We’ve got book fairs and moon walks, life drawing and speed dating in our round up of what’s happening around Battersea this May.
Life Drawing with The Salacious Sirens, Tooting
Now’s your chance to look at naked people, all in the name of art. The Antelope’s life drawing class has a saucy twist: the models are burlesque performers, so they sure know how to hold a pose. Art materials are provided and there is a different theme each week so come along in May and be surprised.
3 May, theantelopepub.com
Naked Speed Dating, Balham
Yes you read that right: it’s speed dating like you’ve never seen it before. You will literally see all of it. The Exhibit hosts this birthday-suit love in, but fear not for you only have to reveal as much as you’re comfortable with. You don’t want to give it all away on the first date after all.
3 May, skiddle.com
Wandsworth Art Fringe, Various
If you can imagine it, you will find it at Wandsworth Art Fringe. There are shows, talks and activities taking place in venues across the borough, ranging from circus and poetry to comedy, photography and dance…and more besides. Kids will love the Big Art Picnic; comedy lovers should check out Joe Jacobs and for everything else, head to the Pump House Pavilion.
4-20 May, wandsworthfringe.com
213 Things About Me, Battersea
There is still so much we don’t know about autism; this ‘darkly comedic and tragic tale’ looks to shed light on the condition, using the narratives of those that know best. It centres on the real-life story of a woman who was diagnosed with Aspergers in adulthood, and a list of 213 traits she wrote before her death.
9-12 May, bac.org.uk
The MoonWalk, Clapham
Pull on your trainers and don your bras: the MoonWalk is back for another year to raise money and awareness for breast cancer. Starting at Clapham Common, walkers complete the marathon-length course overnight, taking in some of London’s best sights on the way. The best spectacle is the walkers themselves: you don’t have to wear an outrageous bra to do it but it helps.
12 May, walkthewalk.org
Clapham Book Festival, Clapham
Now in its third year, Clapham Book Festival is a celebration of storytelling, theatre and the power of words, and whatever your taste or genre, there’s something to pique everyone’s interest. Deborah Moggach leads a strong line up that includes Dame Margaret Drabble who will be discussing her latest book.
12 May, claphambookfestival.com
The ABA Rare Book Fare, Battersea
Another one for bibliophiles, the ABA Rare Book Fair is coming to Battersea Evolution for the first time in its 61-year history, bringing one of the largest collections of rare and antique books from over 160 dealers across the world. There are books to browse as well as talks, hands-on activities and family friendly events covering every aspect of ancient literature.
24-26 May, rarebookfairlondon.com
The Luna Cinema, Various
Honestly, it is summer – and outdoor flick-fest Luna Cinema kicks off this May to prove it. It is popping up across numerous locations in south west London, including a showing of Jaws at Brockwell Lido on May 24, followed by Romeo and Juliet at Tooting Common in June and a screening of Three Billboards in Battersea Park come September. Tickets go fast, so book now.
Until October, thelunacinema.com
Roof Garden Fun Day, Wandsworth
Part of the Chelsea Fringe, this annual family fun day takes place atop the Doddington and Rollo Community Roof Garden, an urban oasis hidden away on Battersea Park Road. Bee Urban are coming along with an observation hive where you can learn about the importance of bees and watch the little critters in action. There’ll be story-telling, face painting and strawberry picking…and plenty for children, too.
26 May, chelseafringe.com
Hip Hop Turns 45, Clapham
Make the most of the bank holiday with this hip hop hoopla at Venn Street Records. With big name DJs on the decks and drinks a’flowing, raise a glass to one of the biggest musical revolutions in the last half century.
27 May, vennstreetrecords.com