May is definitely the best month of the year, not only does it kick off with a bank holiday, it ends with one too. Three day weekends make the working week seem so much better, and for those of you Londoners out there, the capital is coming to life this May Day bank holiday.
If staying in with a box set isn’t how you want to spend your long weekend, we’ve rounded up five events happening in London from Saturday April 29 – Monday May 1 2017 that we think you’ll love.
RUMBLE IN THE JUNGLE
When? Saturday April 29 2017
Where? 29-32 The Oval, London, E2 9DT
Nearest tube: Bethnal Green
How much? £5
If there is one thing the capital is good for, it’s vintage shopping and it gets even better on the May bank holiday. Radio 1’s Gemma Cairney has asked famous faces to donate a huge array of bits and pieces in aid of Oxfam’s Refugee Appeal. I couldn’t think of a better bank holiday activity than rifling through my favourite celeb’s cast offs- and it’s not weird because it’s in aid of charity. This year’s donations are brought to you from the wardrobes of Kate Moss, Mark Ronson, Florence Welsh, Fearne Cotton, Sara Cox and Dawn O’Porter.
GERMAN BIERFEST LONDON
When? Thursday April 27 2017 – Monday May 1 2017
Where? Burdett Road, London, E14 7EJ
Nearest Tube: Mile End
How much? Free-£40
If you’re feeling a little parched after finding some gorgeous garms at Rumble in the Jungle, then head to Mile End for London’s biggest ever beer garden. The 2,000 seater ‘Biergarten’ will be completely free to enter, but you’ll have to fork out a fiver to enjoy the experience to the full. Your ticket includes access to the Bavarian FestTent, where there will be wurst, a live DJ and a traditional Oomph band.
BLONDIE POP-UP
When? Saturday April 29 2017 – Wednesday May 3 2017
Where? Camden High St, (junction with Buck St), London, NW1 8NJ
Nearest tube: Camden Town
How much? Free
If you’re a huge Debby Harry fan, we’ve found the perfect event for you, a Blondie pop-up. Head on down to Camden town market, where the shop will be selling limited edition vinyls, merchandise and clothes designed by street artist Shepard Fairey. It’s all on to celebrate the release of the band’s ‘Pollinator’ album and Roundhouse gig on May 3.
FESTIVAL OF LITERATURE AND SOCIAL CHANGE
When? Saturday April 29 2017 – Wednesday May 3 2017
Where? 203-206 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9HD
Nearest tube: Piccadilly Circus
How much? Free
For bookworms, there will be a four-day festival of literature and debate hosted by Political podcast Little Atoms and Waterstone’s Piccadilly. You can expect to see Guardian columnist Owen Jones on a panel discussion called ‘My Revolutionary Book’ and you can find out how contemporary Caribbean literature is making its own rules at the ‘Breaking Ground in the Caribbean’ talk.
RHS FLOWERS AND FLEA WEEKEND
When? Saturday April 29 2017 – Sunday April 30 2017
Where? 68 Union Street, London, SE1 1TD
Nearest tube: London Bridge
How much? Free
A flea market, combined with a fresh flower market, it’s SO London, but we love it. The Royal Horticultural Society will be offering workshops and talks to get Londoners excited about urban gardening, while stall holders will be selling pre-loved plant pots, furniture, retro clothing, jewellery and ceramics. Absolutely ideal really.
What are you up to this mayday bank holiday? Let us know! @tweetjanes