UK cultural events this week (week 20) cover a range of festivals from art exhibitions to major sporting events, including today’s huge tennis Round of 16 match between Britain’s Emma Raducanu and world superstar Coco Gauff.
🎨 Exhibitions & Visual Arts
Photo London 2025
- Dates: 15–18 May
- Location: Somerset House, London
- Tickets: From £29
- Details: Celebrating its tenth edition, Photo London showcases world-class photography from established and emerging artists. (Somerset House)
Do Ho Suh: Walk the House
- Dates: 1 May – 19 October
- Location: Tate Modern, London
- Tickets: £20
- Details: Explore the translucent fabric installations of South Korean artist Do Ho Suh, reflecting on themes of home and identity. (Tate Modern)
Hiroshige: Artist of the Open Road
- Dates: 1 May – 7 September
- Location: British Museum, London
- Tickets: £14
- Details: A comprehensive exhibition of Utagawa Hiroshige’s prints, capturing 19th-century Japan’s landscapes and urban life. (The British Museum)
🎭 Theatre & Performance
A Beautiful Thread: Thomas Hardy in Words and Music
- Dates: 28 May & 1 June
- Location: Stonehenge, Wiltshire
- Tickets: Prices vary
- Details: Actor Anton Lesser performs readings from Hardy’s works, accompanied by music, in the evocative setting of Stonehenge. (Orchestra of the Swan)
Salisbury International Arts Festival
- Dates: Ongoing throughout May
- Location: Salisbury, Wiltshire
Tickets: Prices vary by event; some are free - Highlights: Performances at iconic venues like Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral
- Details: This multi-arts festival offers over 150 events, including concerts, dance, poetry, and outdoor spectacles, set against the backdrop of Salisbury’s historic landmarks.
🎶 Music & Festivals
Eurovision Song Contest 2025 – Grand Final
- Date: Saturday, 17 May
- Location: Basel, Switzerland (broadcast live in the UK)
- Watch: BBC One and BBC iPlayer
- UK Entry: Remember Monday with “What the Hell Just Happened?”
- Ticket Info: Not applicable for UK viewers; tune in via BBC
- Details: While the event takes place in Switzerland, UK viewers can enjoy the live broadcast.
The Great Escape Festival
- Dates: 14–17 May
- Location: Various venues, Brighton
- Tickets: From £85
- Details: A showcase of emerging artists across multiple genres, offering a glimpse into the future of music. (Great Escape Festival)
DesertFest London
- Dates: 16–18 May
- Location: Various venues, London
- Tickets: From £45
- Details: A festival dedicated to stoner rock, doom, and heavy psych music, featuring international and local acts. (DesertFest)
📚 Literature & Talks
Swindon Festival of Literature
- Dates: May
- Location: Various venues, Swindon
- Tickets: Prices vary
- Details: An annual celebration of literature with readings, workshops, and discussions featuring notable authors and speakers. (Swindon Festival of Literature)
⚽️ Sports Events
🎾 Emma Raducanu vs. Coco Gauff – Italian Open Round of 16
- Date: Monday, 12 May
- Time: Around 2 PM UK time
- Watch: Sky Sports, Sky Go, NOW TV
- Details: British tennis star Emma Raducanu faces off against world No. 3 Coco Gauff on clay in Rome. A win could see Raducanu reclaim her status as British No. 1. (talkSPORT)
🎯 Premier League Darts – Night 15
- Date: Thursday, 15 May
- Location: P&J Live, Aberdeen, Scotland
- Tickets: Prices vary; check the venue’s website for availability (What’s On)
- Details: The penultimate night of the Premier League Darts sees top players compete in Aberdeen, with defending champion Luke Littler in action.
⚽️ Football Fixtures
🏆 Championship Play-Off Semi-Finals – Second Legs
- Dates: Midweek (12–15 May)
- Teams: Sheffield United vs. Bristol City; Sunderland vs. Coventry
- Watch: Sky Sports; live commentary on TalkSport