London events in May

This regular music market is back, providing artisan produce and street food alongside its mega vinyl booty. Find records on sale from all sorts of indie labels including AD, Because, Big Dada, Brainfeeder, Chess Club, Chrysalis, Dead Oceans, Dirty Hit, Fire, Jagjaguwar, Late Night Tales, Matador, Marathon, Ninja Tune, Secretly Canadian, Third Man and more. Once you’ve flipped through as many sleeves as you can manage take a look at stalls from artists and makers including Babak Ganjei, Donna Harle, This Is Fun Isn't It, Hand Jazz, Kam Creates, Nicole O'Hara, Sri Mckinnon and East London Printmakers. Or, neck back a pint from the London Brewers’ Market. 

Super-director Jamie Lloyd is renowned for his powers of celebrity wrangling, but even by his standards this is quite the coup: his production of Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo & Juliet’ will star Tom Holland, aka Spider-Man himself, in his first stage role since a lengthy stint in ‘Billy Elliot’ as a child actor. Holland will, of course, be playing Romeo: there’s no word on any other casting, including Juliet, but further celebrities seem unlikely – Lloyd tends to assemble diverse, interesting casts that highlight up-and-coming talent. Stylistically, we can certainly expect a contemporary setting and stripped-back aesthetic, though last year’s peerless ‘Sunset Boulevard’ did see Lloyd get back to his more maximalist roots with its gargantuan video wall and copious use of gore – you’d think a bit of the ol’ claret has to be an option for Lloyd’s take on Shakespeare’s high-ish body-count romantic tragedy.

In partnership with Gucci, the V&A will be showcasing a stunning follow-up from the Tate Modern’s 2016 exhibition, ‘The Radical Eye’. Meandering through the decades from 1950 up until the present day, visitors will be presented with an unmatched collection of more than 300 rare prints by over 140 photographers, including Cindy Sherman, known for her striking self-portraits, and Robert Mapplethorpe, famed for his black and white still-life and nude studies. Each item is on loan from Sir Elton John and David Furnish’s private collection, marking their 30 years of collecting.

Join London’s clubbing elite at this Peckham Rye three-dayer, which showcases the finest in electronic music. This year's iteration drifts from a bass-heavy Friday night courtesy of the legendary DJ EZ, into an energetic Saturday with headliner Job Jobse before wrapping up with Folamour and soulful Sunday celebrations. Don’t miss the likes of Girls Don’t Sync, Interplanetary Criminal, John Talabot, Loraine James and Sherelle while you’re there.

Stage-loving Studio Ghibli fans are being treated like never before at the moment: hot on the heels of the RSC’s hugely acclaimed ‘My Neighbour Totoro’, here comes this spectacular Japanese production of Hayao Miyazaki 2001 masterpiece ‘Spirited Away’. Adapted for the stage by John Caird – co-director of ‘Les Miserables’ – with puppets by Toby Olié, there’s so much Brit talent at the heart of the production that a transfer always seemed pretty much bolted on, and it’ll play a limited run at the vast London Coliseum as part of a wider international tour. ‘Spirited Away’ is perhaps the quintessential work by Ghibli head honcho Miyazaki, concerning Chihiro, a young girl who inadvertently crosses over into a world filled with strange spirits of varying friendliness. Presented in Japanese with English surtitles, it also features a live orchestra playing Joe Hisaishi’s score.

The human impact of conflict is a dimension of war that is often overlooked, but not in this springtime exhibition at the Imperial War Museum, which looks to shed light on people and their experiences of war through the work of celebrated humanitarian and photojournalist Tim Hetherington. Marking the 13th anniversary of his passing, it will explore Hetherington’s unconventional approach of creating ‘visual novels’, becoming ‘part of the platoon’ and his commitment to ‘closing the distance’ between his subjects and his audience, and includes work from his 2011 project on the Libyan Civil War, during which he was mortally wounded.

Sarnie Party is set to take over Camden Town Brewery Bar for an entire weekend, with 20 chefs creating 20 unique sarnies. London heavyweights like Doms Subs and Mondo Sando as well as UK kitchens like Picnic Margate and Big Deal Bodega are on the roster, and your ticket will get you three servings plus a Camden Town beer on entry. Yum. 

If you love nothing better than the idea of grooving to reggae, Afrobeats and dancehall in the sun, this is the festival for you. City Splash is once again taking over Brockwell Park to celebrate the impact of Caribbean and African culture in the UK and beyond – giving you a chance to dance, connect over music and have a bloody good time. This year's line-up includes Capleton, Beenie Man, Shenseea, Busy Signal and Queen Omega.

For 2024, Laithwaites is returning to its OG venue for the biggest wine show in its history. It will feature more than 350 wines from the 100 winemakers, so there’s plenty to fill your glass and the 4 hours tasting time with. For a mini-masterclass (which will be included in your ticket price), head to the Taste Theatre, and for a little extra, there’s a Fine Wine Room upgrade, too. 

‘Fawlty Towers’ (the play) is absolutely not an attempt to boldly reinvent the adventures of Basil, Sybil, Manuel and co for the twenty-first century. Instead, the performance has stitched together content from three classic episodes: ‘The Hotel Inspector’, ‘The Germans’ and ‘Communication Problems’. It sounds like they’ll be woven into a single narrative with a new ending, but whether you’re a long-term fan or too young to have ever seen it, you’ll pretty much be getting ‘Fawlty Towers’ in its classic form.

After a seven-year hiatus, the World Press Photo Exhibition returns to London, taking place at Borough Yards throughout May. Presenting the results of the 2024 World Press Photo Contest, the annual exhibition showcases the best and most important photojournalism and documentary photography of the last year. The winners were chosen by an independent jury made of 31 professionals from around the world who reviewed more than 61,062 photographs were entered by 3,581 photographers from 130 countries.

Now in its fifth edition, Cross the Tracks is still a bit of a newcomer to the London festival scene. But with tasteful, groove-heavy curation across soul, funk and jazz, as well as loads of decent street food and craft beer, it’s already cemented itself as an anticipated name. The festival has a laid-back, open-arms appeal, meaning you’ll find people of all sorts of ages having a boogie. Do not miss headliner Erykah Badu, who is sure to blow audiences away with a decades-spanning set. Other amazing acts include Eve, BADBADNOTGOOD, En Vogue and Madlib.

The first main house play in David Byrne’s reign at the Royal Court is one that was made earlier: great Brit auteur director Katie Mitchell remounts her 2019 German adaptation of Maggie Nelson’s ‘Bluets’, an essay on grief, sadness and the colour blue, with a new English language adaptation by rising star playwright Margaret Perry. It’s a great piece of leftfield programming from Byrne: the Court has gone without a really successful Downstairs theatre show for what feels like years – Mitchell’s rep alone is enough to sell ‘Bluets’, but it’s also enough to get a very exciting cast headed by Paddington Bear himself Ben Whishaw, who’ll star alongside Emma D’Arcy and Kayla Meikle.

Outdoor spaces are big business come London summertime, and this seasonal pop-up between Waterloo and Westminster bridges is one of the biggest in London. Boasting lovely views over the river Thames and an eclectic programme of drag shows, DJs, live performances and themed club nights, its summer 2024 season is packed with surprises. For this month’s schedule, you can expect non-stop noughties from the 10-piece brass powerhouse that is the Old Dirty Brasstards, plus TEDFEST, celebrating everything that is Father Ted. 

A mecca for bass-heavy partying, Project 6 is a festival for those craving seriously loud sounds. This year is tying into the 30th anniversary of Rinse FM, meaning there's even more reason for a party, and the line-up is leaning into the kinds of artists you'd expect to hear on the cutting-edge station. Catch the elusive MC Casisdead, DnB and jungle pioneer Shy FX, and 'Katy on a Mission' hitmaker Katy B, alongside Freddie Gibbs and Madlib performing Pinata, Mala, Benga and plenty more. 

While it is fairly nuts that leftfield European director Ivo van Hove has been allowed to plonk a leftfield European musical (which features absolutely no dance numbers, power ballads, lavish sets, or cute romantic storylines) in a big theatre in the middle of London, this play has a palpable warmth. ‘Opening Night’ is a stage adaptation of a classic arthouse film, which, under all the avant-garde bells and whistles, unquestionably has a heart, and features a wonderful performance by Sheridan Smith.

Greenwich peninsula’s raucous Urban Village Fete returns this summer, offering a stellar lineup of headliner DJs, street food, workshops, talks and activities. There’ll also be cultural talks with BBC Radio London’s Robert Elms, an unmissable carnival workshop and procession with Kinetika Bloco, an Independent Traders Market with baked goods and handmade crafts, workshops from The Bureau of Silly Ideas and a smörgasbord of streetfood. 

For a slice of the Italian coatsline, you won’t even need to leave London this spring. SicilyFEST is back taking over the Business Design Centre to help you learn your cannoli from your arancini. This pop-up Sicilian food market features stands will be lined with gelato, pizzas and pretty desserts that will make your mouth and eyes water, plus Sicilian artists and interactive classes.

Discerning decorators need look no further. This fair is headed back to Battersea Park this spring, but for 2024 there’ll be a fair-within-a-fair. That’s right – a mini, mezzanine fair will feature some hand-picked established and emerging suppliers, curated by The House Directory (UK-wide furniture experts and suppliers). Across the wider event, there’ll be more than 130 exhibitors, plus panels and workshops to get involved in. 

Get ready to fly to the clouds and back with The Grand Expedition, an edible journey that will leave you in awe. Sit at a table nestled in a hot air balloon and prepare to be blown around the globe by the four Winds of the World. Marvel in the immersive spectacle and dine with a tasting course at each new destination, inspired by your surroundings. An ambitious fusion of live animation, acrobatics, culinary invention, and exquisite set design, it pushes the boundaries of what a dining experience can be - offering something for all imaginations.

After celebrating its 75th anniversary last year, this multimedia exhibition at the Migration Museum in Lewisham delves into the history of the NHS, and to the thousands of dedicated non-British workers who have contributed to its delivery of healthcare. Through photography, artefacts, and a newly commissioned interactive music video installation, their stories are lovingly told. 

One of the best things about Denise Gough’s astounding performance in Duncan Macmillan’s addiction drama is how understated it is. For all the initial, broad black comedy, it’s a masterclass in nuance and subtlety. This is a play about the seduction of escaping reality, and it features a performance that burrows into the heart, the guts, the brain, the soul.

This beer fest will return to Holmesdale stand in Selhurst Park stadium to enjoy that ultimate pairing: football and alcohol. To celebrate 100 years of the beautiful game at the venue over 100 beers, ales and ciders will be on offer as the FA Cup Final is screened live around the concourse, as well as live performances from bands and DJs throughout the day. 

James Graham’s adaptation of Alan Bleasdale’s seminal ’80s drama follows five unemployed men trying to negotiate their way through Thatcher’s decade. It’s directed by Kate Wasserberg (artistic director of Theatr Clwyd in Wales) and will return to Liverpool for a run before a short transfer to the Olivier theatre for 21 performances, then heading straight back on to the West End’s Garrick Theatre.

This autobiographical work by musician Stew looks back at the LA-born singer-songwriter and playwright’s formative years as a young Black man navigating finding himself and his musical taste. We’re finally being graced with the UK debut, 20 years after it was first performed in the US, part of Kwame Kwei-Armah’s impressive final season.

London College of Fashion’s May Day Rave will this year be an evening celebrating folklore, tied to its ongoing Making More Mischief: Folk Costume in Britain exhibit. The central London campus will be transformed with performances, folk dances, DJ sets, costumes, customs and rituals associated with May Day. There’ll also be workshops on things like Morris dancing outfits, tarot readings and guided meditations.

French acting icon Isabelle Huppert (The Piano Teacher, The Nun and Going Places) teams up with US avant-garde theatre legend Robert Wilson to perform monologue ‘Mary Said What What Said’, a solo performance designed and directed by Wilson with its text drawn from Mary Queen of Scots’ letters that she wrote while imprisoned and awaiting her execution. It will be performed in French, with English subtitles.

Chelsea’s annual floral art show is back, bringing luscious colour to King’s Road, Sloane Street and other iconic locations. The streets and squares and more than 120 businesses of SW10 will be transformed with wonderful floral displays created by retailers in the borough, and you can even vote for your favourites. This year’s theme is ‘Floral Feasts’, so expect classy horticulture inspired by well-loved childrens books and movies. 

Kata Wéber’s play about a thirtysomething woman coming to turn with a traumatic loss while her family crumbles around her is being taken on by Poland’s TR Warszawa company. It’s directed by Kornél Mundruczó, who also helmed the more famous English language Netflix film version, which netted its star Vanessa Kirby a Best Actress Oscar nomination back in 2021. This version is performed in Polish by members of the TR Warszawa ensemble with English subtitles.

Grab your popcorn and get comfy: there’s a whole host of free film screenings in weird and wonderful venues across south east London. A full and varied bill of old school classics, indie flicks, shorts and local documentary, includes family-friendly films like and ‘Bugsy Malone’, newer releases like ‘Rye Lane’ and ‘Wonka’, hard-hitting forigen films like ‘No’ and ‘Smile Orange’, plus docs like ‘Grace Jones: Bloodlight & Bambi’. Keep an eye out for discos and DJ sets after the screenings, too. 

Sure, the Tate Modern is one of London’s must-see galleries, but it doubles as brilliant events space, too. And it’s about to combine two of our favourite things: beer and books. Newcastle-born Boy Parts author Eliza Clarke, Glasgow-based David Keenan (This is Memorial Device and For the Good Times) and Lucien Freud’s daughter Rose Boyt, author of Naked Portrait, form the cracking roster of exciting authors who’ll be giving talks throughout the evening. Thirsty? Three craft beer breweries will be supplying limited edition bevvies to quench that. 

Rosie Sheehy (Chernobyl, Royal Shakespeare Company: King John) gives an astonishing performance in Richard Jones’s staggering revival of Sophie Treadwell’s 1928 expressionist classic, nailing a different aspect of alienation throughout, from her opening panic attack on the subway to her pathetic gratefulness to the man she hooks up with. The hyper-stylized production is daring from start to finish, but the scope of Jones’s ambitions becomes apparent at the end, when a caged Young Woman (Sheehy) becomes an almost Christ-like figure. It’s certainly a choice to push it this far, given the character is based upon real-life husband murderer Ruth Snyder, but the production feels like a logical conclusion of Treadwell’s endeavour to compassionately consider Snyder’s reasons for snapping.

As London’s galleries gear up for their big summer exhibitions, they’re closing the doors on their spring shows. Small gallery exhibitions like Nick Waplington’s amazing ‘Living Room’ jostled for space with major institutions’ exhibitions like the Hayward’s huge sculpture show ‘When Forms Come Alive’ and big in-depth historical extravaganzas like Raven Row’s Brazilian art rundown ‘Some May Work As Symbols’. There was photography, painting, sculpture, immersive installations, the whole shebang, so try and catch ‘em while you still can. 

Dinner theatre specialists The Lost Estate return with a theatrical dining experience themed around classic Sherlock Holmes adventure ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’. We’re assuming you sit in a fixed place and actors act around you – but you’ll have to grab your ticket to find out. We do know the show is set in 1889 at (where else) 221B Baker Street, and there’s an indulgent-sounding three-course menu. Dinner is afoot.

This year’s Eurovision is shaping up to be a slightly controversial one, so if you’re looking for a way to get your dose of cheesy Europop without watching the live show this year, look no further than EuroSmash. On the bill at this brand-new day fest are former contestants and larger-than-life Irish twins Jedward, plus Norway’s Subwoolfer, Bulgaria’s Kristian Kostov, and Belgium’s Gustaph. Saxophone-playing drag artist Snow White Trash and ‘Drag Race UK’ contestant Just May also feature, and headlining the festival is Katrina, who won the contest in 1997 (the last time the UK was victorious). 

Peckham Fringe returns for its third year with over 20 productions created by local artists and members of Peckham’s community. The programme promises inventive, enthralling storytelling, from Time Fly’s, a time-travelling adventure back to the south-east London of old, to Last Goal Wins, an award-winning piece about five men trying out for the Nigerian national football team.

The west London development is hosting back to back screenings of some classic, crowd-pleasing blockbusters (The Lion King and Mamma Mia, to name a couple), interspersed with trivia challenges and lucky drawers at the family screenings. Essential cinema snacks (and mock or cocktails) will be rustled up by The Alchemist, and there’ll be some pic ‘n’ mix, of course, too. 

American poet, writer and scholar Maggie Nelson (The Argonauts, The Red Parts) will be taking to the Royal Festival Hall stage this spring to discuss her brand new collection essays, alongside Shon Faye (The Transgender Issue). Touching on everything from feminism to friendship, her new book Like Love includes profiles, reviews and tributes as well as essays.

The Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association’s (ABA) are back with their annual ‘Firsts’ festival, the theme Art of the Book for this year. There’ll be over 100 exhibitors, meaning you can cast your curious eye over some first edition Dodie Smith, a rare copy of Grimm Brothers’ fairy tales illustrated by David Hockney and a miniature German printed children’s library. Talks, demonstrations and exhibitions are on the programme, too. 

Now that spring is here, it’s about time we shimmied off those wintery blues and two-stepped our way towards summer. Praised be for Commons: A Dance Festival, which will be taking over Stanley Arts (formerly Stanley Hall) in South Norwood with exhibitions, workshops, performances and most importantly, parties. Have a look at the website for the full hip-swaying programme, which includes plenty of family-focussed events. 

The longest-running South Asian film festival in the world is back for its 26th edition this spring, set to host its opening gala at the BFI IMAX for the first time ever, with a premier of the film Minimum, a directorial debut about the tumultuous beginnings of an arranged marriage. Closing night will feature a screening of Lord Curzon Ki Haveli, a film about four South Asians who meet at an unplanned dinner, at the Regent Street Cinema, with plenty more in between, too. 

Chris Power (A Lonely Man, Mothers), presenter of BBC Radio 4’s ‘Open Book’, is hosting this splendid evening of readings from all the authors (and their translators) who have been shortlisted for 2024’s International Booker Prize. In this competition, the translator and writer share equal glory, with the winning prize fund being shared between them. Award-winning poet Natalie Diaz, Book Prize-shortlisted novelist Romesh Gunesekera and translator Aaron Robertson are just a few of the names judging this year’s competition, where the winner will be announced this month. 

While Denmark isn’t far, bringing a little slice of it to London is handier than heading all the way there. Thankfully, the Danish Church in Camden does just that every year, and 2024 marks its 70th anniversary. This annual delve into Danish culture isn’t just about minimalist designs and smørrebrød, although there is plenty of that. 

To bring us Iberican, Basque, Catalan and Andalusian delicacies (and everything in between) is Estrella Galicia Gastronomy Month, taking place throughout May. The Tapas Tours are a smorgasbord of mouthwatering food and (you guessed it) Estrella beer, all soundtracked by some cracking live entertainment, but there’s also Pour & Pair sessions, Tasting Menus and full-on Fiestas (such as at Boca a Boca in Fitzrovia).

This city-wide celebration of all things crafty is back in May for its tenth year, and the V&A are a major venue set to be hosting some events and workshops. The Craft Symposium will feature panel discussions and keynote speeches from craft-industry experts at the Hochhauser Auditorium, and there’ll also be a talk by curator Christien Meindertsma. Professional weaver Caron Penney and master embroiderer José Luis Sánchez Expósito will be leading some maker demonstrations on their respective mediums. How crafty.

If you need a crafty little souvenir to take home after all those crafty events at the V&A, Park Royal Design District’s Craft Festival is back after the success of its inaugural year. This three day event will feature workshops, stalls selling local handmade gems and the Artisanal Intelligence exhibition, all about the crossover of AI technologies and hand-made low-tech craft techniques, plus displays of gorgeous traditional Syrian and Lebanese art.