What’s on in London – May 2024

May has arrived, and it is time to plan your social calendars because London is ready to host some exciting events that will compel you to cancel your Netflix subscription! Whether it is music festivals to keep you on your feet all night, boozy wine festivals to make you taste the finest Sangrias, or art exhibitions to evoke your deep thoughts, there is something for everyone to experience and cherish. Football fanatics get not one but two FA Cup finals at the home of English Football in Wembley. So, mark your calendars and prepare for an exciting month of Spring in the UK capital!

SicilyFEST is back at the Business Design Centre in Islington with an exceptional showcase of the flavours and styles associated with the world-famous Italian island. With entry fees starting at £5, London is all set to offer you the ultimate Sicilian experience. This authentic food market will treat your taste buds to an array of delights, such as cannoli, arancini, gourmet panini, gelatos and more. Indulge in the Sicilian culture that goes beyond just the cuisine, enjoy live performances by local artists, and take hands-on cooking lessons from top-class Italian chefs.

The Decorative Fair is back with an exciting new addition at Battersea Park—a mini fair within the fair curated by the House Directory. It showcases meticulously selected work by established as well as upcoming designers. With more than 130 exhibitors, this event will be a rich collection of decorative delights. For an entry fee of £20 on the first day and £10 after, you can discover the newest trends, attend art panels, and participate in the workshops.

Discover new underrated artists and genres at the Independent Label Market, welcoming all indie music enthusiasts at Coal Drops Yard in Kings Cross. This music event features labels such as AD, Because, Big Dada, and others offering diverse vinyl records. Along with the groovy tunes, you can explore unique handmade goods, try crunchy street food, and an inspired collection of prints from skilled artists and creators such as Babak Ganjei, Donna Harle, and This is Fun Isn’t It. Plus, the entry is free! So, save the date for a day loaded with fabulous music, tasty food, and vibrant energy.

As the oldest national football competition in the world, the FA Cup Final is the summit clash of one of the most revered tournaments, and this May, we get two big finals at the home of English football, Wembley Stadium. It’s a good month for Manchester United fans across the globe as the female Red Devils take on Spurs in the final on 12th May. In another mouthwatering clash, the male Red Devils take on their noisy neighbours as the Citizens defend their title in a repeat fixture of the 2023 final. So, who do you think will win this year’s Manchester Derby in London?

Raise your glasses, as the Laithwaites Wine Festival is back with being bigger and better than ever! Whether you are a seasoned sommelier or simply want to enjoy a nice glass of wine, this festival should be on your list! You will find plenty of options with over 350+ wines from 100 different winemakers, giving you a tough call to choose from. With a £50 ticket, you can relish four fantastic hours of wine tasting and can also upgrade to the fine wine room by paying a small fee. You can even take part in a mini-masterclass at the Taste Theatre.

Picture this: 20 chefs, 20 delicious sandwiches, and an assortment of flavourful explosions. Witness the ultimate sandwich showdown at Sarnie Party, unfolding at the Camden Brewery Bar from mid-week in May. Some of the top chefs in London, such as Doms Subs and Mondo Sando, will compete against highly esteemed UK eateries like Picnic Margate and Big Deal Bodega to decide who makes the best sandwiches. Your £30 ticket will include three delectable servings and a refreshing Camden Town beer on entry. This is truly a sandwich celebration you wouldn’t want to miss.

Join the GALA festival at Peckham Rye Park to showcase your dancing skills. This event is the ultimate paradise for those who enjoy London’s club vibe, offering a three-day extravaganza of electronic music that will keep you grooving until the break of dawn. Save your weekend with top DJs like DJ EZ and Job Jobse spinning the hottest beats. The lineup is sizzling, so brace up your dancing skills for a time that is going to be filled with pure musical ecstasy.

Experience an eclectic mix of genres and amazing performances at the Wide Awake Festival. Located amidst the stunning greenery of Brockwell Park in Tulse Hill, this festival presents a unique and diverse musical experience. Featuring top artists like Australian band King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard and indie favourites Young Fathers and Slowdive, this event is sure to give you an unforgettable experience. So, if you are ready to leave your mundane routine and welcome some excitement, buy your tickets at £54.50 and be a part of this festival and dance like nobody’s watching.