Here’s some ideas for ways to make your London stay that little bit more special this May. Our hand picked events take in some of the more unusual and less well known venues, giving you a real taste of London life this summer…
This iconic Victorian north London venue delivers a year-round programme of events, from large scale gigs to darts tournaments, exhibitions and festivals. A multi purpose venue, it’s also well worth a visit for its glorious setting: perched high on a hill top overlooking its own park and with great views of London laid out before you. It makes a great spot for a picnic!
This month sees a batch of great gigs at Ally Pally, from electronic pop to post-rock, kicking off the summer in rocking style:
May 6 – Architects
May 7 – Metronomy
May 19 – Charli XCX
May 27 – Mogwai
May 28 – Bloc Party
There’s also a choral performance from the Crouch End Festival Chorus, who will be performing A Sea Symphony by British composer Vaughn Williams. An hour-long work for soprano, baritone, chorus and large orchestra, the piece was written by Williams between 1903 and 1909. The combination of the music and the setting should be fantastic, and the event takes place on May 8th.
The Pangolin Project is a selection of specially commissioned short films and live interactive material, exploring how the pandemic changed us and the world. Performed and presented by award winning, woman-led performing arts company Mama Quilla, this thought provoking event should be an inspiring prospect for those interested in the performing arts and the bigger questions. The Pangolin Project takes place on May 14th.
And finally, art of a different sort… On May 14th-15th The Great British Tattoo Show takes over Alexandra Palace. Hundreds of top tattoo artists return to the iconic Great Hall at Alexandra Palace for a whole weekend of tattooing. With stalls selling merchandise, food and drinks, it’s a great opportunity to see some of the country’s very best artists at work, to book future appointments, or to get some ideas for your own tattoo… If you like ink, this one’s for you!
As always, you’ll find more information and ticketing details for all events on the Alexandra Palace website at: https://www.alexandrapalace.com/whats-on/
Part of the University College London campus, Bloomsbury Theatre is just a short walk from us at Euston Square Hotel and always has an array of diverse and surprising events. May is no exception, and you’ll find our top picks from their busy calendar below.
May 1st – Julian Clary: Born to Mince – In this outrageously camp show, renowned homosexual Julian Clary will bare his soul as never before in the interests of light entertainment. Expect the driest of wit from this legendary comedian and icon.
May 21st – Lost Voice Guy: Cerebral LOL-sy – The Britain’s Got Talent winner will poke fun at his life living as a disabled person in a post-apocalyptic world, as he tries to cope with the fame and fortune since his memorable TV victory.
May 22nd – Dean Friedman – Join Friedman for an evening of powerful, poignant and hilarious songs about the ordinary and extraordinary lives we share.
May 26th – Unbound soul. An adaptation of Sarah Kane’s ‘4.48 Psychosis’ – Join a free theatrical performance that aims to unpack the complexity of mental health.
May 29th – Giovanni Pernice: This Is Me! – Strictly Come Dancing favourite, Giovanni Pernice, returns with his highly anticipated hit show THIS IS ME!
For more events, tickets and full details please their website https://www.ucl.ac.uk/culture/whats-on-bloomsbury-theatre-studio?collection=drupal-culture-events&meta_UclEventLocationBuilding=%22Bloomsbury+Theatre+and+Studio%22&&ge_DateFilter=20220426
Lastly, we’d really recommend a visit to the Sir John Soane’s Museum. Located in a Georgian townhouse in beautiful Lincoln’s Inn Fields at Holborn, this unique museum lets you explore the extraordinary home and museum of Sir John Soane, renowned 19th century neoclassical architect and collector. The historic house, museum and library is a veritable treasure trove of fascinating objects wildly eclectic rooms. The collection contains over 30,000 drawings and important works.
Well worth a visit during your stay, this May also sees the following events taking place:
May 21st – Hidden Masterpieces: Bookbinding Workshop with Helen Perry – A day-long workshop to discover a wonderful historic craft.
May 25th – The Languages of Flowers with Hugo Rittson-Thomas – join photographer Hugo Rittson-Thomas for a talk about his new book Wildflowers for the Queen: A Visual Celebration of Britain’s Coronation Meadows, linking it specifically to floral emblems and their part in the royal story of the Coronation.
Every day starting 25th of May – Platinum Jubilee Celebrations – celebrate HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with a display of royal memorabilia commemorating coronations and jubilees, from cups and plates to hairpins and bunting through the ages.
May 27th – Soane’s Lates: Hidden Masterpieces – A dramatically-lit Late offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see some of the finest works amongst the drawings collected by Sir John Soane.
Discover more at: https://www.soane.org/whats-on
That’s it for our suggestions this May in the city, but we’ll keep you posted on Instagram and Facebook with some more suggestions. Enjoy your summer in London.