10 things to do in London May 2024

Published: 01 May 2024
Summer is getting closer, and we hope to see some sunshine in May. May is the month of the floral events in London, with three big events coming up.
Chelsea in Bloom floral displays
Cole & Son Floral Displays During Chelsea in Bloom 2023

Accidentally Wes Andersson: The Exhibition

The Accidentally Wes Anderson exhibition in South Kensington hosts a collection of photographs with a distinctive Wes Anderson look regarding colours, framing, and symmetry. It’s a tribute to the Accidentally Wes Anderson community, which has taken many beautiful pictures from all over the world that seem to come directly from a Wes Anderson movie. This exhibition contains seven rooms with their own distinct theme.

South Kensington | Wednesday to Sunday

Sketch in Bloom

Sketch in Mayfair is a gorgeous restaurant in a grade II-listed building with some of London’s most beautiful interiors. The space is divided into several restaurants, each with its own menus and interior design. This May, Sketch organises the tenth edition of the Sketch in Bloom event, celebrating the 200th anniversary of the National Gallery and transforming its neoclassical spaces into an homage to iconic artists.

Sketch, Mayfair | 1 - 27 May

National Gallery Bicentenary

The National Gallery celebrates 200 years of bringing people and paintings together. The event starts on May 10 and lasts the entire year, including many events. It starts with a bang, the Big Birthday Weekend Late and Light Show. It will be a night of paintings and music, and there will be a light show on Trafalgar Square in front of the gallery at 9 pm. The light show will also be repeated the next day, 11/5.

National Gallery | 10 May -

Urban Village Fete

The Urban Village Fete is an event in the Greenwich Peninsula, near the O2. The festival features music from DJ Gilles Peterson, among others, speakers, street food, dance, and workshops. There’s also a market with handmade jewellery, homeware, vintage clothing and food and drink products. The event is also suitable for families with several types of family activities.

Greenwich Peninsula | 19 May

Belgravia in Bloom

While the neighbouring Chelsea hosts the Chelsea in Bloom event, Belgravia has its own festival for the ninth year, Belgravia in Bloom. The idea is very similar and as much fun as in Chelsea . Many popular places in Belgravia are decorated with floral displays, including Motcomb Street, Eccleston Yards , Elizabeth Street and Pimlico Road. The theme this year is Floral Fun and Games. In addition to the floral displays, many local businesses have specific offers during the event.

Belgravia | 20 - 27 May, 2024

Chelsea in Bloom

Chelsea in Bloom is one of our favourite events of the year. Coinciding with the Chelsea Flower Show, many local businesses decorate their stores with flower displays and compete for expert panel votes and the People’s Champion Award. The event lasts a whole week and is a great opportunity to enjoy Chelsea at its best. There’s a new theme every year, and this year’s theme is ‘Floral Feasts’. Find some of the best moments floral installation from last year in our video below:

Chelsea | 20-26 May

Chelsea in Bloom 2023 video

RHS Chelsea Flower Show

The biggest floral event in May and throughout the year, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, is taking place again this month. It features the latest in garden design and displays gardens by famous designers. The event attracts 150,000 visitors annually, often including members of the Royal Family. The show is located on the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea .

Chelsea | 21-25 May

Concours on Savile Row

Concours on Savile Row is a two-day event showcasing classic cars and great tailoring, which is what Savile Row is known for. The event includes fascinating talks about cars, racing, fashion, and live music. The cars range from a 1907 Mercedes and Jaguars from the 50s to brand new cars, and some motorcycles are also present. You can also vote for your favourite car in the show, and there’s a best-dressed competition.

Savile Row, Mayfair | 22-23 May

Princess Diana: Accredited Access Exhibition

The Princess Diana exhibition at St. Katharine Docs features photographs through the lens of her official photographers, Anwar Hussein and his two sons. It features a stunning visual journey of Princess Diana’s most recognisable and iconic photos with behind-the-scenes stories. The exhibition is told from the photographer’s perspective. An audio guide accompanies the ticket, allowing you to get the most out of the exhibition.

St. Katharine Docs | 25 May -

City Splash Festival 2024

City Splash Festival in Rockwell Park in Brixton showcases and celebrates Caribbean and African music and culture in the UK. The festival features over 60 artists on seven stages, so there will be many acts to choose from. With a capacity of 30000, you can expect the atmosphere to be electric.

Brixton | 27 May