This year is a landmark year for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Not only is it celebrating its centenary year, but the 100-year ban on garden gnomes has also been lifted! Gnomes were by no means the most unusual garden feature at this year’s show, however, as innovative sculpture,  unusual materials and unique aesthetics have been used to create some truly memorable displays.

Other gardens have a more sombre mood, however, with many raising awareness for charities such as Arthritis Research UK and Sentebale. Throughout the show the gardeners’ incredible skill and dedication is abundantly clear, and will no doubt inspire visitors to make the most of their own green spaces at home.

Visitors who walk down Sloane Street on their way to the show this year will also notice two floral elephants on its east side, which were installed on Monday to raise awareness of Habitat for Humanity’s Animal Ark initiative. This charity project, alongside many others, will have its own garden at the 2014 show.

As for so many great London institutions, the first 100 years really are only just the beginning!

London Vintage Kitchen

Combining two of the city’s favourite trends – namely pop-up dining and a retro lifestyle – the London Vintage Kitchen hosts glamourous dining events that make you long for a time machine. Their next event takes diners back to the Bohemian world of Paris in 1913, and offers them a four-course menu of period dishes – served by a troupe of butlers – alongside Pernod Absinthe cocktails. After dinner in the candlelit secret location, guests can dance the night away to ‘newfangled’ jazz music. Tickets are £37. 25 May

Concrete Fragments, Shoreditch 

Want to get an exclusive look at tomorrow’s big names in contemporary art? Head to this exclusive two day show by Morgan Concrete Art Advisory London, which brings together seven young international artists for a cutting-edge exhibition featuring both static and performance art. Catch the opening night from 6pm to 11pm on Friday, or the day viewing from 11am to 6pm on Saturday. Entry is free. 24-25 May

IncrEdibles Festival at Kew Gardens

Learn about surprising sources of food at this fun festival, which explores the huge range of edible plants growing at the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew. Not only can you attend a variety of interesting talks and workshops, but you can also enjoy the festival’s more frivolous side at the Rose Garden Tea Party and the Picnic Garden. A highlight will undoubtedly be the Tutti Frutti Boating Lake by renowned jelly-makers Bompass and Parr, which allows visitors to sail across a giant fruit salad to a pineapple island. Entry is £16 for adults; check the website for details of individual events. 25 May – 3 Nov

The Book Club’s May Film Hop

Shoreditch hotspot The Book Club presents an innovative take on the cinema experience this bank holiday weekend. Guests at their outdoor film screenings wear wireless headphones, which not only guarantees great sound but also means you can dance, drink and party along to the film. Three classic films, Grease, Dirty Dancing and Purple Rain, will be shown, and dance experts will be on hand before the screenings to show you the all-important moves. Tickets are £15. 25-27 May 

Foodies Festival at Hampton Court Palace

A food festival fit for a king, the Foodies Festival at Hampton Court Palace is a haven for the culinarily curious. Not only will TV chefs be demonstrating their skills, but you can also sample dishes from popular London restaurants, learn about new products and even take the kids for a cookery lesson. A day ticket costs £15 for adults. 25-27 May

The Star of Bethnal Green Street Party

To celebrate its fifth birthday, the Star of Bethnal Green is hosting a street party at which you can enjoy popular London street food, DJs and live entertainment that includes live graffiti. From 2pm to 9pm the party also features children’s entertainment, including a bouncy castle and face painting, then it moves inside the pub for more revelry until 2am. Entry is free. 27 May

More London events

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

One of London’s most popular outdoor entertainment venues is the enchanting Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. This amphitheatre is completely exposed to the elements, and there are few more atmospheric places to watch theatre than in the dusky confines of the Regent’s Park, with London’s bright lights seemingly a world away. Productions this year include To Kill a Mockingbird, Pride and Prejudice and The Sound of Music, and pre-theatre dining options include pre-packed picnics and a barbecue. Until 8 Sep

The Scoop at More London

Situated just by London Mayor Boris Johnson’s office by Tower Bridge, this sunken theatre is host to a plethora of free entertainment during the summer. From Wednesday to Sunday you can see free open air theatre here in the evenings, and this year there will two short productions based on the ancient Greek city of Thebes. A family production of the Prince of Thebes takes place at 6pm, followed by a more adult staging of Oedipus and Antigone at 8pm. 7 Aug-1 Sep 

Opera Holland Park

Every summer a marquee is erected in front of the glorious Holland House, allowing visitors the chance to watch wonderful operas in the grounds of Holland Park without getting wet! As well as seeing productions such as Madam Butterfly, the Pearl Fishers and new family opera Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, you can also enjoy a pre-prepared picnic in their alfresco dining areas beforehand. 4 Jun -3 Aug

Fitzroy Square Opera

For one night a year, Fitzroy Square Opera brings the magic of traditional country house opera to London. This year, on 27 June, you can sit in this luscious square in Fitzrovia and enjoy a production of Bizet’s Carmen. You can also order a pre-prepared picnic (£22), enjoy freshly cooked paella in the interval or simply avail yourself of the cash bar.

Shakespeare’s Globe, Southbank

At this incredible reconstruction of the original Globe Theatre you can choose whether you have a fully outdoor or partially indoor theatrical experience! The stage is situated under the sky, but there are seats available within the covered theatre section if you don’t feel like standing in the exposed middle with the ‘groundlings’. Scheduled for 2013 are favourites such as King Lear, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Tempest, and you can buy standing tickets for just £5. Until 28 Sep

Theatre in the Square with Lyric Hammersmith

Watch live outdoor theatre for free in the Lyric Square, Hammersmith, thanks to a festival staged by five of the country’s most exciting theatre companies. A collaboration between HammersmithLondon, Lyric Hammersmith, Latitude festival, Greenwich+Docklands International Festival and Watford Palace Theatre, this festival is sure to offer innovative, enjoyable and eccentric entertainment. Keep an eye on the theatre’s What’s On section for more details. 12 Jun-5 Jul

BP Summer Screens

The BP Summer Screens bring one of London’s most exclusive indoor venues – Covent Garden’s Royal Opera House – to the great outdoors. Better still – screenings are free! You can see the ballet Mayerling (13 June) or operas La Rondine (11 July) and Tosca (18 July) in outdoor spaces such as Trafalgar Square, Canary Wharf and Woolwich.

Chiswick House and Gardens

You can watch both opera and theatre alfresco at the beautiful Chiswick House and Gardens, which stages a range of both as part of its excellent events programme. During July you can catch productions of Carmen, Gulliver’s Travels and A Little of What You Fancy! on the rear lawn of the House. Tickets are £30 and full details are available on the venue website.

Fulham Palace

On 7 July take the whole family to Fulham Palace for a theatre production of Babe: the Sheep Pig which is sure to delight both adults and children alike. Taking place in the Walled Garden, the production starts at 2pm and tickets cost £8 for children or £12 for adults.

Greenwich+Docklands International Festival

London’s biggest festival of outdoor theatre runs from 21 to 29 June and brings performers to the parks and streets of Greenwich and the surrounding area. You can see everything from street dance to aerial theatre at the Greenwich+Docklands International Festival – take a look at our pick of the highlights here.

More London theatre

The Candlelight Club

A firm favourite amongst regulars of London’s vintage scene, the Candlelight Club hosts clandestine parties at which you can get in touch with your inner flapper or beer baron. A Prohibition-themed atmosphere is augmented by a range of delicious cocktails, which are tailored to the theme of individual nights. The next party, based around ‘A Night in Old Havanah’, is on 31 May and tickets are £15.75.

Great Gatsby Nights at the Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill

Indulge in a 1920s-inspired three-course menu with champagne at the hotel’s Great Gatsby nights, which take place every Thursday evening in May. Guests are encouraged to arrive in period attire, and the best dressed each evening will win a stay in the Grand Hyatt New York. Even if you don’t win, however, you can console yourself by dancing the night away to the event’s live jazz band. Tickets are £35.

It’s A Gatsby Swing Thing! at The Ritzy Cinema, Brixton

The cinema celebrates the Great Gatsby’s release by hosting an extra-special swing dance party on 18 May. Guests can show off their charleston and lindy hop to tunes by two great bands: the King’s Cross Hot Club and the Smokey Taps. Fancy dress is actively encouraged and there’s a Swing Patrol dance workshop beforehand (£8) for anyone who needs to brush up on their moves. Tickets to the party are £6, or half price if you have a Great Gatsby film ticket from that day.

1920s Evenings at The Orient Express and The Savoy Hotel

These events are a bit further in the future, but sound like they’re worth the wait! Enjoy a Gin Rickey at The Savoy Hotel’s renowned American Bar before indulging in a sumptuous dinner about the Art Deco carriages of the British Pullman train, which will take guests on a romantic trip through the countryside while they dine. After the meal, you’ll be transported back to the Savoy for a night’s stay in the hotel, which once hosted The Great Gatsby’s author F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife Zelda. The first of these events takes place on 5 September and prices start at £685: see the Orient Express website for full details.

The Prohibition Party

One of the events which arguably galvinised the growth of London’s vintage movement, the Prohibition Party is renowned for its dedication to the 1920s theme. Guests can enjoy cocktails served in teacups before dancing to live bands, trying their luck at the gaming tables or snuggling down to watch some silent cinema. The next event takes place on 1 June at a suitably secret location.

Miss Turnstiles’ Great Gatsby Pamper Party

Head to vintage model Miss Turnstiles’ vintage patisserie in east London for an elegant pamper party, in which you’ll be able to complete your Gatsby look. Not only will you get a manicure and a fabulous hair-do, but you’ll also be given expert make-up tips that will help you perfect the vintage style. The next available party date is 31 May and tickets include cocktails and nibbles: see the website for full details.

Charleston Masterclasses at Claridge’s

Want to prepare for all these Gatsby parties in style? Head down to Claridges, where you can learn to Charleston in the sublime setting of the Art Deco hotel. Guests will watch an expert performance by the Bee’s Knees, before donning vintage-style accessories and learning the moves themselves. Don’t worry about getting out of breath, the event ends with a restorative ‘Flapper’ cocktail! Tickets are £125, see the website for event dates and full details.

Great Gatsby Weekend at Whiteleys Shopping Centre

Get into the Gatsby spirit at this weekend event, which celebrates the best of the 1920s. Open from 12pm to 5pm this Friday, Saturday and Sunday (17-19 May), Whiteleys’ event will feature an actor-staffed speakeasy bar, swing dance lessons, vintage fashion shows, beauty tips, live music and a dress-up photo booth. Entry is free.

Libertine Presents Gatsby!

Fitzrovia’s newest nightclub jumps straight into the swing of things with its Gatsby party on 23 May. Libertine’s party features champagne, canapés, a live jazz band and a special burlesque performance. Tickets are £30

The Chelsea Fringe

Commencing on Saturday, the Chelsea Fringe celebrates the forthcoming RHS Chelsea Flower Show with an extended programme of horticultural events around London. There is a huge variety of events – most of which are free – on offer: visitors can enjoy everything from treasure hunts to floral-themed cocktails. See the Chelsea Fringe website for full programme details. 18 May-9 Jun

Museums at Night

An inspirational festival for those of a nocturnal persuasion, Museums at Night opens up most of London’s cultural institutions for three evenings of learning, exploration and fun. Whatever your interests, there should be something for you; whether that’s a pyjama party at Hampton Court Palace, a 1940s-themed event at the RAF Museum or a tour of the magnificent Banqueting House. For a full list of events, times and ticket prices, visit the Museums at Night website. 16-18 May 

Propaganda: Power and Persuasion at the British Library 

A must for anyone who is curious about how governments communicate with and influence their citizens, the British Library’s new exhibition promises to be a fascinating insight into international state propaganda. Concentrating on the 20th and 21st centuries, the exhibition uses posters, films, cartoons and texts to illustrate the sometimes surprising ways in which people can be informed, mis-informed or persuaded. Entry is free for under 18s or £9 for adults.. 17 May-17 Sep

Curiosities and Quirky Fans at the Fan Museum

Celebrate the quirkier side of fan-making at this wonderful small museum in Greenwich. At this new exhibition you can explore the history of ‘alternative’ fan-making and see how craftsmen have incorporated both unusual objects and designs into their beautiful creations. Admission is £4 for adults. 15 May-1 Sep

Gefiltefest  

Get the best challah, falafels and bagels in town at the Gefiltefest London Jewish Food Festival. Taking place at Ivy House, the former home of ballerina Anna Pavlova, the festival will offer a mix of food stalls, cooking demonstrations, lectures, tastings and workshops. Highlights include talks by award-winning Jewish authors, a chance to find out who won the 2013 Jewish Food awards, and a debate on the merits of eating locust. Adult tickets are £25. 19 May

More events in London

The Belgraves Edible Garden

Between 21 and 25 May the Belgraves hotel, located in Knightsbridge, is transforming its terrace into an Edible Garden that features a wall of edible flowers and an interactive cocktail station. Not only will there be cocktail classes and ‘food and flower pairing’ tutorials, but guests can also take away seed packets so they can enjoy the same tastes at home. Those staying in the hotel can opt for the full Bed, Brunch and Botany’experience, which features delights such as brunch in bed, an edible flower recipe book and complimentary cocktails.

Chelsea in Bloom

For eight years Chelsea in Bloom has been extending the wonders of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show throughout the entire borough by encouraging local retailers to create their own floral displays. These creations, this year themed on ‘decades’ to mark the centenary of the prestigious flower show, are assessed for prize-worthiness by official RHS judges and can be viewed between 20 and 25 May. To see them all, join the regular tours, which take place every half hour.

A Guide to Green Scents at the Athenaeum Hotel

Not only is this 5 star hotel on Piccadilly offering a menu of delicious floral cocktails for the duration of the Chelsea Fringe, but it is also hosting ‘a guide to green scents’ on 21 May. This evening event is inspired by the hotel’s landmark Living Wall (right), and features a talk by perfume specialist Lila Das Gupta on perfumes that capture the fragrance of nature, plus a guide to the scented flowers that are grown on the Athenaeum’s wall. Tickets for the talk cost £15 per person and include the talk, canapés and a cocktail. Send an email to reserve your place.

Chelsea Flower Show Menu at LIMA

For the duration of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show LIMA, the Peruvian restaurant in Bloomsbury, is putting on a celebratory menu that puts a flowery twist on their national cuisine. Dishes include orange and pisco poached lobster salad and steamed fillet of halibut with rhubarb blue potato aji Amarillo. Guests can either opt for a three course menu which includes a Chelsea Cocktail of melon and pink Champagne (£60) or order from the a la carte. The menu is available from the 20 to 26 May.

Floral Afternoon Teas

Given the traditional nature of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, it’s no wonder that many venues are serving special afternoon teas during the week to celebrate. Radission Blu Edwardian, Vanderbilt, for example, is serving a Floral Afternoon Tea throughout May that includes rose fruit jellies and orange blossom and lavender scones (£29.50). Nearby, the Royal Garden Hotel offers elderflower posset, jasmine opera and rose marshmallow as part of its celebratory Afternoon Tea during Chelsea week, which is accompanied by tunes from the resident pianist (£24). Further east, The Dorchester has worked with the team behind Laurent-Perrier’s 2013 show garden to create a menu that includes delights such as a ‘lavender basket’; a dark chocolate tartlet infused with lavender scent and decorated with a spun sugar handle. This afternoon tea menu is available between 20 and 26 May for £56.

Floral Facials and Cocktails

The Jumeirah Carlton Tower is offering a range of excellent floral indulgence options; why not follow one of their new Rose Facials (£65) with a Chelsea Flower Show-themed cocktail in the hotel’s Rib Room Bar? Guests can choose between rose, camomile and elderflower martinis – yum!

The Avant Garden in Covent Garden

Head to the Covent Garden piazza to see Crabtree & Evelyn’s twist on the classic British herb garden. Created by garden designer and rising star Emma Coleman, ‘The Avant Garden’ will be a tranquil urban oasis that promises to be a highlight of the 2013 Chelsea Fringe Festival from 14 May to 9 June.

Floral Cocktails at Barts, South Kensington

Popular speakeasy Barts, situated close to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, is offering a special cocktail in honour of the event. ‘The Chelsea Flower’ is a mix of home-made lavender-infused Grey Goose Vodka, peach liquor and jasmine essence, garnished with a molecular raviolo of lavender. Furthermore, guests can really get into the spirit of the occasion by availing themselves of the bar’s dressing-up box, which will feature a range of floral-themed items during the show week.

Floristry classes and lunch at Tom Aikens, Chelsea

Learn the delicate art of floristry at the Michelin-starred Tom Aikens restaurant in Chelsea, where you can create a stunning arrangement of freshly-cut blooms to take home, before tucking into a delicious three course lunch that contains edible flowers. The package also includes coffee and pastries and a glass of Laurent Perrier champagne. Classes run throughout the RHS Chelsea Flower Show week, as well as on selected other May dates, and cost £120.

Chelsea Fringe at Battersea Power Station

This free event takes place between 17 to 19 May and 21 to 26 May, and allows visitors to enjoy a variety of entertainment and activities in the newly-opened temporary riverside park at Battersea Power Station. The focus of the fringe hub at Battersea will be installations, including one that features 35 people planted knee-deep in soil to promote conversations on sustainability. See the website for opening times and full details.

London boasts a huge range of music festivals, from blockbusting, arena-filling events such as Hard Rock Calling to boutique events for those in the know. Whatever your preference, there are some basic points that will help you make the most of your experience.

First of all, there’s your attire. As most festivals are held in grassy parks, you’ll need sensible shoes such as wellington boots (Hunters for the fashion conscious!). Flat shoes are essential, even if you’re in an arena, as you’ll be doing a lot of dancing. As for clothing, festival wear tends toward bohemian chic; think casual shorts, t-shirts, jeans, and floaty summer dresses. If you’re stuck, why not browse some of London’s excellent vintage shops for inspiration?

Equally important are your accessories, as you’ll need to prepare for London’s changeable weather by taking sunglasses, a hat and something waterproof. You can pick up a rain poncho for a few pounds in many London tourist shops – not only will they keep you dry, but they mean you don’t have to worry about carrying an umbrella when you’re dancing to your favourite songs. Sunscreen is also essential, particularly if you are going to be outside in the midday sun.

Before packing your bag, remember to check the festival’s policy on bringing food and alcohol into the venue: some events will let you bring a full blown picnic with drinks, whilst others prefer you to purchase your snacks at the many stalls on site. Some festivals allow you bring bottled water with you and there are places to refill it for free throughout the festival grounds.

Although there’s a temptation to take a huge variety of stuff to cover all contingencies, you should remember that festivals are always crowded, busy places and that it’s best to only take the essentials in case you get separated from your belongings. Things that you should never be without at a London music festival are:

• Cash (festivals often have ATMs on site but there will be queues)
• Tissues/toilet paper (this often runs out in festival toilets, so it’s best to be prepared!)
• Antibacterial hand gel
• An Oyster card so you can get to and from the venue easily
• A pre-arranged meeting point for you and your friends, so you don’t have to worry about finding them in the crowd if you run out of phone charge or signal
• Your ticket
• A jumper, jacket or wrap for when the sun goes down
• A compact camera (or camera phone) so you can capture those amazing memories!

You should also remember that, as most London music festivals are one-day affairs, you won’t need to worry about bringing lots of clothes, sleeping bags, tents and all the other weekend festival paraphanalia. There are plenty of hotels, hostels, and homestays in London, so you can find somewhere to stay nearby.

Have we missed anything? What are your festival essentials?

The Sound Tracks Festival on the East London Line

Enjoy a day of great music throughout East London during the Sound Tracks Festival. Not only will a great variety of bands be playing at venues such as Dalston Roof Park, The Geffrye Museum and the Brunel Museum, but you can also listen to live music on the East London Line as you travel between venues. Wristbands, which allow entry to all the festival venues, are £15. 11 May

The Richmond May Fair

Head to the pretty green at Richmond for a traditional May Fair, which features craft stalls, a vintage carousel and all-day entertainment. Don’t miss the crowning of the Richmond May Queen, or the dancing around the Maypole! Entry is free. 11 May

The Marriott London Sevens at Twickenham Stadium

Combine rugby and fancy dress at the Marriott London Sevens, which is known for its carnival atmosphere. Not only can you watch a series of exciting short matches throughout the weekend, but there’s also live entertainment and competitions galore. This year’s fancy dress theme is ‘safari’, so dig out your adventure gear and animal costumes! Tickets are £25. 11-12 May

The World on Regent Street

Regent Street will be pedestrianised for this free one-day festival, which features entertainment and activities from around the globe. Visitors can enjoy Argentine tango lessons, Trinidadian steel band music, Chinese drumming and much more. All of the street’s shops will also be open – perfect for some retail therapy. 12 May

The London Burlesque Festival

Be dazzled at the glitzy London Burlesque Festival, a ten day extravaganza of burlesque and cabaret that takes throughout London. At this international festival, which is the largest of its kind in the world, you can see everything from the best of home-grown talent to the biggest stars of ‘boylesque’. Event times and ticket prices vary – see the festival website for full details. 10-19 May

More London events

The Book Club’s May Day Fete

East London cultural hotspot The Book Club is taking over the Leonard Street Car Park for another one of their epic outdoor parties. Their May Day Fete features Morris Dancers, folk bands, traditional games and delicious, freshly-foraged food from The Foragers. Entry to the fete, which runs between 12-9pm, is free. 5 May

The Rooftop Film Club at The Queen of Hoxton and Kensington Roof Gardens

The Rooftop Film Club returns for another year of great cinema under the stars in London. Visitors can watch a variety of cult, classic and modern films on the big screens, with night-time London providing a spectacular backdrop. Tickets are £12 at the Queen of Hoxton or £22 – including a hot snack – at Kensington Roof Gardens. Until 30 Sep

The Campo Viejo Streets of Spain Festival at the Southbank Centre

Immerse yourself in the flavours of modern Spain at this four-day festival, which brings the best of Spanish food, wine, art and culture to the Southbank Centre. Not only can you browse stalls from Barcelona’s famous La Boqueria food market, which is making an appearance in London for the first time, but you can also learn about Spanish winemaking, see live street art and watch acclaimed films from the Spanish Film Festival. In the evenings the festival will host a pop-up restaurant by Michelin-starred chef Angel Pascual. 3-6 May

The Make Believe Festival at the Islington Metal Works 

Combining the best of everything from steampunk to faerytales, the Make Believe Festival promises to be an immersive experience. It presents a different event on each of its three days, all of which combine elements of art, music, performance and fantasy. Events range from the Goblin King’s Masquerade Ball to a Steampunk Market, and tickets start at £5. 3-5 May

The Imperial Festival

Taking place at Imperial College London, the prestigious South Kensington university, the Imperial Festival returns for a second year of scientific discovery and fun. Not only can you chat to more than 200 scientists and get an exclusive look at their research facilities, but you can also take part in science demonstrations, try your hand at surgery or enjoy music, dance and science comedy. Entry is free. 3-4 May  

Canalway Cavalcade at Little Venice

Head to the pretty canals of Little Venice for this fun free festival, which celebrates the waterways and the canalboat community. Visitors can watch the pageant of boats, live bands and traditional Morris Dancers, as well as browse stalls, take part in kids’ activities and sip a traditional English pint from the real ale bar. 4-6 May

More London events

London Coffee Festival at the Truman Brewery

London has a booming coffee culture, and this festival celebrates the crème de la (café) crème of the coffee world. Visitors can learn about the art of making the perfect cup of coffee, see demonstrations of everything from bean roasting to cutting-edge coffee science, and even find out how to set up their own coffee shop. You can also marvel at the level of skill displayed in the 2013 UK Barista Championships, enjoy live music in the festival zone, and taste a variety of fantastic coffee flavours in the Artisan Market. Adult tickets start from £9.50. 25-28 Apr

The Woman, The Gaze, The World at Hanmi Gallery 

Do women see the world differently than men? Explore the question at this thoughtful exhibition, which pairs photographic artists and writers to demonstrate the myriad variations on perspective and question the very nature of interpretation. The exhibition is open at the Hanmi Gallery from Tuesday-Sunday between 12 and 7pm, and entry is free. 23 Apr-5 May

Thunder and Lightning at York Hall, Bethnal Green

Enjoy a rare chance to see women’s boxing in London at what promises to be a thrilling contest between Britain’s Marianne Marston and Latvia’s Aleksandra Jasjukevica.Taking place as part of an evening of matches, which includes the competition for the International Masters Welterweight title, the fight promises to be especially poignant as Marston has dedicated it to her late mentor, former Heavyweight Champion of the World Smokin’ Joe Frazier. Tickets to the spectacular evening of boxing start at £30. 27 Apr

Secret Cinema 020 

Secret Cinema, which runs popular clandestine film events in interesting locations around London, is running its ‘most important and ambitious’ event to date. Although – for obvious reasons – no details are yet available, Secret Cinema’s 20th production promises to be a treat for all those who love cinema, adventure and the thrill of the unknown. Tickets are £43.50. 24 Apr-9 Jun

The Olivier Awards, Covent Garden 

Theatre-lovers will enjoy this great chance to see all the action from the 2013 Olivier Awards free in Covent Garden. Not only can you watch the glittering ceremony streamed live from the nearby Royal Opera House, but there will also be exclusive live performances from hit West End shows and a variety of very special guests. 28 Apr