THINGS TO DO IN
LONDON IN MAY
SEARCHING FOR THE BEST
EVENTS IN LONDON?
1. Try on the notorious Sicilian lifestyle at SicilyFEST
Indulge in the irresistible charm of Sicilian culture at a four-day weekend festival bringing the slice of Sicily to the Business Design Centre in Islington, London. Learn all things Sicily by wandering the stalls filled with local produce, wine and traditional dishes. Taste test arancini, cannoli, pistachio filled delicacies and pasta alla Norma, master the art of Italian cuisine by attending masterclasses by the finest Sicilian chefs and learn about the terroir of Sicilian wines with iconic producers like Cantine Russo, Rio Favara, Pietradolce, Cantine Fina and Dei Pincipi di Spadafora. Soak up the atmosphere filled with live music echoing the island's lively spirit, and have a (literal) taste of Sicily all while in London, which will surely make you run to book a trip to Palermo ASAP!
2nd – 5th May 2024
2. Transport yourself to (Little) Venice for a day with the IWA Canalway Cavalcade
2. Transport yourself to (Little) Venice for a day with the IWA Canalway Cavalcade
Experience a delightful day out with your family this early May Bank Holiday. The canals of Little Venice are getting decked out for a yearly celebration of London’s waterways. Immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere, adorned with an array of over 100 colourful boats and diverse stalls, complemented by a charming Ale bar and delectable culinary offerings. Featuring diverse live music, captivating boating events such as the renowned Illuminated procession (9pm Sunday), and engaging entertainment tailored for children of all ages.
4th - 6th May 2024
3. Open the music festival season with these upcoming events in May
3. Open the music festival season with these upcoming events in May
Embrace the vibrant festival season in London as music enthusiasts gather for a variety of events, so you are sure to find a festival that suits you. From City Splash (27th May) playing a groovy mix of afrobeats and reggae to celebrate Caribbean and African culture, GALA festival (24th - 26th May) showcasing the best electronic beats or Cross the Tracks festival (26th May) playing an enticing soul, funk and jazz, it's an unmissable opportunity to experience the electrifying atmosphere and diverse soundscape of London's festival scene.
4. Wine Festival
4. Wine Festival
While the weather may not be permitting for rose on a terrace season just yet, don’t let it stop you from enjoying a tipple (or two) at Laithwaites Wine Festival. Brought to you by The Sunday Times Wine Club and Laithwaites, the festival showcases more than 350 wines from over 100 different wine producers, all for you to taste. Take it one step further and get a wine tasting by the best industry experts guiding you through the festival’s rich offerings. Obviously, no wine festival is complete without artisanal goods to pick on like cheese, so expect an abundance of food stalls from local suppliers.
17th - 18th May 2024, Olympia, Kensington, London
5. Chelsea Flower Show
5. Chelsea Flower Show
It’s that time of the year when the flower show so many people eagerly await is finally back! The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is an opulent affair fit for the utmost chic outing where you can explore the latest trends in flower and garden design from world renowned designers, spot some celebrities and royalty, and indulge in flower filled shopping. This year’s theme is sustainability, with a programme full of presentations and exhibits highlighting biodiversity and environmentalism.
If you are out of luck and couldn’t get a ticket for the show, indulge in a stroll around central London, including Chelsea, Knightsbridge and Mayfair, to admire the floral installations by a variety of brands and restaurants for Chelsea in Bloom art show.
21st - 25th May 2024
6. Eat and drink your way through London’s best restaurants and bars
6. Eat and drink your way through London’s best restaurants and bars
In May, London comes alive with a vibrant array of bars and restaurants offering new seasonal menus and terrace dining. Amidst this culinary hotspot, discover the charm of Bocconcino Mayfair's Bottomless Nights, where a sharing menu and bottomless prosecco are complemented by a DJ's tunes every Thursday night. Enjoy the laid-back ambience of outdoor dining at Bocconcino Soho, or delve into the hidden world of a speakeasy bar Sotto tucked beneath the city streets. With so much to explore, London promises unforgettable dining experiences against the backdrop of a blossoming springtime.
As May unfolds, London transforms into a hub of unmatched vibrancy, offering a collection of events that cater to the tastes of the most discerning visitors. Whether one is savouring the flavours of Sicily at SicilyFEST, basking in the charm of Little Venice, or indulging in the opulent surroundings of the Chelsea Flower Show, London promises a tapestry of memorable experiences. One should not miss the chance to enhance their dining experience at Bocconcino Mayfair with their renowned Bottomless Nights, featuring a curated sharing menu and limitless prosecco, all set to the backdrop of a live DJ. Explore, indulge, and create lasting memories in the heart of the city. For more details on these and other can't-miss events happening around London, stay tuned to our exclusive monthly guides, crafted for the cultured explorer seeking the best in the city.