WOW: What’s On Where In May
Cannes Film Festival
The infamous and prestigious Cannes Film Festival will run from May 14 – 25th this year, and will showcase and celebrate the works of some of the finest film makers, directors and producers, all in the beautiful location of Cannes on the French Riviera. Every year, superstars, directors and wannabes descend on this seaside town to promote their projects and compete for the prestigious Palm d’Or.
Chelsea Flower Show
The Chelsea Flower Show will run from May 21-25th this year. Every year the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), a British charity, produce the Show to promote the benefits of ‘the garden’ and showcase cutting edge garden design. It is the most famous flower show in the world, and has been running for over 100 years. The event is quintessentially British in every way, and is visited by horticulturalists from all around the world every year. This year there is a big focus on exploring the health benefits of the British garden. Go along and drown yourself in the beautiful sensory overload of colourful and fragrant flowers which will be displayed by the many exhibitors, and don’t forget to leave time for afternoon tea!
Queen Victoria’s 200th Birthday
Queen Victoria was born at Kensington Palace on May 24th 1819, making this year the 200th anniversary of her birthday. Kensington Palace will be opening two exhibitions on the anniversary in honour of the event and will be exploring her life from childhood, through to her private affairs throughout her rule. Themselves Kensington Locals, the area is scattered with memorials to The Queen and her husband Prince Albert, leading the area to become known as Albertopolis!
La Feria de Abril
This year, Seville’s Feria de Abril will be held from May 4 – 11th. The festival is traditionally held 2 weeks after the Semana Santa, and with the party spirit still in full flow, Seville welcomes many visitors and locals to join in with yet more fun. The Fiesta has its roots in a commercial farmers and breeders fair, however in its 172 years of running it has become a full celebration of the culture of Andalusia, of which Seville is the capital. The festivities include traditional flamenco musicians in traditional dress, a fairground with many attractions and the great gastronomy that the region is known for.
Memphis in May
The European-American city of Memphis was founded in 1819 making this year’s annual celebration of the city an important celebration of their 200th year. This year the festival will run many events including a 3 day street music festival (3-5th), the Great American River Run (25th), the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Competition (15-18th) and a 5 stage one-day music festival (25th) showcasing some of the area’s top musical talent. Want to learn more about the USA? Watch our episode Empire Builders – America to learn about the buildings and structures that have shaped this nation’s history and identity.
Monaco Grand Prix
The Monaco Grand Prix, the famous Formula 1 racing event, this year celebrates its 90th year this year on the Circuit de Monaco. Dubbed “an exceptional location of glamour and prestige”, Monaco, the tiny independent city state on the Mediterranean coastline of France, becomes home to one of the most important events in the global sporting calendar on May 26th.
Annual International Literature Festival
Every year Dublin, Ireland becomes home to the International Literature Festival, and will this year run from May 17 – 26th. The event is a destination of celebration for the very best of Irish and International Talent. Ireland has produced some of history’s most notable writers, including C. S. Lewis, Oscar Wilde and Samuel Beckett, and we have a hunch that it could be a great place to go and discover new and emerging talent in the literary world. The festival brings together new faces and household names in a mix of events such as performances, workshops, discussions and debates in a way that inspires and surprises.
Brighton Festival
From May 4 – 26th, Brighton becomes a hub of activity in its annual celebration of music, theatre, dance, circus, art, film, literature, debate, outdoor and family events. Brighton is known for being the creative capital of England, and with it’s seaside location and fair spring weather, the Festival is sure to entertain and inspire all who take part.
Fiestas de San Isidro
Every year in Mid May and on May 11 – 15th this year, Madrid will honour its patron saint San Isidro Labrador with a full program of events and activities across the capital which are free for all to attend and family friendly. San Isidro was believed to have had a special ability to source water and so one of the biggest traditions of the festival sees locals in traditional dress drinking the Saint’s water from the spring next to the Ermita de San Isidro. San Isidro Park becomes home to a large outdoor celebration, where you can try many traditional local delicacies and enjoy the warm weather and high spirits of the city. The official program with be released on 6th May, so keep an eye on Madrid’s Official Tourism Website if you are planning on attending!
