May in London is a fantastic time to explore the city—longer days, blooming parks, and a packed cultural calendar. Whether you’re into art, theatre, music, or design, here are my top recommendations for making the most of the month.
🎨 1. Explore the V&A East Storehouse (Opening May 31)
Be among the first to experience the V&A East Storehouse, opening on May 31 in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford. This innovative venue offers a behind-the-scenes look at the V&A’s vast collection, with over 250,000 objects, 350,000 books, and nearly 1,000 archives on display. Highlights include a preview of the David Bowie collection and the unique “Order an Object” experience, allowing visitors to request specific items for viewing.
🎭 2. Catch the First Shows at Soho Theatre Walthamstow (Opening May 2)
Soho Theatre expands to Walthamstow with a new 960-seat venue opening on May 2. Housed in the beautifully restored Grade II* listed former Granada cinema, the theatre will host top UK and international comedy, theatre, cabaret, and panto. Early performances include Natalie Palamides’ “Weer” (May 6–10) and Mark Watson’s “Before It Overtakes Us” (May 17).
🎶 3. Dive into London’s Outdoor Festival Scene
May is prime time for outdoor festivals in London. Here are three standout events:
- Wide Awake Festival (May 23, Brockwell Park): An independent festival showcasing underground and alternative music, featuring artists like Peaches and Daniel Avery.
- City Splash Festival (May 26, Brockwell Park): Celebrate Caribbean and African culture with reggae, dancehall, Afrobeats, and more. Expect vibrant music, food, and community vibes.
- Mighty Hoopla (May 31–June 1, Brockwell Park): The UK’s most inclusive pop festival returns with a lineup including Kesha, Ciara, and JoJo.
🖼️ 4. Immerse Yourself in David Hockney at Lightroom
Experience “David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away)” at Lightroom in King’s Cross. Running from April 30 to June 29, this immersive exhibition uses cutting-edge technology to bring Hockney’s art to life in a new, dynamic way.
5. Visit the New IKEA Store on Oxford Street (Opened May 1)
IKEA has opened a new city-centre store on Oxford Street, transforming the former Topshop building into a seven-floor shopping destination. The store offers a range of home furnishings and features digital integrations for an enhanced shopping experience.
London Like a Local 