What a month to be in London. A once in a lifetime moment in history as The Coronation takes place of King Charles and Queen Camilla. London is all out ready for the volume of visitors with bunting and exhibitions. If you aren’t interested in anything remotely Royal, there is lots to keep you busy. Every museum seems to be showing 5 star exhibitions and this month Photo London hits the town.
The Coronation of Charles III 6th May the biggest event in London this month. The King’s procession will start from Buckingham Palace at 11am, along the Mall and down Whitehall to Westminster Abbey. I have done two blogs. One for the coronation weekend and another with a selection of my favourite coronation events over the weekend and for May.
Chelsea Flower Show 23 – 27 May | Chelsea the pinnacle of horticultural excellence with amazing designs. Inspiring take-home ideas and glorious blooms all displayed in the wonderful grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. If you have missed out on tickets then enjoy the free outdoor displays put on by Chelsea in Bloom and Belgravia in Bloom.
Art inspiration for May
National Gallery has After Impressionism, which is breathtaking. Design Museum as Ai WeiWei’s first exhibition dedicated to design, Tate Modern has Hilma af Klint x Piet Mondrian will blow your mind.. It is a very good time to be a member of any museum.. just saying!
Photo London 11-14th May Somerset House. 110 galleries around the world will feature in this year’s fair. Listen to talks and gain a deeper insight into photography. Book tickets on line, £32.
Olympic Art Collector’s Club with Carrie Scott & Kathleen Fox Davies 23 May 7 – 8.30pm: With almost 40 years of cumulative experience in the art world these two women have a wealth of experience to share. They are in conversation on the 23rd to discuss their highlights from Photo London and Eye of Collector fairs. They will also take you through a crash course in Landscape Photography. Members and non-members welcome. Email info@carrie-scott.com to secure a place.
Food Meets Theatre. 12th May-23rd Sep. KERB are bringing their open air market to the National Theatre with London’s longest banqueting table, a 70m table will snake around the National Theatre’s sunny forecourt. Tuck into seasonal street food specials; pork belly, Portuguese bifanas, fluffy Korean bao buns, Venezuelan cachapas, Japanese ramen, Nashville fried chicken, Indian thalis, Sicilian style deep pan pizzas and wildly flavoured ice cream.
London Craft Week 8th-14th May. Outstanding British and international creativity, bringing together over 250 established and emerging makers, designers, brands and galleries from around the world.
A curated selection based not on price or fame, but underlying substance. Plus, that essential dash of magic and inspiration that separates great from good. Takes place at various venues across London. Booking essential at certain events. www.londoncraftweek.com
May Fayre and Puppet Festival | 14th May, St Paul’s Church, Covent Garden. I love Covent Garden for all sorts of reasons, and this adds to the perfect day out for the family. Punch & Judy shows, puppet workshops, live music, maypole dancing. Admission free
Rock Horror Picture Show 3rd May-10th June. The musical that celebrates all things weird, wild, and wonderful. If you have never been it has to be seen to be believed. I may just have to update and add this to my theatre wish list for 2023.
World’s largest Asian film festival takes place this month.
Cinco de Mayo celebrate the Battle of Puebla when Mexico prevailed over France in 1862. Head to your local Mexican, or Los Mochis in Notting Hill which will be celebrating all week long, 2-8 May.
The Fans Strike Back starts 1st May 81 Brompton Road, South Kensington. An exhibition featuring hundreds of official items from the Star Wars Universe collected by fans and displayed for fans. Tickets here
A Festival of Country and Americana at Royal Albert Hall 20 May with Highways Festival and performances all over the Hall.