May has finally arrived, and with it comes warmer weather and longer, sunnier days – the greatest combination for those looking to explore the capital.
From taking in all of the beauty during Belgravia in Bloom, to immersing yourself in Sicily’s fantastic culture at SicilyFEST, there is plenty to do in the capital this month.
So, what are you waiting for? Show some love for London and the amazing places that make up the city, by reading our ‘What’s On’ guide below:
The renowned and historic RMS Chelsea Flower Show will be taking place this month, between the 21st and 25th May, showcasing spectacular floral displays and gorgeous garden designs, as well as some very exclusive shopping. Pay a visit to The great Pavilion to see a plethora of fantastic floral displays exhibited by some of the nations best, get some house plant inspiration in Ranelagh Gardens, and to finish, take a walk around the spectacular Show Gardens.
Belgravia in Bloom is returning this month, a spectacular annual event which will see the streets of Belgravia flood with show stopping floral displays. Taking place from the 20th to 27th May under the theme of Floral Fun and Games, explore the idyllic neighbourhood, including our very own display before taking a seat in our Garden Terrace, where we will be offering a Floral Fortune cocktail, flavoured with gin, Midori and St Germain, and decorated with edible flowers.
Discover a world of modern and contemporary photography in V&A’s latest exhibition, Fragile Beauty: Photographs from Sir Elton John and David Furnish Collection. In partnership with renowned fashion house Gucci, the exhibition uncovers a rare selection of print on loan from the musician and filmmaker, exploring the connection between vulnerability and strength, across the subjects of celebrity, fashion, reportage and the male body.
Find tranquillity and inner peace thanks to the Chelsea Physic Garden, a beautiful three and a half acre botanical garden full of herbs, rare plants and picturesque glass houses. Founded to grow medicinal plants by the worshipful Society of Apothecaries in 1673, making it the second oldest of its kind, the gardens are also home to one of the oldest rock gardens and the largest outdoor olive tree in the United Kingdom. After you’ve finished exploring, why not pay a visit to the café for a delicious afternoon tea.
Calling all wine enthusiasts, Laithwaites Wine Festival is back with a bang this year, bringing together passionate wine makers and wine lovers! Taking place on the 17th and 18th May in Olympia, a ticket will give you access to over 350 wines from 100 winemakers, ensuring that you have plenty to taste. What’s more, the festival will also host a selection of spirits, beers and artistical foods, plus an extra upgrade option to include a visit to The Fine Wine Room.
Shakespeare’s most famous tragedy, Romeo & Juliet, is returning to the stage, this time at The Duke of York’s Theatre in The West End, for a time limited adaptation that will see Tom Holland and Francesca Amewudah-Rivers take the leading roles. Directed by the renowned Jamie Lloyd, the play will likely take on a contemporary and minimalistic setting, whilst keeping true to the immortal tale of lovers, fighters, wordsmiths and rhymers.
Enjoy a slice of Sicilian paradise between the 2nd and 5th May, thanks to Italian pop-up festival SicilyFEST. Hosted in the Business Design Centre, the festival will celebrate all things Sicily, taking a deep dive into the Island’s vibrant culture by way of a traditional market. Simply think: delicious cannoli and arancini, refreshing aperitifs, amazing live performances and much, much more. You won’t want to miss this!
Having taken place every year since 1983, the IWA Canalway Cavalcade in Little Venice is an event to be enjoyed by the whole family. The free festival takes place across the first May Bank Holiday, with this years theme being Fund Britain’s Waterways. Head down to the water and immerse yourself in its vibrant community, full of live eclectic music, unique stalls selling colourful artwork and plenty of delicious delicious treats for all attendees.
The nation’s favourite bear will be visiting the capital this May, in a multi-room, immersive experience that will take the little ones on a journey around Paddington’s world. The Paddington Bear Experience will feature legendary stories, intertwined with games that will ultimately help Paddington and The Brown family prepare for The Marmalade Day Festival, where there will be plenty of dancing, fairground games and delicious food!
Based on the play by John Van Druten, the Olivier Award winning production of Cabaret will be showing in London’s Playhouse Theatre, which has been transformed to portray the world famous KitKat Club in Berlin. With model and actress Cara Delevingne taking on the female lead of Sally Bowles, expect to see nothing short of spectacular when you descend into a completely different and unknown world.
British luxury brand, Anya Hindmarch, have opened their newest concept store on Pont Street, this time focused around the idea of a beachside souvenir store. Anya’s Summer Shop, which celebrates the warm months of British summertime, is full to the brim with pieces from their summer and resort wear collections, as well as cheerful souvenirs such as retro fridge magnets, postcards, and much, much more.
