Oh Summer where are’t thou?
by Jen (follow Jen on Twitter:@JenBarnes207)
If April showers bring May flowers (and ice cream) then April snow brings May….dough? Glow? Status quo? I’m not entirely sure – but there are a lot of free films, tours, and festivals so that’s never a bad thing. As always, if nothing on my list tickles your fancy, some of my fellow BrokeinLondoners have some more ideas for you in the Free Entertainment in London section and the top 10 free art exhibitions in London this Spring.
#1 Herne Hill Free Film Festival | All Month
Herne hill station outdoor screening – Image: Free Film Festivals
The Herne Hill Free Film Festival is offering free films almost every night from the 29th April to the 29th May. The best thing about this festival is the variety of films on show. There’s a few classics like The Breakfast Club and Grease alongside documentaries and short films. There really is something for everyone and venues are as diverse as the film!
When: Until 29th May
Where: Check Website
#2 Wandering Tree | 31st May
Wandering Tree – Image: More London
In honour of London Tree Week, there’s a pavement art installation going onto the banks of the River Thames at More London called “Wandering Tree”. Who doesn’t want to instagram a totally mental 3d tree growing out of the concrete? Yeah – that’s what I thought.
When: 31st May
Where: More London, London SE1 2DB
#3 Urban Village Fete | 15th May
Urban Village Fete – Image: TimeOut
Greenwich Peninsula is making a name for itself as a destination beyond just the O2. On the 15th May is there second annual Urban Village Fete – which sounds quite good, actually. The description promises gigantic slinkies, hula hooping classes, street food, DJs and designers. They are showcasing local talent so if you want to get involved next year get in touch!
When: 15th May
Where: Greenwich Peninsula, London SE10
#4 Nunhead Cemetery Open Day | 21st May
Nunhead Cemetery Open Day – Image: London Town
I live in south-east London and I’m a pretty big fan of our parks and green spaces so I couldn’t resist including the Nunhead Cemetery Open Day on the list. Not only is it a beautiful place for a wander, it also has one of the 13 protected views of St Pauls. On the day you can expect tours, craft demonstrations and even birds of prey!
When: 21st May, 11am-5pm
Where: Nunhead Cemetery, Linden Grove, SE15 3LP
#5 Covent Garden May Fayre & Puppet Festival | 8th May
Covent Garden May Fayre – Image: VisitLondon
It calls itself a “day of traditional British entertainment” and the Covent Garden May Fayre and Puppet Festival certainly doesn’t disappoint. Start the day with a procession at 11am, a service at 12pm if you’re so inclined and puppet shows from 1230. You’ll also find maypole dancing, clowns and folk music. It’s been running for 41 years so you know they’re doing something right!
When: 8th May, from 11am
Where: The Actor’s Church, Bedford Street, London WC2E 9ED
#6 Brixton Windmills 200th Anniversary | 2nd May
Brixton Windmill Beer and Bread Festival – Image: Broke in London
The Brixton Windmill is 200 years old so it’s having an anniversary party (which should really be a birthday party, I think!). In honour of this the Brixton Beer and Bread Festival is offering samples of local micro-breweries and artisan bakeries for the launch of Brixton Windmill flour.
When: 2nd May, 1-5pm
Where:Brixton Windmill Gardens, London SW2 5EU
#7 Imperial Festival | 7th – 8th May
Image: Broke in London
The Imperial Festival is all about science, robots and research. You can find out what your pee says about your life, play noughts and crosses with lasers and propose new Paralympic sports with the Department of Bioengineering. There’s a pop up pub – The Haemo Globe Inn – where you can get a drink and London Farmer’s Market are bringing food!
When: 7th- 8th May
Where:Imperial’s South Kensington Campus, Exhibition Road, London, SW7 2AZ
#8 Alchemy Festival | 20th -30th May
Street Food Market – Image: Southbank Centre
Alchemy is back at the Southbank Centre to celebrate the relationship between the UK and the Indian subcontinent. There’s a handful of free events including a social dance, a book club and even a sonnet exchange. Don’t forget to stop by the food market for delicious snacks.
When: 20th – 30th May
Where:Southbank London
#9 Museums at Night London | 11th – 14th May
Image: londontheinside
Museums at Night takes place twice a year when Museums across the country stay open late and offer special events for guests. It’s a great opportunity to visit places like the Natural History Museum, The Royal Air Force Museum and The Charles Dickens Museum after work. Check the listings for museums you’ve never heard of and pop along!
When: 11th – 14th May
Where: Across London – see events here
#10 Art & Alcohol | All Month
Art and Alcohol – Image: Time Out
Britain has quite the relationship with alcohol, you only need to walk down Shoreditch High Street on a Friday night to see that – but Tate Britain have asked David Blayney Brown to curate an exhibition on the subject : Art & Alcohol.
When: All Month
Where: Tate Britain, Millbank, London SW1P 4RG
