The second long weekend is finally here and London is buzzing with art, theatre, music and florals, florals, florals everywhere. Whether you’re looking to listen to some great live music, check out a Bridgerton-style afternoon tea or unwind at a stand-up comedy gig, we’ve got you sorted. Here’s our picks of what to do this long weekend:

View photographs from Sir Elton John’s collection

Presented in partnership with Gucci, the Fragile Beauty exhibition showcases over 300 rare prints from 140 photographers, and is a presentation of 20th and 21st century photography on loan from the private collection of Sir Elton John and David Furnish. Selected from their collection of over 7,000 images, the exhibited photographs, many of which will be on public display for the first time, are an intensely personal selection from John and Furnish, with some borrowed straight from their home.

When: 18th may to january
Where: V&A south kensington
Website: www.vam.ac.uk

Your last chance to shop from The Vampire’s Wife

London’s much-loved store The Vampire’s Wife, known for their iconic dresses and timeless jewellery, is sadly shutting shop. Famously worn by Kate Middleton, Keira Knightley, Sienna Miller and Jodie Comer, the brand has announced one last chance to get your hands on their pieces, and the sale is happening this weekend.

When: 24th, 25th and 26th may
Where: the music room, 58 davies street
Website: thevampireswife.com

Go to a music festival in Brixton

Bringing a diverse lineup of artists playing jazz, funk, soul and hip-hop, Cross The Tracks is a celebration of music from the old to the new. A day-long festival with nine stages, you can expect some incredible music, plus food stalls and workshops. Artists on the line-up include Erykah Badu, En Vogue, Eve, Madlib and El Michels Affair.

FYI, regular tickets are currently sold out, but you can buy them on resale from Tixel.

When: 26th may
Where: Brockwell Park
Website: www.xthetracks.com

 Visit a gluten-free food festival

If you always feel out of place at food festivals because of the lack of low-sugar and gluten-free options, Woolwich Work’s Free From Festival is the one for you. Offering gluten, dairy and refined sugar-free food, the festival will host UK-based small artisan producers with a selection of street food, gluten-free beer, organic wine, sugar-free desserts, ice-creams, chocolates and savoury snacks that you can enjoy as you walk along the Thames.

When: 25th may
website: www.woolwich.works

Attend the World Press Photo Exhibition

With a focus on some of the most critically important themes affecting the world, the World Press Photo Exhibition has returned to London after a seven-year hiatus, with an incredible presentation of the world’s most impactful photojournalism and documentary photography. The winners were chosen out of more than 61,062 photographs entered by 3,581 photographers from 130 countries, and include some impactful images from Gaza and Ukraine, as well as imagery that delves into topics like migration, family and dementia. This is the last week you can catch the exhibition so head on over this weekend.

when: 3rd to 27th May
where: Borough Yards, London
Website: theexhibitionists.co.uK

Explore Chelsea in Bloom

Celebrate the start of summer with a visit to Chelsea’s annual flower show – a free to attend floral festival that brings together incredible installations, flower arrangements and fabulous food. This year’s theme is Floral Feasts which brings together the two things Chelsea is most famous for: florals and food. From installations inspired by Marie Antoinette’s tea parties at Colbert to a comedy-inspired flower show at Rabbit, London’s restaurant’s are putting on a show to remember for the festival.

When: 20TH TO 26TH MAY
Website: www.chelseainbloom.co.uK

Learn how to give your shoes a makeover

KOPPEL Collective has a workshop on this weekend facilitated by the fashion brand MUNISA that will teach you how to transform and customise an ordinary pair of shoes. The idea is to recycle a pair of shoes that you no longer use and learn how to use materials to enhance an old shoe, in a little nod to making your personal fashion more sustainable.

When: 25th May
Where: 1 Adelaide Rd, NW3 1PA 
Website: www.eventbrite.co.uk

Explore the aquarium after dark

Sea Life London Aquarium has launched an exclusive after-hours experience just for adults that’s kicked off this week. From 5pm onwards, guests 18 and over will be able to spend time with sea turtles, gaze at coral gardens, admire the sharks and more at London’s aquarium. The perfect after-work stress buster or date night, this is your best chance to see the London Aquarium after dark (minus any kids around). Book ahead for the next one on 26th May.

When: 22nd May onwards
WHERE: SEA LIFE London Aquarium
Website: www.visitsealife.com

Get a dose of laughs

Indian stand-up comedian and actor Kanan Gill is coming to the UK on a tour that he claims to be about, well, nothing at all. Bringing a dose of millennial existential crisis to London, Gill promises lots of laughs and perhaps a little too much introspection. Nominated for the most outstanding show at the Melbourne Comedy Festival, his second show of the tour in London is taking place this weekend after selling out the first.

When: 25th may
Where: Soho Theatre
Website: sohotheatre.com

A Bridgerton-themed afternoon tea

The Lanesborough has just debuted its brand-new menu for the hotel’s latest seasonal Bridgerton afternoon tea, in partnership with Netflix and Shondaland. Paying tribute to the key families in Bridgerton Season 3, the afternoon tea includes finger sandwiches, pastry tartlets, and scones, cream and jam, accompanied by the Friend to Lovers cocktail, inspired by Lady Whistledown’s character – a refreshing margarita prepared with 1800 coconut tequila, cherries, and a hint of cranberry juice, balanced with honey and fresh lime juice. Sounds like a social event that cannot be missed!

WHERE: THE LANESBOROUGH
Website: www.oetkercollection.com

Watch an award-winning play

Directed by Jeremy Herrin (Best of Enemies, This House) and designed by Tony Award-winner Bunny Christie (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time), People, Places & Things has returned to London this month with Denise Gough taking on her Olivier Award-winning role as Emma, a struggling actress whose life is spinning recklessly out of control. Expect explosive performances that centre around themes of intoxication, rehab and getting sober in a stunningly honest portrayal of human imperfections.


Where: Trafalgar Theatre
WEBSITE: www.nationaltheatre.org.uk

Lifestyle, Weekend Guide

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