Royal Ascot 2013 opened in customary style yesterday, with the quality of the outfits easily matched by that of the racing. After The Queen’s customary carriage procession the day took a sombre note, with a minute’s silence for renowned trainer Sir Henry Cecil, who was a much loved figure at Ascot and who died last week aged 70.

Soon, however, racing commenced and spectators were treated to the sight of top jockeys such as Frankie Dettori, Ryan Moore and Kieran Fallon riding exceptional horses around Ascot’s verdant course. The race favourites consistently failed to live up to expectations, and there were more than a few spilled glasses of champagne thanks to a very close finish!

Royal Ascot continues until Saturday 22 June, see the website for more information on individual race days, tickets and the dress code.

Taste of London, Regent’s Park

Don’t miss the tenth anniversary of this outstanding food festival, which features an unbeatable line-up of both chefs and restaurants. Highlights of this year’s Taste of London include appearances by celebrity chefs, including Raymond Blanc and three generations of the Roux family, as well as the presence of top London restaurants such as Le Gavroche, the Opera Tavern and Tamarind. Tickets start from £24 – you can find full details on these and Crowns, Taste of London’s currency, on the festival website. 20-23 Jun

Eye Nights at the EDF Energy London Eye, Southbank

Enjoy night-time London from an unbeatable angle on the EDF Energy London Eye, which is now allowing passengers to hop on board until 11.30pm on Fridays. Not only can you enjoy the bright lights of London after dark, but you can also augment your experience with special packages that range from champagne and canapés to special Sipsmith gin cocktails. Tickets start from £18.80. From 21 Jun

The Shubbak Festival 2013

Explore contemporary culture at this wide-ranging festival, which provides a window into Arab music, films, art and thought. Highlights include an exhibition of work at the Tate Modern by Sudanese and Lebanese artists, a discussion about faith and fashion, and a closing party at the Flyover Portobello. Events are staged around town and many are free: see the website for full details. 22 Jun-6 Jul

The Pimm’s Summer Garden

Enjoy the best of the English summer indoors at the Pimm’s Summer Garden! Wander in for a glass of Pimm’s at the bar and a cheeky game at Pimmbledon, or become part of the Pimm’s Picnic Club by reserving a blanket, which not only gets you Pimm’s and dinner, but also means you can take the blanket away as a souvenir. For full details see the Facebook page. 19-29 Jun

The Greenwich+Docklands International Festival

The Greenwich+Docklands International Festival is London’s largest festival of outdoor theatre, and features great free performances of theatre and dance in the area’s public spaces. For a list of the highlights and further details, see our event page. 21 Jun-29 Jun

West End Live in Trafalgar Square

For two days only, you can enjoy the best of London’s world-beating theatre for free in Trafalgar Square. West End Live features the best of London’s musicals, including Jersey Boys, Mamma Mia and Wicked, as well as exhibits and family activities. Get there early to secure your spot! 22-23 Jun

The St John’s Wood Classic and Supercar Pageant 

Between 11am and 5pm on Sunday you can ogle at more than 30 beautiful automobiles at this pageant in St John’s Wood. Not only can you view cars such as Fangio’s 1956 Mille Miglia Ferrari, a 1928 Speed Six Bentley and Stirling Moss’ 250 GT Ferrari, but you can also enjoy a funfair and the area’s splendid array of shops. 23 Jun

More London events

With the royal baby due this summer all eyes are currently on Kate Middleton’s bump. With just under one month until her expected due date in mid-July, several packages are on offer around London to mark the arrival of this most eagerly anticipated baby. Whether you’re an expectant mother yourself or just want to celebrate his or her arrival in true British style, here are five of our favourites:

A Royal Summer at the Athenaeum

With the impending arrival of a new royal baby take a look back at previous royal babies, at “The Royal Child” photography exhibition, at the Athenaeum. The hotel, which sits within sight of Buckingham Palace, will offer private viewings of more than 40 rarely seen photos of royal children from Victorian times to the present day. Curator of the exhibition, Ian Pelham-Turner, who has worked with four generations of the royal family over the past 46 years, will be on hand. He will talk about his time working with the family as a royal photographer and the history behind the photographs on display. Plus the hotel, winner of the 2012 “Top London Afternoon Tea” from The Tea Guild, will serve guests their award-winning Royal Summer Afternoon Tea. Available 22 June to 31 August, £60 includes exhibition and tea.

The Royal Baby Shower Afternoon Tea St James’s Hotel and Club

Kate is reportedly the first ever royal to have a baby shower, so why not join her. Until 31 July fellow mothers to be will receive the royal treatment at this five star hotel, starting with a luxury baby gift to the value of £85, from a baby boutique. They will then receive a pregnancy treatment at Spa Illuminata, one of the finest spas in central London. This is followed by afternoon tea courtesy of award-winning executive chef, William Drabble. The package is £89 each, with a minimum of eight people, and for each one purchased, you can win a three-course meal for two at Michelin-starred Seven Park Place, including a glass of champagne if the mother-to-be delivers on the same day as Kate Middleton.

Due Date: The Cinnamon Club Delivers Royal Labour of Love Menu

For years it’s been said that eating curry induces labour, so kick-start yours so Kate doesn’t steal your thunder! From 17 June to 20 July, the £45 Royal Labour of Love menu at The Cinnamon Club will include ingredients that curb cravings, keep mum and baby healthy, potentially kick-start labour, and help recuperate and restore. Five courses mimic the stages of a nine month pregnancy; Expecting, 9 months, and breathe, overdue, special delivery. If this old wives tale is true and you go into labour in the restaurant, you will receive a free meal every year on the anniversary…just hope your child likes curry!

Baby-moon at The Lanesborough

Enjoy a last romantic break at The Lanesborough before the new addition to the family arrives and brings sleepless nights. Arrive to a welcome cocktail… non-alcoholic of course and enjoy spa treatments whilst your personal butler unpacks your bags. Then take a trip to Knightsbridge, where you will be guided to the best baby shops in town. After a restful night’s sleep enjoy a full English breakfast. This package is available at weekends and priced from £615 to £755.

“Mums only Sleepover” at The Bingham

If you need a night away from your big kid as well, why not check into The Bingham. Every Sunday until 31 December the hotel is offering sleep deprived mums the opportunity to check into one of their Queen Single Bedrooms for much needed rest and relaxation. Read a book or potter around boutique shop, have a hot bath with Abhana bath oils and scented candles, followed by room service or dinner in the river view bar (up to £25). After a night of uninterrupted sleep, enjoy a peaceful breakfast before you leave to head back to the madness (from £150).

More royal London

Smithfield Market has existed for hundreds of years and is the oldest wholesale meat market in the country. In the late 12th century, the medieval writer William Fitz Stephen described it as a “smooth field, both in fact and in name” where weekly horse markets were held. Horses were shown off to potential buyers by making them race. Sheep, cows and pigs were also for sale, a tradition that has continued to the present day, though 12th century Smithfield Market was for livestock rather than cut meat. The current market is held inside an impressive building, which first opened in 1868.

The area of Smithfield Market has been associated with several famous and sometimes grisly events over its long history. In 1381 (more than 600 years ago this week) it was the setting for the confrontation between the rebels of the Peasants’ Revolt and King Richard II’s army.  On 15 June, the rebels and their leader Wat Tyler met the king’s army at Smithfield to present their demands.  It is uncertain what exactly happened next but the negotiations turned violent and Tyler was killed. Afterwards the revolt collapsed. You can find out more about medieval London and the Peasants’ Revolt in the Museum of London’s Medieval Gallery.

Visit the Smithfield Market website for information about visiting the market, or you could take a walking tour of the market.

A guest blog post by Meriel Jeater of the Museum of London as part of our Visiting the Past series. More London history next week

The Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts

See more than 1,000 works by emerging and established artists at one of the world’s most prestigious art shows, which is now in its 245^th year. The Royal Academy’s Summer Exhibition displays painting, sculpture, photography, architecture and film that has been selected by a panel of 10 Royal Academicians from a substantial pool of entries. Everything on show is for sale, and highlights this year include a series of six tapestries by Grayson Perry and a large-scale sculpture by Athoy Caro. Tickets start from £10. 10 Jun – 18 Aug

Trooping the Colour, Horse Guards Parade & the Mall

Celebrate The Queen’s official birthday at this spectacular military parade, which has been taking place since 1820. You can stand on the Mall to watch the spectacle: after The Queen inspects the troops on Horse Guards Parade, resplendent in their ceremonial uniforms, you’ll see her lead them down the Mall to Buckingham Palace, before guns are fired in salute at Green Park. The celebration finishes with an RAF flypast, which The Queen will watch – alongside other members of the Royal Family – from the palace’s famous balcony. Entry is free, but arrive early to secure a good spot! 15 Jun

Backyard Cinema’s Weekend Movie Festival

Enjoy a movie experience with a difference at Backyard Cinema’s cinematic festival, which serves up beers, beanbags and BBQ alongside the film! Staged at London Fields Brewery, the festival offers a variety of fun films alongside the chance to sample street foods, craft beers and live music. Films on offer range from recent hit The Silver Linings Playbook to the classic musical The Blues Brothers – at which you can even sing and dance along! Tickets start from £10. 15-16 Jun

On 2 June 1953, Queen Elizabeth II left Buckingham Palace for Westminster Abbey to be officially crowned, more than a year after her accession to the throne. In eager anticipation of a personal glimpse of the Queen on her way to the Coronation ceremony, many had camped up to two days in advance to secure their spot on the pavement and be a part of the great occasion.

The Coronation received vast media coverage, not least as the first ceremony to be broadcast on television, bringing royalty into the homes of millions worldwide.

The event was also documented photographically, including official portraits by Cecil Beaton, and candid photographs by Fleet Street press and freelancers such Bob Collins whose work is in the Museum of London collections. Celebrations ran beyond central London of course, to include thousands of street parties in the capital and nationwide. Photographs of these events, many made by amateur photographers, captured the extensive preparations undertaken and the upbeat, merry atmosphere amidst all the Union Jack flags and bunting.

A guest blog by the Museum of London as part of our Visiting the Past series. More next week

Open Garden Squares Weekend, various locations

Get a glimpse of London’s secret green spaces this weekend, with an Open Garden Squares ticket ticket that gives you access to more than 200 gardens. Gardens on the list include Holland House Garden, where you can enjoy a BBQ and live music from The Treblemakers on Sunday, Arlington Square – don’t miss its Gin Garden event on Sunday afternoon – and the IPC media garden, which boasts enviable views of the Thames. Tickets are £10 if bought before 8 June, and under 12s go free. 8-9 Jun

MINT Polo in the Park, Hurlingham Park

See high octane equestrian action at one of London’s glitziest polo events: MINT Polo in the Park. This shortened form of polo creates a faster game that provides a thrilling spectacle for both seasoned spectators and newcomers alike. Other attractions include the Pommery Champagne Garden, a luxury shopping village and the Club Med Kid’s Zone. Adult day MINT Polo tickets start at £20,  7-9 Jun

Zoo Lates at ZSL London Zoo, Regent’s Park

Experience the magic of London Zoo after dark, at these fun adults-only evenings. You can watch live comedy in the aquarium, enjoy a surreal dancing session at the silent disco or just relax with some tasty food at the events’ street food festival. Zoo Lates Tickets are £15. Until 26 Jul

Showjumping: The Global Champions Tour at The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

Relive the magic of London 2012 at the Global Champions Tour: the world’s leading show jumping championships. Team GB’s gold medal winners Nick Skelton, Scott Brash and Ben Maher will be competing among the world’s top 30 riders, which also includes big names such as Charlotte Casiraghi and Edwina Tops Alexander. The action takes place in the International Quarter, adjacent to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, and tickets start from £10. 6-9 Jun

Gizzi Erskine’s Barn Yard Party at Street Feast

Indulge your tastebuds at this special Street Feast event, one of a series of live Saturday culinary capers. Celebrity chef Gizzi Erskine has chosen a glittering mix of live music to augment the tasty array of food on offer, which ranges from Salt Yard’s Catalan BBQ to Gizzi’s own yakitori chicken skewers. Entry is free. 8 Jun

More London events

The Southbank Centre is being transformed into a London neighbourhood, where you can tend plants in the allotments, buy produce from the market, attend street parties… and even get a pint in “The Neighbourhood Arms”.

The summer-long celebration of neighbourhood and communities asks you to question what makes a good neighbourhood and what it means to live side by side. As part of the festival, communities local to the Southbank Centre will be celebrated, including an exhibition dedicated to Lambeth.

I went along this morning and was welcomed by a cheeky Dennis the Menace in Beanotown, as he celebrates his 75th anniversary this year. Within this iconic imaginary neighbourhood you’ll find themed food, a museum showcasing the Beano’s archives, comic drawing sessions, plus the “prank you very much stage”.

This is the centre’s third festival with MasterCard following the Festival of Britain and the Festival of the World. Artistic director Jude Kelly tells us the Southbank Centre’s Festival of Neighbourhood aims to show community cohesion and local commitment, by being a space for everyone.

A series of 42 flags adorn the roof of the Royal Festival Hall, designed by Bob and Roberta Smith. The flags are printed with questions further encouraging people to think about the meaning of neighbourhood.

As you walk around the site you’ll see reminders of your local neighbourhood such as doorbells and For Sale signs. Murals created by street artists decorate the walls, wheelbarrows are planted as mini gardens and Mandela Walk is lined with trees which, in the theme of communities, will go to local projects at the end of the festival. Several large topiary figures tower above the street, one depicting two people sweeping, a tribute to the volunteers who helped clean up London after the riots in August 2011.

This year sees the return of the popular urban beach, featuring a miniature town in the sand, which was already proving popular with adults and kids alike in today’s sunny weather. The Queen’s Walk Window Gardens allotment project provides opportunities for volunteers and communities to be involved in building and tending to plants and the herb garden, which will grow to a soundtrack created by Yoko Ono, will be used in food served by the Festival Hall’s café.

You will never be short of something to do at the festival, as the summer is filled with a range of exciting activities and events, such as comedy at Udderbelly and cabaret at London Wonderground, and weekends will be themed, from a celebration of street culture to a village fair.

Festival of Neighbourhood at the Southbank Centre, 1 June until 8 September

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