This month has TWO bank holidays, which is reason enough to celebrate — and what better way to do it than to take your pick from the best events happening in the best city in the world?
We have everything from quintessentially British flower shows, fêtes and puppet festivals to neon-painted naked models and Comic Con, so you’ll be struggling to claim there’s nothing you fancy.
The Canalway Cavalcade
A celebration of the nautical communities of London, this event is a great way to spend a British bank holiday by the water. Taking place along the Grand Union Canal, there will be 130 floating homes moored up in their decorative best for the pageant. As well as making for a very picturesque stroll, there will be some traditional entertainment along the way including Morris dancing, real ales, trade stalls, live music and entertainment for kids.
Mile End Vintage Furniture & Flea
The East London Vintage Furniture & Flea features 80+ stalls of mid century furniture, vintage homewares, retro fashion & accessories, flea and Y2K stalls mixed in with creators selling their wardrobes, and vintage sellers from all over the UK.
Enjoy live blues, soul & grooves from the Camden Blues Kitchen’s house band, including classics from the likes of Aretha Franklin, James Brown, The Rolling Stones & more, with cocktails for just £6.00 every Wednesday night. A modern twist on the traditional British fete, this free event celebrates art, design, music and craftsmanship with creative workshops and stalls. DJ Bradley Zero and guests will be on the decks, plus there’s a range of international street food. Make the most of the lazy Sunday afternoons with free jazz sessions in the sunshine in Bermondsey Square. Seating is provided and food and drinks can be purchased from local restaurants and coffee bars. Prepare to have your mind blown at the Kensington Dollshouse Festival. See hand-made needlepoint cusions smaller than a thimble, fingernail-sized crystal chandeliers that actually light up, intricately inlaid tables and teeny tiny handbags. The biggest pop-culture event in the UK, MCM Comic Con is back and bigger than ever — gathering cosplayers, film geeks and graphic novel enthusiasts together under one roof. There will be special guests, a chance to don your favourite costume or try the latest games, experience Asian food, manga and anime and meet your top authors and illustrators. Head over to our Events section for all the other good things happening this month! Covent Garden May Fayre and Puppet Festival
See London’s oldest wooden puppet show with Punch, Judy and all their friends. There will be an accompanying brass band procession, workshops, clowns, folk music and refreshments. Photo London
Indulge yourself in your passion (if your passion happens to be photography that is) with this jam-packed weekend celebrating all things caught-on-camera. There will be book signings, special installations, a fair of 80 of the world’s top galleries and three major exhibits. Weekend tickets offer the best value for money, but day tickets are also available.Advance sales: £35.00 Advance sales: £24.00 Soul Sacrifice & £6 Cocktails
Urban Village Fete
Free Jazz Sundays in Bermondsey Square
Kensington Dollshouse Festival
Neon Naked Life Drawing
Life drawing with a difference; the emphasis is on creativity, not a technically accurate portrait, so grab those neon pens or psychedelic pastels and let loose. Advance sales: £15.00 At the door: £15.00 RHS Chelsea Flower Show
Everyone’s favourite flower show of the year, this iconic British institution is back with more incredible garden creations to make your green fingers twitch. Hours have been extended into the evening, so you can enjoy the views as the sun sets. The Chelsea Late Event on Friday is aimed at encouraging younger guests to attend and there will be live music, artisan food stalls and wandering artists for a creative garden party vibe.Advance sales: £92.85 MCM Comic Con
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