Here's how to make the most of the month ahead.
It's the start of a new month, which means it's time to fill up your cultural calendar. London during May is filled with floral festivals, incredible concerts and sporting spectacles. The city is in full bloom with the Chelsea Flower Show, or you can cheer on your favourite sports stars during the Premier League Final. Here are the best things to do in London in May.
Thursday 1 May
See Andrea Bocelli live at The O2 Arena
It's time to say hello to Andrea Bocelli. Experience the magic of the performer at The O2 Arena. On 1 and 2 May, he will be joined by the Czech National Symphony Orchestra, Aida Garifullina and Pia Toscano, the evening promises a blend of classical and contemporary music.
GO: Visit www.theo2.co.uk for tickets and more information.
Friday 2 May
Watch the new Marvel movie
Hold onto your capes, there's a new superhero film landing in London. On 2 May, Marvel's Thunderbolts is released. The cast includes Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, David Harbour as the Red Guardian, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Valentina Allegra de Fontaine.
GO: Visit www.disney.co.uk for more information.
Saturday 3 May
Dance the night away at Queen's Yard's Summer Party
Hackney Wick gets into the groove with Queen's Yard's Summer Party. Taking place across 20 venues, from the Colour Factory to CRATE Brewery, it brings together more than 100 DJs. The line-up includes disco, house and techno talent.
GO: Visit https://queensyardsummer.party for more information.
Sunday 4 May
Enjoy seasonal ingredients at The Portrait Restaurant
The Portrait Restaurant reflects Richard Corrigan's European and Irish influences. Starters include Crispy Goats Cheese with green olives, and Jerusalem Artichokes with comté custard, pickles and marjoram. Mains include Braised Rabbit Tagliatelle with girolles and pecorino.
GO: Visit https://theportraitrestaurant.com for more information.
Monday 5 May
Enjoy Bank Holiday Monday
With spring firmly in the air, make the most of the long weekend and Bank Holiday Monday. Head to one of the royal parks, and enjoy a cycle, walk or run in the serene setting. Options include Green Park, Hyde Park, Regent's Park and more.
GO: Visit www.royalparks.org.uk for more information.
Tuesday 6 May
Listen to Macy Gray at Ronnie Scott's
Catch the 1990s hitmaker at Ronnie Scott's. Located in Soho, the venue has welcomed legends from around the world. Enjoy soul songs, including her classic, I Try. Over her career, she has won two BRIT Awards and a Grammy Award.
GO: Visit www.ronniescotts.co.uk for more information.
Wednesday 7 May
Catch the global superstar Usher at The O2
Global sensation Usher brings his electrifying Past, Present and Future tour to The O2. FACT nabbed seats to the show, and watched the icon in action. On 6 and 7 May, guests can expect a high-energy performance, from motorbikes to models, and rollerblades to R&B bangers.
GO: Visit www.theo2.co.uk for more information.
Thursday 8 May
Visit Jamie Oliver's new cafe concept in John Lewis
Jamie Oliver has gone from school dinners to super chef. The British star has made his mark around the world, and now he is looking back home to London. He has announced that the Jamie Oliver Cookery School and Café will land in John Lewis. Opening on 8 May, it will be located on Oxford Street and welcome budding chefs and hungry diners.
GO: Visit www.johnlewis.com for more information.
Friday 9 May
Watch Insane Asylum Seekers at Bush Theatre
Insane Asylum Seekers sounds like a radical name for a play. Running from 8 May to 7 June, the show is coming to the Bush Theatre in Shepherd's Bush. The story showcases the lives of British Iraqi refugees and delves into the lived experience as well as the complexities of the Arab diaspora in the United Kingdom.
GO: Visit www.bushtheatre.co.uk for more information.
Saturday 10 May
Visit Regent's Park Open Air Theatre
FACT is keeping everything crossed that the summer is sunny. Regent's Park Open Air Theatre is a superb spot to enjoy the great outdoors. Running from 10 May to 20 September, it is located in the heart of the Royal Park and brings together comedy, plays and musicals. The season kicks off with the musical Shucked, and includes Dream Ballets: A Triple Bill and Noughts and Crosses.
GO: Visit https://openairtheatre.com for more information.
Sunday 11 May
Be inspired at the Affordable Art Fair
Paint the town, and visit the Affordable Art Fair. Running from 7 to 11 May, this edition takes place in Hampstead. The fair brings together more than 100 galleries, and artworks range from £100 to £10,000.
GO: Visit https://affordableartfair.com for more information.
Monday 12 May
Celebrate Tate Modern's 25th birthday
Happy birthday, Tate Modern. Located on the South Bank, the gallery has turned 25 years old. Over the years, it has become a beacon for modern art. Running from 9 to 12 May, it will host free events, including films, tours and workshops. The events take place in the iconic Turbine Hall, and include new talent, music, performances and installations.
GO: Visit www.tate.org.uk for more information.
Tuesday 13 May
Catch Gary Barlow at the Royal Albert Hall
Gary Barlow brings the Songbook Tour to the Royal Albert Hall. Located in South Kensington, this is an opportunity to see the British singer and songwriter in action. Expect his solo as well as group hits with Take That.
GO: Visit www.ticketmaster.co.uk for more information.
Wednesday 14 May
Read your way through The Fleet Street Quarter Festival of Words
A page-turner of a festival has landed in London. The Fleet Street Quarter Festival of Words is making its debut in the capital. Running from 14 to 17 May, it explores how words shape our world, and will celebrate London's literary heritage. The line-up includes Ben Okri, Kate Mosse and more.
GO: Visit www.fleetstreetquarter.co.uk for more information.
Thursday 15 May
See Tom Cruise on the red carpet in Leicester Square
Mission: Impossible should probably be renamed Mission: Possible. It's almost 20 years since the first film, and Tom Cruise has proven time and time again – seven films, to be precise – that he can complete the challenges. Now, Mission: Impossible 8 The Final Reckoning will host its red-carpet premiere in Leicester Square. Catch the stars of the film and celebrity guests. The film will be released on 23 May.
GO: Visit www.missionimpossible.com for more information.
Friday 16 May
Visit the Natural History Museum's new exhibition
Get ready to go to infinity and beyond. Space: Could Life Exist Beyond Earth? opens at the Natural History Museum. Running from 16 to 22 May, it explores the wonders of our solar system. Touch a piece of Mars, hold a fragment of the Moon, and learn about the wonders of the universe.
GO: Visit www.nhm.ac.uk for more information.
Saturday 17 May
Catch Nick Mohammed at the Richmond Theatre
Have a laugh, and see Nick Mohammed in action at the Richmond Theatre. The comedian is touring the country, and comes to the London theatre on 16 and 17 May. He has appeared on 8 out of 10 Cats, and has starred in the series Ted Lasso.
GO: Visit www.nickmohammedlive.com for more information.
Sunday 18 May
Visit The Face Magazine: Culture Shift
Come face to face with some of the biggest celebrities of the 80s and 90s. This is the last day to visit The Face Magazine: Culture Shift exhibit at the National Portrait Gallery. The exhibition celebrates the iconic magazine and portraits that capture cultural moments.
GO: Visit www.npg.org.uk for more information.
Monday 19 May
Book a ticket to Belgravia in Bloom
Spring is certainly in the air. Running from 19 to 26 May, Belgravia in Bloom showcases wow-worthy floral displays. See and snap the designs, which explore the theme of seasons, and include installations.
GO: Visit www.belgraviavillage.com for more information.
Tuesday 20 May
Smell the roses at RHS Chelsea Flower Show
London is full bloom. Running from 20 to 24 May, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show will showcase spectacular floral and horticulture designs. The prestigious event welcomes celebrities, royals and the general public. If you'd like to admire the creations, then head to the annual festival.
GO: Visit www.rhs.org.uk for more information.
Wednesday 21 May
Catch Chelsea in Bloom
If you can't get tickets to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, then Chelsea in Bloom is the next best thing. Running from 19 to 25 May, it brings a burst of colour to the neighbourhood. Best of all, it's free to attend.
GO: Visit www.fielddayfestivals.com for more information.
Thursday 22 May
Check out the Ancient India exhibition at the British Museum
Get transported from the United Kingdom to India in this exciting exhibition. Ancient India: Living Traditions opens at the British Museum. Running from 22 May to 19 October, it explores history dating back more than 2,000 years. Discover the meaning behind powerful symbols, from the Buddha to Ganesha.
GO: Visit www.britishmuseum.org for more information.
Friday 23 May
Watch racing stars at the British Grand Prix
It's time to start your engines. British Grand Prix MotoGP at Silverstone goes full steam ahead, and runs from 23 to 25 May. Located 30 minutes outside of London, it's a chance to watch the pinnacle of motorcycle racing.
GO: Visit www.silverstone.co.uk for more information.
Saturday 24 May
Have a Field Day in Brockwell Park
If you love live music, put your hands in the air. On 24 May, Field Day takes place at Brockwell Park. The line-up includes Peggy Gou, Jungle, Mall Grab and Skream & Benga. Enjoy the good vibes in the park, which will also include food and drink stalls.
GO: Visit www.fielddayfestivals.com for more information.
Sunday 25 May
Cheer on the champions at the Premier League final
It's all kicking off with the Premier League, as the final takes place on 25 May. If you don't have tickets to the main event, there will be a lively line-up of bars and pubs to watch the match. Alternatively, you can watch it at home on Sky Sports and TNT Sports.
GO: Visit www.premierleague.com for more information.
Monday 26 May
Dig into the Foodies Festival at Syon Park
Food and fun come together at the Foodies Festival in Syon Park. Running from 24 to 26 May, the event brings together live cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs. Sign up for one of the classes or watch the chefs in action. Plus, there will be food stalls and live entertainment.
GO: Visit https://foodiesfestival.com for more information.
Tuesday 27 May
Dance the night away with Kylie Minogue
Get ready for a locomotion. The Australian star Kylie Minogue is coming to The O2. Expect a night of hit after hit. Her songs include All the Lover, Can't Get You Out of My Head, and Come Into My World.
GO: Visit www.theo2.co.uk for more information.
Wednesday 28 May
See Iggy Pop in action at Alexandra Palace
Rock the night away with Iggy Pop. The legendary star will be playing a show at Alexandra Palace. The lineup includes special guests with Bob Vylan and Joe. Expect his songs Lust for Life and The Passenger.
GO: Visit www.alexandrapalace.com for more information.
Thursday 29 May
Watch Rag'n'Bone Man at Royal Albert Hall
Rag'n'Bone Man is playing at the iconic Royal Albert Hall. The British hitmaker is known for his powerful voice and presence. His songs include Giant, Human and Skin. The show is part of a wider tour, which also goes to the Emirates Stadium.
GO: Visit www.ragnboneman.com for more information.
Friday 30 May
Join Pub in the Park in Acton
Chef Tom Kerridge is showing off his skills at Pub in the Park. Running from 30 May to 1 June, it brings together amazing food. The line-up ranges from The Grazing Goat to The Tamil Prince. Plus, there's live music from Soul II Soul and Jack Savoretti.
GO: Visit www.pubintheparkuk.com for more information.
Saturday 31 May
Visit Mighty Hoopla in Brockwell Park
Have a mighty time at Mighty Hoopla, which runs from 31 May to 1 July in Brockwell Park. The headliners include Kesha and Ciara. The line-up also includes Loreen Jojo, Kate Nash, Pixie Lott and Vengaboys.
GO: Visit https://mightyhoopla.com for more information.
