The ianVisits guide to May's unusual events, tours, lectures and exhibitions happening around London.
Coronavirus: Events may be cancelled and venues closed at short notice, you are advised to check on their websites before making a trip.
Wednesday 1st May
Join Senior Curator Simon Sladen as he introduces a new display in the British Galleries exploring comedy’s impact on society.
1pm to 1:45pm
South Kensington
There is more to the Ministry of Defence UFO files than reports on strange sightings in the sky.
2pm to 3pm
Richmond
Dr Jonathan Boff will discuss the transformation undergone by the British Army during the First World War and the role this played in the defeat of Germany.
6pm to 8pm
Chelsea
The newly discovered Salvator by Leonardo, the world’s most costly picture, is one of his most notable creations, in which he used his ‘science of art’ to transform a stock subject into a profound expression of the ineffability of the divine.
6pm to 7pm
Barbican
More London events on Wednesday 1st May
Thursday 2nd May
The presentation identifies the many people who, over the years, have been involved with the canal during its colourful existence.
7:30pm to :
Islington
More London events on Thursday 2nd May
Friday 3rd May
Join Tony Colvin as he examines the Battle of Winnekendonk, which took place during the final stages of the Second World War.
11:30am to :
Chelsea
The Archbishop's garden is open for a few hours each month between April and September.
12pm to 3pm
Southwark
An evening of talks, music and activities celebrating music in Stanley Kubrick’s films.
6pm to 9pm
Kensington
Writer and broadcaster, Michael Rosen, takes us on a celebratory romp through our ABC’s.
7pm to 8:30pm
Camden
More London events on Friday 3rd May
Saturday 4th May
IWA Canalway Cavalcade is London's biggest, brightest and best waterways festival.
All Day
Maida Vale
There'll be many rare and out-of-print titles for sale, illustrating different aspects of the East End's social, political and maritime histor
9:30am to 2pm
Whitechapel
A delightful old barn now packed full of "clutter" that's oddly enjoyable to visit.
10:30am to 4pm
Upminster
Monthly open day at one of London's more curious and delightful museums, devoted to the history of the sewing machine.
2pm to 5pm
Tooting
More London events on Saturday 4th May
Sunday 5th May
IWA Canalway Cavalcade is London's biggest, brightest and best waterways festival.
All Day
Maida Vale
Traditional May Day entertainment with Maypole dancing, music, entertainment for all the family.
11am to 4pm
Mayfair
A monthly opening of the Victorian museum of industrial testing equipment.
11am to 5pm
Southwark
Monthly(ish) open days at 250 acres of the estate originally laid out by Capability Brown.
1pm to 5pm
Reigate
More London events on Sunday 5th May
Monday 6th May
IWA Canalway Cavalcade is London's biggest, brightest and best waterways festival.
All Day
Maida Vale
Monthly opening of the only surviving windmill in inner London.
10am to 4pm
Brixton
Traditional May Day entertainment with Maypole dancing, music, entertainment for all the family.
11am to 4pm
Mayfair
Local teams build a cart, show it off, race it round the course... and then pick up the pieces!
12pm to :
New Cross
Semi-regular days where they fire up a Victorian steam engine.
12:30pm to 4:30pm
South Tottenham
More London events on Monday 6th May
Tuesday 7th May
Free
Barrister Sarah Langford gives an account of 11 cases that shine a light on the current state of the legal system in the UK and the lives affected in the criminal and family courts.
6pm to 7:30pm
Holborn
Richard Youngs’ new book Civic Activism Unleashed examines the factors driving this 'age of rage', assesses whether the emerging activism is effective
6:15pm to 7:30pm
Euston
More London events on Tuesday 7th May
Wednesday 8th May
A talk by Robin Myers on his own book about the letters sent by the two brothers.
6pm to 7:30pm
Southwark
A talk about the construction of the Royal Exchange in the City.
6pm to 7pm
Barbican
A talk by Hallie Rubenhold’s on her new book, the first full-length biography to explore and contextualise those women’s lives.
6:30pm to 8:30pm
St James
Join Helen Lewis, Stephen Bush, and more New Statesman guests to discuss Brexit, local election results and the state of British politics
7pm to 8:30pm
Holborn
Professor Alex Rogers has spent the past 30 years studying life in the deep ocean. Join us as he takes us on an epic and utterly unforgettable voyage to an alien world, and brings us right to the edge of what is known about our oceans today.
7pm to 8:15pm
Soho
The lecture will re-assess the sanctity ascribed to to the graves of poets John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley as the bicentennials of their deaths approach in 2021-2.
7pm to :
North Kensington
More London events on Wednesday 8th May
Thursday 9th May
Nan Sloane tells the story of the remarkable women who were present at the origins of the Labour Party and contributed to its earliest campaigns, many of whom have been forgotten.
6:30pm to 8pm
Holborn
A whistle-stop tour of the history of innovation in food and kitchenware
7pm to 8:30pm
Camden
£15.00
Juliet Gardiner traces the fascinating cultural and social developments in Britain in the twenty years following the Second World War.
7:30pm to 9pm
Richmond
More London events on Thursday 9th May
Friday 10th May
Discover the secrets that lie behind, or rather underneath, the Charterhouse.
10:30am to 12pm
Clerkenwell
Get a look behind the scenes at the 103-stop Harrison and Harrison organ, and find out about the making of this monumental instrument.
11am to :
Southwark
Dr Alastair Massie will discuss the Third Afghan War of 1919, one of history’s shortest conflicts.
11:30am to :
Chelsea
It closed in 1854 but in the three centuries before 1.5% of all Londoners ended up at St Pancras; rich and poor, famous and unknown and from many nationalities.
2pm to 3pm
City of London
A night of spectacle and illusion, wonder and deception, magic and trickery at this evening of performances, talks and workshops.
7pm to 11pm
Camden
A talk and tasting with female pioneers in the cheesemaking industry
7pm to 8:30pm
Camden
More London events on Friday 10th May
Saturday 11th May
Occasional open day at a 14th century building in Ilford.
9am to 10am
Ilford
Monthly opening of the only surviving windmill in inner London.
10am to 4pm
Brixton
The afternoon will consist of a brief demonstration of the organ, explanation of its history and a guided session for people to play it.
3pm to :
Dulwich
More London events on Saturday 11th May
Sunday 12th May
Monthly opening of the only surviving windmill in inner London.
10am to 4pm
Brixton
A weekend of steam engine events in Dartford.
10am to 2pm
Dartford
The free event will be packed full of spectacular kite flying displays and is an opportunity for everyone to go fly a kite.
11am to 5pm
Streatham
Occasional open day at the heritage windmill in Croydon.
12pm to 5pm
Croydon
More London events on Sunday 12th May
Monday 13th May
What’s the future of listening? What will happen to the ways we give attention to music in the future?
6pm to 7pm
Barbican
More London events on Monday 13th May
Tuesday 14th May
Professor Wilks will discuss the argument that ‘superintelligent’ AI may turn against us, as Hawking and Bostrom have warned.
1pm to 2pm
Barbican
An evening watching military demonstrations while sipping a drink and eating an army BBQ.
5pm to 10pm
Moorgate
Jonathan Bate will track Keats to Hampstead and tell of the extraordinary circle of writers – opium-eater Thomas De Quincey, essayist Charles Lamb, master-critic William Hazlitt – who wrote for The London Magazine.
6pm to 7pm
Barbican
More London events on Tuesday 14th May
Wednesday 15th May
In this talk, Dr Alison Bancroft will uncover the links between avant garde thinking in art, and the fashion from Christian Dior.
1pm to 1:45pm
South Kensington
Join Judith Grant to learn about the early life of Alexandra Feodorovna and the influences that contributed to her role leading to the destruction of Imperial Russia.
2pm to 3pm
City of London
Join Paul Mason, discussing his new book, Clear Bright Future: A Radical Defence of the Human Being with New Statesman deputy editor, George Eaton
7pm to 8:30pm
Tottenham Court Road
More London events on Wednesday 15th May
Thursday 16th May
In this especially timely occasion, the panel will consider the impact of the upcoming European elections on the EU as a negotiating actor of Brexit and the future relationship with the UK.
6:30pm to 8pm
Holborn
Nicholas Jubber talks about his new book Epic Continient in which he journeys across Europe exploring Europe's epic poems, from the Odyssey to Beowulf, the Song of Roland to the Nibelungenlied, and their impact on European identity in these turbulent times.
7pm to 8:15pm
Soho
Guided bird walk with London Wildlife Trust in Sydenham Hill Wood
7pm to 8:30pm
Sydenham
More London events on Thursday 16th May
Friday 17th May
Join Dr James Taylor as he discusses the work of Fougasse, the artist responsible for the iconic propaganda campaign 'Careless Talk Costs Lives'.
11:30am to :
Chelsea
Marking the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Monte Cassino, Matthew Parker examines one of the Second World War's bitterest struggles.
6:30pm to 8pm
Chelsea
In the context of Afro-pessimism, this lecture will imagine "the Internationale," that great song of international solidarity and revolution transcending the nation, as a blues.
6:30pm to 8pm
Holborn
Explore the zone where rebellion meets beauty and transgression meets art.
7pm to 8:30pm
Camden
More London events on Friday 17th May
Saturday 18th May
A race by around 50 stand-up paddleboards between Tower Bridge and Putney.
9am to 12pm
A day of talks celebrating some of the history associated with St Saviours, the church now known as Southwark Cathedral.
10am to 4pm
Southwark
A delightful old barn now packed full of "clutter" that's oddly enjoyable to visit.
10:30am to 4pm
Upminster
Tours of the cemetery, chapel and crypt on this annual open day event.
11am to 5pm
Peckham
Join London Wildlife Trust for a spring orchard tree care event and picnic, at a new community orchard on Gallery Road.
11am to 4pm
Dulwich
Waterloo Classics is a monthly classic car show/meet in central London.
12pm to 4pm
Southwark
More London events on Saturday 18th May
Sunday 19th May
According to an air traffic warning, there will be "controlled pyrotechnics" for filming in the morning.
7:30am to 9:30am
Victoria Dock
Huge parade of Mini cars from Crystal Palace down to Brighton.
8am to 12pm
£10.00
Soak in the atmosphere and chat to the experts when 55 plus top midcentury dealers head to celebrated interiors show
10am to 4pm
Bethnal Green
An opportunity to have a look at the buildings and engines, to take in the exhibition and learn something of the Victorian sewer system.
10:30am to 4pm
Abbey Wood
Visit the walled Kitchen Garden on one of theiropen days and enjoy its plentiful displays of flowers and produce.
11am to 3:30pm
Chiswick
Join some of the best authors today as they reveal the tricks of their trade and invite you to get to the heart of what makes a great book tick.
11:30am to 5:15pm
Camden
More London events on Sunday 19th May
Monday 20th May
£15.00
Take a peek behind the scenes with two highly respected food writers, Sybil Kapoor and Jenny Linford, to find out about the process of writing and creating a cookbook
7pm to 8:30pm
Camden
To accompany an exhibition of unique material from the Women’s FA, broadcaster and writer Clare Balding hosts a discussion with leading lights from the game.
7pm to 8:30pm
Camden
Chris Stokel-Walker interviewed more than 100 of YouTube’s biggest names in front of and behind the camera. He investigates the past, present and future of the world’s most popular video sharing website and its impact on society.
7:30pm to 9pm
Holborn
More London events on Monday 20th May
Tuesday 21st May
Join our librarians to learn about the history of Guildhall Library, tour the building (including behind the scenes) and view some of the library’s treasures.
2pm to 3:30pm
City of London
Over 30 hives from around the world will have stands presenting products distinctive to their region including honey – in all its varieties – pollen, propolis, royal jelly and wax, as well as honey-based products.
6:30pm to 8:30pm
Holborn
Hear from the founders of the food sector’s tastiest business success stories
7pm to 9:30pm
Camden
The book launch of Women of Westminster: The MPs Who Changed Politics, by Rachel Reeves MP.
7:15pm to 9:45pm
Aldwych
More London events on Tuesday 21st May
Wednesday 22nd May
Tessa Murdoch will introduce Huguenot craftsmen and entrepreneurs responsible with examples from the V&A’s Ceramic collections.
1pm to 1:45pm
South Kensington
This lecture examines the ways in which Jews across Europe and Asia co-operated in helping the tens of thousands of their co-religionists displaced by the mid-seventeenth century wars in eastern Europe.
6:30pm to 8pm
Euston
Hear from a series of experts from the architectural, built environment and cultural sectors, as we examine the future threats and opportunities for London’s 24-hour city.
6:30pm to 9pm
Euston
Harmful practices due to belief in witchcraft have seen a huge increase in the past six years both globally and in the UK and Kirsty Brimelow QC and author and campaigner Syd Moore have joined forces to expose this phenomenon.
7:30pm to 9:30pm
Holborn
More London events on Wednesday 22nd May
Thursday 23rd May
Every element within this ancient ritual has a sacred and symbolic meaning. Join City Guide Robert Stephenson to learn more.
2pm to 3pm
City of London
In conjunction with a book of the same name, the talk will explore how the young royal couple played key roles as public supporters and as large-scale lenders, before the museum grew its own collections.
7pm to 8:45pm
South Kensington
The Wilbur & Niso Smith Foundation presents an evening with the authors shortlisted for this year’s Best Published Novel award.
7pm to 8:30pm
Soho
More London events on Thursday 23rd May
Friday 24th May
Acclaimed manga artist Takahashi Yōichi, creator of the football-themed sensation Captain Tsubasa and exhibition curator Nicole Rousmaniere discuss the global impact Takahashi's artwork has had over the past four decades.
Starts at 12am
Russell Square
Join Justin Saddington as he recounts a series of incredible battlefield escapes and discusses their impact on soldiers.
11:30am to :
Chelsea
A chance to go into the normally private gardens in the medieval monastery by the Barbican
5:30pm to 8:30pm
Clerkenwell
More London events on Friday 24th May
Saturday 25th May
See and buy from a display of more than 200 cacti and succulent plants
10am to 5pm
Enfield
Be the first to see our brand new museum, temporary exhibition gallery and restored period rooms which open today!
10:30am to 5pm
Fulham
Visit the c.1397 Grade 2 listed ‘threshing’ barn, over 100ft x 40ft in size, with a fine crownpost roof.
10:45am to 1pm
Rickmansworth
A special close-up look at the Transport Museum’s poster collection and some of the artworks behind the posters.
Starts at 11am
Acton
Monthly open day at a wood and nature reserve that's next to the railway at Forest Hill.
1pm to 4pm
Forest Hill
Flower and champagne expert Nick Barber describes and demonstrates how to make this seasonal treat.
2pm to 4pm
Tottenham
More London events on Saturday 25th May
Sunday 26th May
£12.00
Over 100 vintage to modern cars race around the old Crystal Palace motor track.
9am to 5:30pm
A monthly open day at a quirky transport museum housed in an old water pumping building.
10am to 4pm
Enfield Town
See and buy from a display of more than 200 cacti and succulent plants
10am to 5pm
Enfield
Monthly open day at a site of an important railway wildlife reserve.
1pm to 5pm
Forest Hill
Discover the history of the building and climb the 135 stairs for the best view of Hackney.
2pm to 4:30pm
Hackney
View Tate’s Grade II* listed mansion Park Hill (exterior only) and explore the historic garden with its Grade II listed features, including the Pulhamite grotto, Victorian folly, lake and temple.
2pm to :
Streatham
See the gardens on seven linked floating barges.
2pm to 5pm
Southwark
A chance to visit five private gardens overlooking the Thames.
2pm to 5:30pm
Hammersmith
More London events on Sunday 26th May
Monday 27th May
£12.00
Over 100 vintage to modern cars race around the old Crystal Palace motor track.
9am to 5:30pm
See and buy from a display of more than 200 cacti and succulent plants
10am to 5pm
Enfield
Semi-regular days where they fire up a Victorian steam engine.
12:30pm to 4:30pm
South Tottenham
More London events on Monday 27th May
Tuesday 28th May
Historian Serhii Plokhy talks to journalist and author Luke Harding, drawing on his recent book Chernobyl: History of a Tragedy, winner of the Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction 2018.
6:45pm to 8:15pm
Camden
This heartfelt, deeply personal memoir explores how one family built bridges across today’s great divides. And how our stories hold the power to heal.
7pm to 9pm
Southwark
More London events on Tuesday 28th May
Wednesday 29th May
Occasional open week where tours are offered of a former Archbishop's palace.
1:45pm to 3:45pm
Croydon
This talk looks at mathematical modelling of real, complex fluids in flow situations – some with serious commercial applications, and some just for fun.
6pm to 7pm
Barbican
Except for churches, the sugar refineries of Georgian London were the capital’s tallest buildings, but they virtually vanished overnight in the 1870s. They are little known and yet played a huge role for so many. With architectural historian Andrew Byrne.
6:15pm to 8:30pm
Clerkenwell
Jasmine Losasso will examine medical phenomena in London from the outbreak of the plague to the introduction of the contraceptive pill.
6:30pm to 7:30pm
Clerkenwell
The Science Museum will be marking the redefinition of the Kilogram with a special Lates in partnership with the National Physics Laboratory (NPL)
6:45pm to 10pm
South Kensington
More London events on Wednesday 29th May
Thursday 30th May
Occasional open week where tours are offered of a former Archbishop's palace.
1:45pm to 3:45pm
Croydon
A book launch to mark the 200th anniversary of Brixton Prison.
6:30pm to 9:30pm
Stockwell
Sample a range of delights, from film screenings to hands-on workshops; from oysters to ale, all at this special late-night event.
6:30pm to 9pm
Poplar
Launch of a presents an intimate cross-section of life in Ethiopia's capital through 242 images from private archives and their accompanying stories.
6:30pm to 8:45pm
South Kensington
More London events on Thursday 30th May
Friday 31st May
With broadcaster and art historian Dr Janina Ramirez, University of Oxford, we see Munch’s world famous composition The Scream in its various forms.
Starts at 12am
Russell Square
Join Kim A Wagner to learn about the experiences of the ordinary British and Indian people affected by the Amritsar Massacre of 1919.
11:30am to :
Chelsea
This workshop with Paul from the Ultimate Navigation School is specially designed for people who are comfortable with the basics of map and compass work but wish to brush up further with navigation and map reading techniques.
12pm to 2pm
Soho
Join us for various activities to celebrate the women who built nearby Waterloo Bridge with poster making, dressing up, a pop up exhibition and a walk to the nearby bridge.
2:30pm to 5pm
Holborn
