Top 10 things to do this May bank holiday
The May bank holiday is on its way to London - expect markets, maypoles, and mucky little lambs
May is the best month of the year in London. The parks are in bloom and people start to venture up to London’s rooftop bars again.
Not only do we get longer days and (hopefully) warmer weather, but May brings with it not one but two bank holiday weekends. The first is already over, and if you’re not already booked up with a wedding for the second, then it’s time to make some plans.
Check out our guide to the best events happening across London for the bank holiday falling on Sat May 25 - Mon May 27 2019. We have our fingers crossed for some nicer weather, but because we’ve learned to prepare for every eventuality, why not choose a back-up London pub or one of these cosy spots to hide from the rain?
RECOMMENDED: Read our full guide to the bank holiday in London
10 awesome May bank holiday events
Peckham Record Fair
Warm up your index fingers – it's time to finesse your flicking and hunt out some hidden gems. The Hackey Record Fair is heading south of the river for the weekend and will be setting up shop in Peckham's Copeland Park. Expect wall-to-wall wax and more audiophiles than you can shake a vintage amp at.
Peckham Salvage Yard
Bagged yourself a new record player from the Peckham Record Fair but haven't got a record player table to stick it on? Swing by the Salvage Yard and discover the treasure trove of vintage goods on offer. Your bank holiday weekend just got even more expensive...
Foodies Festival
The super group we've all been waiting for will be taking to the stage at this year's Foodies Festival. But if you're not a fan of the music of Brian McFaden or Keith Duffy (aka Boyzlife, obvs), then fear not – there's plenty of other things to get excited about, with a range of masterclasses, talks and tastings on offer.
All Points East
The fresh faced East London fest is back for its second year, and its 10-day takeover of Victoria will start on the late May bank holiday weekend. The Chemical Brothers, The Strokes and Christine and the Queens are set to headline, with gems dotted throughout the rest of the line-ups.
All Points East: In the Neighbourhood
Festival sites can sometimes be quite a depressing place once all the revellers have gone home for the day, littered with cardboard cups, laughing gas canisters and the odd spew or two. But not All Points East, which will be bringing its free and family-friendly 'In the Neighbourhood' programme to Victoria Park inbetween its weekend shows. Highlights include open-air screenings of 'Napoleon Dynamite' and 'Black Panther'.
Jam on Rye
Music festivals can sometimes be let down by the food on offer, but this won't be an issue at Jam on Rye. Organised by the good folks at Kerb, the event goes big on sound systems and sustenance in equal measure. Kelis with a side of bao buns? Yes please!
Gala
Tickets are flying out the door for this May gathering. It has a big focus on street food and craft beer alongside a DJ-driven artists line-up – beats and eats, as it were. And with a schedule including Gerd Janson and Honey Dijon, expect the one-day fest to cut the mustard.
Feria de Londres
Gaga for gazpacho and up for tasting some tapas? Andalusia is coming to the banks of the Thames in a big way this Bank Holiday, so make a beeline to the river to sample all things southern Spain. Plus, if the weather plays ball, you could trick yourself into thinking you're actually there. They have big red buses in Malaga too, right?
Adams Antiques Fair
Got a spot in your flat that needs filling with some furniture? Head down to 'The Horti' and pick up some antique pieces from one of London's oldest fairs. Get there early and pay the extra entrance fee to beat the crowds.
Free From Festival
Vegan food is getting easier to find when out and about, but if you're looking for a food market where you don't have to scour the ingredients like the small print of your phone contract, then the Free From Festival might be the one for you.
Not floating your boat? See what else is going on
Bank holiday in London
If lying in bed with a box set was your initial bank holiday plan, scrap it – there’s too much going on to stay indoors.
More to explore
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