Go, see and do with the top 10 events for May
1 London Wine Week
Celebrate like Bacchus himself as London Wine Week comes to a bar near you. Tastings, talks and vino-themed merriment will be taking place across London but down south, head to Honest Grapes in Brixton and learn the tricks of the wine buying trade.
23-29 May, drinkup.london
If LWW gives you a taste for a tipple, make a date in your diary for The Old Curiosity Tasting Adventure. The event is being promoted by Le Bureau member Gill Perkins of Wandsworth Oasis and run in conjunction with wine connoisseurs Hannibal Brown. There are 25 offerings from around the world to try, plus canapés, a bubbles bar and a raffle. What’s not to love?
12 May
2 Eurovision Song Contest
Cheer on team GB as this year’s Eurovision Song Contest comes live from Stockholm. Our entry this year comes from cheeky-chappies Joe and Jake, singing their “anthemic pop song” ‘You’re Not Alone’. Clapham Picturehouse will be screening the whole thing in all its camp, warbling, political glory, so grab a score card and an Union Jack and join in the fun.
14 May, picturehouses.com
3 Rebel Bingo 20 May, Clapham Ground
It’s bingo – but not as you know it. Revel Bingo has the same premise as the original game but includes filthy number calling, club music, incredible prizes (motorbike, anyone?) and a glitter canon – because it’s just not bingo without a glitter canon. On 20th may the Clapham Grand plays host to a night of crazy, energetic number-based mayhem.
20 May, thelondongrand.com
4 Wandsworth Arts Fringe
The Wandsworth Arts Fringe brings together some of the best artists, writers, performers and dreamers from across the UK for this renowned festival. Whatever your passion, the packed program has something for everyone: a production of Carmen for opera fans, modern takes on classics like Romeo & Chullo and installations such as The ‘What If’ Machine that gives participants their very own 15 minutes of fame. There’s lots on for children too if you have little ones in tow.
6-22 May, wandsworthfringe.com
5 The Moon Walk
Don your trainers, fasten your bras and do The Moon Walk in support of Breast Cancer. 2016 marks 20 years of this iconic night–time trek so this year has a carnival theme. Take part as an individual or band together as a team, raise a load of money for a brilliant cause and have a ball while you’re at it.
14 May, walkthewalk.org
6 Summer Dr Bike
Bike on the blink? Take your wheels to Brixton’s Windrush Square for a check-up this free event run by Lambeth council. Professional mechanics will be on hand to make sure your bike is roadworthy and can advise on next steps for any issue that can’t be sorted in 15 minutes. You can also add your bike details to BikeRegister.com for a more hopeful outcome should it be stolen. Identical events are running in Vauxhall and Waterloo on 11th May.
4 May, lambeth.gov.uk
7 Ritherdon Road Street Party
For the last few years, this residential Balham road has transformed into a vibrant street party. This year promises to be bigger and better, with a music stage and local entertainment performing throughout the day. Over 50 stalls will be setting up shop offering everything from Vietnemese street food and crepes to luxury pet treats and handmade toys. Giant games, bubbles and balloons will keep the little folk amused.
22 May, facebook.com/RitherdonRoad
8 Brixton Summer Rooftop Beach Party
If you can’t get away this year, this 80s themed beach bash atop a Brixton rooftop will bring a slice of Miami glamour to you. Expect characters, performers, food vendors, multiple bars and a real life beach to feel the sand between your toes at this glittering immersive party.
28 May-11 June, evensi.uk
9 Chistian Furr ‘The Humble Cheese’
Cheese might not immediately spring to mind as an obvious objet d’art, but Christian Furr’s inspired oil paintings capture the individuality and unexpected beauty in this beloved dairy product. “I want my cheese paintings to have the drama of opera,” says Furr. Judge for yourself at this innovative exhibition.
Until 31 May, knightwebbgallery.com
10 BIG Walkies
Bring your four-legged friends for a canine carnival, all in support of the RSPCA in the lush surroundings of Crystal Palace. Choose from a 3k or 5k walk with your doggie companion or sign up as a team for a 36-legged challenge. There’s music, food and entertainment and with all dogs getting a free bandana, no one goes home empty pawed.
14 May, rspca.org.uk
