What's on in London in May

With summer fast approaching, London has turned into a bubble of life and brightness. With longer days and warmer nights, we have curated the perfect list of activities to entertain the whole family while staying at one of our beautiful London properties.

Chelsea Flower Show 

When: 21^st to 25^th May 2024

Where: Royal Hospital Chelsea

The eagerly anticipated Chelsea Flower Show is back, promising an extraordinary display of beautiful, unique plants that cater to every taste. It offers an ideal afternoon excursion against the backdrop of May's blossoming beauty. Make sure to mark your calendar for our breathtaking flower installation at Egerton House Hotel, starting from the 16th of May. Crafted in honour of the Chelsea Flower Show, this year's creation promises to surpass all expectations.

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Foodies Festival

 

When: 25^th to 27^th May 2024

Where: Syon Park 

Make your way to Syon Park for an unparalleled food festival experience. The event features masterclasses led by esteemed local chefs, Bake Off champions, and renowned celebrity bakers sharing their signature recipes. Thrilling performances by Peter Andre, Blue, and many more, as well as mouth-watering food, make it an event not to be missed. Families can also enjoy a day of excitement with engaging activities for children in the Kids Zone.

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National Gallery Big Birthday Weekend  

When: From 10^th May 2024

Where: National Gallery

In honour of the National Gallery's 200th anniversary, they're launching a year-long celebration paying homage to their remarkable past. The festivities kick off with a Big Birthday Weekend, inviting guests to contribute drawings or notes to decorate a birthday sculpture, and a dazzling light show in Trafalgar Square.

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Exhibitions

Frank Auerbach. The Charcoal Heads

When: 1^st to 27^th May 2024

Where: The Courtauld Gallery

During his early years in post-war London, Frank Auerbach created a striking series of large-scale charcoal portrait heads, spending months on each piece, constantly refining them during numerous sittings with his subjects. The intense process is evident in the richly textured drawings, sometimes even breaking through the paper, reflecting a struggle mirrored in the rebuilding of post-war lives. The Griffin Catalyst Exhibition showcases these remarkable post-war drawings alongside paintings of the same subjects, offering a rare glimpse into the intertwined mediums of one of the world's most celebrated living artists.

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Now You See Us: Women Artists in Britain 1520-1920 

When: From 16^th May 2024

Where: Tate Britain

This exhibition spans 400 years, highlighting women's journeys to becoming professional artists from Tudor times to World War I. Figures like Mary Beale, Angelica Kauffman, Elizabeth Butler, and Laura Knight challenged societal norms by pursuing commercial careers and participating in public exhibitions. With over 150 works, the exhibition dispels stereotypes about women artists, showcasing their determination to succeed in traditionally male-dominated subjects like history, battle scenes, and the nude. It illuminates their efforts to promote equal access to art training and academy membership, breaking boundaries and reshaping the role of women in the art world.

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Half-term activities for Children 

Disney 100: The Exhibition 

When: From 1st May 2024

Where: London ExCel

Step into the captivating world of Disney at this exhibition, where the Walt Disney archives are unveiled for all to behold. Take a journey behind the scenes of your favourite characters, TV shows, and movies. With over 250 rare artefacts, memorabilia, and more, it's a dream come true for every Disney enthusiast.

 

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Power Up

When: From 1st May 2024

Where: Science Museum 

Head down to the science museum for a hands-on gaming experience featuring the very best video games and consoles from the past 50 years. It's the perfect opportunity to introduce your kids to the games of your childhood, from Pong to Pac-Man, as well as modern classics like Minecraft and Mario. With something for everyone, it's a great way to enjoy some good old family competition.

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The Paddington Bear™ Experience 

When: 31st May 2024

Where: County Hall

London's beloved bear springs to life in a multi-room immersive experience that transports you into the heart of Paddington's world. Explore iconic moments from the Paddington stories and immerse yourself in an interactive adventure filled with games, as you join Paddington and the Brown family in preparing for their next exciting journey.

 

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