choir.

 
 
 

London Pet Show

Crocodile Joe and Channel 4's Supervet Noel Fitzpatrick introduce animals of all types.

ExCeL London, One Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, London, E16 1XL

Tube: Canning Town Station

 

Dates: 09th - 10th May 2015

 

Reptile expert Crocodile Joe and Channel 4's Supervet Noel Fitzpatrick are introducing all types of animals from the cute and cuddly to the weird and wonderful at the London Pet Show. You can discover everything you need to know about dogs, cats, parrots and ponies at London's Excel. See dog agility, show-jumping rabbits, duck-herding border collies, micro-pig racing, ponies, parrots, owls and celebrity dog dancing. Head to the Reptile Area for bugs, spiders and exotic creatures like tree lizards, water dragons, giant turtles, chameleons and bearded dragons. Learn how to train your dog at Hill's School for Dogs, a new feature for 2015, enter your cat in the Top Cats competition and make some real life pony friends at The Pony Club Stables.

 
 
 

Notting Hill May Fair

Maypole dancing, traditional games and stalls make this a lovely family event.

St John's Church Notting Hill, Lansdowne Crescent, Notting Hill, London, W11 2NN

Tube: Holland Park Station

 

Dates: 21st May 2016

 

Part of the month-long Notting Hill Mayfest, the Notting Hill May Fair is a traditional village fair in the heart of this well-to-do west London neighbourhood which has been running for more than 25 years. It's a real family event with local school children maypole dancing, traditional games and stalls, a fancy dress competition with prizes for the most creative home made costume, and a dog show. Bring along your poodle or pug or watch the show a drink from the Pimms stall. Additional entertainment comes in the form of music, a vintage coconut shy, face painting, a bouncy castle, and bric-a-brac, vintage jewellery, and second hand book stalls. There's also a children's area selling toys, books and good as new clothes, food stalls, cream teas downstairs in the crypt of St John's Church, and a plant stall selling flowers from Covent Garden.

 
 
 
 

Run Hackney

The half marathon returns, moving from June to May.

Hackney Marshes, Homerton Road, London, E9 5PF

Tube: Hackney Wick Overground Station

 

Dates: 08th May 2016

 

Following a hot and sweaty launch in 2014, Run Hackney returns for its second year in 2015. Held on what turned out to be one of 2014's hottest days, last year's race was a gruelling affair for participants so we're glad to report that this year it has been brought forward from June to May. This year also offers an improved route through the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, a free technical t-shirt for each runner, more live entertainment, and an increase in the number of water stations and mist showers. Roads across the borough will once again be closed to cars allowing for the thousands of runners to speed across the flat course through one of London's greenest boroughs, taking in sites such as the Hackney Downs, London Fields and Victoria Park.

 
 
 

Covent Garden May Fayre and Puppet Festival

Dozens of puppeteers celebrate Punch's birthday.

St Paul's Church, Covent Garden, Bedford Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 9ED

Tube: Covent Garden Station , Leicester Square Station, Charing Cross Station, Embankment Underground Station

 

Dates: 13th May 2018

 

This annual Covent Garden May Fayre and Puppet Festival celebrates the red nosed stick-wielding puppet, bringing together dozens of puppeteers in a colourful, highly entertaining afternoon. The annual celebrations in Covent Garden draw puppeteers from all over the country as well as folk music, dancers, clowns, jugglers and stalls. The location is appropriately close to the spot where Samuel Pepys first sighted Mr Punch on 9th May 1662 and recorded the fact in his diary - which is why the birthday celebrations fall on or near to 9th May. The day's events start with a toast to Mr Punch, and a brass band led Grand Procession starting at St Paul's Church garden, a beautiful little oasis in the city centre. There follows a special service with a sermon administered by Rev Mark Oakley and Mr Punch himself. An integral part of British heritage, the puppet with attitude is a wonderful, anarchic figure and this is a top traditional family day out.

 
 
 

Dulwich Festival Fair

A fun, non-profit making day for all the community with stalls, live music and donkey rides.

Goose Green, East Dulwich, London, SE22 8DT

Tube: Denmark Hill Station

 

Dates: 10th May 2015

 

Now in its tenth year, the Dulwich Festival Fair returns to Goose Green bringing together a selection of local craftspeople, designers, independent shops, family fun, bars and cafes from East Dulwich. The event is a fun, non-profit making day for all the community with lots of activities from bouncy castles and free face painting for children to a beer tent (provided by East Dulwich Tavern), live music and delicious food stalls to tempt everyone. Part of the Dulwich Festival, the fair includes many other craft and gift stalls and even offers good old fashioned donkey rides.

 
 
 

Woolf Works

Wayne McGregor presents his ballet based on the writings and life of Virginia Woolf.

Royal Opera House, Bow Street, London, WC2E 9DD

Tube: Covent Garden Station , Leicester Square Station

 

Dates: 11th - 26th May 2015

 

In summer 2015 Wayne McGregor presents his first full length ballet for The Royal Ballet. Woolf Works, based on the writings and life of Virginia Woolf, has a newly commissioned score by Max Richter, composer of McGregor's award winning ballet Infra. Costume designs are by Moritz Junge who also designed the costumes for the Olivier Award winning Chroma, with lighting by Lucy Carter and film design by Ravi Deepres. Alessandra Ferri, former Royal Ballet Principal, returns to perform this new work.

 
 
 

Belle and Sebastian

Indie-pop from the Glaswegian septet ahead of their Somerset House gig in July.

Central Hall Westminster, Storey's Gate, London, SW1H 9NH

Tube: St James's Park Station , Westminster Station

 

Dates: 11th - 12th May 2015

 

Introspective indie-pop from the Glaswegian septet fronted by lead singer Stuart Murdoch who formed in the mid 1990s and received an Outstanding Contribution To Music Award at the 2014 NME Awards. The "indie darlings" Belle and Sebastian "are finally in danger of shaking off the stereotype" ran a recent Guardian headline. In a career spanning eighteen years the band, who won the "Best Newcomers" BRIT award in 1999, has produced their ninth album, Girls in Peacetime Want to Dance, eight years in the making. "A very weird album, but a very intriguing one too" says NME, "a confident, expansive record injected with disco and synthpop" says The Guardian.

 
 
 
 

Rambert with Tredegar Town Band and the Rambert Orchestra

The full ranks of Tredegar Town Band accompany Rambert's dancers live on stage.

Sadler's Wells Theatre, Rosebery Avenue, Clerkenwell, London, EC1R 4TN

Tube: Angel Station

 

Dates: 12th - 16th May 2015

 

Live on the Sadler's Wells stage, the full ranks of Tredegar Town Band accompany Rambert's dancers in the world premiere of Dark Arteries, presenting the world's first brass band dance work. Part of a mixed bill presented by Rambert Dance Company at Sadler's Wells, the premiere is choreographed by Rambert's Artistic Director Mark Baldwin to a specially composed score by Gavin Higgins, a former Rambert Music Fellow who comes from a family of brass band musicians and who wrote the opening work for this year's Last Night of the Proms.

 
 
 

Avenue Q

Puppets and live actors are used to explore the painful transition from childhood to adult life.

Greenwich Theatre, Crooms Hill, London, SE10 8ES

Tube: New Cross Station (East London line closed. Bus service operates)

 

Dates: 12th - 24th May 2015

 

Hit American puppet musical Avenue Q comes to the Greenwich Theatre in May. Previously staged at numerous theatres across London as well as across the world, the show is back with more mischief, bad behaviour and political incorrectness. Created by Jeff Marx and Robert Lopez, co-creator of the Book of Mormon, it uses puppets and live actors to explore the painful transition from childhood to adult life, where the realisation of the 'real world's' limitations hit you.

 
 
 

McQueen

One night Alexander McQueen catches a thief in his London house.

The Other Palace Theatre, 12 Palace Street, London, SW1E 5JA

Tube: Victoria Station

 

Dates: 12th May - 06th June 2015

 

2015 really is the year of Alexander McQueen. Not only is the late designer the subject of a blockbuster V&A exhibition, he's also the inspiration behind James Phillips's new play McQueen which preimieres at St James's Theatre on Tuesday 12th May. Award-winning actor Stephen Wight, named Outstanding Newcomer at the Evening Standard Awards for his performance in Michael Grandage's production of Don Juan in Soho, takes on the title role of Lee McQueen. The play also stars Dianna Agron as Dahlia, a girl who breaks into the designer's house to steal a dress, and Tracy-Ann Oberman (Chrissie in EastEnders) as Isabella Blow. One night McQueen catches a thief in his London house but instead of calling the police, they embark together on a journey through the city and into the imagination and dark dream world of Alexander McQueen.

 
 
 

Fans Of The Belle Epoque

Art Nouveau and exotic feather fans.

Fan Museum, 12 Crooms Hill, London, SE10 8ER

Tube: New Cross Station (East London line closed. Bus service operates)

 

Dates: 12th May - 02nd September 2015

 

The Fan Museum unveils the very best of its late 19th and early 20th century fans for Fans Of The Belle Epoque revealing the extravagant and exquisite fans produced in Europe between 1880 and 1910. There are examples from top fan makers Duvelleroy and Kees, and Art Nouveau and exotic feather styles along with a particularly beautiful fan decorated with Faberge enamelling and gold.

 
 
 

Eaves

Leeds singer-songwriter Joseph Lyons comes to the Sebright Arms.

The Sebright Arms, 31-35 Coate Street, London, E2 9AG

Tube: Bethnal Green Underground Station

 

Dates: 12th May 2015

 

Having previously toured alongside Nick Mulvey Boy & Bear and Slow Club, and currently on a European run of shows with Philip Selway, "the brilliant Leeds singer" (Sunday Times) Eaves comes to the Sebright Arms as part of his own headline tour. Known for his "heartbreaking, stripped-back piano ballad" (The Times) and "glacially beautiful folk-rock" (Sunday Times) singer-songwriter Joseph Lyons may still be in his early 20s but his well received debut album is tinged with a world-weary wisdom that belies his age.

 
 
 
 

Kali Uchis

The 21 year old Colombia born singer-songwriter performs an intimate show at east London's The Victoria.

The Victoria, 451 Queensbridge Road, London, E8 3AS

Tube: Bethnal Green Underground Station

 

Dates: 13th May 2015

 

After writing, producing, recording and releasing her 2013 mixtape Drunken Babble in 48 hours, Kali Uchis caught the attention of the likes of Snoop Dogg, A$AP Rocky, Earl Sweatshirt and Tyler, The Creator. Following on from her breakout success of recent mixtape 'Por Vida', the 21 year old singer-songwriter, born and raised in Colombia, performs an intimate show at east London's The Victoria, with a capacity of only 150, ahead of her appearance at this year's Great Escape Festival in Brighton. "In her most recent music, Uchis whips up soul, hip-hop, and Spanish pop" said Vogue magazine in January 2015 admiring her "no-holds-barred approach to songwriting".

 
 
 

Museums at Night

See up to 70 London museums after all the visitors have gone home.

 

Dates: 25th - 27th October 2018

 

Around 70 London venues typically take part in this after-hours event which opens up our landmark museums for a weekend of special, exclusive viewings and events, promises to be equally popular. If you think the idea of spending the night in a dusty old museum sounds a bit dull then Museums at Night, will make you think again. Previous participants have enjoyed sunset hovercraft rides, live action cluedo, toy sleepovers and tunnel tours by lantern-light. Leading London institutions like the RAF Museum, Museum of London, Apsley House, William Morris Gallery, British Postal Museum, London Transport Museum, Benjamin Franklin House, and even The Supreme Court have all previously taken part so you can expect museums, galleries and heritage sites like these to be involved again this year.

 
 
 

Scotch & Soda

A cocktail of physical feats and jazz beats.

Underbelly Festival, Jubilee Gardens, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX

Tube: Waterloo Station , Embankment Underground Station

 

Dates: 14th May - 02nd August 2015

 

A cocktail of physical feats and jazz beats performed by daredevil acrobats and mesmerizing musicians, Scotch & Soda comes to the London Wonderground as the headline show for 2015, following in the footsteps of hugely successful London runs of Limbo and Cantina. A brand new circus extravaganza presenting cabaret-style circus performance, dance and music, with live music from The Crusty Suitcase Band.

 
 
 

The Maccabees

The band break their three year silence releasing the first taste of their fourth album.

O2 Academy Brixton, 211 Stockwell Road, London, SW9 9SL

Tube: Brixton Station

 

Dates: 21st - 23rd January 2016

 

The London-based five-piece indie-rockers The Maccabees play four intimate UK shows in the week that they break their three year silence releasing the first taste of their eagerly anticipated self-produced fourth album, the follow up to their Mercury Prize nominated album, 'Given To The Wild'. Playing live at London's Coronet on Thursday 14th May, the gig comes just three days after they release new single 'Marks To Prove It' on 11th May. "These new songs are a reminder of why we started the band," says one of the band's guitarists Hugo White.

 
 
 

Bend It Like Beckham

Gurinder Chadha's hit film scores a hit on the London stage.

Phoenix Theatre, Charing Cross Road, London, WC2H 0JP

Tube: Tottenham Court Road Station , Leicester Square Station, Covent Garden Station

 

Dates: 15th May - 05th March 2016

 

Twelve years after the box office success of Gurinder Chadha's hit film, Bend It Like Beckham comes to the London stage in a musical stage adaptation of the British comedy in which two teenage girls set out to make careers as professional footballers. The film's director and writer Gurinder Chadha returns for the stage adaptation with original music for the show, produced by Sonia Friedman, written by Howard Goodall, and lyrics by Charles Hart. The story of film that launched the career of Keira Knightley, is set in 2001 and this stage version, which opens at the Phoenix Theatre in May 2015, touches on themes of race, inclusiveness and "the very human warmth about who we are as a nation", Gurinder said in an interview with The Guardian.

 
 
 
 

Open Air Theatre

The magical Regent's Park Open Air Theatre opens with Peter Pan on 15th May 2015.

Open Air Theatre, Regent's Park, Inner Circle, Regent's Park, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4NR

Tube: Regent's Park Station

 

Dates: 16th May - 19th September 2020

 

A visit to the magical Regent's Park Open Air Theatre really is an essential part of spending summer in London, and this season's programme opens with Peter Pan with J.M. Barrie's original stage play launching the 2015 season on 15th May 2015. This will be followed by The Seagull (19th June until 11th July) and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (from 16th July to 29th August). Following sell-out performances in 2011, Timothy Sheader's production of William Golding's Lord of the Flies will then return to the Open Air Theatre from 3rd until 12th September to conclude the 2015 season, prior to a major UK tour.

 
 
 

London Burlesque Festival

The burlesque festival returns bigger and better than before.

Shaw Theatre, 100-110 Euston Road, Soho, London, NW1 2AJ

Tube: Euston Station , King's Cross Station

 

Dates: 27th April - 02nd June 2018

 

Madame JoJo's may have sadly closed but that doesn't mean burlesque is a dying art - for the London Burlesque Festival returns and is running for an extended period (increased from 11 to 17 days) in 2015, brought to you by the infamous King of Burlesque, Chaz Royal, the man behind the hilariously named 'Pavabotti - The Naked Tenor'. What was initially a weekend of glitz, vaudeville and sizzling striptease is now a whole two weeks of raucous exotic entertainment showcasing the very best in British burlesque and beyond. Taking place at more venues than last year - Dingwalls, The Grand Hall, Kings Cross, Fiddlers Elbow, Bush Hall and Conway Hall - the festival opens and closes with glittering ceremonies. Further highlights include the Best of British, with a display of the most talented and unique burlesque and variety acts from London and the rest of the UK; Hollywood Revive, an evening of star-studded glamour to play tribute to the greatest film stars from the silver screen; and Twisted Cabaret, the weird and wonderful scene of alternative cabaret. The festival also includes the Big Burlesque Day Out at Conway Hall, a day event including a vintage market, music and cocktails. If you crave suspenders, stockings, whips, lace, red lips, lascivious ladies, pert posteriors and a bit of a slap 'n' tickle then this is the event for your diary.

 
 
 

Alchemy

Zakir Hussain, Shreya Ghoshal and Meera Syal appear at the Southbank's festival of South Asian culture.

Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, South Bank, London, SE1 8XX

Tube: Waterloo Station , Embankment Underground Station

 

Dates: 19th - 29th May 2017

 

Back for its sixth year, Alchemy, a festival of South Asian culture has grown to become the largest festival of Indian and South Asian culture outside India. Covering comedy, theatre, dance and music, highlights of this year's festival include appearances from tabla musician Zakir Hussain, Bollywood singer Shreya Ghoshal, and Meera Syal who discusses her first novel in sixteen years, The House of Hidden Mothers. On the stage, Indian play, 'Nirbhaya', investigates gender-based violence following the tragic events of the 2012 Delhi bus rape while 'Synchronised' draws ticket-holders off-site to a pool-based production combining synchronised swimming, kathak dance, live music and song. The Jaipur Literature Festival, contemporary kathak dance projects and free interactive installation Pother Golpo - Street Stories of Bangladesh and Dil Phaink are all part of the colourful mix. There's street food inspired by the Alchemy countries in the Festival Village and the Southbank Centre Square by Kerb Market and children's show Arabian Nights (23rd and 24th May) tells the story of Ali Baba, Aladdin and a genie.

 
 
 

Channel 4's Comedy Gala

Michael McIntyre, Alan Carr, Jack Dee, Jason Byrne and Jonathan Ross make an A-list comedy cast.

The O2 Arena, Peninsula Square, London, SE10 0BB

Tube: North Greenwich Station

 

Dates: 06th May 2016

 

Returning for its sixth year, the Channel 4 Comedy Gala will once again be lighting up the stage at the O2 Arena in aid of Great Ormond St Hospital. A star studded comedy cast includes award-winning stand-up Michael McIntyre, Alan Carr, Jack Dee, Jason Byrne, Jonathan Ross, Jon Richardson, Josh Widdicombe, Aisling Bea, Katherine Ryan, Kevin Bridges, Paul Chowdhry, Rich Hall, Rob Beckett, Romesh Ranganathan, Sara Pascoe, Sean Lock, Seann Walsh, Shappi Khorsandi and Warwick Davis. With one great comedian rolling in after another, it will be a fight to see who can inflict the biggest stomach aching laugh of the night.

 
 
 

Pop Up Screens at Chelsea Old Town Hall

Scientists and comedians reveal the science behind Alien, Terminator 2 and Shaun of the Dead.

Chelsea Old Town Hall, Kings Road, London, SW3 5EE

Tube: South Kensington Station

 

Dates: 15th - 17th May 2015

 

On Friday 15th, Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th May, Pop Up Screens will be at Chelsea Old Town Hall where scientists and comedians discuss the science behind classic films like Alien, Apollo 13, Terminator 2, Shaun of the Dead and Good Will Hunting. Scientists including Adam Rutherford and Steve Mould and comedians like Richard Sandling and Bec Hill will chat before the film and they'll pause the action at certain points to explain the science stuff. With Helen Arney, one third of Festival of the Spoken Nerd, presenting and guests like Dallas Campbell - the go-to guy for science stuff who presents on the Gadget Show and Bang Goes the Theory - as well as live experiments this promises to be more fun than experimenting with a Bunsen burner.

 
 
 
 

J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan

J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan opens the 2015 Regent's Park Open Air Theatre season on 15th May 2015.

Open Air Theatre, Regent's Park, Inner Circle, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4NR

Tube: Regent's Park Station

 

Dates: 17th May - 15th June 2018

 

The re-discovered original play about the adventures of the boy who wouldn't grow up, written by J M Barrie and directed by Timothy Sheader and Liam Steel, opens the 2015 Regent's Park Open Air Theatre season on 15th May 2015. "I ran away the day I was born," Peter tells Wendy, "cause I heard Father and Mother talking of what I was to be when I became a man. I want always to be a little boy and to have fun". Faced with the reality that all children - except one - grow up, the Darling children let imagination take them to Never Land. Recommended for ages 9 and above, not suitable for children below 4.

 
 
 

London Rugby Sevens

A quicker and higher-scoring two-day rugby tournament.

Twickenham Stadium, Rugby Road, Twickenham, London, TW1 1DZ

Tube: Hounslow East Station

 

Dates: 16th - 17th May 2015

 

Head down to the home of English rugby this May as Twickenham opens its doors to some of the world's finest rugby talent from 16 international teams for the London Sevens. The two-day tournament is a great chance to experience a sport whose popularity is growing fast. Sevens is quicker and higher-scoring than Union or League rugby (think Twenty20 cricket) and the rules are far simpler, which explains part of its appeal. It also gives players the space for superb feats of individual skill, with the athletic Samoan, Fijian and New Zealand teams particularly prone to spectacular showboating. There are plenty of well-timed breaks so you can hit the bar for some liquid refreshment and soak up some of the extra entertainment. It's also much cheaper than the 15-a-side version, which is always a bonus, and there's a distinctive carnival atmosphere to these events with spectators often sporting a superb array of comedy fancy dress outfits.

 
 
 

Star Wars at Madame Tussauds

Waxwork models, walk-in sets and special effects faithfully reproduce the film's most memorable scenes.

Madame Tussauds, Marylebone Road, London, NW1 5LR

Tube: Baker Street Station , Regent's Park Station

 

Dates: 16th May - 31st December 2016

 

Let the force be with you - and lead you through the two-foor, multi-million pound Star Wars experience at Madame Tussauds which opens in London in May 2015. More than snapping a selfie with life-like wax figures, the Star Wars attraction has authentic walk-in sets, special effects and 11 separate sets which faithfully reproduce the film's most memorable scenes. You can imagine you're Luke Skywalker in Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back as you step into Yoda's swamp, and feel the fiery lava of Mustafar as Anakin turns to the dark side in Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith. Fans can come face-to-face with Stormtroopers, witness Luke Skywalker as he battles Darth Vader on the Death Star and join the captive Princess Leia and the evil Jabba the Hutt in his Throne Room. Hang out with Han Solo in the cantina before stepping onto the Millennium Falcon with Wookiee warrior, Chewbacca.

 
 
 

Power of Poison

Myths, magic and medical breakthroughs: what happens when humans take toxic substances?

The Old Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane, London, E1 6QL

Tube: Aldgate East Station

 

Dates: 16th May - 06th September 2015

 

Ever feel like slipping some arsenic into your partner's coffee? The strange and intriguing things that happen when humans take toxic substances are revealed in the Power of Poison, a family friendly exhibition which explores the mysterious effects of poison. An adaptation of an illuminating exhibition at The American Museum of Natural History, the Truman Brewery show uses interactive components, models, multimedia and live animals to explore the myths, magic and medical breakthroughs in the study of poison. Used throughout history for murder and villainy, in nature as a means of defence, and as a lifesaving medical treatment, the show reveals toxins as a source of mystery, fascinating tales and surprising benefits.

 
 
 

S Club 7: Bring It All Back

Jo, Rachel, Bradley, Jon, Paul, Tina and Hannah are bringing it all back for two nights in May.

The O2 Arena, Peninsula Square, London, SE10 0BB

Tube: North Greenwich Station

 

Dates: 16th - 17th May 2015

 

Following their appearance on BBC's Children In Need, Jo, Rachel, Bradley, Jon, Paul, Tina and Hannah, will be performing all their former hits live, once again with their first arena tour in more than ten years. S Club 7 were a huge hit the first time around - with four multi-platinum selling albums, two Brit awards, and nine number one hit singles, not to mention their own TV show. Now they're back and filling the O2 for two nights in May.

 
 
 
 

Art Deco Fair

The much-loved weekend fair returns to Eltham Palace.

Eltham Palace, Court Yard, off Court Road, London, SE9 5QE

Tube: Woolwich Station

 

Dates: 16th - 17th May 2015

 

If there's one place in London that merits an Art Deco Fair, it's Eltham Palace, one of London's secret wonders, a captivating blend of 1930s art deco decadence and classic medievalism. The much-loved weekend fair is held twice over the summer and gives visitors the chance to buy original 1930s objects - from furniture and collectables to hats, handbags and jewellery.

 
 
 

BMW LSO Open Air Classics: Shostakovich

A free, open air concert featuring works by the mid-century Russian master Dmitri Shostakovich.

Trafalgar Square, Central, London, WC2N 5DS

Tube: Charing Cross Station , Leicester Square Station, Embankment Underground Station, Piccadilly Circus Station

 

Dates: 17th May 2015

 

The London Symphony Orchestra once again presents a free, open-air concert in Trafalgar Square, the fourth annual concert in the popular BMW LSO Open Air Classics series. The concert led by Principal Conductor Valery Gergiev will this year feature works by the mid-century Russian master Dmitri Shostakovich with young violinist Nicola Benedetti performing movements from the Violin Concerto No 1, a tour-de-force of instrumental technique. Completing this all-Shostakovich programme will be rousing brass fanfare Festive Overture, followed by his bold and dramatic first symphony, completed when the composer was only 19-years old.

 
 
 

RAW Artisan Wine Fair

Natural, organic and biodynamic wines to quaff.

The Old Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane, Spitalfields, London, E1 6QL

Tube: Aldgate East Station

 

Dates: 15th - 16th May 2016

 

With the promise of healthy wine - well, healthier - the RAW Artisan Wine Fair at the Old Truman Brewery is an independent event that celebrates high quality, pure wine. Organised by Isabelle Legeron, the two-day independent event invites more than 150 growers to showcase their wines, many of which feature on the lists of the world's best restaurants, so that wine lovers, connoisseurs and curious beginners can try these exceptional wines. There will be growers from Australia, Chile, France, Italy, Switzerland and many more showcasing natural, organic and biodynamic blends. There will also be talks by industry experts and plenty of artisan food to feast on.

 
 
 

An Audience With UrbanExplorer

A great introduction to technology, careers and creative pursuits for 8 to 12 year olds.

Royal Institution of Great Britain, 21 Albemarle Street, London, W1S 4BS

Tube: Green Park Station

 

Dates: 17th May 2015

 

A TED inspired talk event for kids, An Audience With UrbanExplorer is a mini-conference that aims to empower, inspire and motivate children and parents alike. Taking place at the Royal Institution in Mayfair, it will introduce children aged 8 to 12 to technology, interesting careers and creative pursuits with talks from inventors, innovators and people who do what they love, and love what they do. Speakers include author and illustrator Alex T Smith, extreme climber Andy Kirkpatrick, engineer and inventor Joachim Horn, and songwriter and musician Beatie Wolfe. There will also be a small exhibition that brings together a group of technology start-ups who will introduce and demonstrate their inventions.

 
 
 

Clerkenwell Design Week

Three-day festival celebrating the creativity and technology in design.

Museum of the Order of St John, St. Johns Gate, 26 St. John's Lane, Clerkenwell, Clerkenwell, London, EC1M 4DA

Tube: Farringdon Station , Barbican Station

 

Dates: 21st - 23rd May 2019

 

Taking place at some of the more unusual locations in Clerkenwell - The Farmiloe Building, and the Priory of the Order of St John - Clerkenwell Design Week is a three-day festival celebrating the creativity, social relevance and advancements in technology behind design. Now in its sixth year, the festival expands within the existing four focused exhibitions. The Design Factory is where you'll find present high-profile brands, the Farmiloe Building is dedicated to lighting, and Platform showcases the work of talented, up-and-coming designers in the subterranean Victorian prison at the House of Detention. Additions, new to the festival in 2014, once again takes over the Crypt on the Green at St. James Church. With new design pieces, commissioned projects, street spectacles and pop-up workshops as well as high profile speakers - including Ron Arad, Arik Levy and Sir Peter Cook in 2014 - this really is a must-visit event for architects, designers and anyone interested in design.

 
 
 
 

RHS Chelsea Flower Show

Wonderful showcase of blooms and celebrities.

Royal Hospital Chelsea, Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea, London, SW3 4SR

Tube: Sloane Square Station

 

Dates: 19th - 23rd May 2015

 

Held in the grounds of the Chelsea Royal Hospital since 1913, the Chelsea Flower Show, is the finest of the Royal Horticultural Society shows. Regarded as a highpoint of the London summer season, the Chelsea Flower Show is a wonderful showcase of blooms and celebrities - even the Queen attends. Particularly spectacular are the gardens created by eight hundred of the greatest exponents of imaginative garden design, who spend nearly a month creating a horticultural wonderland over the 11-acre site. This beautiful and inspiring show is a real treat, even for non-gardeners.

 
 
 

The Elephant Man

Bradley Cooper reprises his role as Joseph Merrick.

Theatre Royal Haymarket, 18 Suffolk Street, Haymarket, London, SW1Y 4HT

Tube: Piccadilly Circus Station , Leicester Square Station, Charing Cross Station

 

Dates: 19th May - 08th August 2015

 

Bradley Cooper reprised his 2012 role of Joseph Merrick in Bernard Pomerance's Tony Award-winning The Elephant Man last year on Broadway, which is still enjoying a record-breaking run, and now the play is set to transfer to the West End. Staged at the Theatre Royal Haymarket for a limited 12-week run, the production sees the three-time Oscar-nominated actor perform alongside Patricia Clarkson as Mrs Kendal and Alessandro Nivola as Dr Treves. Adhering to Pomerance's original portrayal, Cooper will not wear prosthetic makeup for the performance and instead distorts his body and face to allow the audience to imagine Merrick's appearance.

 
 
 

Art15

180 galleries show works by well known artists like Yinka Shonibare and Ai WeiWei under one roof.

Olympia Exhibition Centre, Hammersmith Road, London, W14 8UX

Tube: Kensington (Olympia) Station

 

Dates: 21st - 23rd May 2015

 

For the third edition of Art15 the global art fair at Olympia gets a new director. Kate Bryan, previously Director of Contemporary Art at The Fine Art Society, London's oldest dealership based on New Bond Street, steps into the shoes of Stephanie Dieckvoss as the fair's director. But the fair continues as it set out, as a showcase for art's emerging markets with contemporary works in a variety of media by international artists including Yinka Shonibare, Ai WeiWei, Leah Capaldi, Lothar Gotz and Liliane Lijn. Expect around 180 galleries represented from as many as 38 different countries at a fair "designed to appeal to the collector who wants to add something new and different and a little high-risk to his or her portfolio" (Wallpaper).

 
 
 

Ninagawa Company: Hamlet

Battle Royale actor Tatsuya Fujiwara stars in this adaptation of Hamlet.

Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS

Tube: Barbican Station , Moorgate Station

 

Dates: 21st - 24th May 2015

 

As well as the highly anticipated production starring Benedict Cumberbatch later in the year, the Barbican is also staging a Ninagawa Company production of Hamlet in 2015. As part of a celebration of Ninagawa's eightieth birthday, the new version of Shakespeare's classic stars popular Japanese actor Tatsuya Fujiwara, best known for his roles in the Battle Royale films, in the title role. Fujiwara became the youngest Hamlet in Japanese theatrical history in 2003, aged just 21.

 
 
 

Temple

Simon Russell Beale plays the Dean of St Paul's in Steve Waters' new play.

The Donmar Warehouse, 41 Earlham Street, Seven Dials, London, WC2H 9LD

Tube: Covent Garden Station , Leicester Square Station, Tottenham Court Road Station

 

Dates: 21st May - 25th July 2015

 

Steve Waters' new play, Temple, takes audiences to the heart of 2011's Occupy London crisis at St Paul's Cathedral. The fictional account of the events will focus on the Dean of St Paul's, with Simon Russell Beale playing the Dean, and how the cathedral, which had remained open through the Blitz, flood warnings and terrorist threats, had to close its doors. Howard Davies directs the piece.

 
 
 
 

Photo London

Major photography fair featuring close to 70 leading international galleries and 4 exhibitions at Somerset House.

Somerset House, Strand, Covent Garden, London, WC2R 1LA

Tube: Temple Station

 

Dates: 14th - 17th May 2020

 

Somerset House hosts the first edition of Photo London from 21st to 24th May - a major photography fair featuring nearly 70 leading international galleries with an emphasis on emerging talent and new work by established names. The inaugural edition of London's new international photography fair combines a commercial art fair with a series of talks, exhibitions, screenings and events. Photo London has also commissioned four exhibitions at Somerset House to open at the same time as the fair. These include 'Beneath the Surface', some 200 rarely-shown photographic works from the Victoria and Albert Museum's Photographs Collection; previously unseen large-format platinum prints from Sebastiao Salgado's Genesis series; Iranian photographer Kaveh Golestan's Prostitute series; and The Teaser, a public lightbox installation to be shown in the courtyard.

 
 
 

Foodies Festival Syon Park

Meet famous chefs, see live demonstrations and sample food from London's top restaurants.

Syon Park, Road, Brentford, London, TW8 8JF

Tube: Richmond Station

 

Dates: 23rd - 25th May 2020

 

This spring Bank Holiday weekend meet Michelin star chefs, see live demonstrations and sample food from London's top restaurants at the Foodies Festival, taking place at Syon Park for the first time. Cooking is made to look easy thanks to demos from top chefs like Aldo Zilli who hosts the Chef Theatre for the weekend. The Bluebird's Matt Robinson, Michael Weiss from Quiglanos, Jamie Thickett at Opera Taven, The Wright Brothers' Richard Kirkwood and Stovell's chef patron Fernando Stovell will also be putting in an appearance. And if the mere thought of all that makes you hungry then you can head to the restaurant tents where you can sample signature dishes from well known restaurants and local eateries. Children can learn to cook, there's a special cake and bake theatre, a BBQ arena as well as a live music stage, all of which help to make a very convivial atmosphere in which to sample some of the city's best food and drink.

Foodies Festival in London - 2015 dates:
The festival will take place at Syon Park over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend from Saturday 23rd to Monday 25th May, Alexandra Palace from Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th July and Clapham Common from Friday 24th to Sunday 26th July 2015.

 
 
 

Just Jim Dale

A whistle-stop tour through the actor's career, laden with showbusiness anecdotes.

Vaudeville Theatre, 404 Strand, London, WC2R 0NH

Tube: Covent Garden Station , Charing Cross Station, Embankment Underground Station, Leicester Square Station

 

Dates: 26th May - 20th June 2015

 

In his "light-footed and lovable new solo show" (The New York Times) the Tony and Grammy award-winning singer, dancer, comedian and Shakespearean actor takes us on a whistle-stop tour through his career laden with showbusiness anecdotes, songs and excerpts from his work. At 78, the raconteur and star of 11 Carry On films has racked up numerous wins on stage. In Just Jim Dale he performs some of the big numbers from the West End and Broadway shows he starred in - including 'Barnum' and 'Me and My Girl' - but the focus is on his early career when he performed as a teenage comic on the music hall circuit, and later, in the 1960s, toured the same circuit as a pop singer. The Oscar-nominated title song he wrote for the 1966 movie 'Georgy Girl' is among the numbers he performs here at the Vaudeville Theatre.

 
 
 

Beta Testing: Circus Geeks

Juggling, TED talks and The Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy via PowerPoint presentation.

Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX

Tube: Waterloo Station , Embankment Underground Station

 

Dates: 27th May - 21st June 2015

 

Join the cast of 3 as they trawl through the internet archives to find the most absurd bits to share with you in a hotchpotch remix of juggling subculture and influences such as TED talks and The Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy. Jon, Matt and Arron, aka the Circus Geeks, present Beta Testing as part of the Udderbelly Festival - with juggling demonstrations presented via PowerPoint with some history, science and projection tricks thrown in.

 
 
 

Fleetwood Mac: On With The Show Tour

Christine McVie returns after a sixteen-year hiatus.

The O2 Arena, Peninsula Square, London, SE10 0BB

Tube: North Greenwich Station

 

Dates: 27th May - 27th June 2015

 

The iconic, British-American band Fleetwood Mac return for a nationwide tour, welcoming back former member, singer-songwriter, Christine McVie, after a sixteen-year hiatus. Following a record sell out tour in 2013, which marked 35 years since the release of their classic album 'Rumours', the band is back playing at London's O2 Arena for two nights this May. This much anticipated tour will see the songstress joined by original members Mick Fleetwood and John McVie as well as guitarist Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks, who both joined in 1975. This will be a rare chance for fans of the veteran group to enjoy live renditions of their classic blues influenced rock. Audiences can expect to enjoy both old favourites and new work from the quintet, reunited at last.

 
 
 
 

Ninagawa Company: Kafka on the Shore

Japanese Academy Award-winning star Rie Miyazawa stars in this production.

Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS

Tube: Barbican Station , Moorgate Station

 

Dates: 28th - 30th May 2015

 

The second Ninagawa Company production to be staged at the Barbican this May, this theatrical adaptation of Haruki Murakami's Kafka on the Shore stars the Japanese Academy Award-winning star of The Twilight Samurai, Rie Miyazawa. A mind-bending novel by one of Japan's most widely read and highly regarded authors, Kafka on the Shore comprises of two distinct but unrelated plots, running back and forth between the two. One follows 15-year-old Kafka and his story of running away from his family while the other tells the story of Nakata, whose hunt for a lost cat takes him on the road for the first time in his life.

 
 
 

The London International Antiquarian Book Fair

The oldest fair dealing in classic books in the world.

Olympia Exhibition Centre, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, London, W14 8UX

Tube: Kensington (Olympia) Station

 

Dates: 28th - 30th May 2015

 

At 59 years of age, The London International Antiquarian Book Fair (LIABF) is almost as old as some of the classic tomes on display. Held at Olympia, the LIABF is the oldest such book fair in the world, attracting exhibitors from North America, Canada, Australia, Europe you name it. The fair will be brimming with printed works dating from the 15th to the 21st centuries including manuscripts, prints, ephemera, photographs, maps and atlases from all ages and from all corners of the globe. But you don't have to be a collector to enjoy all that's on offer, the LIABF is ideal for any book lover with a curious eye and an interest in history. Who knows, you might even find the perfect present for a friend or loved one (remember, Father's Day is just around the corner...). Tickets are free if you register in advance, if not you'll have to pay ten pounds on the door. Take time out between browsing the ancient books, maps and manuscripts with a drink or bite from the downstairs cafe. There's even a bar selling alcoholic drinks just in case you need some Dutch courage before making an indulgent purchase.

 
 
 

ITU World Triathlon London

Hyde Park has firmly established as the venue for one of the world's most iconic triathlons.

Hyde Park, Rangers Lodge, Hyde Park, London, W2 2UH

Tube: Knightsbridge Station

 

Dates: 30th - 31st May 2015

 

Following the overwhelming success of the 2012 Olympics and a spectacular ITU World Triathlon Series grand final, hosted here in September last year, London's Hyde Park has firmly established as the venue for one of the world's most iconic triathlons. The event returns on the last weekend of May 2015, bringing together triathletes of all levels, from future stars to Olympic medallists to weekend warriors. The course is more or less identical to the one used during London 2012, setting the scene perfectly for a dramatic showdown between 2012 medallists the Brownlee brothers, who will be joined by 5,000 of the world's top triathletes (from varying age-groups) over six days of action in and around the Serpentine Boating Lake, culminating in the elite women's and men's races. Many thousands of spectators are expected to watch the superstars of the London 2012 Olympic Games and 2013 World Championships return to the UK's home of triathlon.

 
 
 

Graduate Fashion Week

A showcase for over 1,000 fashion graduates from across the UK.

The Old Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane, London, E1 6QL

Tube: Aldgate East Station

 

Dates: 30th May - 02nd June 2015

 

Find out who will be the next Stella McCartney at Graduate Fashion Week, a hotbed of talent and showcase for over 1,000 fashion graduates from across the UK and around the world. Twenty-two catwalk shows take place across four days at the Old Truman Brewery, with more than 60 universities taking part including pioneering fashion university London College of Fashion for the first time in seven years. The week of pop-up shows, live photo shoots and interactive talks culminates with a grand finale on Tuesday 2nd June when the Best of Graduate Fashion Week Show and Graduate Fashion Week Awards Show take place.

 
 
 

FA Cup Final

The two teams aim to claim the last major trophy of the English season.

Wembley Stadium, Empire Way, Wembley, London, HA9 0WS

Tube: Wembley Park Station

 

Dates: 19th May 2018

 

The most famous cup competition in world football reaches its finale at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 30th May 2015 as the two sides who have battled through to the FA Cup Final go all out to claim the last major trophy of the English season. Last year's final was one of the most dramatic the new Wembley has witnessed when Hull City, in their first ever FA Cup Final, raced into a 2-0 lead only to be pegged by Arsenal who went on to win the game in extra-time courtesy of Aaron Ramsey's goal. This year's semi-finals, played on 18th April when FA Cup holders Arsenal play Reading and on 19th April when Aston Villa will face Liverpool, reveal the final two teams who will play on FA Cup Final day.

 
 
 

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