The ianVisits guide to May's unusual events, tours, lectures and exhibitions happening around London.
Monday 12th May
On Florence Nightingale's birthday, the usual £7.80 entry charge is waived -- free entry for everyone.
10am to 5pm
Leading journalists will discuss the legacy of Tiananmen Square in today’s China.
6:45pm to 8pm
More London events on Monday 12th May
Tuesday 13th May
The annual open evening at the Honourable Artillery Company with plenty of displays of military prowess.
5pm to 9pm
Moorgate
Mark Mason, author of Walk the Lines, recounts his experience of walking the London Underground overground and what he learned along the way
6pm to 8pm
During an evening of walks and talks, we will explore the shadowy, forgotten worlds that trace war-time prostitution, queer lives and venereal panic.
6pm to 8pm
Soho
£8.00
Shereen el Feki, Sally Howard and Moni Mohsin discuss how sexual mores are changing across Asia
Starts at 6:45pm
Join Andrew for an illustrated presentation on the ancient buildings in Turkey, taking questions from the audience.
Starts at 7pm
In this talk Gregory Elliott analyses both the scholarly record of Hobsbawm and the intellectual and political journey that his life represents.
Starts at 7:30pm
More London events on Tuesday 13th May
Wednesday 14th May
Free
This talk from John Spicer will look at the brewing and pub retailing changes of the past 50 years.
12:30pm to 1:30pm
Come and see the film and hear the talk about a Boris Bike trip in the French Alps.
Starts at 6:30pm
Lord Patten will speak about the ‘Future of the BBC’ in a wide-ranging public lecture which will consider the ways the corporation needs to adapt.
6:30pm to 8pm
£15.00
In addition to the presentation of new work, with pictures to please, this is an opportunity to participate in a discussion with Jeremy Tankard.
7pm to 9pm
Camden
This evening offers an extraordinary insight into London, Brick Lane and Phil’s compelling vision of social change
7pm to 7pm
Picadilly
£5.00
A bi-monthly event mainly for curators to give a series of short talks about what they are up to in their museums.
Starts at 7pm
Camden
A film screening and talk about the recent surge in street art in the area.
Starts at 7:30pm
East Dulwich
More London events on Wednesday 14th May
Thursday 15th May
Join the Thames Discovery Programme to explore the foreshore near Cannon Street, in the City of London.
8:30am to 10am
Come along to visit the museum and hear talks about life at Bethlem in the Victorian period.
Starts at 5pm
A chance to look behind-the-scenes, with a short film screening, activities and more
5pm to 8pm
Richmond
Beer advertising is big business, but what convinces us to be tempted by a particular tipple?
6pm to 9pm
Notting Hill
A special Library and Museum free pop up display will take place on the star-studded mosaic floor outside the Grand Temple.
6pm to 8pm
Aldwych
View the health of Londoners during WWI and WWII through the Wellcome Library’s online resource.
6pm to 7:30pm
Whitechapel
isit the Horniman after hours and enjoy a night of extreme art, music and quirky performances across the Museum and Gardens.
6:30pm to 9:30pm
A talk by Jason Lowe, a Met Office Science Fellow.
Starts at 6:30pm
A political hustings to quiz Euro election candidates on digital rights issues.
6:30pm to 9:30pm
Islington
Panel discussion on the societal repercussions of digital development in East Asia.
6:45pm to 8pm
Join beer writer and advertising guru Pete Brown at the Museum of Brands for an evening talk on classic beer advertising.
Starts at 7pm
Notting Hill
For one evening only, the museum will be taken over by digital artists and experts.
7pm to 10pm
An out of hours, free behind-the-scenes tour of the Wiener Library’s exhibition.
Starts at 7pm
A talk by the author of a book of the same name about the Zepplin raids on London during WW1
Starts at 7:30pm
Dulwich
More London events on Thursday 15th May
Friday 16th May
A special late night opening at Whitehall (Cheam), which will be lit by candlelight.
tba
Cheam
Free
Two Temple Place will reopen for one day only to host an exhibition of drawings by Clara Drummond, the artist in residence.
10am to 4:30pm
Strand
A morning of reminiscence and document viewing as we explore the stories of Londoners working to keep their children safe.
10:30am to 12:30pm
Euston
Rare opportunity to visit the Bank fo England's museum out of normal office hours.
5:30pm to 9pm
City of London
The opening evening of their new exhibition Goodbye Piccadilly – from the home front to the Western front
Starts at 6pm
Explore the resplendent rooms after dark and hear tales of the house’s fascinating history brought to life.
6pm to 8pm
Picadilly
More London events on Friday 16th May
Saturday 17th May
Norwegian cod and chips being offered for 99p in a number of venues on Norway Day.
All Day
It’s just a ghost tour, nothing to worry about. Just a ghost tour at night around old factory buildings, you can cope with that.
All Day
£26.50
Three day whisky tasting festival with Whiskies from 20 distilleries.
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Bethnal Green
Over 40 free guided walks covering London’s seven top walking routes.
All Day
The Rickmansworth Festival takes place on the third weekend of May every year and celebrates canals, the community and the environment.
All Day
Rickmansworth
A day to mark the 200th anniversary of the Norwegian constitution.
All Day
Rotherhithe
A procession and town fair with over 60 stalls.
9am to 1pm
Cheam
The Museum tells the story of the mansion house, as it was used as the Headquarters for Fighter Command during WW2.
10am to 5pm
Stanmore
In its 500th anniversary the usually closed to outsiders home of Trinity House will be open to the general public to have a look around.
10am to 3pm
Tower Hill
150 artists open the door of their studios for four consecutive days in the largest Open Studios Art Show in a single site in UK.
Starts at 11am
Tooting
Annual open day at the Victorian cemetery with crypt tours.
11am to 5pm
Rare opportunity to visit this 42-acre jewel with many mature trees, 2-acre lake with water fowl, expansive lawns and a river walk.
12pm to 4pm
Fulham
£5.00
Guided walk arounf the are looking at street art inspired by Baroque paintings in Dulwich Picture Gallery
Starts at 2pm
East Dulwich
Late opening of this architectural masterpiece, and home to the magnificent Rubens ceiling.
5pm to 10pm
Explore the resplendent rooms after dark and hear tales of the house’s fascinating history brought to life.
6pm to 8pm
Picadilly
There will be exhibits of works of art, and a magic lantern show at the Canal Museum
6:30pm to 11:59pm
A note that a distinctive steam train will be arriving in London in the evening, and taking, by their standards, a fairly unusual route.
Starts at 7:30pm
More London events on Saturday 17th May
Sunday 18th May
Over 40 free guided walks covering London’s seven top walking routes.
All Day
The Rickmansworth Festival takes place on the third weekend of May every year and celebrates canals, the community and the environment.
All Day
Rickmansworth
A local festival of some sort - seems to be a generic food/music sort of thing.
11am to 5pm
Camden
A musical performance by Southwark musicians at locations along the route of the subterranean River Effra.
Starts at 12pm
Visit hidden Spitalfields to experience its narrow streets, alleyway, learn about the Romans, a Medieval Monastery, Silk Weavers, Georgian Houses.
2pm to 4pm
City of London
A chance to enjoy some rare and seldom seen herbarium specimens and botanical books whilst enjoying cakes and botanical ice creams in the garden.
2pm to 5pm
Herne Hill
More London events on Sunday 18th May
Monday 19th May
Free
A science festival running simultaneously across 15 pubs in London, Oxford and Cambridge.
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Discover the world's largest independent lending library, steeped in history and housing a fascinating and varied collection.
Starts at 5:45pm
A debate about representations of prayer in literature and art in the Middle Ages, the seventeenth century and the Victorian period.
Starts at 6pm
Dr Matthew Inglis discusses the evidence into how studying maths develops your thinking skills, logical reasoning and/or ability to resolve problems.
6:30pm to 8pm
More London events on Monday 19th May
Tuesday 20th May
Free
A science festival running simultaneously across 15 pubs in London, Oxford and Cambridge.
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The Bank’s curator will examine some of the compelling events and personalities featured in the Bank’s new exhibition
6pm to 8pm
A review of a faked film about shell-shocked soldiers from WW1
6pm to 9pm
Euston
In this talk, Peter Hounsell explores the major changes in the management of London’s rubbish over the last two centuries.
Starts at 7:30pm
Wandsworth
More London events on Tuesday 20th May
Wednesday 21st May
Free
A science festival running simultaneously across 15 pubs in London, Oxford and Cambridge.
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There will be a gun salute outside the Tower of London at noon to mark the arrival of FGS Niedersachsen.
12pm to 3pm
A talk about a photo exhibition of essential services workers.
2pm to 3pm
Professor Marcus du Sautoy will explore the hidden mathematical ideas that underpin the creative output of well-known artists.
Starts at 6pm
Talk and exhibition about the worst loss of civilian life in WW2
6:30pm to 9:30pm
Stratford
Lord Bhikhu Parekh discusses India’s complete and unswerving support of Great Britain’s war.
6:45pm to 5pm
A talk and demonstration relating to Wyndham's apocalypse(s) and the mysteries of astronbotany.
7pm to 8:30pm
Talk by James Watson of CAMRA (the Campaign for Real Ale) on the demise of British pubs over the past 30 years.
8pm to 9pm
Islington
As usual, no idea why, but there will be a large firework display in central London.
10:45pm to 11pm
Strand
More London events on Wednesday 21st May
Thursday 22nd May
For one day only, Elvis Presley's false tooth will be on display in a London dentist as part of a nationwide tour to promote mouth cancer awareness.
All Day
New Southgate
Free
Explore unusual terracotta pots depicting enormous phalluses being led in a procession
Starts at 6pm
More London events on Thursday 22nd May
Friday 23rd May
This festival consist of popular cultural exhibits, foods, crafts, and performances highlighting the diverse history of the region in Turkey,
All Day
Stoke Newington
Vigils have been held on the 23rd of every month since June 2004. They are inclusive, secular events, open 'to all faiths and none'.
Starts at 7pm
Southwark
More London events on Friday 23rd May
Saturday 24th May
This festival consist of popular cultural exhibits, foods, crafts, and performances highlighting the diverse history of the region in Turkey,
All Day
Stoke Newington
Join the walk, hear the talks, browse the stalls and meet your local societies throughout the day.
10:30am to 4:30pm
Wandsworth
Discover 350 years of London's postal history from the coffee houses of the 1600s to the electronic communication of today.
11am to 1pm
Clerkenwell
This will be a photography walk and talk with Paul Debois around the vicinity of Weaver’s Field.
4pm to 5pm
Bethnal Green
Alys Fowler will lead a walk around the local area, including the woodland, looking for wildlings,
6pm to 7pm
Bethnal Green
More London events on Saturday 24th May
Sunday 25th May
Have you always wondered how cinemas work? Would you love a chance to see inside the projection room?
tba
This festival consist of popular cultural exhibits, foods, crafts, and performances highlighting the diverse history of the region in Turkey,
All Day
Stoke Newington
Watch the annual charcoal burning, and preparations in Selsdon Woods.
All Day
South Croydon
Open day at the RSCPA facility with a chance to see behind the scenes at the animal hospital.
11am to 3pm
Putney
There will be films, animation and video art as well as art exhibitions, workshops and music.
12pm to 7pm
Whitechapel
Free
Meet a Museum scientist to discover the mammal species living in Britain at the end of the last ice age.
12:30pm to 6pm
A nature reserve along a railway cutting open for a few hours a month.
1pm to 4pm
Forest Hill
More London events on Sunday 25th May
Monday 26th May
This festival consist of popular cultural exhibits, foods, crafts, and performances highlighting the diverse history of the region in Turkey,
All Day
Stoke Newington
Watch the annual charcoal burning, and preparations in Selsdon Woods.
All Day
South Croydon
This walk, led by Councillor Rex Osborn, looks at the story of Tooting in the First World War
Starts at 2pm
Tooting
Cross-dressing, sex change and other such transitions appear in a little-known series of medieval artistic depictions,
7:30pm to 9pm
More London events on Monday 26th May
Tuesday 27th May
Over 30 free events will take place, from film screenings, discussions and lectures to exhibitions, walking tours and musical performances.
All Day
Free
A talk looking at whether Britain deserves the blame for some of the issues leading to WW1
Starts at 6pm
Join three leading Tudor historians who will vividly depict Anne’s life from glorious coronation to brutal execution.
Starts at 6:30pm
£3.00
Science London will be teaching you how to make your own brain shaped bath bombs to take home.
7pm to 9:30pm
Hackney
More London events on Tuesday 27th May
Wednesday 28th May
Over 30 free events will take place, from film screenings, discussions and lectures to exhibitions, walking tours and musical performances.
All Day
Keara will talk about the ways in which an art project on health has encouraged young people to consider their own wellbeing.
12:30pm to 1:30pm
Harley Street
A chance to look around the former palace of the Archbishop of Canterbury, and now a girls school.
Starts at 1:30pm
A note that the large cruise ship, the Seabourn Legend will pass through Tower Bridge.
Starts at 1:45pm
A talk about the animal-human relationship during the Second World War to consider the changing role of animals at this time.
6pm to 7:30pm
Euston
£12.50
Whispers of advertising past are the focus of this walking tour through Stoke Newington, taking in some of London’s best ghostsigns
6:20pm to 8:30pm
Stoke Newington
£12.00
Understanding the evolution of modern humans is one of science's most intriguing projects.
6:30pm to 8:30pm
Dan Cruickshank will discuss the architectural story of the Tower, from its Norman inception to its modern day use.
Starts at 6:30pm
Free
Monthly late night adults only opening at the Science Museum.
6:45pm to 10pm
Some of the D-Day veterans will be in attendance at a related book launch.
Starts at 7pm
Picadilly
The Greenwich Historical Society presents a talk about the construction of Greenwich Park's boundary wall at the beginning of the 17th century.
7:30pm to 9pm
More London events on Wednesday 28th May
Thursday 29th May
Over 30 free events will take place, from film screenings, discussions and lectures to exhibitions, walking tours and musical performances.
All Day
Free
The 354th Oak Apple Day to commemorate the anniversary of the day that King Charles II returned to London from exile overseas.
All Day
Have fun delving into the mythology of trees around the Ice Age Tree Trail in the gardens surrounding the Imperial War Museum.
All Day
A chance to look around the former palace of the Archbishop of Canterbury, and now a girls school.
Starts at 1:30pm
How much can you find about contested cases, private asylums and dishonest doctors in the surviving records?
2pm to 3pm
Free
Annual event where the church progresses around its parish marking out the boundaries.
Starts at 3:15pm
A look behind the scenes at Putney Library, built in 1898-99 and extended 1996-98.
Starts at 6:30pm
Putney
A history talk about how Northcote Road has changed from 1900 to the present.
Starts at 7pm
Battersea
This guided tour will look at the tree life, as well as the human and natural history of the wood.
Starts at 7pm
Sydenham
The traditional three yearly 'battle' with the Tower of London on the terrace adjoining the Tower.
Starts at 7pm
A look at the psychological manipulation and deception practised by American and British intelligence services.
7:30pm to 10:30pm
City of London
More London events on Thursday 29th May
Friday 30th May
Over 30 free events will take place, from film screenings, discussions and lectures to exhibitions, walking tours and musical performances.
All Day
Brunel-led tours and see the Great Western Railway Paddington Station Band perform.
tba
A chance to look around the former palace of the Archbishop of Canterbury, and now a girls school.
Starts at 1:30pm
More London events on Friday 30th May
Saturday 31st May
Tickets have sold out -- but returns may be released each morning, so check their website at 8am on the morning.
All Day
£8.00
A collection of some 200 exhibitors in the semi-derelict former hotel building behind Selfridges.
10am to 6:30pm
Marylebone High St
This will be the last chance to see the museum’s collection in its current location.
10am to 4pm
Wandsworth
A Landing Craft from HMS Bulwark will be open to the public to enable you to have a look at the vessel.
10am to 3pm
Wapping
Join Councillor Tony Belton on a non-arduous historical tour of North Battersea.
11am to 4pm
Battersea
There will be military parades through Epsom in the morning, and Ewell in the afternoon, and the military base in Ewell will be open all afternoon.
11am to 5pm
Epsom
£10.00
This Blue Badge Guide led walk takes you to some of the buildings that played a role and describes some of the key characters involved.
2pm to 4:30pm
Trafalgar Square
A tour of some of these locations on the tour as well as exploring some the places he frequented.
2pm to 4pm
