May is a busy time for Bank Holidays in 2023! We’ve got 3 Mondays off this year thanks to the Coronation as well as the usual half term week.
We’ll start the month right by providing you with some FREE family-friendly to try the first May Bank Holiday weekend. Be sure to follow us on Instagram for more ideas as the month progresses.
V&A South Kensington: Performance Festival
Celebrate musicals at V&A this weekend! All of these activities are FREE and drop-in. The dance workshop is bound to be very popular so do arrive early for that.
This display celebrates the glittering world of musical theatre, exploring the evolution and craftmanship of iconic musicals, from Miss Saigon and My Fair Lady to modern classics SIX the Musical, and Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.
SIX The Musical Dance workshop
Led by a member of the West End team, learn moves inspired by London’s award-winning hit show, and dance alongside members of the cast. No previous experience or dance expertise is required.
29 April
Start times 1pm and 3pm. 40 min each.
Age guidance: 7+
Unticketed, free
Musicals Treasures: Families Trail
Pick up our free paper activity to help you and your family explore the Re:Imagining Musicals display. Explore the Re:Imagining Musicals display as a family and discover famous theatrical stories.
Runs until 30 April; 10am – 5pm
Age guidance 5+
Come see the West End Musical Choir perform and join in on a musical sing-along to classic, beloved, catchy tunes from musicals, from Mamma Mia to Mary Poppins.
30 April
3.30pm – 4.15pm
RIBA Family Fun Day: Circular Eco-and-ME
A free day-long drop-in creative event for families and young people with hands-on activities inspired by the latest RIBA exhibition Long Life, Low Energy: Design for a circular economy. Get crafty, build big and find out more about how architects are designing to decelerate the climate crisis.
Programme of Activities includes – Making buildings better: Big Build, Making buildings better: Mini Model, Baby room, Quiet reading room, Lego room, What’s the buzz?: Stories and songs, Planter making
29 April; 11am-4pm
Royal Institute of British Architects, 66 Portland Place, W1B 1AD
More details: website
IWA Canalway Cavalcade
Boats! Lots of lovely boats! It’s the 40th anniversary of this vibrant canal festival in Little Venice.
IWA Canalway Cavalcade is a family-friendly event celebrating the best of life on London’s waterways and its community. There will be live music around the site, special boating activities like the legendary illuminated procession, kids’ entertainment for all ages and art from local schools on display.
Young visitors can try their hand at kayaking, visit a teddy bears’ picnic and enjoy a traditional Punch and Judy show.
29 April – 1 May
Little Venice (W9 2PF and W2 6NE)
Opening times and further details in this online leaflet.
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Eid in the Square
It’s the 18th year of the Mayor of London’s free, annual festival to celebrate the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting.
This year’s festival supports the Mayor’s #LondonForEveryone campaign and focusses on family, education, and innovation, bringing communities, friends and families together to enjoy the celebrations.
Trafalgar Square will be busy with activities including WAW Creative Arts Kids Zone offering calligraphy, storytelling, drama and poetry workshops and performances. There’s mehndi and facepainting plus interactive fencing sessions with Muslim Girls Fence. Shade 7’s ‘Journey through the Islamic Months’ storytelling sessions and if you fancy learning about Muslim Stories of Trafalgar Square then join Halal Tourism Britain on one of their free 20-minute bite-sized tours on the hour from 12:30pm – 5:30pm. We also welcome the New Crescent Society who will be running some interactive workshops on how to site the UK Eid moon.
Watch out for the Colours of Eid Parade grand finale as a sea of stunning Eid costumes led by Dhol drummers walks through the Square!
29 April; 12pm – 6pm
Trafalgar Square, Westminster, London, WC2N 5DN, GB
More info: website
The Green Meet at Fulham Palace
An annual springtime celebration of sustainability and biodiversity at this gorgeous location.
There’s something for everyone at the green meet including children’s upcycling workshops, family yoga sessions and an exciting variety of free interactive games for children in the walled garden. Enjoy a picnic on the lawn, browse the green market and garden stalls, listen to live music and celebrate all things green with a wide range of tours, talks and workshops.
30 April; 11am – 4pm
Fulham Palace, Bishop’s Avenue, Fulham, SW6 6EA
Free but some workshops require booking and payment
More info: website
Featured image from IWA by Tom Clayton.
