london information / events in london in may

This is a list of the things that happen every year in may in central london. The list is in date order:

May - events in london in May

What: May bank holidays: in England there are two long weekends in May, where the Monday is a 'bank holiday', a statutory holidays where most things are shut or operate a very restricted service (often hours or services similar to those operated on a Sunday). May Day Bank Holiday is the first Monday in May and Spring Bank Holiday is the last Monday in May. You will often find childrens fun fairs open on londons parks (but not the royal parks) on these weekends, particularly on the latter one.

What: Covent Garden May Fayre and Puppet Festival: this is an annual celebration of the art of puppetry, with Punch and Judy and other puppeteers from all over the country commemorating the first sighting of Mr Punch in England by Samuel Pepys in 1662.
When: usually the second Sunday in May, the fayre starts at 10:30 with a procession, followed by a special service in the church at 11:30 (where Mr Punch is a guest in the pulpit). Then from 12:00 until around 17:30 there are Punch & Judy puppet shows, workshops, music, dancing, clowns and other performers in the church gardens. Admission is free.
Where: St Pauls Church Garden, Bedford Street, Covent Garden, W2
Station: Covent Garden
Website: alternativearts.co.uk (then click on 'events program')

What: FA Cup Final: the traditional curtain closer (final game) of the English football season, this football competition begins almost a year before it's final and goes through 6 main rounds plus a number of preliminary rounds. Sir Bobby Robson (who knows a bit about football) describes it as "... the greatest single match outside the world cup final".
When: usually the third Saturday in May, with a 15:00 kick off.
Where: Traditionally Wembley Stadium (in Cardiff whilst it is rebuilt, it will return to Wembley in 2006)
Station: Wembley Park underground or Wembley Central rail
Website: thefa.com

What: Chelsea Flower Show: this world-renowned gardening extravaganza and floral spectacle sees the grounds of Royal Hospital Chelsea come alive with the sights and smells of the finest collection of blooms in the world.
When: Open to the general public on the last weekend in May (and to RHS members on the Thursday and Friday before the last weekend in May). For this one you need to plan ahead and buy tickets early. As the RHS website says 'ALL tickets must be booked in advance' (their capitalisation, not ours). You will not get them on the day.
Where: the grounds of Royal Hospital, Royal Hospital Road, SW3
Station: Sloane Square
Website: rhs.org.uk