Grand Designs Live - until 8 May

Grand Designs Live has returned to the ExCeL, offering visitors the chance to explore all the latest home-related trends and see up-and-coming products before they hit the shelves.

With over 500 exhibitors, the exhibition is based on the Channel 4 series, with Kevin McCloud presenting over the nine days. Here, you will find plenty of inspiration for home projects as Grand Designs Live show you the possibilities.

There will be a range of talks with industry professionals and other highlights include the Grand Tech Hub, the Self Build Centre and RIBA House of the Year.

This event is a great opportunity for interior design students to understand current industry trends.

 

London Craft Week – 3 - 7 May

For the second year running, London Craft Week gives you the chance to celebrate craftsmanship while embarking on a creative learning experience of your own.

With an array of different events taking place across the city over the five day duration, including workshops, demonstrations, tours and collection launches, there’s certainly something for everybody whether you like fashion, jewellery, art or design.

Highlights include ‘The Making of the Crown Jewels’ at the Tower of London and ‘How to Buy: The Bespoke Suit on Savile Row’.

Tickets for each event can be purchased separately from the London Craft Week website.

 

Covent Garden May Fayre and Puppet Festival - 8 May

The Covent Garden May Fayre and Puppet Festival is the perfect opportunity to experience some traditional British entertainment.

Head down to the St Paul’s Church in Covent Garden to join in the celebrations marking the anniversary of the first time Samuel Pepys saw a Punch and Judy-style show in 1662 London.

With puppeteers travelling from all over the country so they can perform, you’ll get to see the pick of the best. The puppet shows start at 12.30pm, and there will also be workshops, food stalls and folk music for everyone to enjoy.

 

Romeo and Juliet - from 12 May

For three months the Garrick Theatre will be the new home to Shakespeare’s classic tale of star crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet.

Directed by Kenneth Branagh and Rob Ashford, the well-known story of forbidden love is showing as a part of the Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company season. Starring Richard Madden (Game of Thrones, Birdsong) and Lily James (Downton Abbey, Cinderella) in the leading roles, the romantic tragedy will be brought to life in front of your very eyes.

Tickets start from £39.50 - the first month is selling out fast, so act quickly if you’re looking to secure a seat.

 

Photo London – 19 – 22 May

With last year’s Photo London proving such a great success, the photography fair is returning to Somerset House once again, showcasing work from both celebrated names and newcomers to the industry.

Photojournalist, Don McCullin, has been named Photo London 2016 Master of Photography and has been given his own exhibition, presented in association with Hamiltons Gallery. He will also appear in conversation with Simon Baker (the Tate’s Curator of Photography) as part of the Photo London Talks programme.

Other highlights include the Walter and Zoniel ‘The Untouched’ installation and Sergey Chilikov’s ‘Photoprovocations’ exhibition. Adult day passes cost £27. 

 

RHS Chelsea Flower Show – 24 – 28 May

Complementing Grand Designs Live rather nicely is the world-famous Chelsea Flower Show, bringing you the best cutting-edge garden designs for 2016.

The show has taken place every year for over a century (except during the World Wars), each spectacular in its own way, and this year’s isn’t set to be any different, with over 500 exhibitors participating.

Show stoppers will include a floral arch in celebration of the Queen’s 90th birthday, the RHS Garden for Health, Happiness and Horticulture designed by Ann-Marie Powell, and an acoustic garden inspired by world-leading percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie.

Held at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, tickets are available on the website.