It’s finally that time of year again when summery activities start to re-kindle and London starts to tingle with a certain kind of solar powered energy and life. Bicycling around the capital becomes a whole lot more enjoyable and the smiles on everyone’s faces exemplify the relief that winter is over once and for all.
In celebration of the return of summer here are some of the events we’re most looking forward to this Maytime.
Chelsea Flower Show - 19 May 2015 to 23 May 2015
London’s horticultural equivalent of Paris Fashion Week returns to the capital as colourful and sweet-smelling as ever. A London institution this event has been running since 1913 and is still the world’s most famous flower show. There are show gardens, flower displays and gardening tips galore, making this an inspiring quintessential London experience.
Open Air Theatre in Regents Park – starting 15th May
Every year hordes of optimistic theatre lovers head to Regent’s Park open air theatre hoping to outwit London’s capricious weather and enjoy a rain-free night of theatre under the stars. This year it opens with Peter Pan on 15th May, a perfect show for all ages. Other productions on offer this season are The Seagull, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and a special screening of Some Like It Hot, the classic comedy starring Marilyn Monroe.
Music Festivals in May
Every year London hosts a plethora of music festivals. The best ones this May are Hear No Evil, which offers craft beer, comedy and music from new and established bands at London Fields Brewery, Camden Rocks (30th May) with loads of bands, including Funeral for a Friend and Ginger Wildheart, playing in venues throughout Camden and We are FSTVL (30th May), with a line up including Carl Cox, Hot since 82 and Loco Dice.
Cinema under the stars
Rooftop film club at the Bussey Building returns with a stellar line up old school films such as Dirty Dancing, Life is Beautiful, The Breakfast Club and The Goonies to name but a few. There are also venues in Kensington, Shoreditch and Stratford. Or for a more risqué cinema experience you should try out Hot Tub Cinema!
Open air eating
Street Feast London is back in Dalston yard with a host of new and delicious traders and even a Gin store. Their South London equivalent at Lewisham Model Market also returns. Read more here.
London Wonderground - Opening 7th may
London's Southbank gets a whole lot more interesting when London Wonderground opens up again. This Coney Island-style amusement ground has fair rides, cabaret, comedy, fringe theatre and more. Even if you don’t catch a show it’s worth wandering through the colourful and creative outdoor space offering spontaneous theatre and numerous bars open-air bars.
Dulwich Festival – 8th to 17th may
For a more literary and arty festival scene you should check out Dulwich Festival . Historian David Starkey will be giving a talk on the Magna Carta and local bands will be providing the musical entertainment. There will also be beer tents, bouncy castles, cakes, theatre and more!