Study, work or travel in the UK. British
culture and life.
Things to do in the UK in May 2010
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Study, work or travel in the UK. British
culture and life.
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Things to do in the UK in May 2010
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MAY 2010
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Rapeseed field (farmed for its oil)
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| Sat 1 May - Mon 3 May 2010 |
Tours from London If you want to join a tour this weekend (starting in London), these are some options: Sat-Mon: Belgium ; Germany Rhineland ; Holland and Belgium ; Paris & Champagne Region ; Paris by Eurostar ; Paris by Coach ; Amsterdam & Bruges ; Edinburgh, Loch Ness and Highlands Sat-Sun: Oxford, Cotswolds, Bath, Lacock & Stonehenge Sat: Cambridge ; Oxford Sun: Stratford & Warwick Castle ; Stonehenge, Avebury and Glastonbury Mon: Windsor, Eton & Oxford ; Windsor, Bath & Stonehenge ; Oxford, Stratford & Cotswolds Villages * List of tours: Travel/Tours/Dates |
| Sat 1 May - Sun 23 May 2010 |
Brighton Festival, Brighton A 3-week international festival of music, theatre, dance, literature and arts events in Brighton. This is one of the largest events of this kind in England. See: http://www.brightonfestival.org At the same time there is a lively "fringe" festival. See: http://www.brightonfestivalfringe.org.uk * Photos from this event: Ideas/Album/Brighton-Festival |
 Brighton Festival: one of the temporary venues |
 Brighton Festival: children's parade |
| Sat 1 May 2010 | 2,000 Guineas, Newmarket The first "classic" race of this year's flat horse racing season. The race is in Newmarket (near Cambridge). The 2,000 Guineas is for 3-year old colts (male horses) and is shown on television on Channel 4 in the late afternoon. See: http://www.newmarketracecourses.co.uk. * Horse racing in the UK: Life/Sport/Horse |
| Sat 1 May 2010 | May Day: International Workers' Day, UK May Day is traditionally a day for demonstrations by workers and by people who are protesting against the current social system (similar events occur in many countries). This choice of date is related to an event in the US on May 1st 1886: there was a general strike in Chicago on this day which ended in rioting, after which six people were executed. This day is not a public holiday in the UK - there is a "May Day" holiday on the following Monday. An organised march will take place in central London, including a mixture of trade unions and various groups protesting about issues such as the environment, war / the arms trade, and capitalism. |
| Sat 1 May 2010 | Spalding Flower Parade, Spalding (Lincolnshire) Annual flower parade in Spalding (the main tulip-growing area in the UK). See: http://www.flowerparade.org A day trip from London to this event is being organised for members of London International Meetup: http://www.meetup.com/London-International/calendar/12943926 |
| Sun 2 May 2010 | Vaisakhi on the Square, London Free celebration of Vaisakhi, the Sikh New Year festival, in London's Trafalgar Square. The first part of the event includes Shabad Kirtin (religious hymns), and from 2:30pm there will be a programme of live music and entertainment. Vegetarian food will be available during the afternoon. See: http://www.london.gov.uk/event-meeting/2010/may/vaisakhi-square * Photos: Ideas/Album/Vaisakhi |
| Sun 2 May 2010 | 1,000 Guineas, Newmarket The second "classic" race of this year's flat horse racing season. The race is in Newmarket (near Cambridge). The 1,000 Guineas is for 3-year old fillies (female horses). The race is shown on television on Channel 4 in the late afternoon. See: http://www.newmarketracecourses.co.uk. * Information about horse racing in the UK: Life/Sport/Horse |
| Mon 3 May 2010 | May Day bank holiday, UK A public holiday in the UK. In some towns and villages across England there will be traditional celebration in a park, with Morris dancing or children dancing around a Maypole. |
| Mon 3 May 2010 | May Morning, Oxford There are traditional celebrations in the morning in Oxford. This starts at 6 o'clock in the morning with choir-singing in Magdalen Tower - large crowds gather from about 5 o'clock to watch from the area around Magdalen Bridge (some university students enjoy an all-night ball before then). There is Morris dancing and music during the rest of the morning in the streets around Radcliffe Square. * Pictures of Oxford: Travel/Tours/England/Oxford |
| Mon 3 May 2010 | Sweeps Festival, Rochester May Day is celebrated in Rochester (in Kent). Festivities include Morris dancing in the streets, storytelling in the Charles Dickens Centre, and a funfair in the castle grounds. There is a procession through the streets, including people dressed as chimney sweeps (the start of summer was always the busiest time for people to clean their chimneys). * Photos of Rochester: Travel/Tours/England/Rochester |
| Mon 3 May 2010 | Jack-in-the-Green, Hastings Traditional May Day celebrations in Hastings. The Jack is released from the Fishermen's Museum, from where there is a procession through the streets to Hastings Castle. Following Jack are Morris dancers, Giants and Bogies. Later in the afternoon Jack is killed, and the Spirit of Summer is released. For further information, see: http://www.hastingsjack.co.uk. A day trip from London to this event is being organised for members of London International Meetup: http://www.meetup.com/London-International/calendar/12945468 * Photos of this event: Ideas/Album/JackInTheGreen |
 Jack-in-the-Green: local giants outside the fishing huts |
 Jack-in-the-Green: celebrations in Hastings Castle |
| Thu 6 May | General Election, UK People in the UK will vote to decide who will be their local MP (Member of Parliament). The results will determine which political party or coalition will form the Government, and who will become Prime Minister. |
| Thu 6 May - Sun 9 May 2010 |
Living Crafts Fair, Hatfield The largest crafts fair in Europe, organised by Living Crafts. Hundreds of Britain's top designers and craftspeople sell their products, and many also give demonstrations. It takes place at Hatfield House in Hertfordshire (see: http://www.hatfield-house.co.uk ; map): the house is a short walk from Hatfield train station, which is about a 20 minute journey from London King's Cross train station. There is an entry charge. It is also possible to pay to see the house, which is where Queen Elizabeth the First spent much of her life, and to walk around the extensive gardens. For further information, see: http://www.livingcrafts.co.uk/index.htm. |
 Living Crafts Fair: spinner ... |
 ... glassblower ... |
 ... and blacksmith |
| Fri 7 May - Sun 9 May 2010 |
Tours from London If you want to join a tour this weekend (starting in London), these are some options: Fri-Sun: Edinburgh Sat-Sun: Oxford, Cotswolds, Bath, Lacock & Stonehenge ; Wales Coast & Mountains Sat: A Day in Wales ; Bath and Stonehenge Sun: Cotswolds ; Leeds Castle, Canterbury & White Cliffs of Dover * List of tours: Travel/Tours/Dates |
| Sat 8 May 2010 | Westminster Day of Dance, London (second Saturday in May) Traditional Morris dancing in Trafalgar Square from 12-6pm. See: http://www.westminstermorris.org * Photos of Morris dancing: Ideas/Album/MorrisDancing |
| Sun 9 May 2010 | Covent Garden May Fayre and Puppet Festival, London Punch and Judy shows and related events, held in the gardens of St Paul's Church, Bedford Street, London WC2 (near Covent Garden, Charing Cross or Leicester Square underground stations; see: map). At 10.30am there is a procession around the neighbourhood of Covent Garden starting at the church garden. From 11am to 12 noon there is a Mass and Puppet Service in St Paul's Church (this does not take place in years when the event falls on Whit Sunday) (see: http://www.actorschurch.org). From 12 noon to 5:30pm there are Punch and Judy shows, other puppet shows and workshops, folk music and dancing, clowns and jugglers (this is a free, family-friendly event). See: http://www.alternativearts.co.uk/events. * Photos from the event: Ideas/Album/MayFayre |
 Day of Dance: Morris dancing in Westminster |
 Covent Garden May Fayre and Puppet Festival: Punch & Judy show |
| Wed 12 May 2010 | UEFA Cup Final, Hamburg (Germany) The final of the UEFA Cup (a European soccer competition). In the 2010 final Fulham (from England) play Atletico de Madrid (from Spain). For further information, see: http://www.uefa.com/competitions/uefacup or http://www.itv.com/Sport/Football/UEFACup * Information about football in the UK: Life/Sport/Football |
| Fri 14 May - Sun 16 May 2010 |
Tours from London If you want to join a tour this weekend (starting in London), these are some options: Fri-Sun: Paris by Coach ; Edinburgh, Loch Ness and Highlands by train Sat-Sun: Isle of Wight Overnight ; Oxford, Cotswolds, Bath, Lacock & Stonehenge ; Horse Riding in Wild Wales ; Liverpool & Manchester Sat: York ; Brighton Sun: Leeds Castle, Canterbury & White Cliffs of Dover ; Stonehenge, Avebury and Glastonbury * List of tours: Travel/Tours/Dates |
| Sat 15 May 2010 | FA Cup Final, London The FA Cup Final is the last game of a knockout competition between football clubs in England and Wales. You can watch the game live on television (or watch highlights in the late evening). Note that it is very difficult to obtain tickets for this event. The game will be played in Wembley Stadium in London. The kick-off is at 3pm. In 2010 the final is between Chelsea and Portsmouth. For details see: http://www.itv.com/Sport/Football/FACup or: http://www.thefa.com/TheFACup.aspx * Information about football in the UK: Life/Sport/Football |
 FA Cup Final: Fans make their way to Wembley Stadium |
 FA Cup Final: The Royal Standard flies if one of the royal family is at the game |
| Sat 15 May 2010 | Scottish Cup Final, UK The final of this year's knock-out competition between Scottish football clubs, organised by the Scottish FA. The game is played at Hampden Park. For details see: http://www.scottishfa.co.uk. * Information about football in the UK: Life/Sport/Football |
| Fri 21 May - Sun 23 May 2010 |
Tours from London If you want to join a tour this weekend (starting in London), these are some options: Fri-Sun: Holland and Belgium Sat-Sun: Liverpool Overnight ; Oxford, Cotswolds, Bath, Lacock & Stonehenge ; Wales Coast & Mountains Sat: Cambridge ; Wales and Wye Valley Sun: Windsor, Eton & Oxford ; Leeds Castle, Canterbury & White Cliffs of Dover * List of tours: Travel/Tours/Dates |
| Sat 22 May 2010 | Champions League Final, Madrid (Spain) The final of the Champions League (a knockout football competition between top European clubs). For further information, see: http://www.uefa.com/competitions/ucl or http://www.itv.com/sport/football/champions_league * Information about football in the UK: Life/Sport/Football |
| Sun 23 May 2010 | Pentecost (Whit Sunday) Seven weeks after Easter Sunday, Christians celebrate the time when, according to the Bible, the Holy Spirit came down to the apostles: this represents the beginning of the Christian church. Wind, flames and a dove are symbols of the Holy Spirit. Special hymns are sung during services, and church ministers often wear robes containing red (the colour of flames) |
| Sun 23 May 2010 | Bangla New Year Festival (Baishaki Mela), London Celebrations of Bangladeshi culture starting in the morning, when local children lead a street procession, and continuing until 6pm. It takes place in Weavers Fields (next to Vallance Road) and Allen Gardens and in the area around Brick Lane (close to Shoreditch or Liverpool Street underground stations; see: map). For further details, see: http://www.baishakhimela.org.uk. * Useful links for people from Bangladesh: Links/Bangladesh |
| Tue 25 May | State Opening of Parliament, London The Queen travels from Buckingham Palace to Westminster to announce a new year's programme for Parliament. The British Parliament has two main chambers: the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The House of Commons has most of the power these days: its representatives (known as MPs: "Members of Parliament) are elected directly by the people in a general election. The main role of the House of Lords is to review the decisions taken by the House of Commons, and to recommend changes. Before the State Opening ceremony starts, the cellars of the Palace of Westminster are searched by the Yeomen of the Guard - a precaution dating back to the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 when Guy Fawkes and others planned to blow up Parliament. The Queen enters the House of Lords and sits on a throne. An official known as "Black Rod" walks to the House of Commons, but the door is closed in front of him (this represents the occasion when King Charles the First was refused entry, at the time of the English Civil War). Black Rod uses his ornamental mace (a heavy stick) to knock on the door, after which he is allowed into the House of Commons. He asks the MPs (Members of Parliament, who are chosen in a general election) to move into the House of Lords to listen to the "Queen's Speech". The Queen reads out details of planned changes to the law over the coming year (this is written by politicians from the government). The ceremony, which is a tradition which started over 500 years ago, is shown on television (usually on BBC1: 10.45am - 12.30pm). You can watch the Queen arriving or leaving in her coach: it leaves Buckingham Palace at 11am, follows The Mall to Horse Guards, passes through to Whitehall and then travels past the Cenotaph to Parliament Square. At 11.15 a cannon is fired in Hyde Park. Possible places to watch include the northern and north-eastern edges of St James's Park and in front of the Houses of Parliament (map; near Westminster Abbey). For further information, see: http://www.parliament.uk/faq/lords_stateopening.cfm * Photos of this event: Ideas/Album/StateOpeningOfParliament * A brief guide to Parliament: Travel/Tours/London/Parliament |
| Tue 25 May - Sat 29 May 2010 |
Chelsea Flower Show, London A famous flower show in London. There are TV programmes about the show on BBC television each day this week. Entry on Monday is only by special invitation, and Tuesday/Wednesady are only for RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) members. The entrance is on Eastern Avenue, which is close to the northern end of Royal Hospital Road (near Sloane Square underground station, not far from London Victoria station; see map). Exhibited plants are sold on the last day. To buy tickets: click here. For further details of the show, see: http://www.rhs.org.uk/chelsea or http://www.bbc.co.uk/chelsea. * Photographs from the event: Ideas/Album/ChelseaFlowerShow |
 Chelsea Flower Show: Flowers ... |
 ... and show gardens |
| Thu 27 May | Exam stress advice Interactive live online programme at 7pm. The subject is how to cope with exam stress. See: http://www.studiotalk.tv/show/exams_you_are_not_alone |
| Sat 29 May - Mon 31 May 2010 |
Tours from London If you want to join a tour this weekend (starting in London), these are some options: Sat-Mon: Belgium ; Germany Rhineland ; Holland & Belgium ; Paris & Champagne Region ; Paris by Eurostar ; Paris by Coach ; Amsterdam & Bruges ; Edinburgh, Loch Ness & Highlands Sat-Sun: Oxford, Cotswolds, Bath, Lacock & Stonehenge ; Overnight Hilton Hotel Oxford, Stonehenge & Bath Sat: A Day in Wales ; Stonehenge and Salisbury Sun: Isle of Wight ; Leeds Castle, Canterbury & White Cliffs of Dover Mon: ; Windsor, Bath & Stonehenge * List of tours: Travel/Tours/Dates |
| Sat 29 May 2010 | Eurovision Song Contest, Oslo (Norway) An annual European song competition. The contest is shown on BBC1 in the evening, and you can hear it on BBC Radio 2. The official website for the event is: http://www.eurovision.tv. * Information about pop music in the UK: Britain/Music/Pop |
| Sat 29 May 2010 | Major General's Review of Trooping the Colour, London The first of two rehearsals for the Trooping the Colour ceremony (which is 2 weeks later). For details of how to apply for a ticket earlier in the year, see: Ideas/Events/January. If you don't have tickets, you can still go and stand in front of Buckingham Palace or along The Mall to watch the Household Guards as they arrive (between 10am and 11am) and as they leave (between 12 noon and 12:30pm), and you may be able to see and hear the main ceremony from the parts of St James's Park on either side of the Guards Memorial (close to Horseguards Parade) between 11am and 12 noon. Unlike the full Trooping the Colour ceremony, the Queen does not attend the rehearsal, and there is no flypast or balcony appearance at Buckingham Palace. * Photos from Trooping the Colour: Ideas/Album/TroopingTheColour. |
 The Major General |
| Mon 31 May 2010 | Late May Bank Holiday, UK A public holiday in the UK. |
| Mon 31 May 2010 | London 10K run, London 10km road race, starting and ending near St James's Park. See: http://www.london10000.co.uk |
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