May is finally here and with it comes Bank Holidays galore! If you haven't yet figured out what to do with all the free time you have, then we've compiled a list of 10 brilliant things we personally can't wait to do in London this May - and hopefully it will give you food for thought, too.
From foodie festivals to grizzly painting exhibits, here's our list of the 10 best things to do in London this month.
1. Be shocked by this Walter Sickert Exhibition
Was Walter Sickert Jack The Ripper? Probably not, but his paintings and his life were seemingly fixated on the macabre as this exhibition showcases. There is something profoundly disturbing (and fascinating) about the painter, and his paintings, and this is the first big retrospective of his work at the Tate for some 60 years.
2. Channel Lara, with the Tomb Raider Live Experience
Lara Croft is one of the most iconic videogame characters of all time, and now you can walk in her footsteps thanks to the Tomb Raider live experience. It blends escape room style puzzles with challenges straight from the Tomb Raider games. Throw in a good dollop of physical activities, such as a zipwire and assault course, and this one is a lot of fun.
3. Get some Action! at The Herne Hill Free Film Festival
The Herne Hill Free Film Festival does exactly what it says on the tin, offering up a whole host of free movies to watch throughout May. The line-up includes a showing of the original Tron at the Herne Hill Velodrome, a screening of Another Round at the Canopy taproom and a short film night as well.
4. Head to this Jaws-dropping 'Best of John Williams' concert
The Southbank is celebrating everyone’s favourite film composer John Williams, with a night dedicated to his music. The London Concert Orchestra will be playing his iconic theme tunes - from Harry Potter to Star Wars - on Saturday 7 May and tickets are still available.
5. Dance the day away at Wide Awake Festival
If big beats are what you are crying out for, then Brockwell Park is where you need to be in May. It’s hosting the Wide Awake Festival on Friday 28th and Saturday 28th, where the likes of Bicep, Caribou and Floating Points are playing. Oh, and Primal Scream are headlining and playing Screamadelica in full for the first time in a decade!
6. Get the beers in at Brew LDN
Brew LDN is back 6th/7th May, showcasing some of the best brewers in the UK and beyond. With over 100 brewers involved, some cracking food and music this should be a fantastic weekend of beer-based fun. Tickets are also still available for some of the evening ‘after party’ events.
Fourpure will be putting on an afterpartyat their brewery on Beer Mile, Saturday 7. This will include:
- A range of complimentary craft beers on tap
- Live Music from Sofar sounds
- Street Food from Cally Munchy (Afro-Fusion)
- Table tennis
In addition to the above, you will be among the first to sample Fourpure’s brand-new beer, 40 Day Lager. This is the first beer in the new Fourpure Bermondsey Batch Series and is inspired by the beer served in Bavarian beer halls.
Fourpure’s afterparty starts from 4pm – 10pm. Location: 25 Rotherhithe New Rd, London SE16 3LL
7. Talk the talk at TedX Soho
World renowned TedX is heading to Soho 30th May, with 16 influential speakers all ready to impart their words of wisdom. The line-up includes actor Michael Sheen (via video), singer-songwriter Tom Odell and art historian Aindrea Emelife. Taking place in the Cambridge Theatre, Soho, this all-day event that is certain to expand your mind.
8. Get captured in the moment at Photo London 2022
Photo London is back at Somerset House and has brought together some of the world's leading galleries for this major international photography Fair at Somerset House. This four-day event is packed with inspiring photography, with exclusive exhibitions from the likes of Nick Knight and Frank Horvat, as well as numerous photography workshops.
9. Join celeb chefs at Pub In the Park
Despite the name, Pub In The Park is more of a culinary feast for the senses than a boozy knees up. Created by chef Tom Kerridge, a whole host of chefs will be there showing off their food, alongside live music from the likes of Craig David, Supergrass and Kaiser Chiefs. While the event is popping up all over the country, it will be in London on Wimbledon Common 27-29 May.
10. Head to Rooftop Film Club for Deaf Awareness Week
This is a great initiative from Peckham’s Rooftop Film Club. With the idea of making cinema accessible for all and raising awareness of hearing loss, a whole host of its screenings will take place in May with open captions and there will be people trained in British Sign Language on site to sign throughout. The first film to get the treatment is the brilliant Belfast.