Things to do in London in May 2023
Get ready for an unforgettable month in London! May is bursting with an incredible array of exciting events. With three bank holidays on the horizon, a highly-anticipated coronation, a night dedicated to indulging in vegan food, a stunning flower show, the launch of festival season, and a celebration of an iconic champagne house, summer is in full swing. Don't miss out on all the action - check out our top picks of must-attend activities in London!!
Vegan Nights Strikes Back
Image: Vegan Nights
#FLODown: Get ready for an out-of-this-world experience because Vegan Nights is back on 4 May! Treat your taste buds to intergalactic, plant-based snacks and dance the night away to their exciting curated selection of DJs playing everything from reggae to house. By heading out to Vegan Nights, you'll be supporting animal welfare and environmental protection. Don't miss this chance to make a difference! The Truman Brewery, serving as the perfect venue, will provide both indoor and outdoor spaces for you to savour your food and drinks, whilst basking in the warm sunshine.
Date: 4 May 2023. Time: 5pm – 10.45pm 93 Feet East 150 Brick Lane London E1 6QL. Price: from £12.50. Book now.
SOLAIRE CULTURE by Veuve Clicquot
Image: Veuve Clicquot “Solaire Culture” exhibition, Creativity #1, Tokyo, 2022.
#FLODown: In May, Veuve Clicquot presents SOLAIRE CULTURE, an outstanding exhibition in Piccadilly Circus that pays tribute to the brand's impressive 250-year history. The exhibition showcases the pioneering Madame Clicquot, the first female entrepreneur to lead the company, as well as Veuve Clicquot's cultural impact and iconic Yellow label. With contributions by acclaimed female artists, including Yayoi Kusama and Rosie McGuinness, the exhibition features a stunning collection of original works inspired by Madame Clicquot and the sun's brilliance, honouring the house's iconic Yellow label. Veuve Clicquot has been leading the way in empowering women and female entrepreneurs since 1972 through initiatives like BOLD by Veuve Clicquot, which is reflected in the exhibition's dynamic cultural program and the brand new BOLD room dedicated to supporting women. To top it off, the exhibition includes The Sunny Side Up Café, curated with the legendary Andi Oliver, offering a menu infused with Veuve Clicquot's Yellow Label and Caribbean flavors. Don't miss out on the chance to indulge in art, food, and Veuve Clicquot!
Date: 12 May 2023 – 6 June 2023. Location: Piccadilly Circus, London, UK, Entrance at the corner of Piccadilly and Regent Street. Book now.
Click here for more art exhibition to see in London in May.
City Splash Festival
#FLODown The festival season has kicked off in the city, with a variety of events taking place this month, including the highly anticipated City Splash Festival at Brockwell Park. Celebrating Caribbean and African culture, the festival features Reggae, Dancehall and Afrobeats across seven stages, as well as black-owned food, drink, and creative markets. The event showcases the undeniable influence of reggae, Caribbean and African culture on the UK's music scene for over 50 years. The line-up for 2023 includes an impressive roster of artists such as Chronixx, Koffee, Shenseea, Skillibeng, Ayra Starr, Gyakie, Stylo G, Jah9, and more!
Date: 29 May 2023. Price: from £29.50. Location: Brockwell Park, Herne Hill, London. SE24 9BJ. Book now.
Click here to discover more festivals occurring in the city in May.
King’s Coronation events
#FLODown: London is hosting its first coronation in 70 years on 6 May 2023. There will be celebrations throughout the city, including the ceremony, street parties, and coronation-themed afternoon teas. Click here to discover our pick of the best coronation events happening during the bank holiday weekend. Be part of this historic moment!
Rooftop Film Club at Roof East
Image: Rooftop Film Club, Roof East
#FLODown: Experience the ultimate cinematic experience with Rooftop Film Club's return to Roof East! Bask in the stunning views of the city while catching a selection of cult classics, arthouse gems, and blockbuster hits. From the iconic Fight Club to the heartwarming Love & Basketball, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So why not kick off your London summer in style with a rooftop movie night?
Date: throughout May 2023. Location: 7 & 8 Stratford Multi Storey Car Park, Great Eastern Road, Stratford E15 1XE. Price: from £18.95. Book now.
The Secret Life of Bees
Image: The Secret Life of Bees, Photos by Marc Brenner
#FLODown: The Almeida Theatre is currently hosting the UK premiere of the sensational musical, The Secret Life of Bees. Set in 1964 South Carolina, this extraordinary story follows a group of women seeking acceptance and fighting for their rights. Based on Sue Monk Kidd's best-selling novel, the show features music by Tony Award-winning composer Duncan Sheik, lyrics by Tony Award-nominated Susan Birkenhead, and a script by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lynn Nottage, all brought to life under the direction of Whitney White. The talented cast includes Ava Brennan, Tarinn Callender and Eleanor Worthington-Cox, among others. Prepare to be swept away by this stunning performance!
Date: until 27 May 2023. Location: Almeida Theatre, Almeida St, London N1 1TA. Price: from £40. Book now.
Theatre in the Garden
#FLODown: The Actors' Church in London's West End is hosting a Theatre in the Garden season, featuring eight theatre companies showcasing innovative productions in its gardens. The lineup includes Shakespeare's As You Like It and Twelfth Night, Robin Hood, The Great Gatsby, and Doctor Dolittle using puppetry. Other performances include forgotten women of history in Henry I, Peter Pan, and Pride and Prejudice. The season will end with the HandleBards, a company of cycling Shakespearean actors, preforming A Midsummer Night's Dream. Click here for more.
Date: May – September 2023 . Location: St Paul’s Church, Bedford Street, London, WC2E 9ED. Website: actorschurch.org
Bank holiday celebration at Ally Pally
Image: @yourallypally
#FLODown: Ally Pally is hosting a Bank Holiday Celebration on 6-7 May to celebrate the re-opening of The Terrace, the Bank Holiday weekend and the King’s Coronation. The event will feature various food options, including Greek street food, fried chicken, hot dogs, steak sandwiches, pasties, pizza, and ice cream. Visitors can enjoy cocktails, local craft beers, and more from the Phoenix Bar. The celebration will also have acoustic music, DJs, and panoramic city views for the Red Arrow Coronation flypast!
Date: 6 - 7 May 2023. Time: Doors open form Noon. Location: The TerraceAlexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, London N22 7AY. Price: Free.
IWA Canalway Cavalcade
Image: IWA Canalway Cavalcade, April 2023, © MTotoe
#FLODown: The IWA Canalway Cavalcade is set to make a splash in London's Little Venice as it marks its 40th anniversary event from 29 April 2023 for the full early May Bank Holiday weekend. This canal festival is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the vibrant life on the waterways in London and its community. Attendees will be treated to an array of tasty foods, including a real ale bar, and a plethora of activities, such as special boating activities, kids' entertainment, and even a chance to volunteer and get involved. Click here for more.
Date: 29 April - 1st May 2023. Location: Little Venice (W9 2PF and W2 6NE).
Vox Anima London: I Dream A World
Image: (L-R) pianist Brandon Boyd, Rosephanye Powell, William Powell.
#FLODown: Vox Anima London's 2023 season opens with an uplifting concert featuring a choir led by William Powell, performing music by Rosephanye Powell. The concert will also feature conductor, composer, and pianist Brandon Boyd and his university choir. The evening celebrates music by black American composers and promises to be a joyous occasion.
Date: 30 May 2023. Location: Cadogan Hall, 5 Sloane Terrace, London SW1X 9DQ. Price: £5-25. Book now.
Outspoken at Southbank Centre
Image: Outspoken, February 2023, © MTotoe
#FLODown: In May, Out-Spoken is hosting its biggest event of the year at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, featuring performances by seminal poets Kae Tempest, Travis Alabanza, and Daljit Nagra, who will be accompanied by live music from Mysie. The event will be hosted by T.S. Eliot and Polari prize-winning poet Joelle Taylor, with music by Sam 'Junior' Bromfield. Out-Spoken is a monthly poetry and live music night held at the Southbank Centre, showcasing the hottest UK poets alongside world-class musicians. Kae Tempest is a multi-talented artist and award-winning poet, while Travis Alabanza is a writer and performer whose work focuses on trans and Black identities. Daljit Nagra is a professor of Creative Writing and an award-winning poet.
Date: 11 May 2023. Time: 7.30pm. Location: Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX. Price: £12.Book now.
Salad Days Makers Market at Battersea Power Station
Image: Salad Days Makers Market
#FLODown: Salad Days will be hosting a three-day pop-up makers market in Turbine Hall B of Battersea Power Station this May. The market will feature 30 small businesses showcasing handmade items such as jewellery, homeware, art, skincare, candles, accessories, and more. The event will also include exclusive products made specifically for the market. All products are sustainable and ethical, including vintage and pre-loved items. The event is free and visitors will have the opportunity to meet and connect with the makers. Salad Days is run by twin sisters Daisy and Liv Tinker, who have organised more than 70 events across the city.
Date: 27 - 29 May 2023. Time: 10:00am - 6:00pm. Location: Ground Floor, Turbine Hall B, The Power Station, Circus Rd W, Nine Elms, London SW11 8AL. Book now.
RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023
Image: Ethan Robertson
#FLODown: Get ready for a breathtaking display of creativity and beauty as the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show 2023, sponsored by The Newt in Somerset, returns to London this May. Showcasing the latest practical gardening solutions infused with innovative blue-sky thinking, this year's event will also highlight the crucial role of specialist growers in UK horticulture. Royal tributes will include a serene garden featuring the Windsor family's favourite plants and a life-size topiary display of Queen Elizabeth II's pony. RHS will also honour the late Queen's annual visits during her 70-year reign and celebrate the upcoming coronation of King Charles III. To ensure everyone can enjoy the event, RHS has launched the Access for All scheme, which will allow families and individuals from low-income households who receive Universal or Pension Credit to visit RHS Gardens for a reduced ticket price of £1.
Date: 23 – 27 May 2023. Location: London Gate, Royal Hospital Road, Royal Hospital Chelsea, London, SW3 4SR. Price: from £48.85. Book now.
