London Bank Holiday ideas
There has never been a better time to go against the flow and head into the city for the Bank Holiday weekend.
There has never been a better time to go against the flow and head into the city for the Bank Holiday weekend.
Starting from Friday, numerous events and parties will be taking place across London, with the majority undoubtedly more appealing than spending several hours in a traffic jam waiting to get to an overcrowded south-coast beach.
For those looking to stimulate the mind this bank holiday rather than just rest the body, history will be brought very much to life at a pair of unique events set to take place in the city.
Following the success of the genealogy show on the small screen, the BBC's Who Do You Think You Are will be held live at the Olympia on Hammersmith Road.
In addition to several of the celebrities who have taken part in the show, including Colin Jackson, Ian Hislop and David Baddiel, recounting their experiences, audience members will be able to trace their own family histories, aided by TV historians and genealogy experts.
Far more gruesome will be the re-enactment of the trial of Anne Boleyn, to be held at the Tower of London from Saturday to Monday.
While the Tower is a must-see for any visitor to London at any time of the year, the trial will offer an additional insight into the divorce proceedings between King Henry VIII and his second wife, who he famously accused of treason and had executed.
Visitors, however, will be able to serve as members of the jury and assess the evidence put forward by the monarch and his prosecution team to decide whether Anne should be spared execution or whether the death penalty was a just outcome for her.
From Tudor time to a galaxy far, far away, County Hall will be hosting an exhibition celebrating the Star Wars films, to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the release of the first instalment.
Fans and non-converts alike will be able to gain an insight into the making of the six films, with the exhibition showcasing many of the original costumes, vehicles and models, as well as 280 of the original props.
Entrance to the exhibition costs £16.50 for adults and £12.50, though for under-fives, it is free.
Much more in keeping with the holiday's traditions, the Art of Protest May Day festival and procession will feature Morris Dancing displays, as well as a Maypole around which revellers of all ages will be able to dance.
To be held in Battersea Park on Monday, the festival will see artist, performers and clowns entertain families for free, with the event climaxing with the May Day procession, which will set off from outside the Pump House Gallery at 5pm.
Making the most of the city's parks in the sunshine is the ideal way to get rid of the sore heads likely to be affecting those who head out at night over the weekend to celebrate the holidays at one of the many parties taking place.
The Egg nightclub in the north of the city is celebrating its fourth anniversary on Saturday night, with DJ Chloe, Jodie Harsh and Tasty Tim among the big-names confirmed to be making an appearance at the party.
Furthermore, on Sunday, Camden's Proud Galleries will be hosting its Bank Holiday Sunday BBQ, which will feature live acoustic performances and DJ sets from Frog DJs and South Central.
